First it was Aeromexico, now Air France. SkyTeam carriers have really impressed me so far on this trip. I just had a wonderful flight aboard the 777-300ER in business class on Air France.
Air France features a reverse herringbone business class seat on the 777-300ER with 1-2-1 seating split over two cabins. I was seated in row five of the front cabin. The seat is comfortable and I like this version of the reverse herringbone seat, with a swinging TV monitor, over the Aeromexico version. The foot compartment is very spacious.
I’ll start with service because I was warned not to expect much. But quite the contrary, the FA who worked my aisle was amazing. Not only was she attentive and courteous, but friendly. The purser was also jovial and greeted every passenger in business class before takeoff and again prior to landing. I think the service was the best part of the flight.
Air France offers no wi-fi aboard its 777-300ER, which is extremely annoying, but does offer a great IFE selection.
Menus, amenity kits, and slippers were distributed after takeoff. Many of the food choices sounds excellent, but I chose cod steak with basil coulis (vegetable puree sauce), carmelized fennel, and leek confit. The salmon appetizer and beet + lettuce salad were nice starters.
The meal was followed by a cheese course and fresh fruit with petit fours for dessert. Tragically, Air France offers revolting powdered cappuccino.
CONCLUSION
I’ll admit that the excellent service onboard took me by surprise. Perhaps my expectations were too low. But the seat was also comfortable and the food excellent. I think Air France gives Emirates a run for the money on this route. Stay tuned for the full review.
Enjoying this series of reports. Thanks!
“Caramelized fennel” instead of “cartelized fennel”, perhaps?
Q. Everyone raves about the reverse herringbone seat, but do people prefer it to a seat that places the passenger by the window?
Hi Adil, thanks…correction made!
I prefer it greatly to the herringbone-style seat, though I would certainly prefer to be able to look out the window more easily. I like this seat so much because it so spacious and more private than most business class seats.
I have always liked AF business. I’ve never had bad service, and the food and wine are among the best. Their lounges are mostly excellent, too. The reason I no longer fly them much is that, since the September 2014 strikes, their prices are no longer the same as UA, and availability of upgradeable O space has seemingly disappeared. And now with the change in the Flying Blue program, award tickets have become ridiculous, sort of like the DL model, so the FB miles are pretty much worthless. They always treated me well in the strikes (thanks, KLM and DL), but I usually buy the best discount business class I can find. UA and AF used to be price competitive, with AF having a better product, but I no longer find that to be the case – AF seems always higher. And when you can visit a Polaris lounge and get a new Polaris seat, UA looks even better.
Yes agree. Just flew a 777-200 same seats from Guanzhou. Im allmost 2 meters And the seat is that too with good wide leg space.
Still APEX bizz seats are better though.
Points off for using trays also.
“I think Air France gives Emirates a run for the money on this route.”
Better seat, better food, legitimate pillow and blanket – apart from the WiFi situation, when did Emirates have a chance in the first place?
I tend to agree with you. The only advantage EK has is the great bar and more on-demand dining.
Different seats. AM is the B/E Super Diamond. AF is the Zodiac Cirrus.
Thanks!
I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed it. In my dozen or so long-haul flights with them over the past 5 or 6 years (in economy, premium economy, and business), I’ve always had a nice time. It’s kind of my favorite airline, tbh…
Hi Matthew
I am currently Diamond on Asiana which is Gold on Star Alliance. I have a SQ kris flyer card as well, in the past I have got many free tickets with SQ with transfer miles from my HSBC account. I have a upcoming trip to Seoul in business class on SQ, which account should I credit my miles to, Inlook forward to your advice
Thanks
Pradeep