In a separate post, I shared the details of an upcoming review trip that I’ve planned, where I’ll be flying Porter, Air France, Aircalin, Thai Airways, and SWISS. There’s one thing I’m trying to decide on, and I’d very much appreciate some feedback…
In this post:
What should I do with a couple of days in Paris?
Due to award availability, my upcoming review trip has me in Paris for a couple of days. Now, Paris is of course an incredible city, but I’ve spent a lot of time there, and I’m alone, and I always try to maximize the “content” I can get out of my review trips.
Normal people would think “well I’ll just spend a couple of days enjoying Paris.” But I’m not a normal person. Something is wrong with me. My thought process instead goes “hmmm, I wonder if I could squeeze in some other interesting flight during that time?” Paris has a lot of interesting service to Africa, which got me thinking…
For example, I could fly Air Mauritius on the A350 to Mauritius (MRU), but I’m kind of struggling to come up with a fun itinerary from there. I don’t just want to fly there and back on the same plane in the same cabin (even though there’s award availability). I could fly in the other direction on Kenya Airways, but it’s just not a very pleasant schedule, and would give me zero nights in a hotel room.
But that did get me thinking… Air Côte d’Ivoire recently took delivery of its first Airbus A330-900neo, and the airline is flying the plane between Paris (CDG) and Abidjan (ABJ). I’m absolutely fascinated by the airline, especially since there’s a first class cabin on the A330neo, and I’m someone who tries to review every single first class in the world (no matter how random).
The flight is even timed so that you can depart Paris in the morning and return the same day, without even having to take a redeye. Is this finally my chance to fly Air Côte d’Ivoire, especially given the recent drama? 😉 In terms of timing, this seems ideal, since I have the time built into my schedule. However…
It pains me to pay Air Côte d’Ivoire prices, though!
Obviously whenever possible, I try to redeem miles for flights. I’m also happy to pay cash for premium tickets, but only if I can get a good deal. After all, I have flexibility in my schedule, and I’m always happy to position to Cairo to get a good deal (okay, maybe not Cairo, but you know what I mean). 😉
Here’s the thing — Air Côte d’Ivoire ticket pricing is very high, and shockingly straightforward. Like, there are just no deals to be had, unless I’m missing something. With most airlines, adding a connection lowers the fare, since people are willing to pay a premium to fly nonstop. Like, I’m usually pretty good at this, and can almost always find a way to get a deal on a ticket.
However, based on every city pair I’ve looked up, adding a connecting flight is more expensive, rather than less expensive. Furthermore, regardless of where you originate, a one-way is way more expensive than half of a roundtrip.
So basically, the lowest premium cabin fare I can find is what you’ll see below — we’re talking around €1,300 one-way in business class, and around €3,400 one-way in first class. The only good thing is that you can mix the two, so you can fly business class in one direction, and first class in the other direction.
So if I were to fly from Paris to Abidjan roundtrip, one direction in business class and one direction in first class, it would cost me over $5,000. Look, money doesn’t grow on trees, and that’s an absolutely massive amount of money to spend on a day of flying. The only time I ever spent that much on a ticket was when I flew Etihad’s A380 The Residence, back when it was a fully separate, dedicated product (and that’s because I basically got it for 75% off the standard price, by starting in Cairo).
It absolutely pains me to potentially pay that, especially since I can’t imagine there’s any way that first class is worth it… I feel like I’m setting myself up for disappointment. So I’m really conflicted:
- On the one hand, this seems like a stupid amount of money to spend on an experience where you can’t even get a deal, so it’s not like this will actually be useful to many
- On the other hand, I pride myself in reviewing every single first class product there is, and that should include Air Côte d’Ivoire as well, right?
So, I leave it up to the OMAAT community, because I value y’all, and it’s ultimately thanks to you guys that I can do this for a career.
Do you really, really, really want me to review this experience, even if I’m going to be ridiculously sad when the charge hits my credit card? Or should I save my money here, and instead put that toward like six Turkmenistan Airlines business class tickets? 😉 Like, I’ll happily do this for you guys if the response is “OMG, yes, this would be the most interesting thing ever,” rather than “meh, sure I’ll read it.”
I think the only reason I’m even entertaining this idea is because I’ve spent the past two decades trying to review just about every premium product possible. So at this point, I’m almost viewing it incrementally in terms of “well, it’s a few thousand extra bucks in order to truly review every first class product in the world.” But what value does that really add, if the product isn’t actually useful to many people? I suppose there’s the entertainment factor…
By the way, does anyone see any sort of a deal for any premium cabin Air Côte d’Ivoire A330-900neo flight? Like, anything, even one-way? It’s funny that Air Côte d’Ivoire and Starlux Airlines (the two airlines I haven’t flown in first class) are literally the two airlines where it’s seemingly possible to get a deal. But I would love to be proven wrong!
Lastly, does anyone know about the logistics of a direct turn in Abidjan, with two hours? I should probably apply for a visa in advance, since it sounds like that’s required? Does anyone know how long that actually takes to get approved, as I’m on a bit of a tight timeline? I know it says it can take days, but I’m not sure if that’s the case in practice, or just a worst case scenario situation.
One thing that intrigues me is that these Air Côte d’Ivoire flights look absolutely empty. Of course seat maps are never a fully accurate indicator of how many people are booked, but if they are to be believed, there are maybe a few people in the massive business class cabin, and there’s no one in first class.
Bottom line
I have an extra couple of days in Paris on my upcoming trip, and while I could spend that time in Paris (like a normal person), I’m wondering if there’s any other adventure I can add to this trip. That brings me to Air Côte d’Ivoire, an airline I’ve desperately been wanting to fly since it recently launched, but I just can’t come to terms with the pricing.
This is no small sum of money to me, so I’m conflicted. Do I spend a fortune to fly Air Côte d’Ivoire first and business class on the new A330-900neo, given that I have the time and this is as good of an opportunity as any? Or do I just avoid this given the lack of a deal, and instead try something less offensively priced?
OMAAT readers, please help me decide — to Air Côte d’Ivoire, or not to Air Côte d’Ivoire?
Don't do it. Expecially not to satisfy trying to fly every first class.
Skip it
Would much rather read about hotels and restaurants in Paris. We need a young Rick Steves.
It’s not first class. Neither is Starlux. You’ve flown all first class products.
I don't think it is worth it, especially considering most of your readers will never fly them.
If you are looking for new products I would be interested in the LuxAir LUX-DWC new J product (either way), the fares don't seem to be too bad for a 7hr flight ($1300 to DWC or $1100 to LUX). You could then find some good fares or awards out of DXB or AUH on a one stop...
I don't think it is worth it, especially considering most of your readers will never fly them.
If you are looking for new products I would be interested in the LuxAir LUX-DWC new J product (either way), the fares don't seem to be too bad for a 7hr flight ($1300 to DWC or $1100 to LUX). You could then find some good fares or awards out of DXB or AUH on a one stop routing back to CDG (Air Algere, Azerbaijan, Condor, Fly Dubai, IndiGo (with the new Europe flights))
You could always do a review of a TGV in First Class and go see the French countryside, or maybe EuroStar to London.
I wouldn't, but if you really want to then you should go for it.
As someone who recalls flying Air Afrique often from Paris to Abidjan, I'd love to see a review. Agree the price is steep, though. Economy-only? Still would be great to see.
Reposting this as the blog's munching my comments again.
Why don't you mix business with premium economy? This type of sector length is where premium economy is at its best - too long for an economy seat, too short for a proper night's sleep. They'll certainly be using some generic lounge at CDG, so doing the ABJ-CDG leg in business should allow you to review the ground service without missing out on anything important.
It's a pretty niche flight in the grand scheme of things. I would do something else Ben.
Ben, some of us have been paid a lot of money for decades to fly around the world. You are contemplating paying with your own points or cash, to achieve what exactly?
This is a sign from the gods.
God is smiling at you with a wink and telling this is your chance to crush him.
Rub it in.
Send a message you paid for PREMIUM cabins made for gods not the fake booking.com mortal fares.
Crush him and you become one of the almighty travel influencer gods that rule the eternal land of the internet.
Did I mention just ask for his birth certificate?
Now go exterminate Josh.
Gott der Benjamin!!!!!
If you don't want to do this, it might be interesting to see what other day trips you could do within Europe. Air Corsica could be a cool review, and there also seem to be a few interesting regional airlines that fly domestically out of Orly (Amelia, Chalair, Twin Jet).
Don't! African Airlines and destinations are always a pain in the A##. Those guys only intend to grab money from others. Remember your TAAG experience. I hardly doubt this would be any different. Albeit, I have to say, Paris is far from my desired city in the world but surely better than any african destination.
I doubt they intend to grab money from anyone - it's more like a government attempting to boost tourism and show the electorate that they're putting the country's name out there in the world. This isn't Ryanair trying to catch people out with hidden fees - there may be poor service at times, but it's more likely attributable to the fact that the cabin manager has only been appointed because she's the niece of a Minister.
Meh, sure. I’ll read it.
Agree with others, while I'd love to read it, I would never fly it, and it definitely feels like it's something you could look at in the future once they work out that their fare structure is unsustainable.
If you do go for it, though, you could fly back on Air Senegal or Air Algerie, depending on your dates - these are both more reasonably priced than Air Côte d'Ivoire? Brussels Airlines also flies...
Agree with others, while I'd love to read it, I would never fly it, and it definitely feels like it's something you could look at in the future once they work out that their fare structure is unsustainable.
If you do go for it, though, you could fly back on Air Senegal or Air Algerie, depending on your dates - these are both more reasonably priced than Air Côte d'Ivoire? Brussels Airlines also flies from ABJ if you want a safe option (maybe there's even award space?)- their premium economy seems reasonable.
Skip this one. That's a chunk of change for a flight that has a very very limited number of readers who would ever need that review. I think people would get far more out of reviews of Paris hotels.
Dude just vibe in Paris. Get dinner at L'Ambroisie, browse book stalls by the Seine, stroll through Montmartre, buy a baguette, get lost in the Luxembourg Gardens. If you want to make it about ROI, I can't imagine you'll get that many more clicks out of busting your hump on one of these trips. You only have one life.
Just like with your recent question on flying from London to the ME to try their airlines with an inconvenient schedule, I recommended you stay in London to review points hotels. Same here - what's your take on how the Park Hyatt Paris is holding up? What's the best Marriott option? Etc.
Fares might change. Perhaps it's not just "whether" you do it, but "when". Personally I have no interest in the content but i'll read it if you do it. And I get the "all First Class products" checklist thing. Obviously you have to do it someday, but must it be now?
Skip it. I'd read the post but I'm not super curious or anything. Not worth the $5K outlay.
Why don't you try booking.com? I heard they have great deals on Air Côte d'Ivoire ;-)
Ben, if you have some time by Charles de Gaulle airport why not visit Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace, Le Bourget (National Air & Space Museum of France). See the Concord, Lockheed Super Constellatio and more. You could even review it.
Would spending even any amount of time on the ground in Abidjan make it more worth it than not even leaving the airport?
@ Jacques -- That would definitely make it a bit more interesting, you're right. The schedule would be really tight, though, in terms of lining up with the rest of the trip. But still, it's something to consider.
I can't tell you whether it's worth it, since I'm not sure about the economics of running a blog and how much revenue that particular review would generate, but I can say that I would love to read about it. In a way, getting to read your blog posts for products I'll never fly myself is a way that I get to imagine the experience through your post. If you could swing it, I'd love to read about it, and I'll continue to use your links when signing up for CCs regardless.
So you'd rather pay for this instead of Starlux first class?
@ yoloswag420 -- The two aren't necessarily mutually exclusive. But I struggle even more with Starlux pricing. We're talking $9K one-way for one segment.
I'm perplexed by your view that this is so expensive. $1300 for a business class ticket on a flight like that seems like a great deal to me. I just spent that much on some economy delta tickets from New York to Salt Lake! (Granted over a holiday weekend in ski season). So, do it!
@ 747-400 -- The one-way business class fare isn't unreasonable. The issue is that you can't book it just one-way, and also how much more first class is, even though I'm not convinced it offers a lot more value.
I'm personally a little over all the articles about ABJ and related.
My vote is to test out two carriers on the nonstops to RUN -- Corsair and Air Austral.
Some random ocean front restaurant reviews in Reunion to accompany it...
oooh. I forgot AirCaraibes also randomly does that route Paris>RUN. That would be cool too
https://www.flightradar24.com/FBU72C/3d1df0bc
guess you'll have to look this one up more though. Seems ORY-RUN is normally a French Bee plane vs Air Caraibes. I feel like you've addressed this in previous articles and I've forgotten.
@ MaxPower -- Funny you say that, I looked at Air Austral and Corsair, as both are high on my list. However, fares are high, and there's no practical way to redeem points, so I can't actually find a good angle there either...
fair enough. Look forward to the great trip reviews, as always!
5000 for that trip really sounds like a bit much, however, where are you at in terms of your budget for travel in 2025? If you have spent less than you anticipated then why not treat yourself to a totally new experience? If it really will sting paying that amount, give it a miss!
Ben, if you do not think it is worth it then it is not worth it.
If you do take the flights in first class and business class then you can cross that off your list of must try airline cabins.
It will give you something to talk about if and when you have that interview with Josh Cahill and you will do one better than him since you also tried first class as...
Ben, if you do not think it is worth it then it is not worth it.
If you do take the flights in first class and business class then you can cross that off your list of must try airline cabins.
It will give you something to talk about if and when you have that interview with Josh Cahill and you will do one better than him since you also tried first class as well besides business class. You can also give him the logistics of actually paying to fly in business class by buying that ticket directly with the airline rather than booking a supposed mistake fare on an OTA. And yeah do give him the benefit of the doubt as he will tell you his side of the story.
Please don't pretend that this tax-deductible expense is actually a lot to you. Not everyone is that stupid.
@ Gene -- I'm happy you think that's the case, but let me reiterate that in over 17 years of blogging, I've only once spent that much (or more) on a ticket, and that was for a flight in Etihad's The Residence from Abu Dhabi to Sydney.
There is no way you would have posted this if you weren't going to book it! Get it booked!
Coming soon, joining the Patreon account at the Air Cote d'Ivoire tier... I presume that will be priced slightly higher than the "I love Cairo Airport" tier?
I mean, if you don't do it, what will you talk with Josh C. about when you sit down for that interview? ;-)
Do it please. Did you spend hundreds of dollar on a yellow fever shot so you could review African airlines?
@ Josh -- I do indeed have my yellow fever vaccine, so I have that going for me!
First class one way - for completeness reviewing first class products - and economy the other. That would be more interesting content than business class. I just used one of your links to apply for a credit card (I was approved). Maybe that helps...!
Please do it!!! This is the kind of content I love to read, I get a sense of wonder from airlines like this! I have an idea—how about Air Côte d’Ivoire first class in one direction, and Air France La Premiere in the other? Who knows which will best the other in a head to head? LOL.
Also, in terms of this being your most expensive ticket, I’m surprised it wasn’t your JFK-CDG-JNB ticket in...
Please do it!!! This is the kind of content I love to read, I get a sense of wonder from airlines like this! I have an idea—how about Air Côte d’Ivoire first class in one direction, and Air France La Premiere in the other? Who knows which will best the other in a head to head? LOL.
Also, in terms of this being your most expensive ticket, I’m surprised it wasn’t your JFK-CDG-JNB ticket in La Premiere with Ford and your dad a few years back. I remember finding that so cool and I’d love to do a similar trip if/when AF brings back LP to JNB.
@ Motion to Dismiss -- Funny enough, the La Premiere ticket actually cost less than that, which makes this pricing all the more painful. You have good memory!
We obviously don’t know your finances, and it is expensive for a flight review that isn’t likely to be relevant. BUT- as a reader that’s been with you since almost the beginning, this is why we love your content! Would love to read it if it’s possible!
You will need a visa for Ivory Coast. I would not count on an African airline understanding the nature of a same-plane-return and allowing it visa-free. (Even Finnair insists on visas on their flights to India even if it is a same-plane return with airside transit.)
Would it be possible for you to treat yourself to La Premiere? Fly AF to Abidjan, spend a night and return on the afternoon Air Cote d'Ivoire flight in F to Paris?
Yes I had the same idea—I agree that would be an awesome way to do it.
@ Daniel from Finland -- I like your thought in general, the issue is that one-way first class is outrageously expensive, even more than if booking as part of a roundtrip. Otherwise I totally would.
Does anyone have actual firsthand experience with how long it takes to get a visa for the Ivory Coast approved?
@Ben - it is an eVisa and it is usually approved in no more than a couple of days. There is also a transit facility at Abidjan airport and no issues with doing same plane turnarounds.
How about combining Premium Economy and Business?
Yes. Maximum credibility. Do it.
Ignore the naysayers and pragmatists.
This is the 'jet-fuel' you need for your upcoming 'Thunderdome' against Josh C.
Start a GoFundMe. I’ll chip in $20
Lucky,
Do it. Even better, fly with Josh Cahill and have that chat onboard.
YESSS.
LOL
No, you have kids! Save your money. What about buying Y and seeing if there’s a cash upgrade price for a more reasonable amount?
@ Jake -- Based on Josh Cahill's "SCAM" flight on the airline, it seems the upgrade price doesn't offer much savings, since they wanted him to pay $1,500 one-way to upgrade from economy to business.
I'd definitely like to read it, it's the kind of the obscure product no one ever reviews.
Am I likely to ever fly it? No. But that applies to most first class products and it doesn't stop me from enjoying the reviews :)
I would like for you to try out Air Cote d'Ivoire's brand-new A330neo in First Class to see how it compares to Josh's experience.
Noone here will ever fly this airline, and it wont generate enough clicks. Even with a tax write off you are wasting your time and money.
Skip it!
How about a review of an overnight on a train somewhere in Europe?
I agree, I am sure early next year fares will be lower, and in the mean time, try some the trains that are alternatives to short flights in Europe. I am curious about the TrenItalia Executive class from Paris to Milan (1-1 seating in 5 rows, full food and drink service).
Not worth the money. Would have very littel relevance to the majority of your audience. Also, without knowing the details for the transit, and what would happen if you missed your return flight the same day, I would say no.
Oh, pish posh; I'm here for the subsequent 'roast' of Josh Cahill that would follow such a review...
Hop over to London and see if you can get on that sole Riyadh Air flight
Save your money! They'll eventually reduce their fares when their cabin is empty
Skip it. Buy the kids and Ford something nice in Paris.
Yes.