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Originally Posted by Sam Kapasi Racism is the hot word on Team-BHP these days, lol.
Those who are allowed access into France were given access into France. Those with EU visas, EU Passports or any of those that are allowed access into France with their Passports (example: US, UK, Australia etc.)
Indians without a Schengen visa are not allowed to leave the airport, even if they have a visa for the USA or others. There were no transit visas given, transit visas are not required for the "others" - they simply stamp their way into France. |
Well, I have two personal experiences of missing connecting flights on AF, and AF behavior is usually rude with non-French speaking people esp. non-whites - I have heard lot of bad experiences.
1. 1997 : AF from NY JFK -> CDG -> Delhi
Missed connecting flight due to delayed departure (sitting inside plane w/o AC while they checked some fuse issue). Transit visa was no problem those days, but AF tried to wriggle out of having to provide hotel etc to most Indians (about 15-16) for more than 3-4 hours w/o food or drink. After lot of pestering they finally gave the hotel vouchers (lowest end 2* hotel) and took us for transit visa.
Next day, they put us (inspite of us asking for earlier flight) onto AF to London (since AF flew alternately to delhi and Mumbai those days). As feared, about 10 of us missed the AI flight from London because of delays (they hadn't informed the AI guys about arrival etc). Then they told us stay in London overnight, and take next day's flight. After lot of people literally revolted and pestered, they managed to put us on a BA flight that took off 10 hours later in the night. As for baggage, they told vaguely that a few pieces of baggage will come later, rest all are transferred. After we land at Delhi, there were these 8-10 people standing stupidly till the baggage rack stopped - none of our baggages were transferred and loaded (they could have atleast told us straight). I have left out a lot of the small irritants and difficulties here. So, we just enjoyed a 2.5 day travel from NY -> Delhi.
2. 2004. Munich -> Paris -> Mumbai
Rotten coordination between captain/pilot and ground crew. Captain announced that those having immediate connecting flights, we should contact the ground staff who are waiting to be expedited.On the ground, there was no ground staff :-( After reaching the terminal, some of us who actually approached the 1st AF ground staff there, were told, we just have to hurry and proceed the normal way. After long delays with security (foggy weather had caused delays/bunch-ups), when we reached the gate, the staff told us - sorry, the gate's closed, you can't board even though the aircraft was still berthed. 6 of us missed the flight (tried to follow captain's direction), 2 got onboard (used better sense to ignore it).
Atleast, they gave the hotel etc promptly. Next day, we reached early to prevent any security check delays, but were holed up for 2 hours in the plane (reason: some connecting passengers were just arriving
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That said - I am no fan of Air France, their food and service is below par. Quite avoidable.
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CDG is just about the worst airport in Europe, no planning, no upkeep, no signs, no power or internet points working. Drive around in buses for half-hour all around the airport before you reach the airplane or the terminal.
AF itself has attitude issues of staff, poor baggage relay record etc etc.