In this trip report, I share the details of my recent flight from Copenhagen to Paris with Air France. Interestingly, they switched the plane last minute from an A320 to a 318, so I got the chance to fly this shorter version. Overall, my experience was good and smooth. Let’s dive in!

Route CPH-CDG
Flight AF
Cabin Economy Class
Equipment Airbus A318
Aircraft F-GUGM
Flight Time Approx. 2h

How I Booked This Flight

I booked this flight using cash and paid close to $75 USD. This was my 5th flight and 4th airline in my EuroBonus Millionaire challenge. Curiously, once I decided to go for this flight, I booked it online on Air France’s Danish website and immediately got a confirmation email with a booking code. I even added the reservation to my SAS app right away, so I had peace of mind that I had this segment already covered.

Five days after the booking, I noticed it disappeared from my SAS app. When I tried checking my reservation through AF’s website, it said it didn’t exist! I reached out via WhatsApp, and they said that the reservation was canceled and that I should contact the Danish service center (at given office hours). Once I called, I was told that the payment method didn’t go through, and therefore, my reservation was canceled. I was also told that I could book the exact same flight, but now the price was 3600 DKK! ($360 USD). However, I told the agent I got my ticket issued and that it was a problem on their end, which they acknowledged. I managed to get my ticket re-issued at the original price I paid.

Map

Transit in CPH

As soon as I arrived from London, I went straight to the SAS Lounge. I didn’t have access to the Gold Lounge, so I went to the SAS Business Lounge instead, which is on the bottom floor. On the outside, the screens showed ads about the EuroBonus Millionaire challenge everywhere. It was nice to be in SAS’ hub and feel it in the air.

The lounge was quite busy at that time and it took me a while to find a good seat and grab something to eat. I wanted to have a decent lunch before hopping on my next flight (last of the day), and then have early dinner later.

Scandinavian Airlines SAS Lounge at Copenhagen Scandinavian Airlines SAS Lounge at Copenhagen

Boarding

After grabbing a decent meal, I got some work done and slowly started walking towards the gate. Conveniently, Copenhagen Airport shows ‘go to gate’ on the screens when it’s getting close to boarding time. The airport was cold. Outside, it was cloudy, and it was already getting dark. At the gate, I managed to take some pictures of the plane.

Once boarding started, I got the chance to use the SkyPriority lane to board among the first passengers.

Air France A318 Economy Class from Copenhagen to Paris CDG Air France A318 Economy Class from Copenhagen to Paris CDG Air France A318 Economy Class from Copenhagen to Paris CDG

Cabin & Seat

It has been a long time since I flew with Air France (~4-5 years or so). Since then, the airline has introduced a much newer and sleeker cabin, which is slightly more uncomfortable. The seats are now thinner, with no recline at all.

Air France A318 Economy Class from Copenhagen to Paris CDG Air France A318 Economy Class from Copenhagen to Paris CDG Air France A318 Economy Class from Copenhagen to Paris CDG Air France A318 Economy Class from Copenhagen to Paris CDG

There’s no IFE or WiFi onboard, but at least there are USB-A chargers between seats. The pitch is much tighter, and the tray table is sturdy but small, so it makes it slightly tougher to work with a computer. Keep that in mind if your screen is above 13”.

Air France A318 Economy Class from Copenhagen to Paris CDG Air France A318 Economy Class from Copenhagen to Paris CDG Air France A318 Economy Class from Copenhagen to Paris CDG

Taxi & Takeoff

Since this is a small plane, the boarding process was super fast. We were ready in under 20 minutes. It was already getting dark, but right after we took off, we could appreciate a beautiful sunset. I recorded some of that in the video.

Air France A318 Economy Class from Copenhagen to Paris CDG Air France A318 Economy Class from Copenhagen to Paris CDG

Snack/Drinks

On Air France, you get a complimentary snack and drink. In this case the options were chicken or cheese sandwich, and I got a Coca-Cola Zero. The crew was also serving coffee/tea. Overall, it was correct for a 2h flight.

Air France A318 Economy Class from Copenhagen to Paris CDG

Arrival

The rest of the flight was pretty much uneventful. Landing in CDG was a bit rainy and bumpy but on time. I could get some nice views of Paris during the approach, which I captured in the video embedded below.

Video Review

Summary

My short-haul experience with Air France was as expected and accurate. Compared to what I remember, the new cabins are sleeker and more modern, but also tighter and less comfortable. The power outlets in the seats are a good enhancement, but no free WiFi onboard. Ignoring the issue I had with the ticket, the bad customer service via WhatsApp, and the fact that I had to spend an hour on the phone fixing it for the price I paid, the service was decent. I believe KLM offers a slightly better service on short and medium-haul flights.