Air France Business class is among the best business class products in Europe. Air France’s transatlantic Business class offers all aisle access on their Boeing 777 fleet and an elevated dining experience. Although Air France and KLM are a single airline and both members of the Skyteam Alliance, in practice their menus and experiences are quite different, with Air France offering a slightly better product. On my flight in October 2021, I was impressed with the food and service. I also found Air France’s Business class and customer service to be among the best business products I have flown transatlantic in a while. I’ll explain more below in my Air France review.
Air France Boeing 777-300ers Business Class Seat & Meals
Air France Boeing 777-300er business class is in the forward part of the cabin, behind row 2. The first row of the Boeing 777-300er is First Class. Then there is a false wall and then the forward business class cabin. There are two business class cabins on the 777-300ER that I was on, and I was in the more forward intimate cabin. This was great as there are only 4 rows of business class seats in this forward cabin. A total of 16 people in a configuration of 1x2x1. The rear cabin has 11 total rows in the same configuration. The larger, main business class cabin, is behind the second set of doors on the Boeing 777 with true bulkhead seats. Air France operates the Boeing 777 in a number of different configurations, so always consult the seat map when flying long haul to determine what plane you will be flying.
The dark blue seat is a standard reverse herringbone seat seen on many planes these days. I was assigned to a window seat, my favorite when flying alone. The seat slides forward to become a lay flat seat, but because this was a day time flight, I actually never made my seat into a bed and never took a photo of it. I apologize. The seat is slightly customized for Air France. The foot cubby is also very open, which is not customary in most business class cabins. I was very impressed with the way the seat was designed for being a standard reverse herringbone seat. After all, having a more spacious foot cubby was fantastic as I had room m for my feet in all positions.
At each seat there was a blanket, amenity kit, and a hanger awaiting my arrival. I do enjoy that Air France Business class offers hangers for each passenger’s coat. Many airlines overlook this detail and leave passengers placing coats and other personal items in the overhead bins vs closets. Around the seat there was a little bit of storage for passports and headphones. Basic noise canceling headphones are provided. Overall, plenty of personal space.
Air France Business Class Meal Service
Despite Covid, Air France offers full meal service. Or at least they did on my flight. There appears to be no cut backs to service. Or at least I didn’t notice any as this was my first time flying Air France’s Business class and my first time flying Air France in over 10 years.
Upon boarding business class passengers are greeted with a glass of champagne or water. Then once in the air a full meal service is available. My business class flight left at 11am, therefore lunch was offered. During boarding we did have a bit of delay, but our pre departure beverages were never refilled. I do find this to be common except when flying first class or with the middle eastern carriers. I find alcohol flows more freely on other airlines.
The menu for business class is pictured below:
Before meal service began, the cabin crew, who may know of the different types of wipe clean tablecloths, placed white table cloths on each tray table. Then the meal was done in multiple courses.
The smoked salmon was divine. Closer to a Balik salmon than smoked. It was so good and reminds me of Swiss First class Balik Salmon. For the main course I had the chicken. It was also very tasty and juicy, not dry. Although the presentation wasn’t the best, the flavor was wonderful! Which is a win in my book. The ramekin was tin foil though, it would be nice if Air France would upgrade these or just pour the sauce on the chicken before serving it.
After the main course was cheese and dessert. Because I was awake and could I took both. Both delicious! The chocolate was rich and Paired perfectly with the port and a cup of coffee to wash everything down. The cheese didn’t have the best presentation, but hit the spot. The photo makes the cheese look dry, but it was not.
Air France business class ends with refills and more chocolates.
During the flight, I did opt for a hot chocolate and a croc madam. This was the lowlight of the trip. Both left a lot to be desired. The only highlight is the fact that Air France does offer a mid flight snack that is warm. Most airlines only offer pre-packed food such as chips or mini sandwiches and fruit. Seeing a hot snack option is rare in today’s transatlantic business class.
Before landing, a pre arrival meal is available for those who are hungry. As this is a long 10+ hour flight, Air France offers two hot meal services and the hot snack. For my pre arrival lunch, I opted for the vegetarian option. The Parsnip puree was delicious, leaving me wanting more! Yet once again, lacked presentation in every way.
Self-Serve & Extra Amenities
Flight attendants throughout the entire flight were very attentive. I was very shock, as this was a completely different experience from my trip on Air France 10+ years ago in economy class. I didn’t have to ask for refills on my drinks nor use the call light. Flight attendants would walk through the aisles and gladly refill drinks without being asked. Often they just had bottle of wines already with them, as if they knew people wanted refills. For those who want something more though, Air France Business class does have a self-serve snack area.
Near the lavatories, on both sides of the aircraft are self-serve bar. Business class passengers are invited to help themselves to wine, water, soda, and package snacks.
In addition to these amenities, in the restroom, Air France Business class passengers have Clarins amenities. Smartly, the lids are removed to keep passengers from taking them from the aircraft.
Air France Business Class Review
Overall, Air France business class is a great way to fly to Paris to and from Charles de Gaulle international airport. Even a step above flying their partner KLM Transpacific. In recent years, I believe the only airline that I truly enjoyed more was maybe Austrian Airline. Air France business class offers great food, and a better product than many. The seats are comfortable and the product is overall great. Not to mention, everything I ate onboard was delicious. That is rare on an airplane. Flight attendants can easily make or break a flight, but my flight attendants were attentive & situationally aware. Exactly what I want when flying.
If your travel plans allow, book business class flights with Air France. I did using Flying blue miles transfered from my credit card and I 100% recommend it.
