it is unofficial 7th freedom with restricted beyond rights because it is only permitted as part of the ticket itinerary from the origin hub like CDG for Air France but cannot be sold as "stand alone" between BZV and FIH and you are correct as still considered a controversial Fifth Freedom
Air France only has 2 777-300ER in that config left and are set to be retrofitted by early 2024. They had 12 of these for the longest time as they had been delivered with these seats in the mid 2010s when Safran was having massive supply chain delays with the 1-2-1 seats and AF couldn’t wait to take delivery of the new planes. These are now finally getting retrofitted with 1-2-1 reverse herringbone seats with doors.
@@PatrickSheaAviation Unfortunately I flew with the same cabin on the F-GSQE from Vancouver to Paris… It was so long with this cabin. And with that the catering service was in strike…
Another well rounded vlog. This sounds like just a regular, multi-sector, triangular route. Ethiopian has the same routing starting from ADD but with 5th freedom rights on this short sector. Shocking level of lawlessness in Kinshasa, no wonder they generate very low tourism revenue.
The note is from Jerome and is such a wonderful and touching gesture. It says that they are honoured to have you aboard for the flight, thanks for the fidelity with the company, great flight from the chief of cabin...
Great video. Swiss there are flights between Geneva and Zurich 11 minutes to 30 minutes of world flights and I took with a Boeing 777-300ER Swiss Air Lines Geneva to Zurich very very short flight :)
Wow COOL Vlog! I had never heard of the freedoms of flight but it’s quite interesting. It must be strange to take such a short flight, even if it is across an international border. The long flight from CDG looked very comfortable! 37:21
I flew on that exact same seat back in 2013 from ORD via CDG to BLR roundtrip, with all 4 legs on an A330. The A330s were a 2-2-2 config so the middle row was best since both pax get direct aisle access. For an angle-flat seat it was the most comfortable one by far, way better than the angle-flats offered at the time on JAL, AA, and even EK. I am 6'4" and I had no trouble fitting in or sleeping soundly. I remember I paid 125K Alaska Air miles for the roundtrip, which was a great deal.
I really love these unique, interesting routes you're showing us. 11 minutes! (I just flew one of the 77Ws, but whatever, CDG-JFK last week, it was phenomenal service but a very aged interior!) I LOVE the CDG Lounge at the L Gates, I'd never had access before - I was upset the Clarins spa was closed as I flew on a Wednesday! The M Gate lounge looks even nicer. I think that with the VS Clubhouse rank as my top lounges so far. Having SkyPriority at CDG is a real must--without it I've missed flights, due to strikes, taking 2+ hours through security, et cetera. The note basically says we're happy to welcome you on your flight to Brazzaville, thank you for your loyalty.
Thanks! Awesome! I haven't tried any of the VS Clubhouses, but I would love to in the future! And I agree that CDG is a pain and a half without the added priority. Not sure what makes it so uniquely bad, considering their priority lanes have the same wait times as most airports' general lines
@@PatrickSheaAviation You need to! They're amazing! :) CDG is just a mess when I've been there to transit - multiple security checks through the different terminals and so on make it such a mess. I was once in one line for an hour and another for another hour. Missed my flight. I was not a happy camper. Leaving straight from CDG was just fine though I got there early morning at around 7am, although nobody could tell me where to go to go through security at 2E first after I'd checked my bags!
The waiting time on the runway at Brazaville actually allows the two airports to coordinate so that the flight is seamless. You take off from one airport direct to the initial approach fix of the other airport's approach. No delays
Great trip report. You even anticipated and answered all my questions before the video ended: show a flight map between Brazzaville and Kinshasa, how many days did you stay, and what was your experience like in Kinshasa. Here's one more: With all the warnings you received, did you feel safe while you were there?
Kinshasa was probably one of the least safe cities I’ve traveled in. I planned a longer trip originally but ended up only staying for a night then leaving
Great video. I actually flew this route 2 weeks ago (1st week November 2023), but starting at LHR then transit through CDG. I found that 2-3-2 seat layout outdated, and the seats not very comfortable by being quite hard. The food was mediocre, but the service from the crew was good. That short flight from BZV to FIH was a very similar experience to yours, as was my experience with people constantly asking for money. What I find really crazy is that my flight (business class light fare) from London to Kinshasa was almost 25% - 30% cheaper than a flight from London to Brazzaville (which was meant to be my first stop).
Iberia from Spain have a flight with a really similar stop with the flights IB6341/IB6342 from Madrid to San Salvador with a stop in Guatemala, the hop from Guatemala to San Salvador is only 200km or 29 minutes flight time. No tickets are sold for the GUA-SAL leg. When you are flying from Madrid to San Salvador is mandatory to get down the plane in Guatemala for the short layover and when you board again the gate personnel is tracking the pax coming from Madrid as for them the flight is 6341 and for the Guatemala passengers going to Madrid this flight is already 6342. Aviation World is full of surprises :D
sure took you an eternity just to get to that Fred Flinstone lounge (that design is unfortunate) in CDG. here, lemme translate that note on your seat 🧐 "dear client, we're pleased to welcome you on this flight to brazzaville. thanks for your loyalty and have a great trip. your cabin manager, jerome' #aww "the unguarded toothbrush felt gross" ya, the Fred Flinstone theme is just outta hand with this trip - i mean you could clobber someone with the size of that baguette!
I saw the same in Nairobi, not as abysmal as Kinshassa for corruption and crime, but still awful. Great flight report, Patrick. This looks like premium economy on some of the better airlines, like Singapore. But I guess for Air France , both Congo and DRC are a captive market, so they put their worst hard product on the route.
19 years old is not the worst. I took a flight from Miami to Nassau on a 27 year old 737. It was a 35 minute flight. Guy beside me had 5 cans of beer. Sirens went off as we were descending as the rear galley sprang a leak and coffee started running down the isle. The siren would not stop, the plane was on a steep descent and yet more coffee was coming down the isle. A few passengers were dashing off a new version of their will. So in retrospect I thought your tray table was awesome ...lol
@@PatrickSheaAviation This was in 1990, so it could have been prior to the 737, but there was definitely a galley in the rear. I have never seen a galley in the rear of any 737 I have flown on. It was Bahamasair.
Wow, the shortest widebody route in the US (ATL MCO) doesn't even compare! Loved seeing Terminal 2 at CDG again, haven't been there in a while. 2 meals? Aw man! - Red
The note says "Dear Clients We great fully welcome you to our flight to Brazzaville Thank you for your cooperation (The name of a flight attendant) the chief flight attendant"
Incredible experience. I took that flight last year to come back in France (I was in Brazzaville for holidays), you take off and you land immediately after 😅😅. Paris - Brazzaville - Kinshasa is a lucrative route for Air France (One flight per day). Before that they put the A350-900 on this route and came back to the 777-300. About the security, from what i've heard, Kinshasa is not very safe unless you stay in Gombe neighborhood. But Brazzaville is pretty safe, i've often gone there. Don't hesitate to visit Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) 🙂 One question : when did you take the flight ? I was recently told that Brazzaville authorities did not ask the form.
Nice wing flex during departure from CDG. Driving time as alternate is 23 hours, or possibly a ferry across the Zaire River. Thankfully not on my bucket list. Not sure I would risk a captive ferry trip.
9.800 Patrick! At (30:25) "Now Brazzaville and Kinshasa have actually recently WENT through upgrades..." 🙄 "have actually recently GONE through..." Shame on you, Patrick! 🥰 I did a similar flight years ago when I went to Syria. I flew British Airways (LHR-BEY-DAM) from London Heathrow via Beirut and continuing on to Damascus. The return was DAM-LHR nonstop. The flight in between BEY & DAM was quite short as those two capitals are not far apart, but the takeoff/flight plan due to mountains did increase the flying time to about 35-40 minutes.
I don't blame you for cutting the stay short in Kinshasa. Places where the government basically doesn't function at all due to corruption being the norm are not worth visiting. Plus if you have any trouble definitely nobody will help you.
There still aren’t any bridges across the Congo at that point so they would have to take the ferry which is slow and not as reliable. Plus, then Air France can get to both cities with one airplane
Have fun getting asked for cash from immigration officers to the cleaning staff on your way out. Your driver was correct, so take his advice seriously. DO NOT GO TO KINSHASA/DRC
I like the review but your grammar needs some retuning! "Have dranken"? Try have drunk. "Should have went" is should have GONE. Keep producing tho. You have a good voice and your style is engaging!
it is unofficial 7th freedom with restricted beyond rights because it is only permitted as part of the ticket itinerary from the origin hub like CDG for Air France but cannot be sold as "stand alone" between BZV and FIH and you are correct as still considered a controversial Fifth Freedom
Good to know!
Air France only has 2 777-300ER in that config left and are set to be retrofitted by early 2024. They had 12 of these for the longest time as they had been delivered with these seats in the mid 2010s when Safran was having massive supply chain delays with the 1-2-1 seats and AF couldn’t wait to take delivery of the new planes.
These are now finally getting retrofitted with 1-2-1 reverse herringbone seats with doors.
That’s great news! (At least for the poor passengers getting assigned this cabin for the 12 hour SFO/Seattle runs…
@@PatrickSheaAviation Unfortunately I flew with the same cabin on the F-GSQE from Vancouver to Paris… It was so long with this cabin. And with that the catering service was in strike…
These videos are absolute gems! New content. Great trip report as always! Thank you for making these! Never failing to deliver.
Thanks man!!
Another well rounded vlog. This sounds like just a regular, multi-sector, triangular route. Ethiopian has the same routing starting from ADD but with 5th freedom rights on this short sector. Shocking level of lawlessness in Kinshasa, no wonder they generate very low tourism revenue.
Fascinating video presentation, Patrick!!!
Thanks!
The note is from Jerome and is such a wonderful and touching gesture. It says that they are honoured to have you aboard for the flight, thanks for the fidelity with the company, great flight from the chief of cabin...
Thank you for sharing you trip. And Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.😊
You too! Thanks!
Great video. Swiss there are flights between Geneva and Zurich 11 minutes to 30 minutes of world flights and I took with a Boeing 777-300ER Swiss Air Lines Geneva to Zurich very very short flight :)
Thats awesome!
This video is very in-depth and I like your channel a lot!
Thanks man!
Wonderful vid Sir. I really appreciate your thoroughness.
Thanks!
Wow COOL Vlog! I had never heard of the freedoms of flight but it’s quite interesting. It must be strange to take such a short flight, even if it is across an international border. The long flight from CDG looked very comfortable! 37:21
Thanks! It was a super interesting flight!
I am so happy to see another wonderful trip report and that you have cleaned your sneakers!!! heeheehee
Ha! Thanks man!
Great take, as usual! Keep it up!!
Thanks!
I flew on that exact same seat back in 2013 from ORD via CDG to BLR roundtrip, with all 4 legs on an A330. The A330s were a 2-2-2 config so the middle row was best since both pax get direct aisle access. For an angle-flat seat it was the most comfortable one by far, way better than the angle-flats offered at the time on JAL, AA, and even EK. I am 6'4" and I had no trouble fitting in or sleeping soundly. I remember I paid 125K Alaska Air miles for the roundtrip, which was a great deal.
I really love these unique, interesting routes you're showing us. 11 minutes! (I just flew one of the 77Ws, but whatever, CDG-JFK last week, it was phenomenal service but a very aged interior!) I LOVE the CDG Lounge at the L Gates, I'd never had access before - I was upset the Clarins spa was closed as I flew on a Wednesday! The M Gate lounge looks even nicer. I think that with the VS Clubhouse rank as my top lounges so far. Having SkyPriority at CDG is a real must--without it I've missed flights, due to strikes, taking 2+ hours through security, et cetera.
The note basically says we're happy to welcome you on your flight to Brazzaville, thank you for your loyalty.
Thanks! Awesome! I haven't tried any of the VS Clubhouses, but I would love to in the future! And I agree that CDG is a pain and a half without the added priority. Not sure what makes it so uniquely bad, considering their priority lanes have the same wait times as most airports' general lines
@@PatrickSheaAviation You need to! They're amazing! :)
CDG is just a mess when I've been there to transit - multiple security checks through the different terminals and so on make it such a mess. I was once in one line for an hour and another for another hour. Missed my flight. I was not a happy camper. Leaving straight from CDG was just fine though I got there early morning at around 7am, although nobody could tell me where to go to go through security at 2E first after I'd checked my bags!
The signature Chucks never die 😂
Every time I think I should buy new ones, I just remind myself “this is what Chuck Taylor would want” 🤣🤣🤣
I love that CDG has lots of video game consoles, though I have yet to play any.
I always gotta hop on fifa when I’m there
The waiting time on the runway at Brazaville actually allows the two airports to coordinate so that the flight is seamless. You take off from one airport direct to the initial approach fix of the other airport's approach. No delays
It definitely goes by quick once you’re up in the air
@17:05 Patrick..... you do understand the concept of "taxxing!" to the runway, not "short takeoff out to the runway for departure..." GREAT JOB! 🤣
Dang… you caught me 🤣🤣 thanks!
Patrick I really like your channel, keep going bro!
Thanks homie!
Great trip report. You even anticipated and answered all my questions before the video ended: show a flight map between Brazzaville and Kinshasa, how many days did you stay, and what was your experience like in Kinshasa. Here's one more: With all the warnings you received, did you feel safe while you were there?
Kinshasa was probably one of the least safe cities I’ve traveled in. I planned a longer trip originally but ended up only staying for a night then leaving
Great video. I actually flew this route 2 weeks ago (1st week November 2023), but starting at LHR then transit through CDG.
I found that 2-3-2 seat layout outdated, and the seats not very comfortable by being quite hard. The food was mediocre, but the service from the crew was good.
That short flight from BZV to FIH was a very similar experience to yours, as was my experience with people constantly asking for money.
What I find really crazy is that my flight (business class light fare) from London to Kinshasa was almost 25% - 30% cheaper than a flight from London to Brazzaville (which was meant to be my first stop).
Fascinating. I wonder the reason for the cost differential? Sounds like a similar enough experience at least
Be careful Patrick... You could lose an eye on that baguette 🥖! 😂😂
lol… it is oddly sharp
@@PatrickSheaAviation 😂😂😂😂 The French don’t muck around with their baked goods!
Iberia from Spain have a flight with a really similar stop with the flights IB6341/IB6342 from Madrid to San Salvador with a stop in Guatemala, the hop from Guatemala to San Salvador is only 200km or 29 minutes flight time. No tickets are sold for the GUA-SAL leg. When you are flying from Madrid to San Salvador is mandatory to get down the plane in Guatemala for the short layover and when you board again the gate personnel is tracking the pax coming from Madrid as for them the flight is 6341 and for the Guatemala passengers going to Madrid this flight is already 6342. Aviation World is full of surprises :D
Interesting! That’s super cool!
Those seats are the same as the older A330s except the tv screen is slightly larger on that 777
You got balls Patrick 😂that place looks ruff
I'll just call it "well rounded"....
sure took you an eternity just to get to that Fred Flinstone lounge (that design is unfortunate) in CDG. here, lemme translate that note on your seat 🧐 "dear client, we're pleased to welcome you on this flight to brazzaville. thanks for your loyalty and have a great trip. your cabin manager, jerome' #aww "the unguarded toothbrush felt gross" ya, the Fred Flinstone theme is just outta hand with this trip - i mean you could clobber someone with the size of that baguette!
🤣🤣
I saw the same in Nairobi, not as abysmal as Kinshassa for corruption and crime, but still awful. Great flight report, Patrick. This looks like premium economy on some of the better airlines, like Singapore. But I guess for Air France , both Congo and DRC are a captive market, so they put their worst hard product on the route.
U9i7uu66 and his reply were studied to 9i999u99 for a second time call but
I found Nairobi to be one of my favorite places in Africa so far. The police officer trying to marry me to his daughter was a bit strange though
19 years old is not the worst. I took a flight from Miami to Nassau on a 27 year old 737. It was a 35 minute flight. Guy beside me had 5 cans of beer. Sirens went off as we were descending as the rear galley sprang a leak and coffee started running down the isle. The siren would not stop, the plane was on a steep descent and yet more coffee was coming down the isle. A few passengers were dashing off a new version of their will. So in retrospect I thought your tray table was awesome ...lol
Ha! That is a wild story! Some old aircraft have a charm. Those old AA 737s do not fit that description lol
@@PatrickSheaAviation This was in 1990, so it could have been prior to the 737, but there was definitely a galley in the rear. I have never seen a galley in the rear of any 737 I have flown on. It was Bahamasair.
I will definitely pass on that destination
It was definitely an interesting place
@@PatrickSheaAviation I'm sure it was. Reminds me of my experience in Uzbekistan.
Wow, the shortest widebody route in the US (ATL MCO) doesn't even compare! Loved seeing Terminal 2 at CDG again, haven't been there in a while. 2 meals? Aw man!
- Red
ATL to MCO is a fun one still... I've been there, done that!
@@PatrickSheaAviationI hope you're thinking about the Hawaiian 787 inaugural in 2024!
@@redcomusic I’ll be there!
I was born and raised in London UK 🇬🇧 but originally from Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa). Shea without border 👍🏿👍🏿
The note says
"Dear Clients
We great fully welcome you to our flight to Brazzaville
Thank you for your cooperation
(The name of a flight attendant) the chief flight attendant"
Incredible experience. I took that flight last year to come back in France (I was in Brazzaville for holidays), you take off and you land immediately after 😅😅. Paris - Brazzaville - Kinshasa is a lucrative route for Air France (One flight per day). Before that they put the A350-900 on this route and came back to the 777-300.
About the security, from what i've heard, Kinshasa is not very safe unless you stay in Gombe neighborhood. But Brazzaville is pretty safe, i've often gone there.
Don't hesitate to visit Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville)
🙂
One question : when did you take the flight ? I was recently told that Brazzaville authorities did not ask the form.
Good stuff man! I gotta get back out to Brazzaville
Nice wing flex during departure from CDG. Driving time as alternate is 23 hours, or possibly a ferry across the Zaire River. Thankfully not on my bucket list. Not sure I would risk a captive ferry trip.
Pls do TFS-EWR!
mate would you review new abu dhabi terminal A ?
One day! I’d love to
BA 777 shortest run is ANU-SKB just under 10 minutes
I’ve never seen it under 10, but it is a great fun short widebody flight
Well Over 17K followers now !
9.800 Patrick! At (30:25) "Now Brazzaville and Kinshasa have actually recently WENT through upgrades..." 🙄 "have actually recently GONE through..." Shame on you, Patrick! 🥰
I did a similar flight years ago when I went to Syria. I flew British Airways (LHR-BEY-DAM) from London Heathrow via Beirut and continuing on to Damascus. The return was DAM-LHR nonstop. The flight in between BEY & DAM was quite short as those two capitals are not far apart, but the takeoff/flight plan due to mountains did increase the flying time to about 35-40 minutes.
Super cool! These short flights are a ton of fun
As a senior citizen I would be scared to travel to Kinshasa.
It was definitely an interesting place
Did the landing gear get stowed on the cross river hop?
It did…. But not for long
These airlines love to adapt their services between rich and poor countries even today
I don't blame you for cutting the stay short in Kinshasa. Places where the government basically doesn't function at all due to corruption being the norm are not worth visiting. Plus if you have any trouble definitely nobody will help you.
The city definitely left me with an uneasy feeling so I ended up shortening my trip
Now that sounds like a real honest to God colonial type flight service!
I don’t see the point of a flight that short. Can’t people just drive?
There still aren’t any bridges across the Congo at that point so they would have to take the ferry which is slow and not as reliable. Plus, then Air France can get to both cities with one airplane
Air france biggest jet is the A380
Nah not anymore. They retired em all
Have fun getting asked for cash from immigration officers to the cleaning staff on your way out. Your driver was correct, so take his advice seriously. DO NOT GO TO KINSHASA/DRC
I like the review but your grammar needs some retuning! "Have dranken"? Try have drunk. "Should have went" is should have GONE. Keep producing tho. You have a good voice and your style is engaging!
FIRST, FIRST, FIRST!!!!
🥳 🎉
Hi bro
You need attractive thumbnail designer?
So you made a 40 minute video of a 10 minute flight? I'm 3 minutes in and I'm thinking, "I'm out."
Aight…
10 minutes flight?? You don't get it, do you?
@@alioumaiga6116 I do.
@@PatrickSheaAviation Now that's a good reply! 👍👌👏😁
Hope the countries get rid of French language as soon as possible
Unfortunately there are still deep roots of French and Belgium influence around much of Africa, for better or worse
Why? The language is beautiful, even if the people are on the a-holish side by and large. And I'm a francophone, so I know whereof I speak.