After all the FRO drama, we had to make the quick decision and finalize the travel plans fast. Obviously, we couldn't just drop everything and leave, so, in the end, we decided that I will fly out with the baby while Anant holds down the fort and keeps the cats company.
We chose Air France once again - god knows why! And once again the customer service they provided was, well... I would say shocking if I didn't know better.
We booked the ticket through Air France website, but as they now joined operations with Jet Airways, the first "leg" of the journey was carried by Jet Airways. I'm not really clear on how exactly this "cooperation" is supposed to work, because, quite frankly, from the customer point of view - it doesn't.
On Air France website, we came across sth called bassinet seat provided to parents travelling with kids under 2 years of age. You have to apply for it in advance as there are only a few on each flight. We messaged Air France immediately requesting said seat, and, to be sure, called them to confirm.
They told us, that, as the flight is carried by Jet Airways, we have to request bassinet through their customer service.
Fine.
We called Jet Airways - they told us that, as we booked the ticket through Air France website, we have to book the seat with them.
That carried on for a while, till the point when my husband, technical genius as he is, got both of the airlines on one call. After a lof of confusion, they mutually decided that we do have to request bassinet with Jet Airways, but only after Air France issues PNR number - 24 hours before the flight that is. In other words, the "joined operation" doesn't allow you to book the seat in advance and thereby take advantage of facility they allegedly provide.
Of course, we tried booking the bassinet the day before the flight but the Air France customer service doesn't work on Sundays and the Jet Airways representative was such a bright bulb, that she made me long for FRO officers! First, she claimed, they have no bassinet seats whatsoever, then, that she can't book one for us for some mysterious reason. In the end, we wanted to know if there are any left so we could book it at the airport, but she was "not at the liberty to disclose this information". Why - she didn't know.
We set out for the Goa airport at 2 am. In Mumbai, we went straight to the Jet Airways counter, to see what can be done about this unfortunate bassinet. They assigned the seat on the spot BUT told us that there won't be an actual bassinet - just an extra leg space.
On my way to the gate, I stopped in the bathroom to complete the whole pre-travel baby ritual. My diaper bag was still wide open on the changing table when they announced the final call for my flight. Of course, I panicked - as I hate being late for anything- and didn't stop to think that there was still at least half an hour left until the actual end of boarding time.
As I got on the plane, it turned out that the seat they gave me was... directly behind the bassinet seat. That was just adorable!
The flight attendant told me not to worry, though - they will see what they can do.
Luckily the flight was half empty, so they didn't have to do much. In the end, I got a whole row of seats and the infamous bassinette - go figure.
While I was quite comfortable, it wasn't thanks to the airlines. Simply put - there was no-one sitting there and nearly every passenger had at least 2 seats to themselves. If the flight were full, that would be an entirely different story, which is sth to think about, especially when you have difficult "baby travel" ahead of you.
Obviously, it wouldn't be the end of the world, getting the regular seat, but it does tell you what to expect in terms of care for the client and service they provide. If you have a stressful journey and want to plan ahead - the ground crew is just rubbish.
On the other hand, they really have excellent flight attendants - I give them that. They were extra attentive and very helpful with the baby, wich is priceless if you are alone on such a long flight.
Even so, I doubt I will fly with them again (not counting the return flight), and if you value your sanity, I wouldn't advise you to do that either.
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