Review: Air France First Class 777-300ER Paris To Houston

Waited sooooo long for that one... thanks a lot Lucky ! It was Amazing 😉 Ireally wish to fly it some day !

What a lovely trip report, Ben.
I'm drooling with envy.

I wonder though if it had been a full F cabin whether the service would have been as exemplary?
Also, do they hand-select crew members who can serve in Premiere?

I've never flown on Air France F (or J) but was at an event in New York a couple years ago where they were marketing the new cabin and had mock-ups. I was shocked by how spacious everything was.

@ adi -- It's a good question for sure, I'm sure it wouldn't have been quite as special if the cabin were full. However, based on most flight loads I've looked at it, it seems like it's pretty common for there to be 1-2 passengers. I'm not sure how they pick La Premiere flight attendants, but Sandy did say she only works La Premiere, so they are definitely specially trained.

Did you publicize your flight ahead of time? Is it possible Air France saw and ensured you had a good experience? Could you remind us how much this cost.

@ Eddie C -- I booked this within 24 hours of departure, so I can't imagine they had much of a heads up. I redeemed 200,000 FlyingBlue miles, plus $300 in taxes and fees.

Isn't AF installing wifi on their fleet ?

The curtain.... as if inviting "welcome to the high mile club!"

Looks amazing. They do however have to do something about their beer selection. There are so many great craft breweries in France now. To only serve Heineken is quite disappointing.

While the meal seems elaborate, those portions seem VERY skimpy.

One might more traditionally select a sauvignon blanc for the cream of asparagus soup.. Did they really only have one non-sweet white wine on the flight (Chablis), and no Sancerre?

If that was the entire wine list, no pages missing, folks really need to start cutting Etihad some slack on theirs! I'm rather shocked by this list actually.

@ Tony -- Yep, over the next couple of years. Will update the post to reflect that. Thanks.

@ tom -- When you have a seven course meal, that's probably a blessing. 😉

Was on BA F from LHR to IAD a few weeks ago. Food was actually good, but no style or flair like you enjoyed

Great review - it looks amazing.
The packaged breadsticks with the champagne look like an error - could they not manage a simple canape?!

Great trip report Ben, glad you enjoyed it.
I'm with Gary on the wines - despite being British I much prefer the dry whites from the southern hemisphere - as such I'd be pretty disappointed once I was bloated from the bubbles!

When I boarded the ottoman had socks, a shoebag, and a shoehorn already on it, and slippers right under the ottoman.

Should be:

When I boarded the ottoman, it already had socks, a shoebag, and a shoehorn already on it, and slippers right under the ottoman.

This looks just incredible. I've only ever been able to fly them in Business, but with the heavily discounted fares right now, I may take a trip later to experience this. And @Lucky..... you mention a "young and very attractive" male FA. No pictures???

Thank you , thank you. I have been so looking forward to this report. I am in the process of booking this for a trip next year with my wife. Can't wait!

Sorry about my first comment, it's wrong, this is how it should be: When I boarded, the ottoman had socks, a shoebag, and a shoehorn already on it, and slippers right under the ottoman.

I'm with Gary Leff. You would think Air France would have a dozen or so French wines.

What does the young and "very attractive" flight attendant have anything to do with the review of this flight?

I don't understand keeping yourself awake to "enjoy the flight". The most enjoyable part of a flight like that would be having an amazing sleep. I'd much rather be sleeping well than watching movies/TV in a comfy chair. The IFE is for when you can't sleep for whatever reason.

Sometimes the IFE can help put you to sleep -- the best stretch of sleep I ever had on a redeye in Y was when I tried to watch the first Hobbit movie.

@ smallmj -- Usually I'd agree, but in this case it was a daytime westbound transatlantic flight, and I was spending a *lot* of miles for this special review, so I just couldn't bring myself to sleep more.

@ Vanessa -- The same thing that me sharing the cruising altitude, departure runway, exact arrival and departure times, etc., has to do with the flight. My goal with these reviews is to be so thorough that you feel like you're there with me, which is why the report is over 3,000 words. I share the things I notice, and in this case it's most definitely something I noticed. I'm not suggesting that someone should be hired for how they look or that he was better or worse than anyone else because of it, but I don't think there's anything wrong with pointing that out. Sorry if you feel differently.

@ Ferris -- Fair enough, thanks! Post updated.

I'm with you Lucky. I love all the details - makes me feel like I'm on the flight. I thought the comment about the flight attendant was entertaining (and other reviews where you comment on interesting passengers/their behavior haha). Another reason why I love your reviews!

Lord - I hope Ford doesn't read this review. Blame the "very cute FA" remark on the champagne and wine!! 🙂

Wow - one of the best reviews ever!!!

You do realize that your snack was served in what looked to be a Le Creuset dish. If not the actual Le Creuset, then a very similar. That's a very nice touch and oh so French!!

Incredible review! I cannot wait until my flight in November now.

Hands down you have the best travel blog. Thanks!

@ Gary, this would be the full wine list. In general what AF does with its F wine program is to select a few wines, but to select very high quality wines. For instance, AF regularly stocks Cristal Champagne and pretty much always has a first-growth white Burgundy on the list, as Ben had. I agree that Sauvignon Blanc is a typical pairing for asparagus but in this case since it was in a creamy soup that changes things a bit. Ultimately I agree that more selections would be better, but in general I am very pleased by the wine list!

I've been waiting for this review - thanks for finally posting! Amazing, amazing, and amazing products!

Did they give you one of the new metal La Premiere luggage tags?

@ François D -- Nope, didn't get one of those. Hmmmm...

They do have cappuccino machines in transcon first class on American Airlines. Air France 13 - American 1 🙂

I cannot wait to experience this F class on a CDG to SIN (13-14hrs) on the way home to Australia one day Lucky! Garuda F was excellent but this will certainly top it.

To add, I flew AF in J, had Six courses and boy was I amazed.

@ MattJ -- Enjoy when you fly it! Curious if you think it's better than Garuda -- I'm still trying to decide.

@Vanessa
To signify AF didn't have grandmas serving F. Tough it may sound politically incorrect, seems everybody subconciously agreed with his statement.

@MattJ and @lucky
Is AF's FA also knelt down to change your shoes into slippers?

Would you rate them as perfect if AF would have loaded your Bravo channel episode?

@James

GA yes

Don't believe AF would have... Lucky would have written so.

Where do you store you bag in first? I didn't see overhead bins nor underneath storage in your photos?

@ Ted -- There are actually overhead bins. Sorry I didn't capture a picture of them.

I wonder how much Air France paid for this review. Such a dull product (hard and soft) and yet such a glowing review. Skyteam partner Garuda's product beats AF in every respect, including the slipper change @James mentioned, but they probably didn't pay enough.

It's no doubt a nice looking cabin, but curtains? No thanks. Im not trying on second hand clothes in a vintage second hand boutique. And the open design and color scheme in Qatar is much nicer in my opinion. The service/soft product appears to be first rate though!

@ Bob -- They paid negative 200,000 miles plus negative ~$300 for the review.

Great review! Pretty consistent with the experience I had and I especially agree on how ridiculously comfortable this seat is.

A little bit of history though: the "horse" logo is actually a flying seahorse that is nicknamed "la crevette" ("the shrimp"). This is the historical logo of Air France and dates back to 1932, when Air France was still Air Orient and was operating seaplanes to Asia. I read somewhere that the head horse is for power, the wings represent speed and the fish tail represented the sea plane.

There are a lot of websites with fascinating bits of history about this logo and it has been a little modernized in the past few years but is still very recognizable.

Thanks, are the bins just on the window seats or did they have them over the middle seats too? I know the 777 has big bins that can easily store two passengers bags, but if the cabin was full and there are only bins on the windows, wouldn't it be awkward to get your stuff if you were sitting in the center seat and the person in the window where your bag was had the curtain closed?

@lucky

I see. They were just so "stylish" that a mediocre product just had to have such a glowing review. Other airlines really need to step it up in the style (or kickback) department.

Bob, so AF have away 200,000 points of value to Lucky to use on a flight? Nah... don't think so.

If they were to give him this opportunity I would be confident Lucky would have written a disclaimer above the article/review!

Too, Garuda gave me AUD$2000 to spend on my flight I took in F, which was bought during their Black Friday sale...

Troll else where...

@Ted, on the GA 777 there were only overhead bins in second row of F and not the first which made it very spacious.

Though this AF flight had one row of F!

GA were able to place some of our luggage else where in the cabin (crew space?) rather then store near the seats...

@ Bob -- Respectfully, I've been doing this for a decade. I think I've taken two comped flights in my life, and I've disclosed them at the top of the post very clearly (those were on American and British Airways, and I'll let you judge if I'm objective about those airlines). 😉

I totally respect if you feel differently about these products than I do. We all have different tastes. But please don't call into question my credibility, or accuse me of committing an FTC violation. Travel blogging isn't a side hobby for me that I do for comps, like most blogs do. This is my career, and I make money in other ways (which I clearly disclose). I'm not putting my credibility and objectivity when it comes to airlines on the line over a flight comp.

@ Ted -- Indeed they're just on the window side, since the pilot crew rest is above row one. I think there would be plenty of room in the bins for four passengers, though I imagine otherwise there are probably closets as well.

@lucky

My apologies, I let my incredulity get the better of me. I'll have to check out the disclosed posts. While I'm done on this particular post, I do look forward to seeing your and Tiffany's content.

Good article, I have to try them. Love the look of the cabin, and the curtains. So much better than the glitzy gold on others. Was a little concerned when didn't see caviar on the menu, but it was served.

@ Lucky -
"There are only two areas where Air France first class could really improve. One is that I wish they’d have wifi on their 777s. The other is that I feel like they could improve the quality of their cappuccino somewhat. But the latter is a very minor thing."

I believe you meant Latte and not latter.
Thanks again for the review!!

Ben,

Did you buy a new camera? The quality of these shots are much better.

Looks awesome and would be a great way to use my Virgin miles if the new partnership values these at 1:1.

I must agree the wine selection seems surprisingly limited; although you show only some of the pages, you mention "the other" so I would conclude Qatar have a much broader range, albeit no Krug 😉

Even the "choice" of a single blonde (non-French) beer is a minor blemish. But the food looks superb, quality over quantity/choice.

@Gary your jealousy is showing. Less can be more, especially with the French. Complain once you pay for the flight and feel shortchanged.

@Lucky -

Oh, pish.

I have it from the best of authorities that Uzbekistan Airways' business class is the unchallenged queen of the skies. It's apparently a most remarkable, undiscovered gem that would make your AF La Premiere experience seem like an Allegiant flight to Myrtle Beach.

You must try it.

The flight looks like a diet with those small portions.

@ Imperator -- You'll be happy to hear that I'm flying it shortly. More details soon. And of course you're the inspiration behind it!

Is it better than Etihad "The Residence"?

Terrific review, thanks Lucky. I travel vicariously through your experiences and love the details you include - including your brief interaction with attractive FAs!!

Was the food better than Etihad "Residence", Ben? I believe that the hard product doesn't compare but the soft seemed very nice (specially cause you were the only passenger).
Congrats for the amazing post and great job! Cheers from Brazil!

No pics of the young and very attractive male FA ....and Sandy?

a bit disappointed with food portions.....I would be hungry and ANGRY..lol.. I expected more from food presentation also.

Thanks, Lucky. Great review. As a marketing guy, I love the way they use the seahorse across the experience. It is modern and also a great graphic symbol for the brand.

@Lucky – Gotcha. Check your IG messages if you want to see what they look like, since they don't seem to be anywhere else on the internet. I did CDG-JFK a few weeks ago and asked at check-in if they had any La Premiere name tags. They said they only had the regular AF paper tags, but before I was driven from the lounge, my agent presented me a with a small red drawstring bag with one inside. Definitely one of the nicest tags I've ever seen. I asked more about them on the way to the plane, and she said they were new for this year, since they got a new contractor.

Bravo! What a great flight report. I really like all of the excellent photos you took of every aspect of the flight. It gave a perfect vicarious experience of the flight.
I do agree with you that the cabin, seats, and every thing else looks gorgeous. Easily the #1 or at least in the top 2 First Class in the world.
I've flown SQ and CX F and think that AF F looks nicer.

With your great flight report I can now enjoy it vicariously and can use my money to pay for an exceptional experience at an Aman resort instead. While I enjoy premium flights, I think paying to stay in a gorgeous villa in a fabulous resort beats any First Class flight hands down.

Food looks awesome...seat looks great! Very private.

I do have a couple of gripes...I have a family member who is seriously allergic to all kinds of seafood. How the heck would this person eat that final snack (salmon lasagne) at the end? Is there a way to inform them of serious allergies if it's needed?

The other thing is I have to criticise that tabbouleh. Sorry it just doesn't look like what I think is a tabbouleh. Definitely not enough parsley

I don't know why, but something about the drawn curtains gives the cabin a very cheap feel!

Great review, Lucky! It makes you want to fly Air France.

You have written about the business model of La Compagnie. If I understand your position correctly, you have doubts that the all-Business Class will ever work profitably. Along the same line of thought, this is also the problem with Air France. Air France has always considered itself the Elite in area of air transportation quality. They know exactly what to do with the front of plane (as your review confirms) but they have no understanding of the back of the plane. That is why they are continually having labor and profitability problems. (You can't make a 777 profitable with just a few First Class seats.)

Now don't get me wrong. I am not saying that Air France is a bad airline. I am saying that any airline that concentrates on one class does not have a good business model. Joon and iHop are proof that Air France cannot find a way to have an outstanding First Class and a miserable Economy Class on the same plane.

@Lucky - you loved the food, stating it to be the best on-board dining you have experienced.
Does this include Etihad's The Residence? In both the quality of the actual meals but the full dining experience (including beverages/service)?

Gorgeous review conveying the premium nature of the experience. I am always bemused by comments as to portion sizes - clearly, the sedentary nature of flying dictates small portions. I am further bewildered by the comments as to the curtains which appear to add a level of privacy not afforded by suites such as EK and SQ and the exposed QF F.
@Lucky - could you please comment on the experience of the cabin crew in assessing your overall experience as I believe that the more I fly F, the more I rate my experience on the crew rather than the hard/soft product.

They really could improve the wine list. Of any carrier, I would expect AF to have a much better selection in F.

A few of the replies above are concerned about meal portions, had you asked could they have prepared a decent savoury snack on demand, after your sleep and whilst you watched TV?

Mjb

Lucky, you should take pics with your cabin crew when they've really impressed you (as some other bloggers do)! It'll add a more personal touch to your trip reports, and that way we can all decide for ourselves who's attractive 😉

Also, could you share the pic of the La Premiere luggage tag that @François D sent you? Would love to see what those look like.

@Lucky
Congratulations again for this outstanding report! I was trying to book the same flight for my mom later this year but I'm unable to find any non stop flight from Paris to IAH.

Are you aware if AF did cancel the F service to Houston. I could not find any flight even before Hurricane Harvey so that should discarded.

Thanks in advance

I think the "horse" is not the symbol of Le Premier. It's the symbol of Air France, dating to the beginnings of the carrier, in fact 1932 when Air Orient adopted that symbol.

A great report on an experience you thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks for all the photos and the detail in your report. And re that comment about the FA, that person stood out from the norm in your experience. I suppose someone could construe it as sexist but perhaps so many FAs have become uncaring robots in doing their jobs, even if business and first class, your comment was relevant to this particular flight experience.

Just hope AF doesn't start cutting back on the quality shown in this report. I've read that Emirates and Etihad are trimming some of their pre- and inflight services and those little touches that make the cost almost..almost worthwhile

A most excellent review. I am a first time viewer of your adventures and will watch for more. Thank you.

However, I must address the comments on the portion size 9 to those that see them as too small, along with the cute comments "diet-sized, etc."

What I saw was an experience; from the bedding, toiletries, as well as the food and wine. I do not believe the meal is meant to be an all you eat buffet. Elegance sometimes comes with understatement. Remember that a seven-course meal does tend to fill you up.

Good afternoon:

I'm simply going to concur with Lucky's review here.

I recently returned home from a holiday in western Europe; I took my parents and my younger brother as an anniversary gift for my parents and Christmas for my brother.

On May 3, we boarded AF 0065 at LAX; and there were 9 of 9 seats full on the A380. Still had great service, meals and slept well.

On the return (May 19), while my family members traveled via AF 006 to JFK (on an A380), I returned to LAX on AF 0072--the 773 had 3 of 4 seats full--and the service and meal presentations was no less special than had I been alone as Lucky was on his flight.

For those who can do it, AF La Premiere is a great way to travel.

As an aside; on the flight over; I do think that I spoiled someone's rendezvous in the changing room...but that's perhaps for another flight review site 😉