For the highlight of my Le Premier in the new La Premiere adventure, I flew Air France’s brand new Boeing 777-300ER La Premiere first class on the 7hr35min flight from Paris (CDG) to New York (JFK). What made this particularly noteworthy is that it was Air France’s first commercial flight with its much anticipated new…
Continue reading: Review: New Air France La Premiere First Class Suite Boeing 777 (CDG-JFK)
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I just flew on this same flight the other day in the new business class product which is excellent as well. Air France is a cut above, for sure.
@Ben, now that you have experienced the seat, what are your thoughts about dining with a companion (who will be sitting on the chaise)?
Very nice. Elegant. I like the open cabin with curtains a lot better than suites with walls... this certainly with curtains drawn offers more privacy. And it doesn't look like a dungeon during boarding, take-off, and landing. Nice color scheme and not horribly gaudy as numerous other carriers.
Isn't this a repeat of what was presented before. This seems more like an Ad. Paid influencer.
No beef/steak option? The seafood dish is a fricasse??? To each their own, but boy those are limited and disappointing choices for a top tier product.
Based purely on videos and photos, I feel like LH's Allegris F 'doors' are a nicer option between curtains and doors/walls. Maybe this is the one thing that LH did right 😉
I didn't understand. On the LP cabin it was you, the AF CEO and 2 other guests?
I thought there were more guests invited, all seated on business class and taking their turns to the LP cabin.
Even with the beautiful/unique hard product and industry leading ground services, it is the exclusivity that differentiates Air France first class from all the others. My only minor quibble is that the suite is so large, the television seems a bit far away for those of us with vision challenges. Otherwise, magnifique!
@Ben Are you a VIP with Air France? You mentioned that you accepted a media invitation for this flight. Only four seats in first class. One was occupied by you and the other by the CEO. So, who occupied the other two first class seats? Also, there was a large Air France delegation as mentioned by you. So, how were you able to snag one of the four first class seats and not someone else from other media or from the company delegation? Just asking for clarification. Thank you.
@ hbilbao -- It can be done, but it's definitely a tight squeeze, in terms of the size of the tray table, plus the chair and chaise longue not being aligned. Two people could absolutely eat off one tray table if they wanted to, but it probably wouldn't be a "restaurant quality" vibe.
If traveling with someone, I think you're better off picking the two center seats, and then dining next to one another.
@ NedsKid -- Agree 100%, there's something really nice about the cabin having such an open feeling, but then still offering an unbeatable amount of privacy when you want it.
@ Randy -- As I do with all of my flight reviews, I share a shorter preview after the flight, and then write a full review some time later. This is no different. As far as being a "paid influencer" goes, I'm still waiting on my check, if that's the case!
@ Carlos -- Initially there were supposed to be four media people in the cabin, and no one else. However, one had to cancel at the last minute, so that's why Smith ended up in first class as well (he was otherwise going to be in business class, I believe). Otherwise, this flight operated completely normal, like any other, with all cabins being full of "regular" passengers.
A betrayal for me. I come here for unbiased reviews. You accept a free flight, and you brag about being buddy buddy with athe airline's ceo, that just destroys your credibility to review that airline. Also puts in question all other airline and hotel reviews too, because your objective might be currying favors for free flights and stays. Big faux pas Ben accepting this free flight. It's going to cost this site's a lot more in credibility and reputation than whatever you got from this paid advertisement masquerading as a review.
@ Stanley C -- To clarify, only four media folks were invited, and I was (fortunate) to be one of them. The rest of the flight was totally as normal.
@ shoeguy -- Agreed, it's awesome to see the carrier's "glow up" in recent years, as it's one of the few airlines outside of Asia that is truly trying to differentiate itself on passenger experience.
@ Regis -- Hey, you're entitled to your take, and I respect that. I've been transparent here. Regarding saying that my "objective might be currying favors for free flights." To be clear, I get a lot of media invitations, but I turn them down. So I think it's pretty obvious that's not the motive?
Also, free flights don't pay my bills, and I actually enjoy spending time with my family at home (I have a toddler son, a mother in hospice, and a husband who is typically pretty nice to me), so getting to fly somewhere isn't as exciting to me nowadays as it was when I was a teenager.
Like I said, I have no regrets about taking this flight, I had a great time, and it's not going to change the focus of the blog. It has been around 15 years since I last accepted a media flight, and it'll likely be another 15 years before I accept another one.
Great review. I’ve connected via JFK (through to RDU) a number of times in LP on a single ticket and have never had any escort to or from Terminal 4! I’m so jealous!
Waiting for your check Ben? You got paid with a free first class ticket. Not every bribe is paid in cash.
To your point about boarding only First class from door one - I recently flew JAL in F out of LAX and they only baked the two of us from L1. Everyone else, even J, boarded from L2. Was pretty insane, and because I took a while getting my arrival info sorted out at the gate, the purser actually met me on the jetway while coming out to look for me. Insane!
Just when a chap was getting bored with the click-baite articles you spring this upon us Ben. Thank you so much, I really have appreciated your efforts and enjoyed reading this blog post.
Take no notice of the neigh sayers, they are probably not interested in anything more than points and gossip anyway.
AF are still keeping quiet about the rollout East, hopefully, the New Suites will be available before SIN the dry season next spring.
Looks amazing! Any tips for how to tell when booking if a plane has the new seats? I’m thinking of flying from LAX instead of SFO later this year if it means I can try out the new la premiere, but it sounds like LAX will gradually get them so if anyone knows a way to be somewhat confident of getting the new one that would be awesome
@ Damien -- I'm keeping track of confirmed routes that are expected to get the new first class here:
https://onemileatatime.com/guides/air-france-la-premiere-routes/
The only official way to know is to look at the seat map. The unofficial way to know which flights are likely to get the new cabin is to see on which flights Air France has completely blocked La Premiere award availability (which is already very expensive, and only available to Platinum members and above).
@Regis-- Anyone who has followed OMAAT knows that Ben very rarely accepts media flights. If and when he does, in the rare instance- like this one, he's completely transparent. Ben, sorry to read about your mom in hospice care. Have followed your blog since the beginning and fondly remember reading posts from your parents.
Haha, I think Mayor Adam's would also say his free premium Turkish Airlines tickets weren't a bribe either:) You are honest to mention it was comped.
@ Brian W -- Hah, totally fair, though Adams is usually trying to travel somewhere fun via "instanbul" (like to Easter Island), and his destination isn't the Courtyard CDG for one night.
Nice try, but no. If you're less familiar with Ben than some of us, and if you read his disclaimer and don't believe him, and if you read the piece and think it's puff, you're entitled to judge harshly and move on (or stick around and sling snark, it's a free world). But your take is materially incorrect and suspicions off the mark. If your goal was to persuade others who read comments, I'm not sure you landed it.
I've read Ben's content for a decade and I've got a good sense of what he's about. I don't always agree with him and I don't share his preferences about everything. But ethics? Read the room.
Long time follower and occasional client of Ford's. I am so sorry to hear about your mother Ben :(.
Ben, I believe that you are aware of my interest in this particular product and in particular the PCG-SIN route. Do you intend to update your page (mentioned above) as new routes come online?
DenB: you are an abvious bootlicker. Objectivity is compromised upon payment - in kind or otherwise. That is all I am saying.
One does hope you're aware that Fricassée is not a dish per se, but a method of cookery. And this, in case it escaped your notice, is lobster.
Naturally, tastes differ — though it does rather beg the question: what sort of provincial palate would favour beef over Breton lobster?
@ A350-fan -- The third person was a reporter from France from a traditional media outlet.
@Nic123 Well, I would say palate aside those who would favor beef over Breton aka Blue lobster would be those who are allergic to shellfish or those who do not like eating lobster or any shellfish/seafood at all.
Regis, once again you are way off target sunshine, either suck it up or put it up laddie.
Great review, lucky you. I just can't wait for AF to install this new config on their planes flying longer routes such as SIN and HND. 6h+ in this is not enough ...
Ben, I’m unconvinced by the two centre seats for a couple travelling together. I am minded to book a window and centre one the same side. That way we would have independent seats, etc, access to the same isle and ease of movement between one suite and the other.
Any thoughts?
What's all the moaning about free flights = influence here today? The World's Best Airline Experience gets 5 stars and is called The Best by Lucky. I don't think anyone expected anything less from Air France, surely?
Likewise if there were any serious hard product or service faults, we know Lucky would have called them out honestly and fairly.
Regis, children should be seen but not allowed to join in an adult aviation blog. Do get back in your box ….. 🙂
Ben, congratulations on achieving this high of a tier in the airline review media.
There is nothing wrong with just saying I flew it because I wanted to and it was a once in a life time experience….. and I knew it would be better than any future flight I take with them.
I think I would have preferred you write this article as a report on your unique experience, instead of as a review with a rating. That’s where I think you went a bit off…
If this had to be a review in your mind, I believe what is probably the most accurate and least bias way to approach this would be to provide a review of the hard product only. The soft product and service should not be expected to be the same as you received on this unique PR flight which was designed to sell.
With that being said, your approach has been better than most of your peers for sure. Thank you for that !
Be, did you ever ask why the chair and chaise are not aligned? i have wondered about since i saw pictures of them.
@Dave's question is interesting because, on a closer look at the photos, the chaise and the seat each have a console. But the seat's console could have been positioned on the side that's closer to the aisle, so seat and chaise could align. Anyways... I'm sure these were expensive designers and engineers who hopefully had a good reason for this alignment quirk.
I was lucky enough to fly the reverse leg a couple of weeks after you, despite the frustratingly short flight duration and less than ideal timing, but that was the only way I figured how to book it as an award... I had a similar overall impression. I wasn't sure of what to expect based on the pictures and videos, but my goodness, I was beyond floored when I entered the aircraft! Absolutely stunning. I also found the chaise longue to be supremely comfortable for lounging in all kinds of positions, but I do have a preference for the old seat when in bed mode. I somehow find the bedding to be fluffier and better padded with the old seat, but maybe it's because the new seats and bedding items have to be broken in...
Also agree the new PJs are by far the best airline PJs I've ever put, and I also wear them at home.
They could, however, improve the food departing from JFK. No caviar service, and quality is not as good as out of Paris, but that's always been the case unfortunately. Really can NOT wait to try it out on a much longer flight!!
Major JFK improvements will be coming down the line for AF. It will be a few years, but it's going to be a spectacular experience once it's done.
I have a sense that your husband has made you a Francophile, which in fairness to your critics does carry a bit of bias. La Premiere is pretty great though, mostly because of the ground experience.
Clem, I am unconvinced by the suggestion that the two centre seats are the best for a couple travelling together. I am minded to book a window and centre one the same side of the cabin, for our next SIN trip. By doing so we would have independent seats, beds, entertainment, comfortable dining, etc, access to the same isle and ease of movement between one suite and the other without going around the bulkhead.
We would still have the curtains for privacy when sleeping, etc.
Do you have any comments about my thoughts?
Regis, one thing which is abundantly evident to anyone who reads your ramblings, is that you, have clearly demonstrated your total lack of ability to write a credible post, never mind a blog article.
AeroB13a - on my flight, there was another couple and that's exactly what they did. Although I think that booking the center seats could be kind of fun and create a big bedroom of sorts by closing the curtains on each side, without having to deal with flight attendants walking between you. You're right that if you want to commute between each suite, it's a lot easier if you're across the aisle from each other, but to be honest I'm not sure why you would want to do that anyway since there isn't much of a way to dine face to face (the seating would be awkward and the table isn't big enough to accommodate 2).
All in all I don't think you can go wrong anyway!
pstm91 - I imagine that the new terminal will be a massive opportunity for Air France and the other carriers currently serving T1 with an international first class seat. I assume there will be some sort of super premium security/immigration check point they will share, and AF has a great opportunity to redesign its slightly tired and very overcrowded lounge (although the La Premiere private lounge within a lounge is pretty good, but clearly a repurposed room and the food is once again a little strange).
I'm a little disappointed that you didn't show the food and beverage selection at the La Premiere lounge. The inflight Rare Piper Heidsieck champagne is also a little disappointing for a first class offering when JL serves Salon and CX and other airlines serves Krug in first class. All in all, it's an extravagant experience. Thank you for the report.
It’s highly likely that the “beef vs. steak options” Regis is usually weighing are the burrito options at Taco Bell.
“this is a challenge in Emirates’ 777 first class, Japan Airlines’ A350 first class, etc.”
Who are the “etc”?
IS it standard on AF that first has a dedicated jetway and business is relegated to stterage boarding with econ/prem econ? Seems a bit excessive if so. Biz ought to have such access. Real privileged 1st world problems!
Odd that they serve better wines in biz than first class. At least on my last AF J flight, the wines were better but it's been a few years.
Great review and many thanks Lucky. I think the pictures speak for themselves regarding both the quality of the hard and soft product. I’m curious what your rank would be on a hypothetical 12hr first class (all latest products) night flight between: AirFrance, Emirates, JAL & Lufthansa. Much appreciated.
Maybe one day I'll manage to fly La Premiere. Probably won't be soon though. The chaise looks extremely comfortable, and I actually like that it faces backwards. When sleeping in bed mode it often feels to me that the aircraft is pitched up a few degrees, hardly noticeable when reclined or sitting up, but in bed mode it usually feels like my head is below my feet unless I don't recline the seat all the way. The reverse-facing bed solves that while still letting me put it completely flat.
I'm also impressed by the pre-mixed cocktails. My experience with most store brands is that they just aren't very good. Little of the actual flavor of the drink they're supposed to be coupled with too much sugar to try and make them drinkable. It's nice that Air France put in the extra effort there, when so many others cut that corner.
I am sorry to hear that your mother is in hospice. I hope she is being well supported by high quality care and that you can see her often. Best wishes.
Clem, thank you so much for your response, I really do appreciate it. Hopefully, we will try it for ourselves once the SIN route is available.
Everything looks great except for that light snack pre-arrival, so unbecoming of first class and looked more like a business class pre-arrival snack. I mean, small portions, the only protein was beef, which many people do not eat, plus plain yogurt, which many people do not eat either!
I did not know that French ate a salad course after their main meal. How strange!
@Matt It is not strange at all. Eating a salad after the main course can serve as a palate cleanser and it helps with digestion.
Also, traditionally salads were served after the main meals in the Edwardian and Victorian times as a part of the fine dining etiquette. Yet, it changed in North America after World War 2 as a way to present something the diners can eat while waiting for their main course. So, for etiquette, it is no wonder why in first class on Air France you would eat the salad after the main meal. By the way, you can watch Pretty Woman and see that the movers and shakers at the expensive restaurant have salads after the main course.
Regis is actually correct, even if a bit abrasive.
It's absolutely true that once you taint your reputation for being unbiased and self-sponsored, you can never go back.
Ultimately, it's really not a big deal, the review itself is fine. But the reality remains that some readers will think less of it because of the sponsored nature.
I personally would've preferred if you crowdfunded this if you couldn't afford to take it independently.
I don't think anyone's insinuating that the reporting has been compromised due to the fact that no fare was charged. The issue isn't with the accuracy of the reporting, it's with whether the product consistently achieves the level of service provided during the inaugural PR flight.
*it seems to be a cut above until you board the regional connection and get served a vile 'meal' that hasn't been defrosted. Or until you get denied boarding for having had the temerity to take advantage of your elite benefits while crediting the miles elsewhere. Or until they tell you they'll pay for your hotel at CDG as part of their duty of care responsibilities and then fail to reimburse you until you take them to court. All these things have happened to me within the last 2-3 years and AFKL aren't even my primary airline!
I have nothing against AF, but I just don't think that, when one looks at their services on a more holistic/systemic level, they're any more polished/consistent than the competition (and when I say 'the competition', I obviously don't mean the likes of AA).
ben - enjoyed your review and living vicariously through you for sure. happy for you that you had the experience.
curious - any idea what they do with the unchosen first class meals?
does the crew enjoy them?
As others have said- Ben has done a great job fully disclosing the fact that he was a guest of AF. My problem is that this is very unlikely to be a typical flight (I assume it was full of influencers/bloggers and had the CEO on board as well) so I have doubts whether Ben's experience, especially with the soft product, is necessarily representative,
I would have advised against publishing it as a review.
@Ben - I am so sorry to hear about your mother. Sending prayers and best wishes to you and your family.
Ben, I am sorry to hear your mother is in hospice care. As a relatively new reader who got into the miles and points game from your blog last year, I've always enjoyed your reviews and perspectives on travel and other topics, even if I don't entirely agree with some of them. I wish her well and a speedy recovery.
@SN, I seem to recall that Ben did that sort of experience review shortly after taking the flight.
What an amazing experience. And yes, by far the best First Class in the world.
Seeing you opt for the lobster course surprised me .. I thought that you were not a seafood eater.
Safe travelling ️️
The lounge is giving me nail-salon in 2nd tier city vibes... doesn't look chic at all. Otherwise beautiful. M
What a lovely review - it looked fantastic from beginning to end - Having travelled in this a few times I can’t wait until I’m able to try this new inspired luxury travel experience
yolo, without wishing to offend you, however, I must point out that you are definitely in the minority in your defence of Regis and your assessment of Ben’s relationship with AF.
Many of us were following the progress of the subject flight live, Ben, was providing a running commentary and answering questions from his followers. Some of us have a genuine interest in this product as a direct result of following Ben’s flight, etc.
Not having been onboard an AF aircraft since 1982, I was very sceptical of this product at first. Since Ben’s flight I am absolutely convinced that it would be a sin not to take a trip with AF out to SIN …. (Pun intended) …. 🙂
Fantastic review- this is what distinguished your blog from the others. Worth the wait. Well done!
Ben, while a comped trip is usually a bad thing, I think it's really impressive that of all the airline review writers, you were one of four selected. Congrats on that, I think it speaks well of how people respect your blog.
Did you feel that the curtain was too close to your head when sitting on the primary side? Curtains feel dirty for most people, so Im surprised its next to your head, instead of behind.
Your review of your cabin experience was wonderful. What an out of body experience it would be flying it from: CDG-LAX-PTT!
I might offer one challenge to your statement that they do more to keep you away from the terminal. I can assure you that the FC terminal at FRA is something very special.
MA, one is intensely interested to learn what your interpretation of chic is …. do tell?
crazy because their business class that isn't update is dog crap far worse than american carriers. Worst business class I ever ever flown from CDG to DFW. Dogcrap bad.
"Fun fact, as I don’t think many airlines do this — did you know that Air France loads one of each main course per La Premiere passenger, so that the airline never runs out?"
Q: Do the twelve remaining uneaten meals go to crew or just get discarded
One has received some good news from AF Customer Service today. I have been informed that the New La Premiere cabin has been rolled out onto the CDG-SIN route. Booking imminent.
Congratulations are due to AF, they improved their ranking by one place …. even without the New La Premiere ….
Great review! The new La Premiere looks amazing!
I've only flown La Premiere once (after reading about it on OMAAT, of course), back in 2021, with my husband and daughter, and loved the experience. Not sure if I will ever get to try this upgraded version, but definitely interested!
Suite is ugly. Door 17? Bad luck. Why Porsche? It's a French airline. Overpriced.
£24k, CDG-SIN return, 2 x Pax, Feb ‘26. (Booked)
£18k, LHR-SIN return, 2 x Pax, Feb ‘26. (Done that)
deltasucks …. AF is a French airline, yes?
Porsche may not be made in France, but it is considered by many to be a posh vehicle and fits the La Premiere image, yes?
Door 17, bad luck? Only if you are superstitious old bean, yes?
Overpriced …. don’t knock it unless you have tried it, yes?
There is a very old saying …. “If you have to ask the price then you can’t afford it”, yes?
This a biased review due to acceptance of a free flight by AF-KLM corporation. Of course, it is "5 stars".
Totally agree------Have seen it described as'The best first class lounge in the world' by a certain american blogger who pretentiously describes himself as a foodie!!!!!. Give me the understatement of LH/LX/CX.
@Ben- was your connection with Delta part of the original itinerary or was it a separate ticket? If a separate ticket then would have Air France escorted you T4 and helped with rechecking in with Delta? Thanks
Whilst the service, seats and dishes offered seem very good I do agree that the options are far too limited. Not everyone eats beef. The wine selection is extraordinarily weak as is the Sauternes. Emirates has a far better selection. As far as Champagne goes why not Salon?
I suppose it is worth it at some level.