We got the tube out to LHR T4 - no problems at all and everything ran on time! The terminal was very empty and it looks like it has been done up. Collected boarding card from the self-service machine and interesting it had the return seats printed on it (we were travelling back on the Sunday). Through an empty security - only delayed by some people who thought best to stop in the queue to chat and unload stuff. Nipped to Garfunkels for a late breakfast / early lunch and then boarding was called. I don't know if it is because it is the A380 or some other reason, but the boarding started nearly an hour before! Little shopping en route - needed headphones for the entertainment system which they had told us would be in use. Almost straight on, through business and into the Upper Deck economy section.
On board the upper deck is very bright and feels spacious - the window seats have the little luggage bins between them and the window. Lots of seat pitch and the windows are larger on the cabin side than the outside - sort of like a funnel which "brings" in more light. Departure was delayed depsite everyone being on board.
Take-off seemed to be very slow and bumpy, as was the descent (overall the flight was quite bumpy). Shortly after take-off, entertainment was on. The interesting thing is that during the taxi and take-off they show a view from the tail fin looking over the plane - great view. Lots of people were obviously on board for the A380 flight as plenty of photos being taken. Everyone was also given a certificate to show they had flown on the A380. Entertainment seemed pretty good - too short a flight to really try it all out, but it has a touch screen that is very responsive.
Even though it was a short flight, the crew managed to do a drink / snack round (biscuits or some oil/garlic savory snacks. Had some wine (yes free alcohol) and the savory snacks - very tasty. All too soon, it was time to land.
The landing was pretty awful - would almost describe it as "hitting the runway" rather than landing and then a very rapid stop. Longish taxi round to the Terminal 2E building. Disembarkation was actually fairly good - lots of people taking photos from the terminal. The only problem with CDG Terminal 2 is that everything is so far to get to!
Overall was good to have tried it, but the flight was too short to really get the true A380 experience. However, based on our flight not sure that it is that good an inflight experience - maybe just an unlucky flight!
