Air Seychelles SEZ-CDG- Flying the Creole Spirit Part 2
5 nights in paradise flew by and on Sunday, we were ready to get back to Paris to watch the World Cup championship with friends. Our flight was at 9:15am, so we left the hotel around 7am, just to give us time in case driving across the mountain threw us any curves, which thankfully it did not. As seen here, the turns are sharp and the scenery is breathtaking- it took a while to learn to NOT look at the beautiful landscapes when taking sharp turns.
Upon arrival at SEZ, I noticed the check-in lines were long- there were flights to Paris, Johannesburg and Dubai all leaving within an hour of each other. Luckily, there was a dedicated Pearl Class check-in line that only had a few people in it. We were check-in in about 15 minutes and through immigration in another 15. We
immediately headed to the “Salon Vallee de Mai†premium lounge-, which serves premium customers primarily of Air Seychelles, Air Kenya, Emirates and Qatar.
I had heard the lounge was nice and I was immediately impressed upon entering. There was free wifi and work stations and light refreshments- mostly croissants, fruit and finger sandwiches. I went to the bathroom and changed in the shower room, which was modern and clean (much nicer than the Korean lounge shower at JFK). About 10 minutes before boarding
we decided to check out some shops and upon exiting the lounge agent warned us that Air Seychelles doesn't do priority boarding so we should wait in the lounge. Once we left, we knew what she was talking about as there was a pretty substantial lounge. However, once again, everyone was relaxed and the line moved quickly.
We walked out to the plane- the same exact 767-300 that brought us down “Aldabraâ€, named after one of the Seychelles islands. We had the same exact seats 2A,B, so we knew what to expect, though I was curious about the service on a 9.5 hour daytime flight.
I immediately noticed the amenity kit was different- it was in the same bag, but it was a square box. Once opened, I found cocoa de mer shaped soaps and a different aromatherapy oil. Nice touch- I have never been on an airline that has different amenity kits.
Boarding was efficiently done through the doors at the front and back of the aircraft, we were pushed back on time and number one for departure. Pre-depature champagne and juice was passed out and I attempted to make my own mimosa with mango juice and it started fizzing out of control. Just a warning- let the flight attendants do all drink mixing! It was a clear day in Mahe and we banked left after takeoff, so I got great video of the island paradise.
After takeoff, hot towels were passed and menus distributed. Since it was 10am, they offered croissant and tea/coffee service to tide over until lunch.
The individual entertainment consoles were passed out again and this time I took advantage of it. There was a decent amount of pre-loaded entertainment, including a lot of English and French movies.
I think the most memorable thing about
this flight were the views from the window. Pre-lunch, we were over Somalia and had amazing views of arid sub-Saharan Africa.
The choices for lunch were:
Appetizer-
1) Sliced chicken breast and Creole vegetables served with a parmesan biscuit
2) Crab and shrimp mousse served with a smoked fish rose and mango salad.
We wanted the latter, but they were out by the time they got to us (they started on the far side of the cabin and went around clockwise so we were second to last). The chicken was fine and the vegetables tasty.
Main course-
1) Bourgeois (fish) marinated in saffron served with biryani rice and papaya chutney
2) Thai green curry accompanied by saffron rice, carrot balls with coriander and a spinch coco flan
3) Beef tournedos served with vegetable risotto and green beans wrapped in carrot strips.
We both wanted the chicken option, but they only had one left, and being the chivalrous person I am, I let my partner have the chicken. I was seafooded out after 5 days of fish in the Seychelles, so I went with the beef. The beef was overcooked and a bit bland, but the hearty 2003 Chateau Lalande-Borie red wine made up for what the beef lacked.
The green curry chicken was the much better option and nicely spicy (even though it looked lackluster).
Dessert-
1) Chocolate and coconut mille feuille (my choice) was a bit bland, but I can't dislike anything with chocolate and coconut in it.
2) Papaya compote served in a cinnamon tarlet- was the better choice.
After lunch we flew over Cairo and got a great view of the pyramids. After a full meal and a couple glasses of wine, it was nap time, since we needed energy for the World Cup championship that night.
After a several hour nap, it was time for the 3rd service, which was
a fruit salad and warm chicken and vegetable tart served with feta salad. After the hearty lunch, this almost felt like too much of a “snackâ€, but of course I ate it, including the decadent banana and dark chocolate crumble. (No mom- that's not another glass of wine with my meal- it's a diet Pepsi).
En route to CDG, we passed over the Swiss alps again, which are always breathtaking. Landing in hot, dry Paris was smooth and we were the first off the plane. Overall, the 9.5 hours flew by and besides the lack of our first food choices being available, the service was excellent.
Luckily, customs was empty so we were through in 2 minutes and at the Sheraton CDG shortly thereafter. It still amazes me how easy French immigration is- no forms necessary and uninterested agents just stamping your passport.
We decided to stay at the airport Sunday night because the hotel is actually in the Air France terminal and our flight home was at 10:30am the next day.
We got the Sheraton on cash and points, so 4,800 points and $90- well worth it, for the convenience alone. We dropped our bags off and then hopped on the hot RER into the city to meet friends for dinner and the game, which also turned out to be quite memorable since I was rooting for Spain, since I lived there for a summer in college.
Overall, it was a nice end to a great vacation and helped transition back to reality. Check back soon for the final report- CDG-JFK in Air France business class.
[card card-name='Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express' card-id='22034414' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.