I boarded through the front door on the lower deck, and to my surprise there was no crewmember in sight. That worked out well for me, since it meant I could snap as many cabin pictures as I wanted.
Continue reading: Review: Air France A380 First Class Los Angeles to Paris
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I do like how the seats and the layout resemble a very nice living room/home theater/private plane feel. Great review!
This summer, we had the opportunity to fly AF First Class on a 777. The seats appear to be identical to the ones on the A380. Unfortunately, we flew AF right after completing a leg in SQ Suites Class. Needless to say, the AF hard product was a huge letdown. As with your experience, the FAs were polite, attentive, and even smiled. I noticed that they all made a point of engaging the passengers in conversation while the plane taxied to the gate. So, apparently they're trained to do that, which is a nice touch. Like you, we had a minder in CDG who brought us to the front of the immigration and security lines and brought us to the lounge. He later returned to escort us to the plane in a van. In NYC, we had an escort who took us to the front of the immigration lines and then stood in line for us in customs while we waited for our suitcases, which were the first ones out. So, as w/ most of your observations, I tend to agree that while the AF FC hard product is underwhelming, the personal soft product is quite good
Is there any recourse if your TV screen doesn't work and you can't move to another seat?
@ Jim -- If the TV didn't work and another seat wasn't open I think it would be reasonable to expect some compensation.
Nice review, looks like it was a great experience.
P.S.: The Bose headphones, are QC3, not 15.
Same toothbrush and toothpaste as premium economy and business class on AF. Rather penny pinching!!
Interesting that they wouldn't give you champagne on the ground. I was on the same flight in June in business and had pre-departure champagne.
@Mike short of an electric brush, what more could they offer? I guess it would be cool if the toothbrush said Air France La Preiere or something, but for the most part a toothbrush is a toothbrush...
Not that it matters, but those are vinaigrettes served with your salad, not olive oil. One is balsamic, the other is raspberry hazelnut. Hilariously, I remember flying Air France in college in the early 90s and being impressed with their beef tournedos and a printed menu in coach. I guess why stop serving something you're good at.
That was quite an extensive report of the flight.
I'm surprised that, based on your penchant for privacy, you didn't pick that 1A seat.
Was someone else in it already?
WOW - that has got to be the worst first class WC I ever saw. Even some economy WC are bigger than this!!!
Thanks for the thorough and excellent report. Very civilised, a solid, clean,stylish first class product without the 1001 nights ostentatiousness of Emirates/Ethihad e.g. I like the open-air layout and muted tones/colours used. The cubicle/pod style might give more privacy, but the sense of space and oxygen is more appealing. The food looked very appetizing, indeed. Tres manifique, bravo, Air France!
@ steve -- Generally I actually prefer having an "overview" of the cabin, so if possible I like sitting in the last row. I also find it's the most private, since no one is looking at you, but rather you're looking at the cabin.
Classy and well done report which seems to be the same as the cabin service. I find it very surprising they don't serve pre-departure champagne. Since you probably have connections, can you please check (again) whether that is policy? Am planning on taking a significant other on a special flight on AF; not having some champs pre-takeoff might be a deal breaker. Not that I haven't brought my own on special occasions for domestic flights. 🙂
The business class seats on the A380 slope but are good and the screen is certainly better
I think it was a mistake to put the F class cabin on the ground floor
Woul have been much better with F and Biz/ Premium Y on top and Biz and Economy on bottom
@ Justin — Air France could offer a name-brand, quality toothbrush that someone would actually pay money for in a store, rather than a cheap, one-time-use disposable. I'm not saying they should, but it would no doubt be better.
Color scheme and carpet is straight out of the 1990s. Ugh! Color in the change room is even better.
" Instead I ordered a glass of water, which was presented beautifully on a tray."
Are you serious? Water, glass, paper napkin, stainless tray. I get it that the CDG F lounge was great, so maybe you're a tad less critical today.
Gotta say, I usually enjoy your reviews, but this one was not your best work.
@ Stephan -- I mean I loved that everything was served on a tray. You can certainly argue I have bad taste -- you wouldn't be the first person to do so -- but that's just my preference.
Look, the inflight experience itself wasn't one I'd group with the world's best. It's a really *solid* product, but not quite on par with Singapore, Cathay Pacific, Etihad, Swiss, etc.
But compared to what I was expecting, I was really impressed. I flew Air France first class a decade ago and received horrible service, so the friendly service and excellent food was a pleasant surprise.
I always bring my personal electric toothbrush with me so I never use the ones they give me. And I also carry a small toothpaste of Colgate Total in my bag. Same goes with my Bose headset.
The glass of champagne, I mean "glass". So French !
The seat looks like an F seat from the late 90s. They need to come back with something better.
Finally, wow, that is a low low view of Venice Beach. Usually one is flying much higher by then. That A380 plane sure climbs slowly. I see it here (LH) in Miami Beach and sometimes I think it is going to hit a building. Cant imagine a QF taking off fully loaded. Thank God it leaves at night.
Hopefully you didn't take any dishes...:)
Thank you for the review! I'm surprised they didn't have better champagne but it's quite a different touch to put it in a stemless champagne glass. I quite like it versus the delicate stem champagne glass that normally breaks after one fall.
Hey, that might have been SpeedbirdHD - a plane spotter - who works at LAX beside your A388 He gets amazing videos right on the runways since he is in one of those airport operations cars. Check out his YT channel. BTW he's credited in the TN video you blogged about
Your pictures revived my hunger after an ample-sized (off ground) dinner meal.
M.T.
Great review.
I really like the open feel of the 1st class cabin. The new fad of suites makes them look all boxed in. Seems you prefer the suite arrangement according to the article.
@ Lucky - Curious - how was the noise level from the galley/lav behind you? Also, how was the head-room in the front of the center section (row 2)? Did the stairwell seem to intrude? I know you didn't sit there but I'm curious if you have any opinion on it. I'm travelling with a companion and am trying to determine if row 2 or row 3 is more ideal (both rows are currently available on my flight). Thanks in advance for the opinion.
@ Josh -- I didn't notice any noise from the galley. I found row two to be a bit tight in the center seats and would probably ideally select row three center seats, but I don't think it's too claustrophobic.
The metallic serving tray and teapot look kind of utilitarian...not quite a first class product?
I just bought tickets, I am gong from FCO to CDG to LAX, can I access the La Primere lounge at CDG even though I am getting off a business flight?
@ Sasha -- If you're flying business class from Rome to Paris and first class from Paris to Los Angeles you would have access. If you're flying business class the whole way then you wouldn't.
love the trip report. one of the first really comprehensive La Premiere reports that I have seen.
Am I the only person that finds aluminum ramekins unacceptable in premium cabins??
@Lucky I'm flying first from CDG to LAX. I have an hr layover so do you think it'd be worth my money to extend my lounge time? Your review was glowing so now I can't decide. Thanks:)
@ Sasha -- How much extra would it cost you? Sad to fly Air France first class without the full lounge experience, but probably not worth *that* much time or money either.
@ Lucky I'm thinking about changing it for earlier. Oh, and do they serve two meals on all CDG-LAX flights?
2 individual pictures of the pre-dinner and pre-breakfast hot towels? "Air France first class view on descent"? Wouldn't it be the same no matter which carrier or cabin?
Thanks for the report. Totally agree on the crepes, best breakfast I've had. I also find your comments to just like I remember AF, surprisingly good service. I liked the layout in 380 F, very nice and airy, as the cabin is wide and seats far appart. F in the 77W is more narrow, and you will miss some privacy. Thanks again.
You do love your beef aloft! Something I never do.
Then again, I'm also diffident about champagne and I despise Coke.
Chacun à son goût...
Thanks for this excellent write up.
I have been a United 1k / Global services flyer for 10 years - their service has gotten worse and worse.
Based on your write up, I will try Air France FC in their 380 next trip. Thanks.
Your experience looks very similar to the one I had about 3 weeks ago when I experienced Air France First Class on a Boeing rather than an A380.
It is worth noting that the cabin fit outs we experienced were the same and are the old style. Air France are making a big change in their First Class cabins which means they will be more like Emirates with totally privacy if you so desire.
I think it is a real shame that you didn't experience the ground service. Right from check-in the escorting you all the way was exceptional. I was even able to by-pass priority lanes at passport control and security checks due to my AF guide. I was personally escorted to the First Class lounge in Shanghi airport and onto the plane. Then what I didn't expect was at the other end!
When we arrived in Paris I was driven in a private limo to a First Class only security check then taken up to an amazing First Class lounge. Waiter service, meals made to order and free beauty treatment. This really made the experience for me.
Once the new cabins are rolled out I think Air France will be a far superior experience to that of Emirates.
I know it's way late, but I am rereading this for what is this, the third time(?) and I actually just finished watching some PilotEye or whatever the exact name is videos and I noticed that there are interviews before and after once in a while and also views from the ground before the flight leaves and once it lands. Just a possibliity
Supervisor would NOT transfer me to manager and insulted me
Horrible customer relationship and appreciation
I flew more than 40 flights with Air France in 2014 and so did my wife. I am a very loyal member with them and I they don’t care about that. The Supervisor made sure to tell me that this doesn’t mean anything.
I am flying from Los Angeles to Paris Tomorrow and I purchased Seat Plus a month ago for me and my wife. Paid 90$ per seat to make sure I am seated on the extended leg room seat with my wife
Today during checking in, I discovered that my seats are changed and we are not even seated next to each other. Even though I have the receipt and I have printed confirmation with the Seats plus that I bought a month ago.
I called Air France and the supervisor confirmed that it is Air France Employee error and they sold the seats to other people yesterday and she said there is nothing she can do.
SHE REFUSED TO TRANSFER ME TO A MANAGER and she insisted that there is nothing she can do and my seats are sold.
She REFUSED TO UPGRADE ME knowing that there are seats available on Premium Economy
I called 3 times I kept getting her and if don’t get her someone in the same call Center would transfer me to her.
Horrible attitude and would not help me what so ever knowing that SHE ADMITTED 5 TIMES that it is AIR FRANCE ERROR she refused to find me compatible seats like the one I paid for and she refused to upgrade me and she even blocked my online check in
HORRIBLE
I work for a very large international Engineering firm and I explained that this will affect the relationship my company have with Air France and she Still DID NOT CARE
Will NEVER FLY WITH AIRF FRANCE again and WILL make SURE MY COMPANY WILL NOT USE AIR FRANCE AGAIN
@Lucky I'm going on AF first class on the 380 to Paris in a month, and I wanted to know if there are two separate boarding doors on the lower deck. Thx!
I see your original post was in 2013. Trying to find some info on the updated First Class cabin. I see it's been revamped on the 777, but has it been redone on the A380?
@lucky Thanks. Does the 777 leave from LAX? Trying to plan a trip from LAX to CDG. Although the A380 is not too shabby 😉
@ Jennifer McMahon -- They do have a 777 frequency out of LAX as well, though it may not feature the new first class product yet.
Great review! We are looking to book this same flight LAX-CDG for July 2016. We are wondering if the product will the product be the same at that time?
Wow, how much can this cost me in miles??? I have signed up for Chases preferred ruby card, and I have a 40,000 mile bonus. Would like to take my wife and kids.
Great job documenting all the details of the flight. We always travel on Paris on the Air France business class. I am very pleased with the service and space. Of course, first class has a little more to offer. Perhaps, next time!
Hi, thanks for the report! Please keep it up 🙂 . When are you flying on the new a380 first class cabin? Looks amazing. Cheers
Al-- please follow up with air france american style poor service. Was it followed up, acted on, or more of nothing? Americanization unfortunately,
I have a question: what is the best seat on AF 380 La Premier if you want to just sleep. I am flying soon from JFK-CDG and connecting to BCN. It was suppose to be on 777-300, but I just got update about flight time change and notices that the aircraft is A380. My seat now is 3L. The same you took.... 7 y.o.
Do you remember what is behind First class section? Is it a galley? On some seat-maps I can see another bathroom, just behind 3L.
I would switch to 2L, but as you noted A380 First class seat do not have any privacy - I really concerned about privacy from light and noise.