Prologue:
Hello and welcome to this short intra-European flight on TP. This tkt was purchased as a "discount" fare for EUR 90+ RT and did not allow me to reserve any seats unless I pay or wait until check in.I used the "SeatBoost" app to bid for an upgrade and an initial bid was offered for EUR 50 about 48 hrs. before dept. I quickly bid for the minimum amount and my name was the only one on the bidding list up until departure time. However I was not successful in securing an upgrade despite being the only name on the list.
8:15A - I take a taxi from the Opera area to Orly airport. My companions are seated in the back while I take my place at the front seat. We head south and pass through La Madeleine. I take my camera out and start taking shots of the landmarks that I encountered along the journey. The morning light during winter has a soft and beautiful glow. I love Paris but find that its beauty is more irresistible when its buildings and monuments are caressed by the early morning rays just as the city wakes up.
I had to take care of a companion who requested a wheelchair so I did not have time to take too many pics and document this trip properly. Check-in at the counter was efficient and polite. After issuing the boarding passes we were asked to take a seat and wait for the wheelchair. Going through security was quick and we were the first ones to board the airplane.
FA's greeted passengers upon boarding and after everyone settled down the door was closed.
Right after take off when we reached cruising altitude the service commenced.
Pax seating in Preferred seats were given a boxed snack while the rest received a pastry (pasteis de nata).
Initially i was given a pastry that was burned like charcoal. I asked the FA for another one and she gladly exchanged it for me.
WC's were clean but these towels were hard to open.
Plane at OPO.
Intercontinental Le Grand Paris It's always a pleasure to stay at this hotel despite the renovations that were taking place at the front entrance and the Club.
Room.
Cafe de la Paix.
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Reception from the hotel lobby.
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Reception from street.
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Bar.
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Temporary Club on the 1st flr.
A big highlight of my stay in Paris was the chance to get together with Seb and have a great time with him. Thanks Seb for showing up to meet me. I had a fabulous time.
========== Orly Arpt (ORY) - ==========
========== TAP Portugal - Airline ==========
========== Porto Airport (OPO) - ==========
Summary:
This was an average intra-European flight on TP. I was surprised that catering was so differentiated between Preferred vs Regular seats considering that anyone can request or change to a Preferred seat within 2 hrs of dept.The SeatBoost app was disappointing. I was the only pax on the upgrade bidding list and yet I never received an upgrade. If TP doesn't anticipate to have any empty J seats why even offer them for bidding?
16 Comments
ReplyThanks Adan for the double review in one ;)
I see no point to offer the possibility to pay for UPG and then they deny you. Too bad for them but good for your wallet !
Nice IC in Paris even if too old for me. See you around Panda.
Yes it's almost like a "bait and switch" scheme. :P It's good that I saved some money.
ReplyGreat review Adan and it confirms that TP is bad! Loved your hotel tour as well.
Casper
Not much to say about TP. It does the job but don't expect too much. I can't believe that they started to give a different snack for those in Preferred seats within Europe.
ReplyHi Panda, thanks for the review! very nice Bonus in Paris ;-)
I love Paris! ;)
ReplyHello Panda,
Nice report, too bad you haven't had the chance to see the lounge or it was a blessing ! Nice hotel. Cheers.
Well we know that blessings sometimes come in disguise. ;) Maybe next time.
ReplyHappy to see that you met Seb. I didn't expect anything from TP. The lounge is the hotel would have been appreciated by my belly.
I was glad to meet Seb and we had a good time. The Club at the hotel had decent offerings but I remember that it was better before. Maybe once the renovation is finished we will see a new and improved lounge.
ReplyThank for sharing this TR
A rather disappointing flight with TP
It doesn't really surprise me
Great bonus : IC "Le Grand Paris" seems to be a very good hotel
See you soon for another report
Next time I might bring snacks when I take a TP flight. ;)
IC Le Grand has never disappointed me.
ReplyHi Panda'
Ouch l Portions served on board have dramatically decreased. I knew the box for everybody...
Beautiful Bonus on Paris. You and Seb' clearly enjoy time together !
Thanks, JetSet' for this interesting report ! See you soon !
TP has become cheap and I didn't expect that. I guess it was a matter of time.
For sure I had a great time with Seb.
ReplyHello Adan!!!!
Thank you for this nice report. TP from ORY, it's the first one on YTR!! What do you think about ORY???
Really strange these auctions for business class.
It was a real pleasure to meet you too Adan! Don't hesitate to tell me next time you come to Paris!
ORY is really convenient to the city but the layout can be challenging for someone who uses it for the first time. Going from ticket counter thru security and the gate is pretty straightforward and don't seem to take as much time as CDG which I like.
I don't understand these auctions neither. Why tease the pax when you actually can't deliver? I was the only name on the upgrade list and was counting on that to get the upgrade but unfortunately it did not happen.
I really enjoyed our get together and the pleasure was all mine. ;) I will let you know when I go next time.
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