Air Caraibes

I booked directly on AC’s website. Check-in at Orly was very simple and quick. I hadn’t tried to check in online as we had a hold bag. Boarding was delayed for quite a while (expected due to strikes). The gate was in a very backwater area with just a drinks machine and a toilet.

The plane was so freezing I needed both our blankets around me. We were in Premium Economy seats — worth it not to have a third seat in the row when you’re travelling as a couple. But the fixed, solid armrests and the inclined seat back in front meant it was extremely complicated to get in and out! Still, the entertainment systems worked okay, we appreciated the exterior cameras, and we were soon reasonably warm and comfy.

Wow, you could tell from the menu this was a French airline! Sparkling wine and snack apéro; china dishes; metal cutlery; good foie gras starter. Our chosen main course of spicy chicken and mash was very tasty, as were Camembert, grapes, etc. Alcohol flowed freely and included a Vieux Rhum digestif. The pre-landing snack wasn’t so good, but never mind. We were happy by then and approaching St Martin.

The worst airline ever! They don’t speak English and rarely do they ever reply to you (and even if they do, that will be in French of course). Online check-in is fake – it doesn’t work before the flight and they refuse to help you with that over the phone or email. Their employees at the airport are very unfriendly and completely unhelpful when met in person – you see that you are a burden for them when you need help at the airport. Besides, their airline lost my baggage and it can’t be traced any more at all. All the stuff inside it was lost and they refuse to reply to your emails or messages or, obviously, compensation. CONCLUSION: if possible, try to avoid this terrible airline, it’s the worst French airline for sure, low-costs show you more respect and understanding than this horrible airline. DON’T EVER FLY THEM if you want a pleasant flight and good pre-/post-flight experience.

Extremely sketchy airline. They cancelled our flight back from Paris due to “operational difficulties” and said they could only book us on a flight TWO DAYS later. They would not refund us the money for the flight even though they could not offer anything even close to what we booked. Their customer service just sent us in circles: call this number, call back tomorrow, submit a ticket here, email this address, call this other number. The company hides behind their phone reps, having them continuously say “The company has issued a statement saying they will not refund anyone’s money for the flight”. WTF, if you cancel a flight and can only replace it with a flight two days later you better give customers the opportunity to take a refund.

Overall a good flight. But I chose a seat near the exit in the middle of three seats. The seat was extremely narrow (I’m relatively slim) as there was a solid side underneath the handrest. This meant I was rather uncomfortable until I got used to it. This was made up for by having lots of leg room. I have now flown two return journeys on Air Caraibes between Orly and Pointe A Pitre 2014 and 2015 and each time was quite happy with the meal. I enjoyed the ti-punch (french Caribbean drink) and the presentation of the menu. The film selection was quite small but I liked the films. I did have trouble accessing a film I wanted to see on one flight. Once there was a problem with the AC while we were on the ground and the flight was a little delayed so we were getting really uncomfortably hot. But this was resolved and we took off within an hour. I have always found the stewards to be helpful. On one of the flights I found that water wasn’t brought round often enough. If I could afford the next class up, I’d take it. But basically it’s a pretty good deal (500 euros to the Caribbean in April) and completely acceptable. Direct competitor to AF and Corsair. Similar standard.