Mums review the new Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Portacots are a must-have item when taking the baby out during naptime, overnight or on a holiday. Now we hear you parents – you want to avoid buying another bulky baby item that gathers dust in your storage room! But that won’t be the case with the Aeromoov – it’s so light and slick-looking that you will want to use it at every opportunity. 

Boasting a 2-second set up/pack down time, the Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot requires nearly zero effort to assemble. Carrying or transporting it would be the least of your worries as it weighs under 5kgs! It’s perfect for a sleepover at granny and grandad’s or a visit to friends.

Most travel cot mattresses are thin and uncomfortable but that’s not the case with the Aeromoov. The Aeromoov mattress is made of solid PU foam that is 3cm thick and can be adjusted at a low or medium level. The latter is for babies up to 2 months and helps parents from bending over too much to get bub in and out of the cot. When they’re able to sit upright or weigh more than 6 kg, it is time to move to the lower level. The Aeromoov also complies with the strictest baby safety standards. 

Even when you’re not travelling, the Aeromoov portacot can be set up in any area of your house – balcony, kitchen, home office or used as a playpen! Its transparent sides make it easy to keep an eye on your baby. 

This travel cot is also great to take to an outdoor picnic or the beach. Thoughtful accessories like the mosquito net and UV50+ sunshade will ensure bub is safe and comfortable outdoors. Usually these accessories are sold separately but Aeromoov is running a special promotion in September! Every Aeromoov travel cot purchased until 30th September 2022 will come with a fitted sheet, mosquito net and sunshade, valued at $120!  

We asked two mums from the Tell Me Baby community to trial and review the Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot. Watch the video below or read on to find out what they thought.

What our reviewers thought of the Aeromoov portacot:

Chelsey R., mum to an 11 month old says: I’d 100% recommend this to other parents. Especially for travelling and being outdoors. I give it 5/5 stars!

Annabel M., mum to a 2 month old says: I am super impressed with the AeroMoov Instant Travel Cot. It is really lightweight and a breeze to set up and pack down – it’s the perfect travel companion! I give it a big 5 stars and have recommended it to my friends and family with young children.

Set up and Pack down 

Chelsey says: My first impressions of the Aeromoov was that it was super light! And slick looking. I was expecting it to be a bit more bulky or just a bit heavier. It popped up faster than I expected!  

Set up and pack down was super simple, straight forward and way less time consuming than other travel cots I’ve used in the past. 

Annabel says: The set up instructions were the easiest I have ever seen! With one hand movement, the travel cot opens up in 2 seconds and the pack down is just as quick. With previous travel cots, I just couldn’t work them out or there were too many steps and parts and they were heavy and bulky which made me frustrated and so I rarely used them. The set up and pack down of the AeroMoov is what sets this travel cot apart from others. 

light, compact and slick travel cot

Comfort and Safety

Chelsey says: Both my baby and toddler LOVED it. The mattress that is included is very comfortable. The padding seems super comfortable for them.

The product is very light but seems to be durable! The quality is amazing! As is the mattress. I definitely felt my son was safe being in the Aeromoov instant travel cot.

Annabel says: I was really impressed with the mattress. I was expecting something thin and uncomfortable, however the AeroMoov mattress is made of a thick but sturdy PU foam and bub looked very comfortable while she was resting and napping in it. My only qualm is that the mattress size is quite unique and I believe the only fitted sheet which will fit is the one from the brand.

My baby is 2 months old and under 6kgs so we were able to test out the medium level. There is some material in the middle of the cot which needs to be zipped all the way around to make the bassinet level. The mattress at the intermediate level is quite safe as it has straps which need to be threaded through the provided plastic buckles and this ensures a snug fit and that bub is secure at all times. 

It is great not having to bend over all the way to put her down and pick her up for the time being. Once she outgrows this level, it is super easy to re-attach the other part of the mattress and switch to base level and continue to use it until she is older. Although my daughter is only young at the moment, I can see this being an excellent playpen for the home and when travelling. 

aeromoov features a 3cm thick mattress

Usability and versatility

Chelsey says: We LOVE taking our kids to a little spot by a creek every now and then, but with a baby it’s been quite difficult for us as you can’t access the spot with a pram at all. And it’s not really comfortable to just put a picnic mat down for a baby who can crawl off. Due to that we haven’t taken our baby down to this spot at all. Once we got the Aeromoov, he was able to be a part of the experience with the rest of our kids. He didn’t have to be locked in a pram from a distance or didn’t have to be held. He was happy and comfortable taking in the view sitting in the Aeromoov. 

Annabel says: It’s very versatile and easy to travel with. Currently, it’s in my living room and bub has some of her day naps in it. I even tested it out at my brother-in-law’s place and the whole set up and pack down process was so quick and not stressful at all and my bub had a very restful nap in it. 

aeromoov is great for outdoor picnics or the beach

If you’ve used the Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot, leave a review here .

Featured recommendations

Related content.

  • Product reviews
  • Top products

Earn gift cards for your opinions

Review baby products to earn Coles, Kmart and Target gift cards. It's so easy!

Forgot password

AeroMoov: The take (everywhere) instant travel cot

A good travel cot can be a life changer when you have a bub. It’s one of those must-haves that means your tot always has their own safe space to sleep or chill out – anytime, anywhere. And that opens up a world of possibilities.

And with the AeroMoov instant travel cot, it couldn’t be easier. Featherlight and a breeze to set up, it ticks all the right boxes for the modern parent on the move. Whether it’s overnight with the grandparents or a park play on the weekend, you’ll find you won’t go anywhere without it.

Compact and light, but sturdy

Unlike travel cots of years gone by that practically needed furniture removalists to get them from A to B, the AeroMoov travel cot is actually made for easy transportation. The compact and slimline design stores easily under beds or in wardrobes, then tucks easily into a boot or backseat for travel.

When you get to your final destination, the comfy shoulder strap means you can carry it about as easily as an overnight bag. And at under 5kg, they’re so light that even a big brother or sister could help. But the light weight doesn’t sacrifice strength. They’re built tough to withstand the wriggles of your little one and comply with the strictest baby safety standards.

Quick and comfy set up anywhere you want

The magic really happens when it’s time to set up the cot. It’s easy pop-up design means you’re good to go in seconds. Simply remove it from the bag, undo the velcro strap and boom, it’s up. Pop in the included mattress for comfort and your angel’s little snooze haven is ready.

It’s so easy you can take it anywhere – the beach, picnics, play dates, or even just at home when you need a safe space for bub to play while you’re busy. And the pack up is just as quick – a godsend when bub let’s you know it’s time to GO.

Flexible design for complete versatility

The easy-up style doesn’t limit when and where you can use the AeroMoov travel cot. It comes with a zip-in raised level for newborns, making it easy on your back. The clever design also means it’s great in a range of conditions. It has a watertight base as well as two solid sides for wind and light protection. And you can pair it with a range of smart accessories, including a sunshade and a mosquito net.

The AeroMoov comes in 2 stylish colours – Sand and Rock – making it a stylish addition to any space. And you can grab an easy-wash fitted sheet to keep the mattress clean on your adventures.

The AeroMoov Instant Travel Cot ($399) is available online .

Mum’s Grapevine team member Amelia and baby Cooper have been lucky enough to receive an AeroMoov Travel Cot and they’ve been taking it around town with them for the past few weeks.

And this is what they thought …

“Baby Cooper and I have loved our AeroMoov. I’ve loved being able to mix up my routine by putting him to sleep so quickly and easily wherever we are. “Three seconds to pop the cot has meant I’ve taken it to friends’ places for lunch and been able to relax knowing he will nap in a familiar space. “Cooper has loved playing in the AeroMoov when I’m out. It allows him to move, stretch and play rather than being stuck sitting in the pram. Cooper has decided that hats are the greatest toy ever. So the sunshade came in very handy! “The mosquito net gave me extra peace of mind when he was outside snoozing beside me while I was working in the garden. “Going on holidays with four kids means packing the car is like a game of Tetris. The packed AeroMoov is so slim that it easily slotted in. While on holidays my brother-in-law saw me wrangling four kids into our cabin, pop the AeroMoov and have a safe space for Cooper while I unpacked the car. He has already been asking to borrow it on their next trip!”  

Related Posts

Mums review snazzi pants night training pants by brolly sheets, mums review bheue beauty skin & body care, mums review mumma owl breast pump, something snug review: your baby’s cosy haven.

Join CHOICE

Portable cots

Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot review

5.4kg weight. priced at $399..

Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot carousel image

CHOICE Expert Rating

Unlock rating

This is the product's overall performance score, based on key tests conducted by our industry experts in the CHOICE labs.

Good points

Unlock our expert review and more.

  • Reviews and ratings you can trust
  • Easy side-by-side comparison
  • Recommended products at a glance

Test Results Test Results

Specs specifications, features features.

We only recommend models which score 70% or over, meaning that they pass all our safety tests, but may have some very minor failures (such as with information labels).

This score is made up of a combination of performance (70%) and ease of use (30%). Our observations are based on the latest voluntary Australian standard AS/NZS 2195:2010. Recommended portacots pass all safety requirements such as suffocation risks. Lower-scoring models (in the 60–69% range) are worth considering if they meet all key safety requirements. They may fail some minor points such as finger entrapment hazards.

Based on tests to the latest Australian standard for portable cots, AS/NZS 2195:2010, which goes above mandatory requirements. Supplied accessories such as bassinets and change tables are also assessed and factored into the score. The lower the score, the more significant the safety failures we found. Check the 'Bad points' for each portacot in our comparison table for details of any failures and manufacturer responses.

We assess how easy the portable cots are to set up, pack away and store.

Whether the portacot passed the most important safety tests of the voluntary Australian Standard, AS/NZS 2195:2010, which goes above mandatory requirements. Tests include having breathable mesh on all sides, and no suffocation or strangulation hazards. Some models that pass key tests still have some minor failures and therefore aren't fully recommended, but are still worth considering.

Recommended or typical retail price.

Total weight in kilograms including any supplied accessories.

The cot's dimensions when set up.

The cot's dimensions when folded up and in its carry bag (if applicable).

A pocket on the cot end for storing small items.

Wheels or castors make the cot easier to move, though some are light enough to move short distances without them.

Most models with wheels have lockable brakes on them. If not, they might instead have two non-wheeled legs which help stop the cot sliding about.

A mesh cover to keep insects away from your baby.

The base can be set to a higher position, suitable for a sleeping infant up to about six months of age.

An accessory that attaches to the top of the cot frame, creating a small surface for nappy changing.

Toy accessories can include mobiles that attach to the top of the cot, or other similar entertainment for your baby.

Babyhood Bambino Dormire 2 in 1 Portacot

Target holiday portacot brt023a, joie commuter change v2 travel cot p1028jalgr600, average rating, best portable cots in australia | choice reviews.

Get full access to all our tests and reviews

  • Shop all AeroMoov

AeroMoov Instant Travel Playard

AeroMoov Instant Travel Playard - image 1 of 4

Out of Stock

About this item

  • -Instant open design for set up and dismantling in just 2 seconds.
  • -Weighs under 11LBS.
  • -Space saving, near flat fold.
  • -Mesh sides to optimize air flow.
  • -INCLUDED: intermediate zip level for babies up to 2 months.
  • -INCLUDED: one adjustable mattress to accommodate both levels.
  • -INCLUDED: Carry bag
  • -Use it everywhere. Both inside and outdoor use.
  • - SOLD SEPARATE: Sheet, Sunshade, and Mosquito Net.

Description

Shipping details, return details, more to consider, similar items, best baby purchase, amazing cot, easy set up, great addition, areomoov instant travel cot, great travel bed, looks great and functions perfectly, my new favorite, aero moov instant travel cot.

Guest review image 1 of 6, zoom in

So cute and convenient

This is amazingly simple, super simple, best play pen ever, easiest set up ever.

Guest review image 1 of 2, zoom in

Great play yard

Get top deals, latest trends, and more..

Redirecting...

Click here if you are not automically redirected.

  • Login | Register
  • Your Details
  • Your Orders
  • Your Addresses
  • Your Registries
  • Return An Item
  • Out & About
  • Bath & Health
  • Home Safety
  • By Activity

All Prams & Strollers

  • Single Prams
  • Double Prams
  • Travel Prams
  • Pram + Capsule Bundles
  • Running & Jogging Prams
  • 3 Wheel Prams
  • Compact Strollers
  • Lightweight Strollers

Stroller Accessories

All Nursery

Nursery Cot Packages

  • Cot Accessories
  • Bassinets & Cradles

Co Sleepers

  • Moses Baskets
  • Baby Dressers
  • Change Mats
  • Nursing Chairs
  • Cot Mattresses
  • Baby Bedding
  • Baby Blankets
  • Baby Pillows
  • Cot Canopies
  • Nursery Decor

Baby Nightlights

  • Baby Monitors
  • Travel Systems
  • Travel Cots

Baby Travel Bags

  • Travel Accessories
  • Pram Travel Bags
  • Baby Plane Travel
  • Baby Carriers

Travel Bundles

All Out & About

  • Baby Carrier Accessories

Baby Wraps & Slings

  • Toddler Backpacks
  • Toddler Harnesses
  • Baby Bike Seats

Baby Car Seat Accessories

Shop By Activities With Baby

All Car Seats

Baby Capsules

Newborn Car Seats

Toddler Car Seats

Booster Seats

  • High Chairs
  • Portable High Chairs

High Chair Accessories

  • Breast Pumps

Baby Bottles

Baby Bottle Warmers

Insulated Baby Bottle Bags

Baby Sterilisers

  • Baby Steamers

Food Storage Containers

Baby Dummies & Pacifiers

Baby Plates

Drink Bottles

Baby Placemats

Baby Utensils

Baby Bottle Cleaning

Baby Milk Preparation

All Bath & Health

  • Baby Bath Stands

Baby Bath Accessories

  • Baby Bath Mats

Baby Towels

  • Baby Scales
  • Baby Thermometers

Baby Change Mats

Baby Potties

  • Step Stools
  • Baby Health Essentials
  • Toddler Essentials

Humidifers & Diffusers

All Playtime

Baby Activity Gyms

Baby Bouncers & Rockers

Baby Playmats

Baby Playpens

Baby Walkers

Kids Scooters

  • Kids Crafts
  • Kids Puzzles

Baby Comforters

  • Stroller Toys

All Home Safety

Baby Proofing

All For Mum

  • Pregnancy Pillows

Breastfeeding Pillows

  • Pregnancy Essentials
  • Nappy Wallets
  • Baby Backpacks
  • Breast Care
  • Maternity Wear

Skincare For Mum

  • Parenting Books

Baby Hospital Bag

All Babywear

Baby Sleeping Bags

  • Baby Clothes

Baby Onesies

Baby Swimwear

Baby Sunglasses

Baby Gift Sets

Baby Record Books

Eco Friendly Baby Products

Shop By Baby Age

Shop Seasonal Baby Gifts

  • Walking With Baby

Running with Baby

  • Biking With Baby
  • Hiking With Baby
  • VILLAGE REWARDS

diary-icon

  • Top 25 Gifts
  • Gifts Under $25
  • Gifts Under $50
  • Gifts Under $100
  • Baby Shower
  • Summer Inspiration
  • Winter Inspiration
  • Mother’s Day

Create your own registry and share it with your closest friends and family.

Kepp track of items that catch your eye by saving them.

Find a loved one’s registry and purchase their registered items!

  • Best Selling Prams

Pram Accessories

  • Pram Bassinets
  • Pram Footmuffs
  • Toddler Board For Prams
  • Second Seats
  • Pram Cup Holders
  • Pram Liners
  • Pram Organisers
  • Pram Blankets
  • Pram Rain Covers
  • Pram Sun Covers
  • Bug Canopies
  • Pram Adaptors
  • Pram Clips & Hooks

POPULAR BRANDS

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Video reviews

  • Capsules From Birth
  • Car Seats From Birth
  • Car Seats From 6 Months
  • Booster Seats 4 Years+
  • Car Safety Accessories

CAR SEAT ACCESSORIES

  • Baby Car Mirrors
  • Baby Car Shades
  • Baby Car Protectors
  • Baby Seat Harnesses
  • Capsule Bases Only

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

BRITAX CAR SEATS

  • Co-Sleepers
  • Change Tables
  • Nursery Packages

LINEN & DECOR

  • Baby Mobiles
  • Baby Night Lights

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

NURSERY CLEARANCE

  • Swaddles & Wraps
  • Sleep Bags & Suits
  • Hats & Mittens
  • Shoes & Socks
  • Sunglasses & Earmuffs

BABY CLOTHES

  • Baby Dresses
  • Baby Jackets & Vests
  • Baby Knitwear
  • Baby Pants & Shorts
  • Baby T-Shirts & Tops

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

GIFTS UNDER $50

BABY FEEDING

  • Breast Pump Accessories
  • Soothers & Dummies
  • Bottles & Teats
  • Sterilisers
  • Cleaning & Accessories
  • Insulated Bags

TODDLER FEEDING

  • Plates & Bowls
  • Storage Containers

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

STOKKE FEEDING

OUT & ABOUT

  • Wraps & Slings
  • Backpacks & Harnesses

ACTIVITIES WITH BABY

  • Running With Baby

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

TRAVEL COTS

BABY BATH TIME

  • Bath Supports
  • Bath Accessories
  • Towels & Washers
  • Nappy Bins & Liners
  • Pottys & Toilet Training

BABY HEALTH

  • Humidifiers & Diffusers

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

BATHS FOR BABY

BABY MONITORS

  • Video Baby Monitors
  • Audio Baby Monitors
  • Baby Movement Monitors
  • Baby Breathing Monitors
  • WiFi Baby Monitors
  • Digital Baby Monitors

BABY PROOFING

  • Baby Safety Gates
  • Baby Appliance Safety
  • Baby Bed Rails
  • Baby Furniture Safety
  • Baby Window & Door Safety
  • Child Safety Locks
  • Corner Protection
  • Outlet Plug Covers

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

baby playtime

  • Activity Gyms
  • Bouncers & Rockers
  • Activity Centres & Walkers

KIDS PLAYTIME

  • Scooters & Trikes
  • Electronic Toys
  • Musical Toys
  • Wooden Toys
  • Travel Toys
  • Teething Toys
  • Baby Rattles

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

GIFTS UNDER $25

  • Breastfeeding Pillow
  • 2nd Trimester
  • 3rd Trimester
  • Preparing For Hospital
  • Newborn Essentials
  • Postpartum Care

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

mum essentials

Travel Gear

  • Travel Bags

out & about

Activities With Baby

AeroMoov

AeroMoov Instant Travel Cot

$319.00 $399.00 none $319.00 $399.00 You save: 20% ( $80.00 )

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Register to receive a notification when this item becomes available.

calculator

  • Description
  • Specifications
  • Delivery & Returns

You can set up and pack up the AeroMoov instant travel cot in seconds! This lightweight, compact travel cot is easy to take with you wherever you go and meets the strictest safety standards. Light The AeroMoov Instant travel cot weighs less than 5 kg! No more lugging around a heavy travel cot, even the big brother or sister can easily carry the travel cot. Compact The Instant travel cot carrying bag is elegant and sleek. It allows you to store the travel cot in the smallest space. Next to the wardrobe, under the stairs or wherever you have some space! Versatile Staying over at grandma or grandad, visiting friends, on the beach or simply at home in the garden: you can take the travel cot everywhere you go for those necessary naps. And you don't have to lose sight of your child thanks to the see-through sides. 2 levels for babies and toddlers An intermediate level has been provided for babies up to 2 months so you don't have to stretch too far to pick up your baby. When children can sit up straight the time has come to make the switch to the lowest level! In this way your child always sleeps and plays in the safest way possible. The mattress is easy to adjust. There are also 2 foot rests to save mummy and daddy's backs. Features:

  • Setting up and dismantling in just 2 seconds
  • Lightweight, weighs under 5kg
  • Intermediate level for babies up to 2 months
  • Use it everywhere
  • High quality mattress

Dimensions: 

  • Folded Measurements (lwh): 71 x 12 x 72 cm.
  • Unfolded Measurements (lwh): 130 x 92 x 63 cm.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Item Availability

If your item is in stock, this will leave our warehouse in 1-2 days.

Out of stock products can take up to 10 working days to come back into stock - you will be notified either by email or phone if any items are out of stock.

Typically the items will take 1 day to leave our warehouse if your item is in stock.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Expected Shipping Date

We do our best to provide an "expected shipping date" but this is an estimate based on inventory levels that can be affected by external conditions like public holidays, supplier delays and courier delays.

Orders are dispatched from our Sydney warehouse via Australia Post eParcel (and in some cases TNT Australia), and Direct Freight Express.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Australia Wide Shipping

Shipping costs are estimated based on item weight, size & postcode. Free Shipping* is offered on select products to a range of metro postcodes across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide. 

We don't deliver to: Christmas Island, Norfolk Island, areas in postcodes 0880 and 0881 (Northern Territory) and areas in postcode 4875 (Queensland).

For more information read our Delivery & Shipping Page.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Refunds & Exchanges

Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund only for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Faulty Items

You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and failure does not amount to a major failure. If the failure is minor, we reserve our right to offer to repair only.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Click & Collect

We offer Click & Collect from all our locations. Pick up instructions and opening hours may vary for each location, please check here.

For more information read our Returns & Exchanges Page.

FREE SHIPPING | Australian orders over $150

FAST dispatch Melbourne warehouse

Item added to your cart

Pop. play. sleep..

Set up and pack down in seconds!  Light and compact the instant travel cot is simply a must have for every family. Perfect at home and on the go. Enjoy the very best in European quality and style with AeroMoov.

Travel cot + accessory options

Travel cot - bundle, sand, sunshade uv50+, mosquito net, fitted sheet.

2 second set up / pack down

The AeroMoov travel cot can be set up and folded back up in seconds! 

It is super light and compact under 5kg

Your child can play happily and sleep safely wherever you go!

Pop. Play. Sleep.

Clever accessories

Pair the instant travel cot with these clever and unique accessories:

> Sunshade

> Mosquito Net

> Fitted Sheet

Bundle & Save

Recieve $120 Value of accessories with our bundles!

+ Free Shipping, Australian orders.

Tell me about

Set up / pack down.

The AeroMoov Instant Travel Cot can be set up and folded away in seconds! It is unbelievable how easy it is. Actually the cot does it by itself, so anyone can manage it. It is hugely different from heavy travel cots.

No physical strain, no stress!

The AeroMoov Instant Travel Cot weighs less than kg . Lugging a heavy, awkward cot around is now a thing of the past. This travel cot is light, practical and easily packed away in a convenient carrying bag. Even a big brother or sister can easily carry it.

The AeroMoov Instant Travel Cot folds away very compactly for easy storage in an elegant, slimline carrying bag. You can store the travel cot in the narrowest of places: next to a wardrobe, under the stairs or in whatever spot you can find.

Of course a compact, lightweight cot is also perfect to take with you in the car or go travelling.

Versatility

At home you can use it in the garden, on the balcony, in the living room, kitchen, bedroom or office. You can create the perfect play or sleeping environment in no time at all. And what about a sleepover at granny and granddad's or a visit to friends? The travel cot is easy to take with you. It gives your little one the chance to have a lovely nap wherever you go.

It is great on holiday and for the beach: thanks to the transparent sides, you can keep your eye on your child constantly as it plays and sleeps.

As the AeroMoov Instant Travel Cot is perfect for indoor and outdoor use, a sunshade and mosquito net are available separately.

The in-built newborn layer

The AeroMoov Instant Travel Cot has 2 levels: a low level and a medium level. The extra medium level is specifically for babies up to 2 months. It stops you from having to bend over too much to get your baby out of the cot. When your child can sit upright or weighs more than 6 kg, it is time to move to the lower level.

The mattress level is easy to adjust. Your child will always sleep and play as safely as possible. The complete mattress is 110x60cm. The lower level can therefore be used safely until your child is able to climb out of the bed on its own.

  • Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Recommended Posts

Cool Cruiser

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

5,000+ Club

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

RachelG

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

  • 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

greygypsy

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

  • Welcome to Cruise Critic
  • New Cruisers
  • Cruise Lines “A – O”
  • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
  • River Cruising
  • Cruise Critic News & Features
  • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
  • Special Interest Cruising
  • Cruise Discussion Topics
  • UK Cruising
  • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
  • Canadian Cruisers
  • North American Homeports
  • Ports of Call
  • Cruise Conversations

Announcements

  • New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

WAR_icy_SUPERstar777.jpg

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS

LauraS · Started 3 hours ago

LauraS · Started Friday at 03:25 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 04:36 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 03:57 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 01:42 PM

IMG_5087.jpeg

  • Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
  • Find Your Roll Call
  • Meet & Mingle
  • Community Help Center
  • All Activity
  • Member Photo Albums
  • Meet & Mingle Photos
  • Favorite Cruise Memories
  • Cruise Food Photos
  • Cruise Ship Photos
  • Ports of Call Photos
  • Towel Animal Photos
  • Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
  • Write a Review
  • Live Cruise Reports
  • Member Cruise Reviews
  • Create New...

Flying Poet: Aeroflot in Premium Economy on the 777 from Moscow to New York

Alberto Riva

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

[tpg_rating tpg-rating-score="73" ground-experience="6" cabin-seat="19" amens-ife="11" food-bev="18" service="19" pros="Good quality/price ratio, excellent inflight-entertainment content." cons="Chaotic boarding; shell seats, which may not be to everyone's liking." /]

Aeroflot offers consistently low prices for economy and premium-economy flights between Europe and the US and vice versa. The Russian flag carrier is also a popular choice for flyers loyal to Delta, since, as part of the SkyTeam alliance, its flights are eligible to collect Delta SkyMiles and count for mileage accrual and spend toward Delta elite status. Since passengers in transit do not leave the sterile area of Aeroflot's home base at Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport, a Russian visa is not needed to connect on the carrier.

Aeroflot has three classes of service on its Boeing 777-300ER flagship, which currently serves two of three daily flights to New York-JFK: business, premium economy — which it calls Comfort Class — and economy . (Aeroflot's Airbus A330s, also used on long-hauls, do not have premium economy. A350s, to be introduced on US routes in 2020, will.)

Last year, our JT Genter declared himself " nyet impressed" with Aeroflot's premium economy service from JFK to Moscow. An attractive cash fare from Milan to New York via Moscow in early June gave us the opportunity to try Aeroflot's midrange offering again. Would it be any better when departing from the airline's home base?

We put the $676.33 one-way fare on the Platinum Card® from American Express, which earns 5x points on airfare booked directly with the airline or American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year). The 3,380 Membership Rewards points we earned on this booking were worth about $67, at TPG's valuations .

The two flights from Milan Malpensa (MXP) to Moscow Sheremetyevo (SVO) and on to New York earned a total of 5,377 redeemable Delta SkyMiles, worth $64, and the same amount of elite-qualifying miles, indicated as MQMs in the table below. To qualify for Delta elite status , you need spend, too, and these flights yielded a respectable $1,075, more money than we had actually spent for the ticket. That's because flights booked on Aeroflot, as a partner airline , earn Delta qualifying dollars as a percentage of distance flown.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

With cash rates this low on Aeroflot, using points and miles to fly the carrier is not very attractive. In any case, we've got a primer on the best ways to redeem them on Aeroflot, and another on how to search for award seats on SkyTeam airlines.

[flight_stats ticket-class="econ" review-stat-section="Ground Experience" tpg-rating="6" tpg-rating-max="10" tail="VQ-BQF" age="5" late="26" avg="0" avg-2="42" departure="09" departure-2="42" duration="8" duration-2="24" live-tv="0" tailcam="0" headphones="0" comp-alcohol="0" extra-pillows="0" turndown-service="0" /]

My boarding pass for the SVO-JFK flight was issued at check-in in Milan. With a midnight departure to Moscow, the airport was a desert, and the flight to SVO was half empty too.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

The bad news was that I got "SSSS" on my boarding pass. That's the sinister-sounding acronym for Secondary Security Screening Selection, which usually is as much fun as a root canal . Flying one-way to the US on a cash fare may have raised security concerns. People with "SSSS" get extra screening, which can be quite cumbersome. Bafflingly, that's not at all what happened in this case.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

The personnel staffing the screening lanes in Milan all but ignored my "SSSS," and so did those in Moscow, where I went through a single security check. All that happened was a look at my passport, the usual routine of putting bags through the scanner with laptop out then walking through a metal detector, and that was that. At the gate for the New York flight, that big fat "SSSS" on my boarding pass elicited the same indifference. I waltzed aboard without having been asked a single question throughout the process, let alone extra ones. And upon arrival at JFK, I breezed through Global Entry.

Related: 10 Key Things to Know About Getting Global Entry

My time at Sheremetyevo, about three hours, began with arrival from Milan at a remote stand, requiring a bus transfer just after dawn. Dress warm if you're doing this in winter! If you're an aviation enthusiast, you'll enjoy the proximity to airplanes on the tarmac, like this 747 in the colors of Aeroflot subsidiary Rossiya.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Passengers on Aeroflot Comfort Class do not have access to airport lounges. But thanks to SkyTeam ElitePlus status, which I had as a Delta Platinum Medallion flyer, I could use all Aeroflot lounges regardless of class flown. At Terminal D, where Aeroflot's US flights depart, there are two, the St. Petersburg and the Moscow. I chose the Moscow because of proximity to the departure gate. I could have entered the Aeroflot lounges as a cardholder with Priority Pass, as well.

Without lounge access, I could have chosen among a wide variety of restaurants and cafés at Terminal D, Russian and not.

Related: The Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access in 2019

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

You may have to go to the second floor of the lounge to find a seat. On the morning of my visit, the first floor was thronged, with no available seats and people sleeping on most couches. One floor up, the vibe was far more relaxed, the buffet well-stocked if not top quality, and the attendants removing plates and glasses solicitous.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

The main space and bathroom were spotless. One could book showers, as well. There was also an enclosed smoking area, an important detail in a country where 30% of adults smoke, according to the World Health Organization -- about double the US rate .

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

With enough room to stretch and plentiful outlets to charge appliances, the Moscow lounge did the job well enough and provided a good way to immerse oneself in Russia for a couple of hours without needing a visa.

Boarding was definitely not as enjoyable. Access to our gate was blocked by the queue for a flight to Minsk, Belarus, departing just before ours.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

The scene was a free-for-all. A huge column in the middle of the waiting area contributed to the chaos by reducing space. Boarding began one hour before the 9:20am departure time, with everybody through the same line regardless of priority and elbowing their way to our 777. It's true that queueing in Russia is an art , and I did not expect an orderly experience, but Aeroflot might want to rethink boarding lanes at Sheremetyevo's Gate B22.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

[flight_stats ticket-class="econ" review-stat-section="Cabin and Seat" tpg-rating="19" tpg-rating-max="25" configuration="2" configuration-2="4" configuration-3="2" width="20" pitch="38" lavs="1" live-tv="0" tailcam="0" headphones="0" comp-alcohol="0" extra-pillows="0" turndown-service="0" /]

The stressful boarding was promptly forgotten when I was welcomed aboard by flight attendants in beautiful red uniforms and actual white gloves. Walking through business class toward Comfort Class, I noticed the now-dated 2-2-2 seat layout. With the arrival of the Airbus A350, Aeroflot will finally have a 1-2-1 biz class with all seats offering aisle access.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Even though this was my first time in Aeroflot Comfort Class, the cabin was a familiar sight, with the exact same shell seats and 2-4-2 layout as in premium economy on Air France , China Southern and others.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

All in a single cabin, the 48 seats were enclosed in their own nonreclining shell. Recline is indeed possible, but only with the actual seat sliding down within the shell. It's great for one's neighbors, but may not be to everyone's liking.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

On the airline website, I had chosen Seat 15A, just in front of the lefthand engine. Every seat in Comfort Class offered 38 inches of legroom and 20 of width, much better than 32 (less for some seats) and 18 in economy.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Every seat had a big, warm blanket and a beautifully embroidered pillow, larger and more supportive than standard economy-class pillows.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Seat 15A was distinguished by the luxury of two windows, something usually found in business class.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

The seat featured adjustable legrests and footrests. This was a good seat for people of average height. At 6 feet, 2 inches, I wasn't able to sprawl, but in the over nine and a half hours I spent in it, I truly appreciated the extra room over coach.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Water bottles to go in the holders were distributed after takeoff. The seat offered several open-storage areas, as well as the usual mesh pocket in front, plus an adjustable individual light on a flexible arm.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

One armrest had the two buttons for mechanical adjustment of the seat and legrest, while the other housed the remote for the inflight entertainment (which could also be controlled via touchscreen) and another open-storage cubby.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Two international power outlets -- no adapter required -- were between each pair of seats.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

The bathroom was kept clean throughout the flight, and offered dental kits with brush and toothpaste, plus a bottle of moisturizer, in a tray.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

At 9:20am, with boarding complete and before the safety video played, we got the customary welcome-aboard announcement from the cabin crew. But this one was unique. Among the usual stuff, there was a gem: "Our airplane is named Aleksandr Blok," said the flight attendant. Blok was a Russian poet ; Aeroflot's planes all bear the name of a prominent figure in Russian history.

Cosmonauts, writers, explorers, directors, even soccer players: at Sheremetyevo, looking at the names written on the plane's noses — Cyrillic on the left, Latin script on the right — was a crash course in Russian culture.

Several airlines name their airplanes , but I had never heard a crew member announce who or what a plane was named for. At Aeroflot, it seems to be company policy: On the previous flight from Milan, we had been given the same announcement (for the record, it was Isaak Dunayevsky, a Soviet-era composer.) Sheremetyevo Airport itself had just been renamed in honor of Aleksandr Pushkin, the greatest Russian poet.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

[flight_stats ticket-class="econ" review-stat-section="Amenities and IFE" tpg-rating="11" tpg-rating-max="15" screen="10.6" movies="223" tv-shows="19" live-tv="No" tailcam="Yes" wifi="0.01" wifi-2="18.1" headphones="Yes" comp-alcohol="0" extra-pillows="0" turndown-service="0" /]

Aeroflot has amenity kits in economy class, a rarity. The kits distributed in Comfort Class were the same as those in coach class, with eye mask, earplugs, moisturizer and slippers. The airline's current kits are branded with the name of a city on Aeroflot's network and its skyline. This flight got Sochi, Russia. The kits didn't include toothbrush and toothpaste, but those were found in bathrooms.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Headphones were distributed before takeoff. Bring a two-prong adapter if you want to use your own headset. The inflight entertainment's remote was a breeze to use.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

The IFE featured a feed from a downward-facing camera, which could be interesting to look at during takeoff -- in the photo below, over the forests northwest of Moscow -- and landing.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

The latest-generation IFE provided an especially good map function. If the 1,003-kph ground speed in the image below, equivalent to 623 mph, seems very high, it's because it was: On this flight, we had almost none of the headwinds that add a lot of time to journeys from Europe to the US.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

The video section was where this IFE system really shone. I counted 223 movies, but many were duplicated across more than one category. More than for sheer quantity, they were notable for breadth of subject, from American classics like "The Deer Hunter" to new, smart European movies like "The Realm." A documentary section with 47 titles featured a vast array of subjects: history, science, nature and even a two-hour "video course on space biology and other space professions" with English subtitles and stern-faced Russian professors delivering actual lectures. I was mesmerized. (And occasionally amused by the translations.)

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

The 19 TV shows included "High Flyers," a total softball job about the Russian air force produced by government-owned media outlet RT, but any aviation geek worth their salt will devour that stuff, like I did. Yet, Russian militaristic propaganda coexisted right next to an American punk rock documentary, "Gimme Danger," starring Iggy Pop, and a gallery of paintings.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

It may not have been the hundreds of movies available on Emirates, but this was inflight entertainment done right, and it made a crossing of the Atlantic Ocean go fast. I even learned things.

Wi-Fi was the negative point here. I managed to to get a really slow connection after multiple tries, and could barely text. It wasn't cheap either, with four tiers starting at $5 for 10 MB or 15 minutes, whichever was reached first. Fifteen dollars got 30 MB or an hour, $40 got 100 MB or three hours, and $50 would allow 150 MB without time limits.

None of those levels would have been a good bargain at the barely noticeable speed I logged.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Kudos to Aeroflot for the inflight magazine, too, featuring beautiful graphics and engaging text. Even the slightly bizarre, lost-in-translation wording of some sentences felt pleasant: "Infinitely chill on the beach with a jug of local beer"? Yes, please!

[flight_stats ticket-class="econ" review-stat-section="Food and Beverage" tpg-rating="18" tpg-rating-max="25" live-tv="0" tailcam="0" headphones="0" comp-meal="2" meals-purchase="No" comp-alcohol="Yes" extra-pillows="0" turndown-service="0" /]

Before pushing back from the gate, flight attendants -- without the white gloves, which came off during service -- walked down the Comfort Class aisles with trays of water and orange juice. After takeoff, another welcome drink followed. Note that Aeroflot is a Pepsi airline, which is rare these days .

Not all premium economy classes come with a menu, and Aeroflot's promised a culinary experience above the premium economy average, with a wider choice than usual, several typically Russian items and two full meal services. Graphically, the menu was a beauty, too. Mors, a berry drink popular in Russia , was illustrated with a cute drawing.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Meal service began one hour after takeoff, on trays with a beautiful napkin bearing the embroidered Aeroflot logo and actual silverware.

Both meal services offered one meat, one seafood and one vegetarian entree. Items identified with the tray icon were designed by Moscow chef Karel Benmamar of Ryby Net restaurant — "No Fish" in Russian. Weirdly enough, two of those three dishes were fish. Curious about this, I chose the sea bass over the beef in red wine with mushrooms and the teriyaki-roasted eggplant.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

The first meal opened with a stolichny salad — a "symbol of Soviet cuisine" according to recipe site Food52. This version was weird and frankly ugly, with the chicken coming in the form of two thick slices plopped on top of the greens.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

I ignored the thoroughly unappetizing bowl of green salad with tomatoes and croutons and hoped that the sea bass would rescue the meal, which it partially did. I don't think chef Karel would have been too pleased with the bland execution of his dish, though. And I really should have gotten over my aversion to dessert to try the kartoshka cake , another Russian classic.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Coffee, tea and the water bottles that had been missing from the seat holders followed, as well as hot towels — which usually come before the meal!

Around noon Moscow time, flight attendants came round with snack baskets, and about three hours later, with three hours to go, an announcement invited us to put our seats in the upright position for the upcoming second meal. That was unusual -- what if I wanted to eat while reclined?

Hot towels came before the meal this time, and the food was excellent. The farro with vegetables and truffle oil was a hit. It wasn't one of the dishes designed by the chef, but for texture and flavor, it beat hands down any real, rice-based risottos I've had on airplanes.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Aeroflot didn't skimp on the amounts either, and I arrived at JFK very well-fed indeed. So much so that I really couldn't eat the rest of the meal.

[flight_stats ticket-class="econ" review-stat-section="Service" tpg-rating="19" tpg-rating-max="25" live-tv="0" tailcam="0" headphones="0" comp-alcohol="0" extra-pillows="0" turndown-service="0" blurb="A job done competently with no fuss." /]

The all-female flight attendants in Comfort Class were not inattentive, but they would have come across as a bit unsmiling to most American passengers. It's a well-known trope that Russians smile less than Americans. It does not mean they are being rude. The crew members I interacted with did their jobs efficiently and with precision, and I always felt that I was in competent hands.

The more interesting people on board proved to be my fellow passengers, who saluted the landing -- after a smooth, beautiful final approach over the Rockaway Peninsula -- with a round of clapping , despite the entirely uneventful journey. I haven't always heard clapping upon landing in a Russian plane, but it's quite common .

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Overall Impression

Was premium economy on Aeroflot worth it? No doubt: Yes, it was. Compared to the tight 3-4-3 seat layout in coach class on the Boeing 777, Comfort Class with 2-4-2 seating and 6 extra inches of legroom offered a lot more.

In business class, I would have expected a bit more outward politeness during passenger interactions, but in premium economy for under $700, I definitely got my money's worth on this flight. I would choose Aeroflot's Comfort Class again. If you do too, make sure to listen to the announcement of the aircraft's name. What great scientist or famous writer will you get?

All photos by the author.

Flight review: Aeroflot Business Class Boeing 777-300ER

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Flight #: SU106

From: Moscow Sheremetyevo (SVO)

To: Los Angeles International (LAX)

Flight time: 11h 45min

Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER

Aeroflot is, possibly, one of the European airlines that takes its business class more seriously.

We had covered Aeroflot’s business class on narrow body aircraft before , but this time the opportunity came up to try it out on a proper long haul, wide body aircraft and no less than on one of the Russian carrier’s longest (if not THE longest) routes: Moscow to Los Angeles.

Full disclosure, the base tickets were paid for, while the upgrade to business class was courtesy of Aeroflot

There is quite a lot to unpack from the nearly 12h hour flight plus the pre-fight experience, so I have divided this flight report in the following sections:

Pre-flight experience

Seat and cabin

Food & drink

Amenities, IFE & onboard service

The pre-flight experience

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

The flight departed from Sheremetyevo airport Terminal C. This is the newly inaugurated (or, more accurately, re-inaugurated) part of the airport and it tells! (Terminal C is actually a prolongation to the equally newly refurbished Terminal B, that we reviewed in this piece )

You can tell everything is brand new, wide and bright spaces throughout and, perhaps because it was late at night (I came to the airport well before the flight in order to get the PCR test - a requirement to enter the US - and to try out the lounge) it was far from crowded, so there were no queues at all anywhere.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Getting PCR-tested before the flight at Sheremetyevo airport

Another aspect of the experience that was rather positive was the on-site PCR testing service at the airport.

To be clear, this is not done by Aeroflot, but nevertheless it was part of the journey so, it is definitely a plus that you can come to the airport pretty much at any time and get your PCR results within an hour. My understanding is that there are several such services at SVO, I went to the one that was recommended to me, “ Arkhimed ”, which had a booth next to the check-in hall. It cost 2,700 Rubles (About €30) and you get the results within 90 minutes, although in my case they were ready in less than half that time (without having to pay extra for the super-express service that gets them in 30min). It is open almost around the clock (it closes only between 3-5am) in both English and Russian. The whole experience was super smooth.

Visiting the Aeroflot Lounge at Sheremetyevo’s Terminal C

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

With my PCR in hand and after passing through security and border control, it was time to check Aeroflot’s lounge at Terminal C.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Location of the Aeroflot Malevich lounge at Sheremetyevo airport

I had been previously at Aeroflot’s lounge at SVO’s older terminals (which lie on the other side of the runway), but this one was a completely new experience.

Whereas the old terminal lounges are more like an enclosed, window-less hall, this one has a much more open, airy design. One thing that stands out is its circular layout. The lounge sits literally at the far end and takes the whole superior level of one of the terminals protruding piers.

Aeroflot’s lounge is named after the famous painter Malevich and it shows in the decor! (not sure if these are authentic Malevich paintings, but wouldn’t be surprised if they were)

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

It was there during the early hours of the night (my flight was at 6.05am) so the atmosphere was naturally very quiet, with just a handful of people around. I guess it is a bit different at peak times, but for the time being it served me well to relax a bit before the flight while enjoying some readings and a snack.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Note how the circular shape of the lounge and its situation at the top of the pier allows for great views of the runways and apron (great for planespotting). It also helps create different areas within the same lounge, you just need to move a bit further along the corridor to find a quieter spot if you feel like it, you only see about one quarter of the lounge surface at any one time (again, this may be more difficult to do at peak times, but with few people around it certainly worked that way!)

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

It is also interesting that the lounge is open not just towards airside, but also physically connected to the rest of the terminal. Don’t get me wrong, it is, of course, segregated, since it is on the top level, but there are spots where there are no walls separating it from the corridor one level below, so you can feel the pulse of the airport if you feel inclined to do so! Note here also the round elements.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

There are several food and drink stations scattered throughout the lounge. The central one usually with hot food, although due to the early hours at the time (3am) was not available. There plenty of snacks, cold cuts, sweets and drinks of different sorts, though.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Below you can see a bit more of the different spaces of the lounge. Certainly quiet at night time!

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

There are some lounge services that I didn’t get to use, but are there for whomever needs them, such as a pretty well equipped children’s playroom, a concierge service, showers and sleep rooms.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Seat & Cabin

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Let me start my review of the Aeroflot B777 business class cabin by explaining that, at the time of writing these lines, there is not just one business class cabin on Aeroflot’s widebody fleet.

In 2021 the airline started a programme to revamp the passenger experience on its long haul fleet, resulting in a new business class cabin.

At the time of booking the flight it was expected that this particular flight would be operated with an aircraft fitted with the new interior, however, there was a change of aircraft at the very last moment (I got my seat changed literally at the boarding gate), so this review would concern the legacy business class cabin instead.

Quite solid and comfortable, fully reclinable to become a flat bed. The Boeing 777-300ER that I flew had a 2-2-2 configuration. A blanket and a pillow are also provided.

Note: this will change as Aeroflot rolls out its new business class interior across its B777 fleet. The new cabin will have a 1-2-1 configuration in business class, with Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seats that are fitted with doors, enabling a superior level of privacy.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

SVO to LAX is possibly Aeroflot’s longest regular flight, although flying over the pole, it takes “only” about 12h or so

Below you can see the general layout and atmosphere of the business class cabin (day and night):

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Special mention to the toilets, which remained incredibly clean and tidy during the super long flight.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

In addition to what is provided in the business class amenity kit, passengers can replenish toiletries here as well.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Food & Drink

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

This was doubtlessly one of the highlights of the trip. When it comes to inflight meals, Aeroflot doesn’t skimp in quantity or quality. The menu is the work of Kamel Benmamar, chef at “Ryby Net”, one of the flagships restaurants of the Novikov Group in Moscow.

Mind that this was a 12h flight departing early in the morning, so we got pretty much the whole “normal” meal cycle that you would have in a normal day.

Starting with that classic of business class, the welcome glass of champagne, and then, next:

1) Appetizer

2) Starter + Salad + Soup + Main course + Dessert

3) In-between meal (sandwich/fruit/snacks)

4) Light meal a couple of hours before landing

Plus beverages (water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, wine and liquors) at any time throughout the flight.

Next is the picture gallery of the different foods and drinks that I tried out during the flight:

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

The appetizer

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

The basics: bread and butter. Note the contrast of the Aeroflot hammer and sickle in the business class setting!

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

The starter

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Chicken salad

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Pumpkin cream soup (admittedly not the best image quality, this one!)

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Main course: roasted salmon with pumpkin and sweet potato. Very nice and nourishing!

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Ice cream with almond flakes

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

“Skyteam” cocktail, suggestion of crew member Anastasiya.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Second meal after a good long nap: cheese platter and halibut with vegetables

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Soft cheese with herbs and camembert, accompanied by olives

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Roasted halibut with vegetables.

No need to say there was also a rather extensive list of wines and liquors, plus the crew can prepare also a number of cocktails (see the pic above). I don’t claim to be a wine expert, so I won’t be delving much in the different choices, but those of you with an interest can simply check it here:

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Amenities, IFE & Service Onboard

A few words here about all those little things, aside from the seat and the food, that add to the passenger experience during the flight.

Let me start by the service that was absolutely great throughout, which is kind of expected in business class, but I think it is worth noting nonetheless!

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

All business class passengers receive as well an amenity kit - pretty cool design, by the way! - with the usual stuff: toothbrush, toothpaste, mask, etc. ( a bit puzzled by the TWO combs! not that I care, though)

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

A pair of flip-flops, very convenient when you spend half of the 12h flight sleeping!

And universal electric sockets (there is also a USB port next to the seatback screen!

Also, while they are both edible, the nice Aeroflot-themed chocolate and Aeroflot-branded tea I’d say fit better under the “amenities” category. The former, I ate, the other I will consume at home.

Oh! and almost forgot to mention that surgical masks were also provided before landing (the whole flight was masked as per current covid regulations).

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

Let’s move on to the entertainment section.

First, with the good old-school paper media:

Newspapers (Russian ones and the FT) are distributed at the start of the flight.

Also, Aeroflot has two inflight magazines specially for business class passengers, and different from the ones handed out in economy class: Aeroflot Premium and Aeroflot Style, both with content and advertising in line with what you would expect to be business class passengers tastes and consumption habits…

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

When it comes to IFE, each seat is equipped with a seatback screen and a pair of pretty solid earplugs.

Full disclosure: I’ve worked as a consultant with companies in the IFE space that may compete with some of the platforms mentioned here. In any case, I will share my impressions just as I experienced them.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

The content selection was quite thorough, including a mix of international and Russian content, new and classic (fyi, I settled for the latest James Bond movie!) and not limited to films, but also documentaries, music, etc. So far, so good…

The screen can be controlled either through touch screen or through the little terminal by the side of the seat.

It is here where I came across a couple of minor things that were, in my opinion, improvable:

First was that navigation through the screen - either through touch or through the control console - was far from ideal at times the whole process felt quite clunky. I guess this is due to it being a legacy system, it is likely the newly fitted cabin represents an upgrade in this regard.

I was also surprised that the socket for the earplugs was located on the left superior corner of the seat envelope, which depending on how you lay down resulted in it being disconnected.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

There was also internet connectivity available (in theory), although it is not free. I had not really need for it during the flight, so I didn’t attempt to register. I have added a snapshot of the prices so that you can get an idea of what each price point buys you.

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

An excellent product that is expected to get even better soon as the new upgraded business class cabin is fitted in the remaining Aeroflot B777 fleet.

Btw: if you liked this flight report, you can also check out our chronicle of the delivery of Aeroflot’s first Airbus A350-900 in early 2020, which included a cabin tour. That was not a flight report, but you can get a good idea of the layout and features of Aeroflot’s new A350 business class (which, note, is not exactly the same as the old and new B777 biz class!)

aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

IMAGES

  1. Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot Review

    aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

  2. Mums review the new Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot

    aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

  3. AeroMoov Instant Travel Cot Reviews

    aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

  4. AeroMoov Instant Travel Cot Reviews

    aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

  5. Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot

    aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

  6. Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot (2024) reviews

    aeromoov instant travel cot reviews

VIDEO

  1. Montar Cama de Viagem Instantânea Aeromoov

  2. travelscoot

  3. AeroMoov Instant travel cot

COMMENTS

  1. Mums review the new Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot

    Every Aeromoov travel cot purchased until 30th September 2022 will come with a fitted sheet, mosquito net and sunshade, valued at $120! We asked two mums from the Tell Me Baby community to trial and review the Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot. Watch the video below or read on to find out what they thought. Two mums from the TMB community review the ...

  2. AeroMoov Instant Travel Cot Review

    I ordered the instant, pop-up AeroMoov travel cot from online baby store, Phrog Designs. I cannot fault it in anyway! I highly recommend this as your travel ...

  3. Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot First Look

    The Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot is a lightweight portable cot that's very easy to fold and unfold. But it's let down by its flimsy build and insufficiently firm mattress which is fiddly to install. We've recommended other travel cots that may be bulkier, but pass all our safety tests. They also cost a fraction of the price. Price: $399.

  4. Aeromoov Travel Cot Review

    In this video, Eli reviews the Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot! The Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot is the fastest travel crib in the world, opening in just 2 second...

  5. The best portable cot for travelling! Mums review the new Aeromoov

    Porta cots are a must-have item when taking the baby out during nap time, overnight or on a holiday!We asked Aussie mums to test out the Aeromoov Instant Tra...

  6. The next gen travel cot. Fast. Light. Simple.

    Absolutely! Unzip the carrying bag and undo the Velcro closure at the bottom of the travel cot. The travel cot is super sturdy, so being careful is not necessary: turn the carrying bag upside down and shake the bag until the travel cot falls out. Unfold the travel cot and place the mattress inside. Easy (and quick) as 1-2-3!

  7. AeroMoov: The take (everywhere) instant travel cot

    The AeroMoov comes in 2 stylish colours - Sand and Rock - making it a stylish addition to any space. And you can grab an easy-wash fitted sheet to keep the mattress clean on your adventures. The AeroMoov Instant Travel Cot ($399) is available online. Aeromoov Travel Cot assembly - Mum's Grapevine.

  8. AeroMoov Instant Travel Cot

    The AeroMoov travel bed sets up and folds down in just a few seconds! Super light and compact. ... Your child can play comfortably and sleep safely anywhere. NEW: limited edition Air Layers. AeroMoov. Instant Travel Cot. Instant Travel Cot. Set up in 2 seconds, fold up in 10. A safe spot for your child, inside or outside. To have sweet dreams ...

  9. AeroMoov

    Reviews of Aeromoov products. Here is an overview of how much parents love Aeromoov! Our products. Instant Travel Cot. Set up in 2 seconds, pack up in 10! Discover now. Air Layer. ... Instant Travel Cot. Air Layer. Customer support. FAQ. Delivery & returns. Contact. About us. Blog. About us. Reviews

  10. Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot Review

    Recommended or typical retail price. $399. Specifications. Weight (kg) View more details. Total weight in kilograms including any supplied accessories. 5.4. In-use dimensions (cm, H x W x D) View more details. The cot's dimensions when set up. 65 x 94 x 130.

  11. Aeromoov Instant Travel Playard

    Perfect for naptime or playtime, the AeroMoov Instant Travel Cot is your all-in-one, ultra-lightweight and compact travel crib and playard for home or on-the-go. Weighs just less than 11 lbs, making it one of the most lightweight yet sturdy playards on the market. ... [This review was collected as part of a promotion.] i got the Aeromoov Blue ...

  12. AeroMoov Instant Travel Cot

    The AeroMoov travel bed sets up and folds down in just a few seconds! Super light and compact. Ideal for indoor and outdoor use. Your child can play comfortably and sleep safely anywhere.

  13. AeroMoov Mosquito Net and Sunshade for Instant Travel Cot

    Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for AeroMoov Mosquito Net and Sunshade for Instant Travel Cot at Amazon.com. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users.

  14. AeroMoov Instant Travel Cot

    Light The AeroMoov Instant travel cot weighs less than 5 kg! No more lugging around a heavy travel cot, even the big brother or sister can easily carry the travel cot. ... 0 Reviews. $319.00 $399.00 You save: 20% ($80.00) Or 4 x payments of $ 79.75. Or 12 months interest free . Colour. Colour. Please Select. White Sand. Grey Rock. qty quantity ...

  15. AeroMoov Mosquito Net and Sunshade for Instant Travel Cot

    AeroMoov Mosquito Net and Sunshade for Instant Travel Cot. Brand: Aeromoov. 3.0 9 ratings. $3999 ($39.99 / Count) FREE Returns. Brand. Aeromoov. Color. White.

  16. Aeromoov Homepage

    Instant Travel Cot. Set up in 2 seconds, pack up in 10! Discover. Made for an easy life. ... The AeroMoov travel cot is unique in its kind. It's super fast, light, and convenient. ... Reviews *All prices incl. VAT., plus shipping costs - free shipping for orders over 59 €.

  17. AeroMoov Australia

    The AeroMoov Instant Travel Cot has 2 levels: a low level and a medium level. The extra medium level is specifically for babies up to 2 months. It stops you from having to bend over too much to get your baby out of the cot. When your child can sit upright or weighs more than 6 kg, it is time to move to the lower level. ...

  18. Best of Moscow by high speed train

    Sure would appreciate someone who has taken Best of Moscow by high speed train from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day. Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also wha...

  19. Review: Aeroflot (777-300ER) Premium Economy From NYC to Moscow

    After some digging, I found a tempting one-way fare from New York-JFK to Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF) via Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) in premium economy for just $779. Not a bad deal, especially considering we were booking this within a couple of weeks of departure.

  20. Flying Poet: Aeroflot in Premium Economy on the 777 ...

    Aeroflot has three classes of service on its Boeing 777-300ER flagship, which currently serves two of three daily flights to New York-JFK: business, premium economy — which it calls Comfort Class — and economy. (Aeroflot's Airbus A330s, also used on long-hauls, do not have premium economy. A350s, to be introduced on US routes in 2020, will.)

  21. Instant Travel Cot

    Set up in 2 seconds, fold up in 10. A safe spot for your child, inside or outside. To have sweet dreams or to play happily.

  22. Flight review: Aeroflot Business Class Boeing 777-300ER

    Airlines, aviation and air travel. Flight review: Aeroflot Business Class Boeing 777-300ER. Flight #: SU106. From: Moscow Sheremetyevo (SVO) To: Los Angeles International (LAX) Flight time: 11h 45min. Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER. Aeroflot is, possibly, one of the European airlines that takes its business class more seriously. We had covered ...