Air France flight La Premiere has long been a destination on my bucket list.
People who have flown in it almost universally praise the experience, and it is regarded as one of the best in the sky.
La Premiere is one of the most elite cabins in commercial aviation, with just one row of four first-class seats. It routinely sells out to people who purchase round-trip tickets for at least $10,000.
There are no (simple) mileage redemption options, and points cannot be used to upgrade a business-class ticket. If taking a flight on La Premiere is something you've always wanted to do, your best bet is to look for a deal by beginning your trip at a hub that isn't part of the SkyTeam alliance, such as Geneva or Copenhagen, Denmark. Another choice is to hold off and see if a business class upgrade at a reduced price becomes available at check-in.
I eventually got to experience La Premiere using the latter tactic, and I've already written a thorough evaluation of the flight.
However, there are nine specific characteristics of my first-class flight on Air France that stand out on their own and deserve to be mentioned.
Ground handling
Before the airplane even takes off, the La Premiere experience starts. In fact, the service you receive on the ground may be much more spectacular than that which you receive in the air.
I was flying out of Paris, and everything about the airport experience was quick and easy. I didn't use the complimentary airport transfer service because I upgraded at the airport; instead, I made my way to the La Premiere check-in area. From that point on, I didn't have to do anything at the airport, not even worry about it.
My carry-on bag was pushed by a personal escort who also took care of my passport and boarding card as she walked me to a backdoor security line, the La Premiere lounge, and a private security lane.
When it was time to board, someone came up to me in the waiting area, collected my bags, and escorted me to a DS 9 that took me right to the boarding gate.
Another escort helped me avoid all the lineups at the customs and immigration facilities when I landed in the United States by waiting for me at the bottom of the jet bridge.
I've taken first-class flights with all the major airlines, but none compare to Air France for the ground experience.
Public area with private security
Although the entire ground experience was excellent, this one aspect really made me feel like a VIP.
After passing through immigration, I listened as my personal escort radioed something to some coworkers in French. Until I got to the security gate, I had no idea what she had said.
I had a whole lane to myself, and the trash cans had been swapped out with ones that were only for people traveling on the La Premiere. Yes, they were still made of plastic (and they were a little soiled), but I've never had such attentive service at security.
In addition, the lane I was utilizing to pass through security was blocked off by other travelers.
Food in the lounge
The Air France La Premiere location in Paris is now one of my new favorite airport lounges. It may not be the biggest or flashiest first-class lounge, but it succeeds in the most elegant, French way.
The lounge's two main features most impressed me. First up were the gastronomic options, which included a modest buffet and a sizable à la carte menu created by renowned chef Alain Ducasse.
Although Ducasse wasn't cooking the dishes himself, the atmosphere of the in-lounge restaurant reminded me of Per Se or Daniel back in New York City. This was without a doubt the nicest meal I've ever had in an airport, from the service to the presentation to the food.
A complimentary facial
I like getting massages and facials, but I'm always hesitant to get them at my New York City apartment or at upscale resorts because they're frequently very expensive.
I was aware of the Sisley-branded spa in the La Premiere Lounge before I upgraded my ticket, but I had no idea how exceptional the experience would be.
Fortunately, a 30-minute facial appointment became available at the last minute (those traveling in first class can make reservations via email). After a hectic week of travel, it couldn't have been more calming and healing. The treatment area looked like something you'd find in a five-star hotel, not an airport, which added to my overall impression of the facial.
A complimentary 30-minute treatment is available to La Premiere passengers. If you like, you can extend your service's length, but you will have to pay: The price for an hour starts at 190 euros, or about $209.
The wraparound curtain
It should come as no surprise that the introduction of sliding doors with the newest generation of goods has generated such a lot of excitement since privacy is a crucial component of any competitive first- or business-class cabin.
In La Premiere, Air France takes a different approach to privacy, and the company's creative solution is among the best in the world. Once in flight, you can close the floor-to-ceiling curtain that surrounds each La Premiere seat.
You feel like you're on a private plane after it's closed since it closes with three magnets. La Premiere, in my opinion, is one of the most private first-class experiences in the air, only surpassed by Emirates' revolutionary product with floor-to-ceiling doors.
The most comfortable sky bed
Some individuals may believe that the La Premiere is only cost-effective for day flights when you can fully enjoy the service, food, and amenities.
That being said, La Premiere might be the best option if you need to get some rest before a crucial meeting in Europe. The seat can be transformed into a large bed that is 30 inches broad and 78 inches long.
It's one of the biggest first-class beds in the sky, and it's also the most comfortable one I've slept in so far on my travels. The flight attendant will place a 1-inch-thick memory foam mattress pad on top of the bed during turndown service.
You won't have any trouble falling asleep in La Premiere thanks to the fresh white duvet and comfortable pillow, especially after your privacy curtain is pulled.
Onboard culinary experience
Everybody has a favorite dish. Some people believe it to be Mexican. Others speak Japanese. Middle Eastern and French are my favorites.
I love French cuisine, so I was eager to taste Air France's first-class dining, especially from the airline's hub in Paris.
The caviar and build-your-own-salad options might have been found on other airlines, but the crusted sea bream was, in my opinion, the genuine standout. The fish was expertly prepared with just the right amount of butter, spice, and a delicious shellfish and tarragon sauce.
Presentation of the meal
The presentation of the meal made it seem as though I were eating in a Michelin-starred establishment in addition to the fact that it was delicious.
Champagne and caviar were presented on silver-plated trays that fit precisely on the side table's 14-inch width. A winged seahorse charger that I wished I could have brought home was placed on my table along with a newly pressed tablecloth.
A fancy touch that felt distinctly French and first class was the cloche that the flight attendant used to cover the entree when she brought it to my seat.
The service
You're practically sure to enjoy a memorable service experience in La Premiere thanks to the limited number of first-class seats and carefully trained employees.
On my flight, Sophie and Valerie, the two first-class flight attendants, couldn't have offered a more professional level of service while yet being amiable and approachable.
Throughout the flight, they both attended to everyone's needs, even picking up the phone within 15 seconds of pressing it.
My service experience in La Premiere mirrored what I'd expect from a fashionable French cafe or the Four Seasons in Paris, even though it may not have been as extravagant as you'd find on Emirates or the omotenashi you'd find on ANA or JAL.
Unlimited free Wi-Fi
Even when you upgrade at the last minute, flying in La Premiere is expensive. 1 639 euros, or roughly $1 799, went toward my upgrading.
In light of this, I was pleased with how seamlessly Air France incorporated the first-class experience into their onboard Wi-Fi platform. Free internet access for La Premiere passengers was specifically advertised by the airline. The service immediately activated a free Stream pass on my phone when I typed in my booking reference number and last name.
A second free Wi-Fi permit for my other device was easily activated when I later used my laptop to access to the internet on the flight.
Although the majority of La Premiere passengers can afford the 30-euro (about $33) internet subscription, Air France aims to avoid adding unnecessary fees. Everything, including internet access, is included after you purchase a ticket.
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