For a business trip top Hong-Kong I chose Air France to experiment for the first time this premium class and gain some miles. Actually it was not a bad idea and more or less a good value even if this company is not know for its luxury… At least it offers constant and pretty good service with a seat that could be improved but still nice.
Air France offers a brand new and huge business class lounge at Paris CDG Terminal 2E which was proposing some SPA facial treatments thanks to a partnership with Clarins. Special attention about AF business lounges that don’t permit you to invit some guests ; what a shame to be a premium passenger of a company and don’t be allowed to work with at least one colleague – flying in Economy – in their lounges…
By the way on board the business cabin looks old but still do the job. I would appreciate a full flat bed for night flights but I think their future new seat will be. Catering was really good – probably because we flew from Paris where the head offices are – and reaches the AF first class dishes I had from HKG at the return way ; crew service quality is also pleasant but sometimes a bit sluggish… Well, this is french service :)
Seat Experience
As I said Air France Business Class seats are a bit old but represent pretty good value for long flight: full flat bed reclined at 150°, a 25cm wide screen and large space for legs. Big armrests allow privacy from neighbor passenger but complicate the exit when you need to go to toilets for example…
So to resume, I recommend to choose this class only for business trip or if you have miles to use otherwise for leasure you will not see any luxury.
Catering
Service and seat are not top notch, catering yes ! Food from Paris were very good with some amazing tastes for flight dishes, from the amuse-bouches to dessert.
Like many other companies you can order special meal – vegetarian, casher, etc. – on their website and then steward comes to speak with you before take-off ; this is now a standard for this kind of company.
CDG to HKG, night flight on B777 in August 2012.
