Yes, I had to - I have the maturity of a 10-year-old so...NO, MOM, I couldn't just call it "The Upper Deck."
What I am referring to, of course, is the fact that during this month's trip to Rome, I had the distinct pleasure of riding up top on the brand-spanking-new full two-story Airbus 380 via Air France. What a way to kick off a Mediterranean adventure!
This was my second exposure to the Air France Business Class product, and it was fine - food was good, seats were comfortable, and the Clarins lotion in the amenity kits continue to be my primary reason for ever flying AF. However, since I was straying from my usual international airline, I was mostly interested in the equipment, not the service, and I was NOT disappointed!
The upstairs cabin was incredibly spacious, unlike the 747 (my only other two-deck airline experience). Not that I minded, but it seemed like there was even a little too much space - the staircase was exceptionally wide, and the forward right section of the cabin was dedicated to some sort of art installation. Apparently, somewhere on the plane there was an espresso bar (didn't find it, but it was mentioned in the menu). Seriously, it can't get much Frencher that this!!
The thing that I will never forget, however, is the totally amazing decision to mount cameras on the plane...and make their video available to passengers. That's right - you get to watch your plane take off from above.
Three separate cameras (mounted on the tail, the front, and below the fuselage) provide three completely different perspectives, though the tail camera is the one that gives the best perspective of weather in-flight. Unfortunately, because of cloud thickness, the fuselage camera is only valuable just after takeoff, just before landing, or on a clear day. It does give you a clear understanding of how fast you are moving, however.
Between takeoff and landing, I just couldn't get enough of this flight - until DH turned to me and asked, "Can you believe that there's someone sitting immediately below you right now?"
That question blew my mind.
Then I remembered that if there weren't a person below me, I wouldn't get to say that I was The Upper-Decker.* Commence the giggling.
*I do realize that some readers may not understand why I am so bent on this term...so to those people I recommend googling the phrase. I take no responsibility for what you find. Blame my sisters.
Comments