Aeroflot is one of the most underrated airlines in the world. From “real” business class seats on flights within Europe to warm service to a modern fleet, the carrier is nothing like its Soviet footprint. Oh, and the food is great too. We’ll take a look at a typical business class meal on a 2.5 hour flight within Europe for this week’s Meal of the Week.
I have so many Award Expert clients who refuse to fly Aeroflot that I have a pre-written script in defense of the Russian flag carrier that I can paste into email correspondence. Sometimes I send pictures from my own travels on Aeroflot.
This flight was during my first true round-the-world trip in 2008. The whole trip was actually based around a “mistake fare” on Aeroflot: $364.20 from Oslo to Hong Kong in business class with a stopover in Moscow.
I remember reserving the ticket online, but having to visit Aeroflot’s ticket office in Washington, DC in order to issue the ticket.
Remember the old carbon paper tickets? This was one of only three paper tickets I have ever been issued.
The flight departed at Oslo at noon, meaning a lunch service onboard. This was my first of three Aeroflot flights and I was not expecting much, still under the illusion that Aeroflot would be bad.
As I settled into my plush business class seat onboard an A320, a FA offered me a menu. Today’s lunch would include an appetizer of salmon and potato salad, a main course of salmon, and cherry chocolate cake with tea for dessert:
The salmon, along with the potatoes and zucchini that accompanied it, was excellent. I also appreciated that Aeroflot uses a tablecloth instead of just a tray. Service could not have been better and FAs spoke good English.
My flight to Hong Kong featured even better food, but Aeroflot truly shined on this short flight from Norway to Russia.
Recycling content from…..nine years ago??
Nothing is ever recycled on this blog. The “Meal of the Week” feature is meant to showcase whatever meal I feel like, be it from last week or 20 years ago.
…and also their safety video.
In 2011, I took a 2-hour flight on Vladivostok Air in coach — better food & service than any US carrier, decently modern aircraft. (That company has since been reabsorbed by Aeroflot.)
I read that the safety standards of Aeroflot are way below those of American carriers; in addition, Aeroflot has experienced a number of fatal accidents in recent years. Personally, I would not fly on Aeroflot.
Harris, recent years? Like in post Soviet times 20+ years ago?
FYI, S7, another Russian airline (and a member of oneworld) also offers real business class on flights within Europe. Flew DME-MUC about a week ago and received similar type of service and food (the only annoying part was they couldn’t describe the wines, it was “red” vs. “white” – when I pushed for more info, they informed me the red was “a dry French wine” (LOL)
So are these pics, and your experience in Aeroflot Business Class occuring in 2008?
If so, any idea if the food is still the same?
I ask because American Airlines domestic First Class Meal quality changed QUITE drastically in less than 1 year’s time— food served on AA in domestic First 2013, was worlds better than what it is today…
Fair question. Lucky and Tiffany just flew Aeroflot within Europe (SVO-BEG) last summer and the food remained unchanged.
Almost talked me into it…
Any hesitancy about transit through SVO?
Our only experience with Russia was on a cruise that went to St. Petersburg. We found the Russian authorities to be the most restrictive and rigid of any destination through out Baltic cruise.
Getting tired of the 2014 reviews?