Let me start with my conclusion: Air France business class on the Airbus A350 is the best in Europe and one of the best in the world. In terms of seat, service, food, drink, bedding, and Starlink Wi-Fi, I could not have had a more perfect flight.
Air France A350 Business Class – My First Impressions
I flew from Paris (CDG) to New York (JFK) on a late evening departure, a so-called “reverse redeye” that leaves Paris late but arrives in New York even later. This was perfect timing, allowing me to spend the morning and early afternoon with my kids before flying out of Basel and allowing me to rest onboard for what would be an interesting night when I landed (stay tuned).
I flew the Air France A350-900 many years ago, back when it had the older generation of seats, which were solid, but the new seats (based on the Stelia Opera platform) are spacious and comfortable in every position. The cabin color scheme is sharp and feels fresh: I love the backlit winged seahorse at each seat! Wireless charging worked well and there was also plenty of personal storage.
Champagne and a warm towel were offered prior to takeoff, along with the signature Gavottes biscuits.
The IFE includes a tailcam, it was a gorgeous evening as we departed from Paris.
I did eat in the lounge, but left room for a substantial supper onboard…it began with a delicious appetizer (“pea, lemon and basil cream, smoked salmon fillet and raspberry and grapefruit jelly”) and side salad (which, like French people do, I saved until after my main course).
Air France no longer has any non-French products onboard (the only exception being Coca-Cola), but I had a “Quintessence” cocktail, which is Air France’s spin on the Negroni (La Quintinye Royal Red Vermouth, bitter Chambery liqueur, with a hint of fig and ABK6 Cognac VSOP Single Estate), a really nice drink and not nearly as strong as a “real” Negroni.
For my main course, I had veal, served in creamy morel mushroom sauce with spelt risotto and peas. Admittedly, it looked like vomit:
…but it tasted great.
I rounded out the meal with a cheese course followed by dessert (both ice cream and a crispy hazelnut tart with hot chocolate to drink).
And then I slept…and was able to sleep for about four hours. There are not individual air vents, but thankfully the cabin was not warm and the bedding is excellent.
About an hour before landing, a light meal was served: shrimp with a lovely pickled cucumber salad. Excellent…and I had a double espresso with it.
Service was warm and attentive throughout the flight…I was even addressed by surname.
Another thing I loved about this flight: fast, free Starlink internet. From gate-to-gate it was like having internet on the ground. I didn’t even have any work to do on this flight, but it was so nice to have and something that will absolutely make me choose Air France over competitors that do not have such internet onboard.
We laded on-time at JFK and I quickly whisked through Global Entry. This was a tremendous flight on Air France.
I’ll share a lot more details about the flight in my full review, including the excellent amenity kit, IFE selection, menu, and more about the seat, meals, beverages, and service. But well done Air France, well done!
Agree, rode the new J product recently on LAX-CDG. It’s the best overall in the western world (ex ME or Asian carriers)
And to be able to use the Delta One lounge on the ground is the cherry on top
Agreed with your agreed. New a350 J (and AF’s 777 with retrofitted new suites) are the best in the continent. Sure, no Delft Blue Houses (or roast duck), but the food and wines are far superior to KL/LH.
I am sorry. Delta One out of LAX and JFK is way better than AF out of CDG or LAX or JFK.
Not at all in terms of the seat and Starlink…
I’ve flown that 350 variant twice, both times in 1A (at no extra cost). The most recent was BOS-CDG this spring. It was the first of the DL/AF flights of the day, which I preferred. At the same price§ as flying DL metal, why would I pick DL flying 333s? Oh, the tradeoff is you don’t get D1 club access in BOS in such a case. But, the Skyclub (D1 is inside it) is new and uncrowded if you have an early TATL flight out of terminal E.
§ Plus, you get EU261 on the AF- flown flight out of BOS. Don’t bother making the silly argument that I can’t simultaneously argue against a “US261” and seek EU261 or that it makes me a hypocrite. Such logic is flawed and you won’t bait me.
We can fight about semantics but including IST as Europe I’d take the Turkish A350.
Turkoflot or standard A350?
Turkoflot. LOL. (Orange and blue interior? It’s like Knicks themed.)
I’ll be interested to hear about the seats – especially your observation of row 1 and 10. Are they worth $230 each way for ORD-CDG-ORD?
Will write about this very issue tomorrow. I don’t think it is worthwhile not because row 1 is far more spacious (it is), but because the other rows are spacious enough.
I’d venture even the Coca-Cola (at least ex-CDG) is bottled in France.