INTRODUCTION
With an affordable fare and low expectations, I embarked on my journey, opting for a last-minute upgrade to Aeroflotโs premium economy class, โComfort Class,โ to experience enhanced meals and added comfort.
The upgrade was reasonably priced, and I was curious to see how it would enhance my flight experience.
ON THE GROUND
Before check-in at Beijing Airport, I decided to upgrade my flight to Aeroflotโs premium economy class called โComfort Class.โ
The cost was minimal, about USD $120, and in return, I received enhanced meals, more space, and comfort.
Service on the ground included pre-departure drinks of water or orange juice served in proper glassware, and cabin crew distributed printed menus.
Aeroflot provides premium economy class passengers with meals from the business class cabin and offers a choice of three hot meal options.
INFLIGHT
The inflight menu was as follows:
Twenty-five minutes after takeoff, the cabin crew moved through the cabin to offer drinks and snacks before lunch.
I ordered a juice, which was served in a paper cup, and received a bag of nuts.
The meal service began immediately after the drinks service; it was very prompt and friendly. One cabin crew member worked on each side of the aircraft alone and moved from the forward to the rear of the cabin.
I ordered the chicken with rice as my first choice of cannelloni was not available. The chicken dish was served in a porcelain dish on a large tray.
In addition to the hot meal, there was a starter of turkey and shrimps with vegetables, bell pepper, and lettuce, a chocolate cake, and a bread roll. There was proper metal cutlery too and a linen cloth.
I chose the local option, which wasnโt to my liking. There wasnโt anything particularly wrong with the dish, but the flavors didnโt impress me.
The rice was soft and delicate, the vegetables were crisp and tasty, but I found the chicken to be quite flavourless, albeit still edible.
I enjoyed the prawn starter; everything was fresh and crispy, as was the salad. The chocolate cake was disappointing as it was rather tasteless.
Overall, I thought the quantity of the meal, the choices, service, and general offering of this premium economy class meal was adequate.
THE SECOND MEAL SERVICE
I was surprised to see such a large meal-offering again on a flight of only seven hours. Most other airlines would cut back the service on the second meal service and perhaps offer a smaller meal or snack.
I enjoyed this meal a lot more than the first one, the prawns were cooked in a sweet/sour sauce combination, and the flavours were well balanced.
They didnโt skimp on the number of prawns, and the rice and vegetables were good overall.
The rest of the meal consisted of a duck and mushroom galantine, smoked salmon and salad. I decided to skip dessert.
ECONOMY CLASS
The crew struck up a conversation with me and were curious about all the photos I was taking. I asked if I could take a look at the economy class meals, and within a few minutes, they brought me one.
I have no idea what it was, I never asked, and it also had two entrรฉe dishes on it instead of a dessert.
MOSCOW TO ATHENS
After transiting in Moscow Airport, I boarded my flight to Athens and flew in economy class. Once again, the crew was amiable and efficient. Immediately after takeoff, they delivered the inflight service.
There was a choice of two hot meals, and I opted for the pasta Bolognese.
Of all the meals that I ate on Aeroflot, this economy class dish was probably my favorite. Perhaps because of the simplicity of the meal, but also because it tasted great.
The meal reminded me of similar dishes Iโve received when flying with Aegean Airlines, but the best part was the Praynik.
The Praynik (top right-hand item) is a ginger-spiced cookie with hints of nutmeg and spices that goes back hundreds of years in Russia.
CONCLUSION
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the inflight service on both flights. I wouldnโt hesitate to fly with Aeroflot again.
I did enjoy the catering a lot more from Moscow than from Beijing; Iโve always found that catering from China can be hit or miss sometimes.