It’s a big day for Air France, Europe’s most premium airline. The airline has today unveiled its new first class product (marketed as La Premiere), as part of a project that has been over three years in the making.
For context, Air France’s current first class was introduced over a decade ago, in 2014, and continues to be very competitive to this day. Now the airline is launching a new cabin, designed in partnership with France’s STELIA Aerospace, that will no doubt lead the industry for the next decade. Let’s take a look at the details, and we even have an exclusive tour of the cabin from Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith (thanks… that’s far too kind!).
In this post:
Air France’s new La Premiere first class revealed
Air France’s new La Premiere first class is a stunner. I’d say the product is remarkably simple, and evolutionary rather than revolutionary, in the best way possible. Rather than reinventing the wheel, the airline is evolving its existing first class product, and taking it to the next level.
Unlike other airlines, Air France isn’t installing walls or doors, and isn’t focused on gimmicks. Instead, Air France is maintaining the same concept it previously had, with each seat having curtains, and excelling in understated elegance.
At over three meters, the new first class is the longest first class seat in the market, with each seat spanning five aircraft windows (compared to the previous first class, which stretched four windows). Each first class seat spans 3.5 square meters, providing 25% more space compared to the current cabin.
The seat has a modular design, with a seat facing in one direction, and a chaise longue facing in the other direction. The idea is to create an experience that adapts to every stage of the flight, from sitting upright in order to dine, to relaxing on the chaise longue, to reclining into a fully flat bed. The chaise longue transforms into a bed that’s two meters long, and 75cm (30in) wide.
While curtains will provide separation from the aisle, the two center seats will have a full height electric sliding partition, to ensure complete privacy. Meanwhile for those traveling together, it’ll be possible to lower that, so that the flight can be enjoyed together.
Air France is also eliminating overhead bins in first class, instead replacing them with floor-level storage compartments, which can hold up to two suitcases, in addition to a drawer for shoes. An individual closet is also available, for hanging clothes.
This is much more convenient than the current setup, where the overhead bins are located behind the curtains in the window seats, which can be awkward when those in center seats want to access the overhead bins during the flight.
As far as tech goes, each seat has two 32″ 4K screens, with one being in each direction, so that guests can enjoy the entertainment from the seat, or from the chaise longue or bed. There’s also a wireless tablet, which controls all seat functions. The new cabin boasts bluetooth audio, as well as AC, USB-A, and USB-C outlets, plus wireless charging.
As before, Air France will continue to heavily use the winged seahorse logo, which is probably my single favorite design detail of any airline. I’m happy to see the extent to which Air France continues to lean into that.
As I view it, the only real disappointment is the lack of individual air nozzles. I would have to imagine that this is something that Air France was looking at introducing, but the process of retrofitting those on planes is incredibly challenging, based on my understanding.
Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith gives tour of new suite
Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith is an absolute legend, who I have endless respect for. Not only is he incredibly competent at running airlines, from product strategy, to fleet planning, to labor relations, but the icing on the cake is that he’s a huge aviation geek.
Air France had a big media event today in Paris, for the new La Premiere launch. I was planning on attending, but unfortunately had to change my plans at the last minute (I usually don’t attend media events, but was going to make an exception for this, because I was mighty intrigued).
While I’m sad I couldn’t make it, I’m pinching myself, because Smith has sent along a video providing a tour of the new seat for OMAAT readers. This is actually super helpful in understanding the inspiration for the seat, plus all the features. For those who aren’t sure what to make of the renderings, I think an actual seat tour might leave more of an impression.
Air France’s new La Premiere first class rollout schedule
As before, Air France will continue to exclusively offer its La Premiere first class cabin on Boeing 777-300ERs. There will continue to be four La Premiere seats per aircraft, with one row of seats, in a 1-2-1 configuration. The product is expected to be rolled out on more 777s than in the past (since only a subfleet of aircraft has first class), but the airline hasn’t yet revealed how many additional planes will get the cabin.
The expectation is that this product will launch on the New York (JFK) route as of this spring, with the next destinations being Los Angeles (LAX), Singapore (SIN), and Tokyo (HND). It seems Air France has aggressive plans to retrofit existing aircraft, so this product should roll out fairly quickly.
The first aircraft with the new first class has the registration code F-GZNQ, and it’s a nine-year-old 777-300ER. The plane has been in Paris Orly (ORY) since December 8, 2024, as it’s pretty standard for the first reconfigured jet to take a little longer. What’s interesting is that this is one of the refreshed three cabin 777-300ERs, featuring the new business class, but not featuring first class.
Air France La Premiere is elevating commercial aviation
Air France’s new La Premiere first class is more or less exactly what I was expecting, and I’d consider that to be a good thing. While there are flashier products out there, this looks like an incredibly elegant cabin, and from tech to comfort, it feels like every single design detail was thought through.
Unlike other new first class seats (including on Emirates and Japan Airlines), this is a product that continues to be designed with couples in mind, since you can actually assign a center pair of seats together.
Ultimately what makes Air France La Premiere so special isn’t even the seat or the exclusivity, but rather how seamless the airline makes the entire travel journey. The ground service when flying in Air France La Premiere is more in line with private aviation than commercial aviation. There’s not another airline that even comes close when it comes to the quality of the ground service.
The Air France La Premiere ground experience in Paris is amazing. It starts with a chauffeur service, and then check-in formalities are handled very efficiently, you’re driven to the lounge, and then you’re driven to the plane. Arguably it’s even more seamless on arrival, as you’re literally driven through passport control (you don’t even get out of the car), and to the arrivals lounge, where the lovely La Premiere ground staff even retrieve your bags for you, before you’re whisked off via chauffeur service to your final destination.
Now, admittedly, Air France also charges dearly for the experience, and consistently has higher first class pricing than any other airline in the world. But that’s fair enough, between the effort the airline puts into the product, plus Paris being a pretty popular destination for affluent travelers. If the airline can command high fares, then more power to ’em.
Bottom line
Air France has unveiled its new La Premiere, and it looks stunning. The carrier’s new first class is the longest first class seat in the market, at over three meters in length. Not only does it feature a seat, but it also has a chaise longue, which can transform into a two meter bed.
What’s so special is that this incredible hard product complements an already very impressive soft product, which starts before you even arrive at the airport. There’s not another airline that puts so much effort into a seamless first class experience. Well done, Air France!
What do you make of the new Air France La Premiere first class?
anyone have any idea which specific JFK routes this will feature on first?
@ Flyertalkenjoyer -- AF3/4 and AF5/6 are supposed to be the first two (based on how inventory updated a while back), but we have no sense of details beyond that, including the exact timeline.
are there any photos of the middle two section? Curious to see how they designed the middle partition
@ JayC -- I haven't seen any pictures yet, but I'll be sure to share them when published.
Hey Ben, it's super cool that you got this exclusive video, love it. Also as a Flying Blue Platinum member will I be able to redeem points for this new seat?
@ Eli -- We'll see how it evolves, but anecdotally, Air France seems to be blocking all first class awards on flights that are operated by the new cabins. That could change over time, and could just be for the intro period... or not... we'll see.
Any idea as to how to tell if the new product will be onboard when booking?
@ Adam Auxier -- As of now the airline hasn't yet loaded the new aircraft into the schedule, so unfortunately not yet. So we know which routes will get the new cabins, but not exactly when. Once the dates are published, I'll report back.
Say what you will but to this day, style- and class-wise, nobody messes with the French. 10% of tech of ANA and Emirates, 200% of sexiness and practicality. This is a great product.
What are the gimmicks used by other airlines? That line makes you sound like a shill for AF, and I don't normally think of OMAAT like that, so want to know what "...and isn’t focused on gimmicks" is referring to.
Ben's comments resonated and do not sound "shill" to me. Here are a few things I'd consider 'gimmicks' in some first classes:
- LH's "Suite Plus" center seats - intriguing concept, yet cramped, impractical and overpriced
- Overcomplicated seat/suite controls that practically require a tutorial to operate (Emirates)
- 'Individual temperature controls' with limited effectiveness due to aircraft's central air system constraints (Emirates)
- Headrest speakers (looking at you JAL)
Ben's comments resonated and do not sound "shill" to me. Here are a few things I'd consider 'gimmicks' in some first classes:
- LH's "Suite Plus" center seats - intriguing concept, yet cramped, impractical and overpriced
- Overcomplicated seat/suite controls that practically require a tutorial to operate (Emirates)
- 'Individual temperature controls' with limited effectiveness due to aircraft's central air system constraints (Emirates)
- Headrest speakers (looking at you JAL)
A shower on board that is not scrubbed or properly cleaned after use.
Ben waxes poetic about this, but I think it's unhygienic and downright nasty. Nothing more than a gimmick.
@ justin dev -- Hey now, don't come for my shower! :p Okay, I'm curious, why do you think the cleaning of that shower is any different than a typical hotel shower?
@ NateNate -- Exactly what Gimmicks says. Air France La Premiere has long been about understated and simple elegance, and I think this seat continues that tradition. To be clear, I didn't say gimmicks are bad. I just said that Air France isn't focused on them. There's no minibar, no head rest speakers, no 14-color lighting control display, no double bed of questionable practicality, etc.
Stunning ? How ? Pictures make it look very ordinary and the pictures don’t lie.
I will add, that after looking at the video, the table looks a bit wobbly. Champagne problems for sure.
Who remembers the days (pre Walsh/Cruz era) when British Airways could command such a stir with the release of a new product?
Yeah, Bob Ayling introduced the "modern" first class beds in the late 90s, and drove BA to really innovate. Rod Eddington, his successor, alas was a man ahead of his time; he envisioned smaller planes flying longer routes with greater frequencies, something that we see happening today more and more.
"and isn’t focused on gimmicks"
.....like suite doors. ;)
lol fighting words with this lot
I had the pleasure to try the current La Premiere product as well as the LH Allegris first class product. I have to say, yes the soft product of AF is better than LH, concerning the hard product, it is not even close. I really like the LH door way more than the AF curtain and the seat is wider with LH and more comfortable. Also, I find it funny that in this blog, doors,...
I had the pleasure to try the current La Premiere product as well as the LH Allegris first class product. I have to say, yes the soft product of AF is better than LH, concerning the hard product, it is not even close. I really like the LH door way more than the AF curtain and the seat is wider with LH and more comfortable. Also, I find it funny that in this blog, doors, especially in C are praised as non plus ultra but with AF first, somehow doors are not important anymore and this curtain is the best?!? Concerning the ground product, I concur that in outstations, it' not even close and AF wins, we'll done AF! Flying from ZRH via FCT in Frankfurt normally, the food and service is not that far apart in my opinion. But that's just my opinion of course. That being said, AF has an amazing product, just don't think it's so "divine" as portrayed here but really looking forward to try the new one!
@ Christian — I’m curious, what don’t you like about the curtains? Curtains and doors serve the same function, and I’d view curtains as being more efficient, since they’re lighter weight, and there’s less that can go wrong.
Appreciate the thoughts on Allegris, and I look forward to giving it a try! Correct me if I’m wrong, though, the Allegris first class doors are rather flimsy and have a hole in them, where you pull?
Hi Ben,
Thanks for taking the time to answer to my post! I have to admit it's more of a "feeling" I guess. Let me put it this way: for me moving curtains seem flimsy but compared to other, firmer, doors, I can see how you would find the LH ones flimsy as they are light and only a few mm thick. I had no problem with them though. They close with magnets in...
Hi Ben,
Thanks for taking the time to answer to my post! I have to admit it's more of a "feeling" I guess. Let me put it this way: for me moving curtains seem flimsy but compared to other, firmer, doors, I can see how you would find the LH ones flimsy as they are light and only a few mm thick. I had no problem with them though. They close with magnets in both doors and don't move inflight so compared to curtains, sturdy, compared to other doors, flimsy. Does that make sense? Concerning privacy, nearly the same as the LH walls are about 1.90m so only the largest attendants could look over but of course AF are completely blocking out. Hope sincerely that helps. Btw. Another matter, will try Allegris Business Suite from ORD to MUC beginning of April. Do you have any current information as to when Polaris Lounge will open again exactly? Greetings from ZRH!
@ Christian -- Appreciate your thoughts, and am curious to try the product soon! Sadly I don't know when the Polaris Lounge Chicago is opening, beyond what has been stated by the airline in the past. I'll be sure to provide an update as soon as I know more. :-)
Perfect! Read your blog daily anyway but also looking forward to try LOT Lounge in Terminal 5 so all good!
Ah, sorry, overlooked one question. The hole in the doors: was told that this was "legally mandated" sorry, didn't ask more.
@Ben - I'm generally okay with curtains, but I can see why some people prefer doors. I think curtains create too much of a closed space, which is both their benefit and disadvantage. Doors (not all the way to the ceiling) can provide some level of privacy while maintaining a relatively open space if one desires it. Curtains, by their nature, create a relatively small (in terms of width) space. Perhaps some combination would be...
@Ben - I'm generally okay with curtains, but I can see why some people prefer doors. I think curtains create too much of a closed space, which is both their benefit and disadvantage. Doors (not all the way to the ceiling) can provide some level of privacy while maintaining a relatively open space if one desires it. Curtains, by their nature, create a relatively small (in terms of width) space. Perhaps some combination would be better? Have a business-class-style wall and door (to around the chest height when standing) and then curtains above them? That would provide more flexibility.
Interesting perspective, haven't thought of it this way. Thanks!
@ Samo -- Interesting point, and I can see where you're coming from if you truly don't want a floor-to-ceiling door. But for products like Emirates and Lufthansa Allegris, the door does go all the way to the ceiling, and people do seem to like that.
Based on my own experience, I find that curtains offer the most flexibility, as you can customize them way more than doors. For example, if the person seated across...
@ Samo -- Interesting point, and I can see where you're coming from if you truly don't want a floor-to-ceiling door. But for products like Emirates and Lufthansa Allegris, the door does go all the way to the ceiling, and people do seem to like that.
Based on my own experience, I find that curtains offer the most flexibility, as you can customize them way more than doors. For example, if the person seated across from you is using their curtains, you can also leave your seat totally open, and you'll have more open of a layout than you'd have in any cabin with doors.
I love doors, but I think curtains are such a brilliant innovation in aviation, given how light they are, they don't break, etc.
Meh. Japan Airlines new first class is still better.
However they don’t have the ground experience. Moreover, unless you’ve experienced both you can’t comment. Suggest you try the new La Premiere and come back with a full report.
Few drawbacks:
In the video, you can easily see that if you are sitting in the chair during take off / landing - the lower edge of the tv is covered by the chaise longue’s headrest.
Sitting backward isn’t ideal.
As pointed by others, the curtain is too close to the chair and one’s elbow is going to move the curtain all day long.
In the video, the bed is not in its lowest position. You can see it going lower when he reclines the seat. When you will board the plane, the bed will be in its lowest position and will not block the monitor.
We are big La P fans and have been eagerly awaiting the release of this product. Just a few comments. The Chaise sticking out does look a little awkward. Overall it looks that the area for the feet between the chair and current ottoman is reduced with the new chaise. While I love not having the middle seat folks have to access their bags by opening my curtains (we always take the window seats) I...
We are big La P fans and have been eagerly awaiting the release of this product. Just a few comments. The Chaise sticking out does look a little awkward. Overall it looks that the area for the feet between the chair and current ottoman is reduced with the new chaise. While I love not having the middle seat folks have to access their bags by opening my curtains (we always take the window seats) I think the luggage bins will prove to be a nightmare. I foresee them breaking (as the current tray tables often did) and also may very well be too small to accommodate oversized carry-on’s. A previous comment did note the pitch of the plane during flight and that sleeping in reverse would prevent your feet from being slightly higher than your head, when the bed is fully flat, which is a win. I couldn’t tell if the AF seahorse emblem is on the wall sconce, but did note that the main light (which we love) is now down by the bed instead of by the main seat. I also wonder if the curtain fabric is thicker than before (I hope). And it looks as though some of the extra seat lighting (which was by the tray tables/magazine rack and added a nice soft glow) is gone which was nice. Though photos do seem to show the current magazine rack to be lit somehow. The folded tray table isn’t housed/hidden as elegantly as before, but may be more functional. The new shoe drawer pulls toward the aisle, and the current drawer you could access from the seat with a small stretch. The color palate appears to have gone more grey than some of the soft blue tones used now and feels cooler. I hope that my in-person experience is different than what I am feeling while looking at photos as I was hoping the artistic renderings wouldn’t be what we ended up getting and waiting for. We absolutely love Air France and the ground service experience and hope that their new product measures up to the excellence they are known for!
And the curtains don’t go all the way to the top?
All that hype for this, Air France Futons? I don't think this is world-beating.
-- The seat looks small and has a narrow armrest. When the curtain is closed, this will mean that the passenger is sitting right against the curtain. That doesn't produce a spacious feeling and means that the passenger is likely to get bumped by anyone in the aisle.
-- Neither the seat nor the bed offers an ideal lounging...
All that hype for this, Air France Futons? I don't think this is world-beating.
-- The seat looks small and has a narrow armrest. When the curtain is closed, this will mean that the passenger is sitting right against the curtain. That doesn't produce a spacious feeling and means that the passenger is likely to get bumped by anyone in the aisle.
-- Neither the seat nor the bed offers an ideal lounging setting, where the seat can be reclined substantially but with the knees higher than the feet. (It's one of the reasons I dislike SQ Suites.) With the bed here, only the upper part moves.
-- The design is just awkward, with misaligned bed and seat
Even he says lounge. Can you now delete "longue" and say chaise lounge or just "chaise" like a normal person? I think you would trust Restoration Hardware over the dork that "corrected" you in the previous post.
What makes you think that CEO says it correctly? I'm sure no one dares to correct him, LOL. I'd trust a native French speaker on this issue ;)
It's longue, not lounge LOL
Lol we’re speaking English not French.
@ Sel, D. -- I really can't win, lol. I say "lounge," and people correct me and say that's not right. I say "longue," and, well...
Ha! Btw super cool exclusive.
It’s pronounced “ long”. Je vous en prie
Is "longue" too "woke" or "DEI" for your liking?
LOL!
Ben Smith's video is excellent to show exactly how the seat looks like. Thanks for the vid Ben Smith.
This really is impressive and most certainly practical. You can eat and sit then easily move over to the lounge/bed to sleep. And looking at the position of the seat and bed you do have space when getting up to go to the loo or sth.
I don't miss the gimmick of having a bar or controlling the temp of the seat.
Really impressive Air France.
A personalized video from Air France CEO? Now I'll have to read your reviews of LA Premiere with a grain of salt ;)
Any review by any blogger/vlogger should be taken with a grain of salt, especially when the author doesn’t make any attempt to be anonymous in their work.
It certainly *looks* lovely but in terms of ergonomics and functionality I’m not sure the set up is an improvement.
The video tour definitely helped! I now admit it looks way much better than on photos.
Does it look comfy and spacious? Yes.
Does it look awkward and disjointed? Also yes.
The current LP suite has a subtle and elegant look with smooth curves and integrated parts, whereas this new design looks like they’re trying to shove different furniture pieces into a big suite and have random parts sticking out at odd angles. Reminiscent of the Singapore Airlines suites with the separate bed and armchair.
A missed opportunity to create something really chic!
No individual climate control? No air nozzles? What a missed opportunity.
@ david — Yeah, it’s my understanding those are really expensive and complicated to retrofit on aircraft. These planes were all ordered under a different management team, as I know the current one is on #TeamAirNozzles.
I'm a fan of air nozzles too.
If the Air France first class ground experience at CDG weren’t so nicely arranged by Air France, I would avoid CDG and not use the AF first class service even with this improved first class cabin. It’s the ground handling experience that really matters in this regard because otherwise the CDG experience is sort of all over the place.
I absolutely loooove it. This looks very spacious, elegant and well thought.
LH could have still gone with a 1-2-1 configuration and it would be spacious as the seats on LH are 90cm wide!
Well done AF.
Three meters is a lot of real estate for a person to occupy on an airplane. Just think, one first class suite takes up the space of five or six coach seats. Pricey is an understatement. The first class product is exceptional by any standard.
It's actually closer to 10 Y seats per 1 F seat (3.8 rows of 10 abreast / 4 seats).
Love the concept. My only concern: there are no plans to introduce the cabin to the A350. Probably fuselage is not wide enough.
The difference in noise level and air moisture really sets the A350 apart from the B777 especially in those low density cabin environments. All the pampering by ground and air crew is...
It's actually closer to 10 Y seats per 1 F seat (3.8 rows of 10 abreast / 4 seats).
Love the concept. My only concern: there are no plans to introduce the cabin to the A350. Probably fuselage is not wide enough.
The difference in noise level and air moisture really sets the A350 apart from the B777 especially in those low density cabin environments. All the pampering by ground and air crew is great but falls a bit short if you get a bleedy nose for spending too much time in those overdry outdated frames. Considering Airfrance did not order the 777x (which is touted an improvement on this front) I wonder what the strategy is, considering those 77W, some of them being 20 years old, will start retiring...
I expected the bed to be separate since it was presented as the third "space". Otherwise it's pretty damn good! La Premiére is about substance, not wow effects, this is not a middle eastern carrier. This will be very pleasant to fly on and that's what matters.
Honestly? Didn't change much from the previous seat, apart from details, which are the catch. The revamping on the service, on the other hand, os what gives the prize.
No personal air vents... :)
Bravo Air France! Stunning, to say the least. Understated - nothing of that garish fake gold of Emirates. The French knows luxury better than anybody else. The most exclusive of all first class products, no doubt. Too bad it is not accessible to us average joes playing the points/miles game, except for super players like Ben. But that is what makes it special; when everybody is elite, nobody really is.
My thoughts exactly!
Why on earth would this level of luxury be necessary on a short JFK-CDG flight? I could see the utility on flights to the Far East (or if AF were ever to acquire the aircraft to fly to Australia), but to and from the USA?
@ Porquoi? -- I don't think this level of luxury is ever "necessary," but I think most luxury goods aren't a necessity. The reality is that New York has one of the highest concentrations of wealth in the world, and a lot of people to and from New York are willing to pay for first class. Also, this will eventually be offered on all Air France planes with first class, so it's not like it's limited to New York.
I read next will be Los Angeles, Singapore and Tokyo.
For the same reason that anything beyond an all-economy layout, is offered on any flight from anywhere:
Because people in that market are willing TO PAY FOR it.
Hell, Air France knows that better than anyone (save for perhaps BA) as this specific market was one where people even in the 1970s - 2000s were paying up to $10,000 ($24,000 in today's money, using the 1990 midpoint)...
For the same reason that anything beyond an all-economy layout, is offered on any flight from anywhere:
Because people in that market are willing TO PAY FOR it.
Hell, Air France knows that better than anyone (save for perhaps BA) as this specific market was one where people even in the 1970s - 2000s were paying up to $10,000 ($24,000 in today's money, using the 1990 midpoint) just to shave 3hrs off of the economy seat's flight time........... a seat that would've otherwise been 1/12th of that price.
Will you still be able to dine with someone across from you? One of the nice things about LP was dining together with lovely views outside the window during daytime flights. It looks like it might not be possible anymore.
Good question because it seems the chaise and the seat are not exactly aligned right in front of each other. But, the chaise doesnt seem to allow for sitting in an upright position either...
@ Aaron — I suspect it would have to be a makeshift setup, though fortunately those in the center seats can at least be close to one another, and dine together in that way (but not face to face).
Was expecting to be wowed and I'm just... not. Some details seem poorly thought out IMO. If you're lounging like the model in the chaise and the next passenger is in the chair, then you're staring straight at them. If this product is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, they should have added some default privacy shields. Also, that second screen is especially high on the wall considering you will be positioned lower on the chaise and...
Was expecting to be wowed and I'm just... not. Some details seem poorly thought out IMO. If you're lounging like the model in the chaise and the next passenger is in the chair, then you're staring straight at them. If this product is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, they should have added some default privacy shields. Also, that second screen is especially high on the wall considering you will be positioned lower on the chaise and you'll be 3 meters away. They could have had the TV rise up and down just like in some luxury homes. Lastly, the finishes and materials don't look especially premium in pictures, although I'm sure in person will be fine.
I like Air France and they have an excellent track record of doing things right, so I suspect this is just one of those things you have to see in person to appreciate.
Why would you need privacy shields when there is a curtain for people across the aisle and a privacy partition for those in the center seats?
Is the curtain always drawn? What if you feel claustrophobic and want it open? I'd imagine during meal service the curtains are open, just like the doors in First Class on other airlines.
@ Super — It’s totally up to each passenger how much they want their curtain drawn. I find most passengers partially draw the curtain during the meal service, and that acts as a privacy shield (as you’re referencing).
Honestly, it's fine. The curtain concept is smart and probably saves AF millions on overengineering doors or something that doesn't need to be.
The beauty of LP is not in the hard product, once you get a seat of a certain size and functionality, the rest doesn't matter as much. LP is focused on having the best ground service experience in CDG + amazing food and drinks in the air.
Once you're in a lie-flat...
Honestly, it's fine. The curtain concept is smart and probably saves AF millions on overengineering doors or something that doesn't need to be.
The beauty of LP is not in the hard product, once you get a seat of a certain size and functionality, the rest doesn't matter as much. LP is focused on having the best ground service experience in CDG + amazing food and drinks in the air.
Once you're in a lie-flat seat with direct aisle access, what you remember the most about an airline is the service and soft product that's why people love Asian carriers and LP, not because they have all the most cutting edge seats all the time, but because they do you right in the sky.
Funny you should say that, because the second paragraph could very well have been written for Lufthansa
@E39
Ah yes, serving caviar with a metal cutlery is an example of "amazing food in the air".
Crazy that you simp over something you've never experienced.
Puts a name changing intellectual forcing Ben to fly a certain product into a real shame.
@Mason -- I'll acknowledge that LH F catering might not be world leading, but my point was that the LH's edge in F is the ground service. A separate F terminal at FRA, a new (and quite sleek IMO) F check in area at MUC with a great F satellite lounge. And yes, I have tried LH F, and I quite liked it, especially the ground services. You should give it a try.
@E39
FCT is nice and sure is one of the best ground amenities out there. No denying here.
But is it the best?
AF La Premiere offer a chauffeur service to all passengers, while that of LH is limited.
Not to mention how you might just end up in a VW van.
If the whole second paragraph is " could very well have been written for Lufthansa", then wouldn't it be assumed...
@E39
FCT is nice and sure is one of the best ground amenities out there. No denying here.
But is it the best?
AF La Premiere offer a chauffeur service to all passengers, while that of LH is limited.
Not to mention how you might just end up in a VW van.
If the whole second paragraph is " could very well have been written for Lufthansa", then wouldn't it be assumed that you're not only focusing on "that the LH's edge in F is the ground service"?
Try a better interpretation just like how you try LH F.
And @That Escalated Quickly, sorry that I'm being reasonable here.
How sad that I'm not always a "ignominious merit badge" holder. Nice try.
Ignominious merit badge to Mason for his light speed escalation to max agro against E39.
Real merit badge to E39 for not taking the bait.
@ E39 — The FCT is awesome when departing FRA, no doubt. But that’s one very specific circumstance. If you’re connecting, if you’re arriving, or if you’re at an outstation, there’s simply no comparison between AF and LH ground services. There’s nothing wrong with that, since LH is typically much cheaper than AF in first class. But AF is in a league of it’s own when it comes to the consistency of the ground experience.
@Ben — I’ve noticed multiple people saying AF LP is excellent at outstations. I know LH has first class dedicated areas at JFK, BOS and IAD, and I know AF has a special LP service at JFK too that is more extensive than what LH offers, but is there something more I might have missed? Like chauffeur service etc.
Also appreciate how you take the time to reply to so many comments on this post.
The concept is rather bizarre ... A chair and a chaise longue not really facing but the bed forcing people to look to the rear, sounds like 10 years is a long time to get that !
AF once again has shown they are in a league of their own. Calm, classic, inviting and refined. Having the two center seats for couples shows AF commitment to making your journey that much more pleasurable. And the continued use of curtains adds elegance. Bravo
Isn’t the tv a bit too high? My neck hurts just looking at the photos.
I love La premiere but frankly was expecting more…a lot more. The bed doesn’t seem comfortable. And for take off and landing, do you sit on the chair facing backward?
It looks very good - but not great. The lounge/seating options are a differentiator, but I can't say I really need that in an F seat. I actually thought the current iteration of LP was sufficient - they could have just modernized that / updated the IFE and seat technology and - with their great soft product reputation - we'd be all set.
Regardless, very slim chance that I'll ever get to fly as I'm not a SkyTeam guy, and redemptions are extremely rare.
I’m not wowed. The seat looks narrower than what we currently have. And it looks like the seat is closer to the aisle than window, which means during takeoff and landing you’ll be quite close to others. And I’m disappointed that for a 5-window seat, the bed isn’t any longer.
Do we think the curtains will at least be thicker than what we have now? I hope so.
All that said, I love and have faith in Air France so I will keep an open mind!
"And it looks like the seat is closer to the aisle than window, which means during takeoff and landing you’ll be quite close to others."
The seat is closer to the aisle than to the window in the *current* LP configuration. It's not a problem.
This new seat does not wow me actually, seems that the one from Emirates and the Etihad are still the top First class seats in my opinion.
Meanwhile Mr Spohr contiune to sell its concept of 2 in 1 seats.
This does look really elegant - and very on-brand for AF vs the in-your-face nature of Emirates, for example.
One aspect that stands out, and might get overlooked, is the positioning of the chaise/bed. Unless I missed something, the passenger's head will be at the front of the aircraft. As there's typically a slight nose-up attitude of the aircraft during cruise, that would prevent one's feet being higher than their head, which is a nice...
This does look really elegant - and very on-brand for AF vs the in-your-face nature of Emirates, for example.
One aspect that stands out, and might get overlooked, is the positioning of the chaise/bed. Unless I missed something, the passenger's head will be at the front of the aircraft. As there's typically a slight nose-up attitude of the aircraft during cruise, that would prevent one's feet being higher than their head, which is a nice improvement over most seats out there.
I noticed the same thing! And agree!
This looks badly designed and worse than current LP. Maybe I’m wrong but it looks like they decreased the width of the bed and chair you spend most of your time in! I’m not sure why it’s an improvement that you have to move around to go to the chaise, which looks like it can’t be positioned as precisely as the current very comfy primary chair. Just a dumb design at first glance. Cathay looks set to blow other first class hard products out of the water.
Will you have to be seated in the seat part for take-off and landing? Seems much less comfortable than the chaise tbh.
@ Dror -- I'd imagine you need to be in the seat for takeoff and landing.
Looks nice.
But I struggled to understand this detail:
“…before you’re whisked off in a chauffeur to your final destination.”
Either some words missing, or that’s a unique service.
@ The nice Paul -- Whoops, that should've read "whisked off via chauffeur service." Updated now.
The chaise looks like something you'd sit on to donate blood. Paper seat cover included.
The seat and bed seem narrow. Shows a picture of a thin model in the seat and bed. I suspect most customers are larger males. I think a wider seat seat would suit them better.
Most customers flying to the US, perhaps. Less so to other destinations like SIN and TYO…
I read that the bed will be 75cm in width (29 inches) which seems more than ok from my point of view?
I like it.
It might be the photo, but the storage looks very shallow and tall, I wonder what they’ll do if your suitcase/duffle bag/backpack doesn’t fit. Go all the way back to business to store it?
@ E39 -- I would imagine they'll definitely have closet space in first class, by the galley, where it can be stored.
I can’t say i am exactly a regular but i fly P about 2-3 round trips per calendar year
At a first look It would seem that the ‘tongues’ would change the bed width or somehow modify the sleep orientation, which are two factors that until now made 1a or 1l the closest in the airline industry you would get to a real home bed
Or perhaps the pictures don't do justice to...
I can’t say i am exactly a regular but i fly P about 2-3 round trips per calendar year
At a first look It would seem that the ‘tongues’ would change the bed width or somehow modify the sleep orientation, which are two factors that until now made 1a or 1l the closest in the airline industry you would get to a real home bed
Or perhaps the pictures don't do justice to this aspect
Yes its a chic product, but a but underwhelming given the fanfare preceding the changes
Still a million times more first class than an allegris box
@ lasdiner -- Pardon my confusion, but what are you referring to with "tongues?" If you're talking about the console next to the seat, it looks to me like maybe the seat as such will be closer to the fuselage than before, with the tray table storage being moved from the window-side to the aisle-side.
A little closer to the fuselage yes, but still looks like some bed width might be lost. We’ll see. Thanks for the great update
@ lasdiner -- It's an interesting point. So I just looked it up, it looks like the bed width will remain the same. The current bed width is 30", and the new bed width is also 30". It'll be interesting to experience firsthand, and see how comfort compares.
Color me impressed. Air France “gets it” with the revamp of La Premeire. I don’t think the majority of global international first class passengers are looking for radical changes to the product like Lufthansa and Swiss made to the hard product. Instead they are seeking exclusivity, privacy, and comfort which Air France and La Premeire provide in droves, both in the air and in the ground. Congrats to Air France on this one.
Could not agree more. I will say the actual seat looks a bit plain, like some office chair.
I guess the final product is close to the renderings that were going around for years. I'm not certain I am fully on board with the seat + chaise that merge into a bed concept. I don't see myself going back and forth between the seat and the chaise during the flight unless the seat doesn't recline at all; I was hoping it would be something closer to what Qantas will do with a bed AND a seat.
Looks lovely regardless!
@ Clem -- Hmmm, I could be looking at it wrong, but I don't think the chaise longue and seat merge into a bed. Keep in mind the suite is roughly 10 feet long, while the bed is a bit over six feet long. So I don't think the intent is that the seat becomes part of the bed.
Regarding Qantas, I think the A350 first class seat concept looks really cool, though don't you...
@ Clem -- Hmmm, I could be looking at it wrong, but I don't think the chaise longue and seat merge into a bed. Keep in mind the suite is roughly 10 feet long, while the bed is a bit over six feet long. So I don't think the intent is that the seat becomes part of the bed.
Regarding Qantas, I think the A350 first class seat concept looks really cool, though don't you think the bed and seat next to one another look sort of narrow? The bed almost looks claustrophobic, with a wall right next to it, like in this picture:
https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Qantas-A350-Business-Class-1.jpeg
At least that's my take. :-)
@ Ben - you could be right! It's a bit hard to tell from the pics, but I guess once the chaise is reclined, it would eat some of the seat width making it impossible to use the seat if the chaise is fully reclined? Guess we'll have to get more pics/videos to find out.
And yeah - QF looks a bit narrow for sure, would also love to see it in person to...
@ Ben - you could be right! It's a bit hard to tell from the pics, but I guess once the chaise is reclined, it would eat some of the seat width making it impossible to use the seat if the chaise is fully reclined? Guess we'll have to get more pics/videos to find out.
And yeah - QF looks a bit narrow for sure, would also love to see it in person to get a better sense of the space.
By the way, the Air France press release mentions that the first aircraft equipped with the new suite is Epernay (registration F-GZNQ).
Great to see the old LH 744 F seats get taken out of mothball.
Yes, why would I sit in the seat when I can have the comfier chaise longue. Only scenario is for eating, but otherwise the seat is kind of obsolete. I hope the chaise has a seatbelt and tray table
I would've loved to see individual HVAC controls similar to Emirates' new suites.
It somewhat resembles CXs dayrooms at The Pier first class lounge which I like.
And just for the record, the winged seahorse you speak of is called "Hippocampus alatus." ;)
This looks great, but most of us will never fly La Premiere. Even most Air France customers will never fly La Premiere. I wish Air France would put a little more effort into its business-class. It already has a good seat, excellent wine, and excellent food.
They need more movies, a better and bigger blanket, and ideally a mattress pad. I fly Air France business-class 4-6 times a year. It's still better than Delta, but I wish they could improve the bedding.
@ FNT Delta Diamond -- Happy to see you have something positive to say about alcohol on an airline, for once, so that's a big plus for Air France. ;-)
I agree with you completely that I'd love to see Air France elevate its business class bedding. It's not bad, but it's also not the best in the industry.
Even so, I think it's hard to argue that Air France hasn't been investing greatly in...
@ FNT Delta Diamond -- Happy to see you have something positive to say about alcohol on an airline, for once, so that's a big plus for Air France. ;-)
I agree with you completely that I'd love to see Air France elevate its business class bedding. It's not bad, but it's also not the best in the industry.
Even so, I think it's hard to argue that Air France hasn't been investing greatly in business class. The airline has rolled out its new reverse herringbone suites at a fast pace on A350s and 777s, and on balance, I'd say it's the best European business class. But yeah, Air France could still take it to the next level with some minor soft product changes, given its premiumization.