Yesterday, I wrote about my incredible first class experience in the air. But the ground experience was even better.
I already mentioned the incredible ground service I received, which included an escort almost from door to door.
Let’s start with ground service, which was unparalleled. I had an escort with me from check-in to Los Angeles all the way to my car in Basel. In LA, I was escorted through security, dropped off at the Qantas first class lounge, picked up, and walked to my seat in first class. In Paris, a representative was waiting at the door of the aircraft, took me downstairs, ushered me into a car, and drove me to the first class lounge. Upon departure to Basel, I was driven right up to my aircraft, which was boarding from a remote stand. Upon arrival in Basel I was met by the manager on duty, who escorted me to the baggage claim, personally retrieved my bags, and walked me outside. All in all, the experience went a step beyond what I haver ever received when flying first class.
But an even greater highlight of the ground experience was the incredible La Premier lounge in Paris. While the facility is not any better than the Lufthansa First Class Terminal in Frankfurt (arguably worse), I enjoyed the best meal I have ever had in an airport lounge. It was even better than the tremendous feast I had in the SWISS First Class lounge last year.
The Meal
I started dinner with an appetizer of scallops and root vegetables, which were perfectly browned and brimming with flavor.
Leave room for the fresh bread and butter.
And exquisite wine.
The pumpkin-squash soup was excellent as were the toasted croutons dipped in olive oil. What a superb combination!
Next, I enjoyed a green salad that served as an excellent palate cleanser before the main course.
You know I usually order steak and the filet mignon on the menu came highly-recommended. But I ordered pigeon instead, a delicacy I do not often enjoy. It was such a good choice: so tasty and cooked perfectly.
I finished the meal with a decadent chocolate and praline dessert, ice cream, and coffee.
CONCLUSION
I’ll offer a full review of the lounge and more details on my unique spa treatment in a separate post. Needless to say, come to the Air France first class lounge hungry: the food is even better than in the air.
On the whole, the ground experience was even better than the excellent flight experience.
> Read More: Air France First Class: Wow, Wow, Wow!
When are you posting both reports?
Next month.
Awwww…was hoping it’d be sooner as I’m flying it on 12/30 and yours would be the most up-to-date reviews of both on-land and in-air service that I can reference.
Thanks for the link. The pigeon looks delicious! Too bad it wasn’t on the menu back in April. Or maybe it was and I just didn’t pay attention. Of course, now you have me eagerly anticipating the FCT.
Did you get a chance to check out the ridiculous whiskey menu at the bar?
You could have just ordered both the steak and the bird.
I don’t like to waste food and I was stuffed after the multi-course meal above.
I’ll just have to fly AF La Premiere again! 😉
“excellent bread and butter”
“pumpkin-squash soup was excellent”
“an excellent palate cleanser”
“And excellent wine.”
Can’t…handle…all ….the…..adjectives.
Well received Norm! I’ve now made some edits.
Mathew,
Can you review your booking of the tickets-do you have special elite status with Flying Blue. My understanding was that one needed elite status to book La Premiere.
We eat pigeon here in Arkansas, doesn’t look like that though.
I’ve had quail but pigeon??? Another thing to add to my bucket list… Still have to do horse