Flying in Business Class with Air France

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Flying in Business Class with Air France

Recently, I had the opportunity to fly Air France on a Boeing 787-9 from Montreal (YUL) to Paris (CDG), departing at 5 PM and landing at 5:55 AM the next day. This was one of the first legs of my exciting journey to Bangkok via Paris. After several years away from Air France's Dreamliner, I was eager to experience the airline's service and quality once again.

The aircraft had a sturdy design; while it may not be as modern as some of Air France's newer models, it was comfortable enough for my needs. I noticed that Air France's service on transatlantic flights consistently meets my expectations, with delicious food, quality beverages, and friendly staff.

Booking and Using Miles

To book this flight, I used 60,000 miles from Air France-KLM's Flying Blue program, along with approximately $266.47 for taxes and fees. I find collecting points to be quite easy, thanks to the numerous transfer partners available in the program. Whenever there are promotions for earning points, I make sure to top up my account, as this is one of the programs I use the most.

Lounge Experience and Boarding

Before my flight, I visited the Air France lounge in Montreal. Although it was somewhat crowded, the lounge had beautiful decor, plenty of natural light, and a great selection of food and drinks. My flight was departing from Gate 57, with boarding beginning at 4:25 PM, 35 minutes before our scheduled departure.

I boarded the aircraft, F-HRBB, a Boeing 787 that has been in service for nine years. I was impressed by Air France's new color scheme and the large lettering on the side of the plane, which stood out beautifully on this Dreamliner.

Business Class Cabin

Upon entering the business class cabin, I was warmly welcomed by two friendly flight attendants who directed me to the left. This cabin features 30 seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, divided into eight rows. The seats are designed in a reverse herringbone style, which is quite standard for recent seat generations.

For those traveling together, I suggest choosing seats in the middle section. However, this seat layout may not be ideal for couples who want to chat comfortably, as they still have to lean forward to converse. If you’re traveling solo, don’t worry—each seat has a privacy divider that can be pulled out for added seclusion.

Seat Details

I selected seat 8A, a window seat in the last row. This seat showcases Air France's signature colors, although the actual design is quite similar to seats that have been around for about a decade. Additionally, the seat is equipped with various amenities, including storage compartments, entertainment controls, and a dining table located on the side.

The dining table can be pulled out from the side of the seat, and to fully extend it, you need to flip it over. The seat also features AC and USB charging ports, though there are no USB-C or wireless charging options available. A 16-inch personal screen is mounted on the back of the seat in front of you, which can be pulled out for easier viewing.

Entertainment and Wi-Fi Connectivity

This flight included a 16-inch touchscreen, and Air France's entertainment collection is always extensive, even if the interface on the 787 isn’t the latest generation. I particularly enjoyed the flight map feature to track our journey.

Air France also offers paid Wi-Fi service. If you’re a Flying Blue member, you can use a complimentary messaging service, or pay €12 for 1 hour of Wi-Fi or €29 for the entire flight. Although the prices are a bit steep, the airline is transitioning to offer free Wi-Fi with Starlink in the near future, which is something to look forward to.

Onboard Amenities

I was welcomed with a plethora of amenities upon settling into my seat. There were plenty of blankets, pillows, and cushions, all provided free of charge even on long-haul flights. Notably, the cushions are a collaboration with Sofitel, enhancing the comfort level significantly.

Other accessories included in-flight slippers, noise-canceling headphones, and a bottle of Evian water. Shortly after we settled in, the flight attendants served drinks before takeoff, including champagne, orange juice, or water.

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