Review: Air France La Première Boeing 777 (CDG-IAD)
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It’s been over 15 years since I set myself the goal of one day flying on board Air France La Premiere – at the time in the A380, which has since sadly been withdrawn from the fleet.
Somehow, this goal got me started in the world of points and miles when I signed up for my first American Express Card in France, the AIR FRANCE KLM – AMERICAN EXPRESS GOLD Card.
To achieve this goal, I needed:
- to earn Flying Blue Miles
- to reach Flying Blue Platinum Elite status
- to find an affordable award ticket
Over the years, I have had the opportunity, thanks to miles and points, to travel on board the most upmarket cabins of prestigious airlines such as:
- Singapore Airlines Suites in the A380
- Emirates First Class in the B777 Game Changer, A380 and classic B777
- Etihad First Class Apartment in the A380
- Lufthansa First Class in the A380, A340, A330
- Cathay Pacific First Class in the B777
- British Airways First Class
And countless business class flights on ANA The Room, Qatar Airways QSuite, Singapore Airlines, Air France, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, etc.
In short, I could sample a wide range of experiences before reaching my grail: Air France La Premiere! Which gives me many points of comparison.
Foreword: Air France La Premiere, a personalized service
As you’ll see throughout this review, I will mention the first names of most of the people I met during my Air France La Premiere experience.
Each of these people introduced themselves to me and called me by my family name. A service I’ve rarely had in my past experiences, even on prestigious airlines like Emirates and Singapore Airlines.
In my opinion, this is where Air France La Première makes all the difference to its competitors and why it is often singled out in international awards: its ultra-personalized, attentive customer service—the French Touch.
Booking and Air France La Premiere customer service
Redeeming Flying Blue Miles to book Air France La Premiere
For this Air France La Première flight from Nice to Washington via Paris, I redeemed 160,500 Flying Blue Miles (and paid 393 euros in taxes).
It’s one of the lowest fares you can get for booking Air France La Premiere.
You could use 10,000 fewer Miles (150,000 Flying Blue Miles) on the Paris – Dubai route. But comparatively speaking, you get more for your miles by choosing the option I took to Washington (the Air France La Premiere flight experience lasts 1 to 2 hours longer)!
Travelling on Air France La Premiere could also be an interesting economical option for expatriates carrying a lot of luggage! As you can see, if you travel on Air France La Premiere and hold Flying Blue Platinum Elite status, you can check in 5 baggage items weighing 32 kg each and carry along two cabin baggage items!
On this flight, I will only have a small carry-on bag 🙂
To earn Flying Blue Miles, please read the appropriate section according to your location on this page.
Air France La Premiere customer service
Once you have made your Air France La Premiere reservation using your Flying Blue Miles, you can contact Air France La Premiere Customer Service to book additional complimentary services.
There are several ways to do this:
- Air France La Premiere phone number: +33156931005
- Air France La Premiere email: mail.lignelapremiere@airfrance.fr
This information is not readily available (nor provided in your booking confirmation email).
I emailed Air France La Premiere and received a reply in less than 20 minutes regarding my request to reserve a driver to pick me up at my home.
Air France offers this complimentary service to its La Premiere customers within a 75 km radius of Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Nice and Toulouse airports. (This service is unavailable if you purchased a La Premiere cabin upgrade less than 30 hours before your trip).
You can also take advantage of this service on your flight arrival in the La Premiere cabin at Paris-Charles de Gaulle or on your connecting flight in one of the above cities.
You can book your driver by phone, up to 6 hours before the transfer, by calling your exclusive La Premiere line or, as I did, by email.
Hertz DriveU provides this service. As my flight from Nice was scheduled to take off at 6 a.m., I arranged to meet my driver at 5 a.m..
I had forgotten to book another service: the Sisley Spa treatment at the La Premiere Lounge in Paris. This is something you can request from Air France La Premiere customer service.
Transfer to Nice Côte d'Azur airport
My driver arrived at 4:50 a.m. with a Mercedes van featuring a chic interior with six white leather seats. I knew this would be a very special day when I met the driver.
Even though the chauffeur service is operated by a partner (Hertz), you can see that Air France has given apparent instructions. The driver immediately called me by my last name and took care of my cabin baggage and backpack.
In less than 15 minutes, we were in front of Terminal 2 at Nice airport.
Check-in and boarding on my first flight from Nice to Paris
Air France La Premiere Check-in
As I approached the Air France La Premiere check-in counter, Sandrine took the first step towards me, asking if I was Monsieur Voisine.
Once my passport had been verified for entry into the U.S. – ensuring I had access to NEXUS priority lines upon arrival in Washington D.C. – my boarding pass was delivered in the famous red envelope: La Premiere.
Sandrine then asked me the question asked of all La Premiere customers:
Would you like to pre-board or post-board?
In short, do you want to board before all the other passengers or board last?
While most VIPs choose to board last – so as not to be bothered – for me, it’s the opposite! I like to be among the first.
She informed me that we still had time to visit the lounge.
Air France La Premiere security clearance
At Nice, there are three security lines. A first line for regular passengers, a second for elite passengers on loyalty programs, for loyal airport members via the Nice Airport Premier program, or for business class passengers.
And finally, there’s a third, more discreet line right next to the La Première check-in kiosk, reserved for Air France La Premiere passengers and crew.
Suffice it to say that I cleared the security in less than a minute.
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport lounge
It’s a lounge that I’m used to going to, accessible to Priority Pass members or holders of credit cards offering DragonPass. With the American Express Platinum Card®, I have unlimited access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including this one.
But there’s one area of the lounge that I’ve never been able to get into: this one is for VIP customers, Flying Blue Ultimate members and La Premiere travellers.
Let’s face it: It’s nothing special; it’s just a dedicated space at the lounge entrance. But it sets the tone!
Boarding
After less than 10 minutes in the lounge for coffee, Sandrine accompanied me to the boarding gate for my Paris Charles de Gaulle flight. As expected, the gate agent waited until I was on board before initiating general boarding. I was the only Air France La Premiere passenger on this flight.
As I boarded the aircraft, Air France agents greeted me by name. A small cushion was on my 5A seat.
Please note that on flights to Paris CDG, the business class consists of rows of three seats, with the middle seats blocked.
Business class passengers are served a snack (madeleine and sandwich) during this flight. I’ll pass, knowing what’s waiting for me next!
Air France La Premiere Lounge in Paris
Transfer to the Lounge
When I arrived at Paris CDG, Mohammed, my Air France La Premiere driver, awaited me as I exited the plane to escort me to the La Premiere Lounge.
On the way there, he checked with his colleagues at the La Premiere Lounge to make sure that an appointment for a treatment at the Sisley spa had been booked, as slots are going fast!
In less than 5 minutes, we arrived at the La Premiere Lounge on the tarmac side.
The spaces of the lounge
Mohammed accompanied me to the La Premiere Lounge and handed me over to Warda, who was in charge of the Lounge that day. She then gave me a tour of the Air France La Premiere Lounge, as this was my first time there.
Knowing that it was around 7:30 a.m., I took the opportunity to take as many photos as possible, given the low traffic in the Air France La Premiere Lounge at this early hour. There were more people between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
See the gallery below:
A unique area can be found at the entrance of the Lounge, called “Le Boudoir”.
This space can be privatized and is particularly popular during sporting events, as was the case during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, thanks to its huge television.
Here, another much cozier space, the bar, where you can request any cocktail you like.
Further back in the Air France La Premiere Lounge is the relaxation area, which features various loungers and two curtained beds.
To the left of the relaxation area are chic restrooms (for women, there are also make-up areas).
Finally, four bathrooms with showers are available without reservation.
Sisley Spa at the Lounge
The Sisley Spa is at the far end of the Air France La Premiere lounge. You can request facial and body treatments lasting from 30 min to 1h30 (between 190 and 270 euros) for a fee.
And as a La Premiere customer, you get a free 30-minute treatment. I did that with a facial from Célia just before my lunchtime meal. A first for me!
La Premiere Suite
Air France La Premiere suites are a paying service, available from 800 euros per person (for La Premiere customers) and from 1,790 euros per person for Business customers.
Yes, it’s costly. But there’s an actual demand for this exclusive service for VIP guests who want to be discreet. At the time of my visit, the three suites were all booked for the morning, and I could squeeze in between two customers to take a few photos, thanks to the complicity of Khan, one of the Air France La Premiere butlers.
When you book an Air France La Premiere suite, you get a 45m2 bubble of intimacy for four people, with:
- a comfortable lounge with minibar, desk, dining table and TV for video-conferencing or relaxing,
- a bedroom with an exceptional double bed, TV and safe,
- bathroom,
- an individual, landscaped outdoor patio,
- the services of a private butler.
You can book a Sisley treatment or use the ironing and waxing service.
In your suite, you can also enjoy the menu and wines proposed by chef Alain Ducasse and his teams.
Two suites can be combined for larger groups to form one large 90 m2 suite.
Self-service buffet at the Lounge
If you wish, you can help yourself to the self-service buffet.
This one is sparsely garnished, as La Premiere is more of a table service, as you’ll see below.
However, you can choose from a wide range of still and sparkling mineral waters.
Table service at the Lounge
Table service makes all the difference at the Air France La Premiere Lounge. In the kitchen? Alain Ducasse’s team, the world’s most Michelin-starred chef. And that’s just the beginning.
The menu changes throughout the day. I tried out the breakfast and lunch menus in the Air France La Premiere lounge.
We love the crockery set stamped with the Air France seahorse:
My breakfast choice was eggs Benedict with salmon. Accompanied by breads and pastries.
Then, I decided to start with duck foie gras confit with golden brioche for lunch.
To accompany my foie gras, Khan recommended Sauternes Clos Haut-Peyraguey 2011. A true delight!
Next, Alain Ducasse’s signature dish: farmhouse poultry albuféra, accompanied by macaroni gratin, served on a cart.
It’s an exceptional dish that goes very quickly, and I recommend that you pre-order it when you arrive at the lounge, as I did.
I accompanied this dish with a Beaune Premier Cru Clos des Marconnets 2018 glass—an excellent choice.
After this exquisite dish, it’s time for Marie-Anne Cantin’s selection of mature cheeses:
Finally, Norman – having taken Khan’s place being asked to a La Premiere Suite – recommended that I opt for THE Alain Ducasse dessert, as served in his Monte-Carlo restaurant: baba au rhum (the choice being between a Diplomatico or an Eminente – which I opted for).
After a little over 7 hours in the Air France La Premiere lounge, it was time for the second part of my experience: the flight to Washington D.C. And to say goodbye to all the staff who welcomed me with such professionalism (including Warda, Khan, Norman, Oussem).
Air France La Premiere 777 In-flight experience
Transfer to the plane (Boeing 777)
After passport control, I was directly in the Air France La Premiere lounge and comfortably seated in the back of a Porsche Cayenne Hybrid driven by Mohammed. I wandered along the parked aircraft to the Boeing 777 that would take me to Washington, D.C.
After 5 minutes, we’re at the foot of the plane. An elevator takes us to the dedicated boarding bridge for La Premiere passengers.
Welcome on board
Contrary to my initial wish, I couldn’t board before the three other La Premiere passengers to take photos of the empty cabin. Instead, I took the opportunity offered to me by Khan to tour the La Premiere Suites in the Lounge, and so boarded last.
On arrival in the aircraft, I’m greeted by Philippe, who will be my flight attendant for the entire journey. He offers me a glass of Laurent Perrier Grand Siècle Champagne.
Cabin
The Air France La Premiere cabin has four seats arranged in a 1-2-1 layout. Floor-to-ceiling curtains fitted with highly effective magnets isolate seats from the aisle.
Beige, white and red tones evoke French chic.
Here is a picture of the cabin AFTER the flight:
Seat
For this Air France La Premiere flight, I opted for seat 1A.
This represents a space of 3 square meters available for each La Premiere passenger.
The seat width is 57 cm. In bed position, this represents a space 2.01 m long and 77 cm wide.
The unique feature of this seat is the ottoman opposite so that you can eat or work with another passenger.
An Air France La Premiere bag containing slippers and red plaid is placed on the seat, adding a touch of the airline’s colours to this beige cabin.
Under this ottoman, you’ll find ample storage space.
This Air France La Premiere cabin has just celebrated its 10th year of operation (it was launched in September 2014).
It is, therefore, impossible to position it at the level of the new cabins offered by Emirates (on just a few aircraft, the Game Changer First Class) or Singapore Airlines (in its A380s).
On the other hand, despite being 10 years old, it ranks number one among its main competitors, such as Lufthansa, Swiss, and British Airways.
And it’s worth noting that Air France has announced the arrival of new La Premiere cabins in March 2025. I can’t wait to see what it will be like (and that’s why I decided to take this flight, before the cabin refresh, to see the before and after)!
This is the first time I’ve seen an airline install a curtain to isolate first-class passengers. And I must admit, it’s pretty well thought-out…for lack of an actual door, insulating both from view and the noise of the corridor.
Seat in bed mode
At first, I wasn’t sure how comfortable this seat would be for me in the bed position. And I must say I was impressed. Philippe installed a memory foam mattress topper (which I think is about 5-6 cm thick, which makes all the difference)—as well as two pillows and a high-quality comforter.
I’ve never had a more comfortable bed on a plane. It’s either too hard, too soft or too tight. Here, it’s just perfect.
After the La Premiere Lounge feast, I told Philippe I would have my meal towards the end of the flight. Thus, I could take a 4 hours nap, comfortably nestled in this bed.
Amenity kit and pyjamas
An amenity kit is provided for each La Premiere passenger, containing:
- Sisley face and body care products (essential anti-aging protection, ecological emulsion, hydra-flash, lip balm)
- A wooden comb with the Air France La Premiere logo
- Eye mask and earplugs
- Sanitary protection for headphones
- A white pen with the Air France La Premiere logo
Philippe then brought me an envelope containing elegant pyjamas in size M/L.
I’m well equipped for an excellent Air France La Premiere flight!
Entertainment
The 24-inch screen is touch-sensitive and can also be operated by the remote control, which you’ll find in the compartment next to your seat.
The quality is at an HD level, and there is a good selection of recent films and TV series. However, I’ve seen more choices in other airlines and would have appreciated a bigger screen. Remember, this installation is 10 years old.
The Denon headphones provide good noise isolation for listening to your movies (although I preferred using my Bose headphones).
On the side of your seat, you’ll find a first storage box containing the touch-sensitive remote control, a power socket, a USB-A (not USB-C) socket, and the electric controls for the seat and the windows.
Speaking of windows, you’ll find that sitting in seats 1A and 1L, you’ll have four windows all to yourself! These windows are equipped with a double electric curtain (one for light dimming, the other a full shutter).
Storage and table
The table at your disposal is gigantic. To give you an idea of the size, here’s a photo with my 16″ Macbook Pro.
This table unfolds from its storage. It can be moved generously back and forth between the seat and the ottoman.
Finally, another deep storage area is available next to the ottoman, with a second electrical socket.
Toilets
Passengers on La Premiere have two toilets at the front of the aircraft. These are not particularly large. There is, however, a retractable bench where you can put on your pyjamas.
Sisley skincare products and toothbrushes are also available.
Meals and drinks
After my 4-hour nap, I’m ready for the centrepiece: the meal.
Adeline has replaced Philippe, who has taken a leave of absence. She introduced me to the red wine that would accompany me for the entire meal: a 2018 Bourgogne Morey-Saint-Denis Louis Latour.
As in the La Premiere lounge, you’ll find exclusive La Premiere tableware bearing the Air France seahorse. And a basket of different breads.
I start this meal with an appetizer: the Sturia French caviar quenelle with vodka and lime whipped cream. A true delight!
I continue with a vichyssoise soup. Again, there is nothing to complain about; it’s succulent!
We continue with a mixed salad. You can personalize your salad with these ingredients: sucrine leaves, hard-boiled eggs, diced Comté cheese, smoked chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, marinated mushrooms, fennel salad, mustard vinaigrette, and snipped chives.
Unfortunately, I have to say that the freshness didn’t convince me of this salad.
Another starter that didn’t convince me was the foie gras with salsify, blueberry, and onion chutney. The foie gras quality wasn’t up to scratch, unlike the one I’d tasted at the La Premiere Lounge a few hours earlier.
My main course, prepared under the guidance of Chef Emmanuel Renaut, beef chuck confit in Mondeuse, with a fine celery and chestnut purée, was a hit! The meat was melt-in-the-mouth, and the sauce was a perfect success.
I continue with a cheese platter: Camembert, Roquefort, Beaufort, Selles-sur-Cher, and Langres. It’s a delight for a cheese-lover like me!
I finished the meal with a chocolate ingot from pastry chef Claire Heitzler. Delicious!
And a small espresso so as not to doze off at the end of the flight.
Please note that if, unlike me, you decide to have your meal at the beginning of the flight, you can take advantage of a second service, which, on my flight, consisted of a gourmet quinoa salad with broad beans and artichoke purée as a starter and a poached pear with spices for dessert.
In-flight service
What makes the difference between Air France’s La Premiere and competing airlines is the quality of service on the ground and on board. Catherine, the cabin attendant, made sure from start to finish that the four La Premiere passengers were delighted.
Yes, it’s certainly not the cabin it was 10 years ago, and other airlines are starting to distance themselves from this aspect (including in business class).
However, to my knowledge, this level of service has not yet been achieved by any other airline worldwide. There’s a French je-ne-sais-quoi that’s impossible to match. You’ll probably say I’m chauvinistic! But that’s how many industry professionals feel, too.
Again, in 2024, the airline took first place in two categories linked to its La Premiere offer: best gastronomic offer in a first-class lounge and best on-board catering in this travel cabin.
As my experience comes to a close with this view of a snowy landscape in suburban Washington, D.C., I’m now looking forward to discovering the new La Premiere Cabin that Air France will unveil in Spring 2025!
Ground service on arrival
In Washington, D.C., passengers exit the aircraft through the second door. La Premiere passengers must, therefore, wait for passengers in the first Business Class cabin to exit the plane before they can do so.
When I got off the plane, an Air France stewardess was waiting to help me with my arrival formalities. Being a Nexus holder made the process easier for her (if I hadn’t been a Nexus holder, she would have passed me through a queue dedicated to La Premiere passengers).
With an overnight stopover in Washington before heading to Montreal the next day, the stewardess escorted me out of the airport in front of the shuttle bus to my hotel.
Bottom Line
And there you have it: thanks to Flying Blue Miles, this phenomenal experience on board Air France La Premiere has just been checked off my bucket list.
As you can see, not everything was perfect—as is the case on every trip! There is room for improvement (notably on some of the in-flight dishes, which were not up to the standard we enjoyed at the lounge). The cabin is starting to show some signs of age, and the entertainment system could use a broader choice (but these two aspects will no doubt be addressed with the new cabin, which is to be presented to the public).
However, I can confirm that service makes all the difference. Whether at the time of booking, on arrival at the airport, in the lounge, in the aircraft, or on arrival, the entire La Premiere team is attentive, anticipating your needs and tailoring the service to your preferences.
La Premiere isn’t just a flight from point A to point B, where you’re just a number. It’s an exceptional experience from the moment your driver picks you up from your home.
I’ve seen it in the La Premiere lounge, where staff interact with regular passengers. They know their preferences, destinations, and sometimes even details about their lives. I’ve rarely seen this level of customer service, except in Parisian palaces—the chic and French style. And that’s it.
If you have enough Flying Blue Miles and Platinum status, I recommend you have this experience at least once. You certainly won’t be disappointed.
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