Our flight to Paris was operating out of Terminal D at Dallas/Fort International Airport. Since I have Veterans’ plates, parking is free so I parked at the terminal. This would otherwise be $24/day.
The Air France check-in counter was at the far left end as I exited the escalator. The verification of our passports and checking of bags took less than 10 minutes. One thing that stood out was we had to check our carry on bags due to a “full flight”.
The wait time displayed at the security checkpoint was 15 minutes. We were able to get through in 10 minutes because I was able to skip the body scanner because my son is under 13 years old. We then grabbed lunch from Buffalo Wild Wings next to The Club-DFW. The Club did not appear as busy as it normally. After lunch, we made our way to D8 where our A350-900 was waiting.
AFR159
DFW-CDG
Takeoff: 1600
Landing: 0805 (+1 day)
Duration: 9hr 5min
Economy Class
March 7, 2025
The start of boarding was announced at 3:30pm. Boarding did not, in fact, start as announced because a few minutes later the gate agents started calling individuals to come to the counter.
Six minutes later boarding did begin with elderly, people traveling with infants Priority customers then boarded 11 minutes later. We were in Group 4 and began boarding 27 minutes after initial announcement was made.
We boarded through the second door on the left and turned right into the Premium Economy Cabin. It was a very tight 2-4-2 config.
We next walked through the first Economy Cabin. Just about everyone made it into their seats without issues except for some who clogged the aisles as they dug through bags.
There was a bit of a journey but we arrived at The Duo Seats in the last row of economy. I purchased two roundtrip tickets for $3000 USD.
Initial impression of the seat was fantastic. It reminded me of our trip to Dubai in the Emirates Airlines 777-300 Twin Seats. My only complaint was that the two seats were the middle and aisle seats, I would rather have a true window and middle seat. The under seat storage was superb.
The seat did not have individual air nozzles. This proved to be bothersome as the cabin got really hot later into the flight.
Waiting at the seat was a small pillow, blanket and a headset. Nicholas loved the headset and blanket while I thought the blanket was thin and headset was on the cheaper side.
The tray table folded out of the seat in front and it included two cup holders. One could be used with the table up and the other while it was down.
Nicholas immediately checked out the tail camera on the decent sized screen but was more intrigued by rewatching Turning Red.
The boarding announcement was made 17 minutes after scheduled departure. The pilot informed us of the flight time and blamed the delay on the aircraft arriving late from Paris. The pushback began five minutes later and the safety video was played.
We had a rolling takeoff on Runway 35L 20 minutes after leaving the gate. Nicholas and I watched the airplane cameras as we were on the go. Not five minutes later, the lady in front Nicholas reclined her seat. This is her right, and the recline is impressive but there is no need to recline your seat in Economy Class.
During the climb to cruising, the flight attendants verified special meals with those passengers who preordered. There were not any announcements, just whispering and checking tablets.
Refreshing towels were passed out 20 minutes after departure. The towel was moist and had a light, fragrant aroma.
Just prior to meal service starting, I went to check out one of the two lavatories behind our seats. It was spacious, clean and did not stink, which is a plus. At the end of the flight it was in disarray.
Meal service started 50 minutes after takeoff with the special meals being delivered first. Our meals were delivered 10 minutes later. The attendants served from back to front so we were the first passengers in economy, after the special meals, to receive our food. We were given two options: chicken and rice and a vegetarian lentil dish. We went with the chicken.
Everything was served on one tray, per usual. I was immediately thrown off by the roll being placed directly on the tray. That’s a no go for me.
I asked for a beer and was offered complimentary champagne, which was appreciated. Before looking at the can in detail, I asked if it was French. The flight attendant, without skipping a beat, said it says it right on the can. Touché my fair lady.
Nicholas said the chicken was good, so good that he ate his chicken then took mine. By the way, the rice was not rice, it was mashed potatoes. I resorted to eating beef jerky bought from Walmart because the meal was not appetizing. I utilized the 6Ps: Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.
Nicholas thoroughly enjoyed the lemon cake. I think I heard him say bussin or something to that effect. To that point, he ate my cake as well. I feel like I am a proxy for his second food tray.
Our dinner trays were still waiting to be collected nearly an hour after dinner started. I do not know if the flight attendants serving were responsible for both Economy cabins but it sure felt like it. It also could help if the drink cart and food cart were separated. Why is one person responsible for all of that???
The rubbish was gathered 70 minutes after service started. During this time, the drinks kept flowing. More champagne and then when the coffee/tea cart came around, I asked for an Irish coffee. I got this. A coffee and cognac drink I aptly named C & C.
The WiFi, after being reset twice, finally started “working”. Here’s is the pricing: messaging was free, Surf Pass was $22 USD, and Streaming Pass was $40.
The connectivity continued to be nonexistent for the duration. It got to the point where I made conversation with the attendant about the arrival meal and what, if any, specialty cocktails they carry.
I put on Joker and tried to relax but couldn’t because the flight attendants never closed the curtain to the galley/lavatory area. If the cabin is pitch black, why are the galley curtains open?
Soon thereafter, two bros decided up back there and carry on a conversation. They were talking about all kinds of topics. I could not believe that the flight attendants did not ask them to take their seats. I prayed that The Hangover would get me almost to Paris.
For nearly three and a half hours, passengers stood in the galley, near the lavatories, and talked. The lights on and the people talking meant a zero chance of sleep for Nicholas and myself. It was brutal to say the least.
90 minutes prior to landing, the pre-arrival snack was delivered. I asked the flight attendant what it was and she said “a snack”.
It was a box consisting of raspberry yogurt, orange juice, a breadstick, tropical fruit cup and a frittata. This reminded me of Head Start. This was the worst “snack” I have ever been served on a flight.
The captain came on to give the descent call 37 minutes from Paris. I was thoroughly excited to get off of this flight. It was a beautiful day in France.
The landing was a bit sketchy but the pilots put us down safely. We had a 10 minute taxi to gate 2E.
Bonjour!
Final Word
I just took my first flight on Air France from Dallas to Paris. While I appreciated the direct routing, the service, or lack thereof, left a lot to be desired. The catering needs improving and the flight attendants need to maintain order in cabin. Would I fly Air France again? Yes. Was this flight disappointing? Double yes.
