Air France » User reviews

USTraveller1 flew Air France (05/02/2012 22:56)

I recently flew from Newcastle to LAX (via CDG) using the Air France 'Premium Economy' offering.

I flew out on Christmas Eve and returned on the 7th January.

Having upgraded to business class on numerous occasions over the past few years for nominal sums I have found that in the past 12 months or so airlines are offering this option less and less, with many (such as Virgin and BA) virtually never giving this option.

Seeing 'cattle class' seats on long haul flights deteriorate rapidly over the past few years (in both seat pitch and standard of cabin service) I decided to try premium economy for the first time. At almost £1200 for the ticket it wasn't cheap but I have to say I found the fare good value for money.

Being able to check in and board with business class was definetly a nice touch, especially over the busy festive period. Being allowed two bags was also helpful as I was visiting family in the US and so had a stack of gifts!

Once on board I thought the seat was excellent, admittedly I'm not a tall guy (like 5ft 10) but there was plenty of space to stretch out and I loved the air france 'fixed shell' design meaning I could push my seat back without intruding on the person behind me (or having my personal space affected by the seat in front).

Seats were in a 2-4-2 config and I chose an aisle seat that was part of a 2. As I say, the seat was roomy, the tv screens were a good size and with noise reducing headphones provided watching a movie was a pretty pleasant experience. Plenty of movies for every taste and some good tv shows (Friends, Soprano's etc) all on offer.

The little touches were nice (bottle of water, amenity kit etc) but they don't mean much to me, I'm paying extra for the extra legroom and hopefully the ability to be able to sleep a little on a 11 hour flight....which I did manage to do.

Don't get me wrong, business class this is not. But for the price you pay (around half the cost of a business class ticket) I thought this class represented good value for money and was definetly worth the extra. After checking out the different carriers on line I think AF have the best product on the market at the moment with the fixed shell seat and I'd definetly fly with them again.

Interestingly business class and first were virtually empty on both flights but premium economy was full, maybe a sign that people have no problem paying a little extra for some comfort on long journeys but aren't prepared to spend the ridiculous amounts airlines are charging for a business class ticket these days.

talparis flew Air France Affaires (Business), on a B777-300ER (Config. 3) (06/01/2012 01:39)

HAV to CDG. Leaving HAV at around 20:30 after the airline informed me by SMS & E-Mail that the schedule was changed to 21:30. When I arriving at checkin 1H30 prior, I was informed that the flight is already boarding and checkin is closed. A visit to the AF office persuaded the personal to issue me with a boarding pass. Rushing through immigration & security with my suitcase, I have arrived as the door was closing. So no time for lounge experience. I was seated in 01E on a fairly empty flight, an aisle seats in a middle row of 3 with the centre seat free for me to use and my suitcase in the bin above the seat opposite.

Champagne & water was offered before take-off. Given that this was a night flight with a late morning arrival, Menus for supper & Breakfast were also handed. Noise canceling headphones are already at your seat with a bottle of water and modest amenity kits. Supper was served fairly straight after take-off into the humid night air.

On this flight the crew were extremely helpful & friendly and wore smart navy outfits. As the cabin was only half full, supper was quickly served. There was a small menu consisting of green salad and a plate of sliced cold lobster and grilled red peppers fallowed by a choice of 3 main courses, Beef filet, prawns, fish or chicken all served with different potato, rice & veg selections. Cheese & bread rolls were offered afterwards. For afters there was a chocolate mouse cake and some sherbets. The food was of OK quality but lack in presentation, a pity the fish was a little bland.

After supper I settled down with the IFE system. Plenty of choices to keep most people entertained for hours, but same as on the incoming flight. So I caught up on the couple of movies I'd missed out befor. The lie flat seat was not fully flat and set at 75% angle for sleep and a bit short for my 6'2" length. 2 mild sleeping pills helped me to snooze off for 5 hours.

Waking up over Normandy the view was a treat and quite mesmerizing. A disappointing breakfast of fresh fruit, yoghurt, and some baked goods was served. Then it was time to freshen up, and straighten ourselves before landing at CDG.

Arriving at Terminal 2D was like a step back in time. Those cramped narrow walkways give away its age. Finally getting to immigration on a fast track, the trip was over.

Overall a mediocre business product that did not ticked most of the boxes. An aircraft with an urgent need of a refit, to be in line with the A380's much better experience.

TominScotland flew Air France Affaires (Business), on a B777-200ER (Config. 1) (31/12/2011 19:04)

This review relates to the Paris - Saigon leg of a journey that commenced in Glasgow via Amsterdam, availing of Reward Tickets which were readily available on the route. Arriving at CDG from a Schengen destination, we exited Terminal 2F to go landslide before entering 2E via security. As it was the holiday period, the airport was very quiet and formalities speedy. I did, hover, encounter a major dislike in security as, having activated the bleeper, I was patted down by a someone smelling strongly of tobacco, making the experience doubly unpleasant.

Terminal 2E has a dated feel to it and many of the shops appeared to be closed or in refurb. We went to the large AF lounge for our wait and enjoyed the good range of drinks and limited by tasty snacks.

Boarding commenced on time and there was a priority lane for Business and Skyteam Elite passengers. However, a lack of signage at the two air bridges meant that many Economy passengers chose the forward air bridge and made the settling in time in Business difficult. There must have been some problems with connecting flights because the whole boarding process was protracted and went on past the scheduled departure time.

Jackets were taken, hung on pre-numbered hangers and a choice of champagne or a very tasty red berry fruit cocktail given. A simple amenity kit and water was available at the seat. This service is 3 class without First so we had chased seats in Row 1. Configuration is 2-3-2 so window/ aisle is best for couples. There is no forward galley and only one toilet so Row 1 was peaceful enough.

Pushback was some 20 minutes late and then there was a very long taxi so that take-off was some 45 minutes after schedule. The flight was 11'45" and a late arrival of about 30 minutes predicted.

AF seating is frequently criticised and, while not fully flat, I found the options available for both sitting and sleep very acceptable. The traditional seating does not give the privacy of other airlines or the sense of space but comfort was not an issue.

Service throughout was cheerful and attentive - cabin crew had clearly 'got to know' their customers in advance. Menus were provided early and the choice of both food and drinks great. - a real strength on AF upon which they capitalise. I wanted a light meal and chose a delicate steamed tilapia with fluffy rice - melt in the mouth stuff!

The Business Cabin, although full, was very quiet throughout the night and I did not avail of the snacks available throughout the journey in the galley. Breakfast was served at the last possible time, just 55 minutes out (unlike Emirates with their 2.5/3 hour before landing service) and again was excellent. The coffee has to b the best I have tasted in the sky.

Arrival was 30 minutes late as predicted and Vietnamese visa/i immigration, chaotic to the the uninitiated eye, worked well so that we were airside in our taxi, together with our luggage within 30 minutes of landing.

All in all, a very pleasant travel experience notwithstanding the somewhat messy boarding procedures.

andreimataix1803 flew Air France Voyageur (Economy), on a B777-300ER (Config. 1) (22/12/2011 07:10)

I live in China and every summer and christmas i fly to Spain.

I go Shanghai to Paris with airfrance. WE always go in economy class and im fed up of it. Seriously, the seats are sh*t!

When you lie down it's basically the same no difference. In the other hand, the luggage is never lost and service is pretty good. The food is good as well. Boarding is fast but most of the time there is a delay on the flight so never buy tight connection flights with airfrance.

I am now going to fly with premium economy cause my parents are too old to go in economy. I am willing to see what it is like.

phx2011 flew Air France Voyageur (Economy), on a B777-300ER (Config. 1) (14/11/2011 19:01)

I flew Premium Voyageur its premium economy class. I flew R/T LAX/CDG/LAX on the 777-300 where the PV class rows were rows 18-21. I am 6'2" and weight 275 pounds. This was my first international flight where I was not in business or first class, so I was very nervous about comfort.

mgerard flew Air France Premium Voyageur (Premium economy), on a B777-300ER (Config. 3) (10/11/2011 02:47)

JustinSF flew Air France Premium Voyageur (Premium economy), on a B777-300ER (Config. 3) (09/11/2011 18:04)

I Flew Air France 0083 from SFO to CDG on 6 October in Premium Voyaguer class on a 777.

At the time I purchased my ticket, Premium Voyageur was $400 more for the round trip fare than regular economy. It was definitely worth it. The seat is vastly superior to a standard coach seat. Although the seat itself is only 1 inch wider than a regular economy seat, it is separated by a wide armrest, so that you never have to compete for an armrest or bump your neighbor's elbow... a nice improvement.

The leg room is great; I'm 6' 2" tall and never felt cramped. The two-part table is well thought out. The entertainment system is one of the best I've ever experienced, with a large bright clear screen and plenty of movies and TV options.

The seat is very comfortable for sitting, with good privacy and space, but not so great for sleeping; this isn't business class! Food is same as economy, and is acceptable, but certainly not excellent. The flight attendants were polite and helpful.

Boarding was disorganized, both in San Francisco and on the return flight from Paris. But it didn't matter, as there was plenty of space in the bins overhead. My baggage was delivered right away on both ends of the trip.

Overall, VERY favorably impressed; i would recommend it. Just don't expect business class, and I think you will find it's a good value offering.

andrea48 flew Air France Voyageur (Economy), on a B747-400 (29/10/2011 17:11)

bigcmayer flew Air France Premium (business short-haul) (24/10/2011 14:30)

Premium Voyageur was worth the several hundred dollars extra per ticket.

The seat is roomier, with more storage space, and only two across, so you are not travelling with, and accommodating, a stranger for 8 hours. A real wool blanket and a pillow, and noise cancelling headphones made it even better.

Skipping to premium check-in and security lines was also a pleasant surprise. The service was excellent, including unlimited champagne pours. And how many times have you been asked if you'd like a cognac after dinner?

The food was OK, maybe a step above the usual airline fare. The entertainment was great, with perhaps 15 new to relatively new movies to watch, on demand.

The seats themselves are in a contained shell, so the seat in front of you is never reclined into your face, and your personal space is maintained. Unfortunately, the reclining position is not very comfortable, and the foot rest is not adjustable, so while it may work for a taller person, I could barely reach it at 5' 4'.

Would I pay extra for the class again? Definitely. But the seats leave much to be desired. Also, regarding cleanliness, this plane was one of the cleanest I have ever flown.

frshangh flew Air France Voyageur (Economy), on a B777-300ER (Config. 3) (20/10/2011 09:55)

I had the worst experience with Air France during my last trip to France. French but living in China, I have fly home several times a year.

I manage to get a emergency exit at check-in ( I am 1,90m and 95kgs) but to my big surprise, I was on the window side and had absolutely no space for my shoulders. The guy next to me was also tall and wide shoulders so we had a lot of problems to fit in those seats during the flight.

Furthemore, right in front of me, there were the plastic protection for the door. This big piece did not allow me to stretch my legs. BUT THE WORST WAS, my TV screen did not work at all. The crew tried to reset few times but in the end they gave up. I said why I cant have movies, it IS A 12HRS FLIGHT. We are sorry but we cant fix it. SO THAT's IT....

Air France has no good reputation for economy class comfort. It is very bad to be honest. I am sure they amend the ranks layout in the plane to gain few more at the back and make more money out of it. It is also from the type of plane they are using, B777 are not that good and seats in Eco are quite tight.

His code-share partner China Eastern Airlines, they are using Airbus (more space) but no in-flight entertainment. Meals are not as good as AF but they have the plug for laptops so u can charge by watching videos on your laptop.

HappytobeSilver flew Air France Affaires (Business), on a A380 (18/10/2011 09:50)

My wife and I recently flew AF business class from Paris to Johannesburg on the A380 where we were seated in 61E/F.

We connected from Edinburgh on a Cityjet flight. The lounge at CDG offered a good selection of beverages and snacks. Upon boarding we felt that the Affaires cabin was somewhat dark and claustrophobic (brown and beige seat coverings).

The seat pitch is not great and the 'bed' as has been previously reported is not lie flat (nor would I say even angled flat). Sleeping was pretty difficult on account of this. I found the IFE difficult to navigate my way around (and I have a reasonable understanding of the French language).

The service offered by the cabin crew was excellent and the food was tasty if perhaps overcomplicated for my palate. The breakfast omelette was however cold when served.

The toilets on board, apart from the one at the front of the business cabin, were very cramped.

The A380 has at the front right of the business cabin a 'lounge space'. This is certainly an error in the way that AF has chosen to fit out its A380 aircraft as there is no buffet/bar there nor any proper seating. The space to my mind could have been better used had another toilet been installed there.

We connected on a South African Airways A340-600 to Cape Town which was configured for their longhaul product which was definitely more comfortable to my mind than that offered by Air France.

swinslow flew Air France (17/10/2011 23:19)

Great check-in easy boarding, Horrible service, horrendous seats.

We fly often and everything looked like it was going to be premium until we got in the air, I felt like we we being held hostage, the seats dont go back, we were thrown a menu and something that I could not identify was in the aluminum tray that was placed on the tray that I could barely take out without hitting my husband.

It took 1 1/12 hours before we saw a attendent again, when I asked if he could take my tray I was told "I will be back" so now in order to watch tv I put the tray on the floor but the peas rolled everywhere, I didnt know whether to laugh or cry. I was so happy to land ....I cried with happiness.

Shame on Air France an the service providers. Never again

Richard_K flew Air France Voyageur (economy short-haul), on a A320 (06/10/2011 18:26)

Filled to the rim, the plane left 15 minutes late due to strong winds in Amsterdam. Seated 25B. With no room in the overhead lockers, the bag had to go under the seat and that is not comfortable. Luckily it is a short flight. Breakfast was 1 croissant and tea or coffee.

Richard_K flew Air France Voyageur (Economy), on a A340-300 (06/10/2011 18:19)

Departure was 30 minutes late. Compliment for the staff member at check-in. Boarding was good. On the overnight flight occupation was 30% at most. Seated 36J, which is a fine seat, if not for the crying and screaming children in row 32. Cabin staff performed their duties mechanically and with the well-known French arrogance. Quality of food (hot meal and breakfast) is between poor and bad.
Seat recline is large, but not a good seat for sleeping.

jesusmarval flew Air France Voyageur (Economy), on a A330-200 conf.1 (07/08/2011 11:11)

Excellent service, really good economy seats and entertainment system in A330

mrgcmorse flew Air France Affaires (Business), on a A380 (30/07/2011 20:05)

I purchased these seats with some trepidation, given the comments I had seen. But the service and the comfort proved to more than satisfactory. We sat in the second back from the front of the plane and it was exceptionally quiet and spacious. You can adjust these seats to umpteen different positions and even get a massage. The video choices are many and the screen is large. The food was fine and the personnel on both flights were uniformly pleasant and attentive. The plane itself is a marvel and I had a chance to roam around and check out the Premium Economy section, which sits on the upper level just behind Business. I sat in an open seat for a while and, for the relatively short Atlantic hops, it would be fine, too. Air France may have its good moments and bad, but the 380 flights are excellent. I would fly again with them and plan to do so.

tintotheterrier flew Air France Voyageur (Economy), on a B777-200ER (Config. 1) (06/07/2011 12:08)

We flew CDG-ATL on July 4 2011. We sat in seats 44a and 44B. Avoid these seats if possible! What the seat map doesn't show is that this pair of seats is diagonally offset from the row in front of it, leaving only 28" of pitch. This offset also leaves the tray tables to the left of the seats, so there is no way to eat or drink without bumping your fellow passenger.

This cabin was reasonably comfortable at 9 seats across: now that there are 10 seats per row, the seat width has been reduced once again, leaving an 18" seat cushion and 3" arm rests. If it had been a stranger sitting next to me rather than my husband, I would have been less than enchanted with spending 9 hours with my arms, shoulders, legs and hips in complete and total contact with him.

The "new and improved" cabin no longer has individually controllable air vents, which means that if it is very warm in your section of the cabin (which is was on this flight), there is no way to direct some moving air toward you.

Lujoleasing flew Air France Premium (business short-haul), on a B777-200ER (Config. 1) (21/06/2011 07:17)

I flew April 3 2011 , from SCL TO PARIS CDG.

The French are and will be the first in service. The food was an effort to impress, no doubt.

It's too bad that this B777 did not have the new configuration of Business Affaires which makes the distance between the seat and the one in front about 10 inches apart. The best seat is the one behind the first class row.

Other than that, I wished I was in the B747, better bar there.

Lujoleasing flew Air France Affaires (Business), on a B777-200ER (Config. 1) (21/06/2011 07:16)

I does april 3 2011 , from SCL TO PARIS CDG , the French are and will be the first in service, the food was an effort to impress without a doubt, its too bad that this 777 did not have the new configuration of Business Affairs which make the distance between the seat in front about 10 inch apart. Sou ou really want to get the seat Guru here, the best seat us the one behind the first class row, other than that I wish I was in 747, better bar there....

bonegirl flew Air France Voyageur (Economy), on a A340-300 (18/05/2011 14:07)

I was upgraded to Voyageur Premiere on my flight from JFK to Paris on May 14 - while booking I had looked at the price difference between the premier and regular coach fares and I am glad I did not waste my money.

The extra leg room and slightly wider seat were nice, but for some reason the seat was very uncomfortable. The "recline" primarily consisted of the seat bottom sliding forward, but the seat back itself did not go back that far. The leg rest was a joke - it did not extend out enough to even make use of it. My back hurt in the fully reclined position so I used my pillow as a lumbar support.

The service was no better than voyageur class, and in fact had declined since the last time I flew Air France. If I get upgraded again I won't turn it down, but I would never pay extra.

GCleary flew Air France Premium Voyageur (Premium economy) (25/03/2011 12:27)

Pretty Dismal. I felt spectacularly ripped off!

I flew from Paris Charles De Gaulle to Hong Kong with my wife in November 2010.

We booked these seats at almost exactly double the cost for a standard economy seat.

On the plus side, the seats are larger than the economy seats and there is more cabin space around you. You also get double the baggage allowance.

However I found the seat to be desperately uncomfortable and almost impossible to sleep in. They slide/recline within the seat shell, and at 5'11" I seemed to be too tall to get comfortable. The seats were dirty and bits had broken off the shell.

The food was exactly the same as economy, and the service was absolutely appalling... we were largely ignored by the staff on the plane. This was in stark contrast to our previous year’s economy class trip on the same route at the same time, with the same carrier.

The return flight was delayed on the ground for 3 hours as the plane was overloaded and could not safely take off. We arrived in CDG to discover that our onward Air France flight had been cancelled. We queued from 9pm until 2.20am before being told that we could not get a hotel room and would be forced to spend the night asleep on chairs in CDG. As "compensation" we were offered a voucher for coffee and a Danish, then told that the cafe wouldn't re-open until 7am.

We travel to Asia each year, and this was without doubt the worst trip we have ever had. I would strongly recommend staying well away from Air France, and the overpriced sloppy rip off that is Premium Voyageur.

Lesabrowning flew Air France Premium Voyageur (Premium economy), on a B777-300ER (Config. 3) (16/01/2011 01:34)

I flew Air France Premium Economy from Paris to Atlanta in December. I found it to be worth the extra cost. It is a far cry from Business Class, but it is also a fraction of the price. The extra space, early boarding, extra armrest, bottle of water and the other small goodies make a big difference. I think the seats are very comfortable compared to basic economy. I just booked another round trip on Premium economy, this time Los Angeles to Paris. I highly recommend it!

jamesa0330 flew Air France Affaires (Business), on a B777-200ER (Config. 1) (13/01/2011 15:49)

Let me tell you from experience, Air France Business Class is NOT WONDERFUL ! AF are not telling the truth, their B777 Biz class seats DO NOT make lie flat beds - the foot end ducks down to squeeze under the seat in front so if you are over 1metre tall/long, the "bed" slides to the floor from the knees down, making you feel sick when trying to sleep! Even the upper portion of the “bed” doesn’t become fully horizontal, so in effect the whole seat reclines within its shell and does NOT lie flat or become totally horizontal. What a rip off, selling “lie flat” and charging for it! Cabin crew agreed with me when I complained ! AF was too cheap to make room for REAL lie flat beds like BA ! DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY !!!!!!!!!!

J.Murray flew Air France La Premiere (First), on a A380 (27/08/2010 01:09)

Seat was far behind other European airlines, even on the new A380, which one would expect to be one of the best First products around. Service is more that of a business class cabin at a First class price.

Flight attendants need to be told to see and serve their passengers at regular intervals, rather than just at meal times. However, when they do appear into the cabin they are always helpful and warm. The food is of a decent standard although portions can be a bit stingy for an international first class.

Overall Air France is a decent choice, I would certainly choose them over a US carrier (Not much of a compliment). But if travelling in Europe or around the world I would almost always choose British Airways, which in my view has a solid, consistent First product.

dan56550 flew Air France Voyageur (Economy), on a A380 (12/07/2010 07:33)

We travelled on A380 Air France from PAR to Johannesburg, and were very very desappointed by the Air France A380 seat configuration: half of the aircraft capacity is allowed to Business, which represents only 20% of passengers. That means yhat we never have so been tightened in any other airline. Impossible to sleep, of course, but also, very difficult to move arms for dining, and impossible to watch tv, because of distance between eyes and screen !

Richard_Krueger flew Air France Premium Voyageur (Premium economy), on a B777-200ER (Config. 1) (25/06/2010 14:31)

Richard_Krueger flew Air France Premium Voyageur (Premium economy), on a B777-200ER (Config. 1) (25/06/2010 14:31)

mikewebley flew Air France Premium (business short-haul), on a A320 (10/05/2010 15:19)

petercamfan flew Air France Premium Voyageur (Premium economy), on a B777-200ER (Config. 1) (12/04/2010 10:05)

Being added in only mid-March we decided to travel in the Premium Economy class from Washington DC to Paris-CDG and back again. The new Premium Voyageur seat is a great improvement over the British Airways Plus seat, since the recline function is within the space allotted, with the bottom of the seat moving forward, rather than backwards into your neighbor. This feature along with the foot rest and leg support did allow me to sleep quite well, especially considering that I have flown a lot, but never been able to sleep in an economy seat. Yeah!

Additional seat design features that were superb is the entertainment unit is built into the seat, so that you have full use of the floor space under the seat in front of you, up to their leg support. Also the double long tray table provides a huge work surface to go along with the 110/220 plug that is available for each seat. It kept all our electronics including DVD players, Iphones and the like charged up for the whole trip. The size of interactive screen was 10 inches, the same as business class and there were a very large selection of movies and shows to catch up on, all on demand which was a big improvement over prior systems.

The blanket and pillow were especially nice, as the pillow is the same as used by the business class. Amenity kit was also the same as used by business with socks, shoe bag, hydrating cream, toothbrush and paste, eye mask, headphone pillows, and comb.

While there was early boarding available, it did not matter as in Premium Voyageur there were ample bins for all. The 2-4-2 seating made for a wider seat at about 19 inches and 38 inch pitch, which while not the same as business, made the seat quite comfortable compared to traditional economy. The boarding process was general mayhem, so if there was an improvement needed for the flight, it was in the announcements for boarding, which were alike to a cattle call.

Contrary to other reviews we found the flight attendants very friendly and attentive. After serving the main meal and several rounds of drinks, the self service stations set up were available and if you needed anything at all, they were glad to help.

With Premium luggage tags in place our luggage was among the first to arrive out, even after a long connection between Sofia and Paris, so we found the luggage service much better than airlines in the States.

The food was the same as coach, but we enjoyed our meals, in addition to the child's meal ordered for my son, which came promptly along with the traditional choice meals. A menu was given to all prior to the meal to refer to as giving selections.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Premium Voyageur class to those that need a little more than economy, but do not have the ability to upgrade or purchase business class. The amenities and service were superb and the new seating was comfortable and provided comfort for upright sleep. At 6'4", the ability to stretch my legs through the foot rest without electronic equipment getting in the way was of special importance.

ThongVo flew Air France Voyageur (Economy), on a B777-200ER (Config. 1) (31/01/2010 01:11)

First, I have taken this airline dozen of times in the past years and I have noticed a significant decrease of service and the flying experience have been getting worst over the time. This aircraft still has the old seating product. Still has the 3x3x3 config (for now). It rather looks old and worn out. My Avod was rather scratched and it was hard to see the screen. When the seat in front of you reclines, the only way to see the screen is to recline as well because of the bad angle! The in-flight service and crew are fine, helpful sometimes, smiling sometimes, but inconsistent. Foodwise, I have the impression that I have been eating the same meal for the past 10 years. Decent but lack imagination. Champagne is free in economy but don't expect premium product. The ground service at CDG is generally bad. Boarding is hectic as everyone starts lining up when priory boarding is called. Being Elite, I have to find my way among the economy crowd to get to counter. Often, deboarding is done by bus. Very annoying for such a big and modern airport. Priority tag was useless as my luggage came out late for my past 4 flights with AF! They even manage to leave it in CDG with a 3 hours connecting time on my last YUL-CDG-MAD.

businessclassvoyageur flew Air France (03/01/2010 23:56)

Air France is for me one of the best airlines in the world, for business or first class.

But their seating needs improvement in economy. The leg space is not enough, like in most airlines. They simply do not care that you are tall. If the passenger in front of you decides to recline his seat, then you simply suffer. I cannot understand this choice made of airlines. I know you will say they do it for money, but believe me that I travel in all classes, since i am a frequent flyer. If one day an airline decides to offer extra leg room in economy, and they have a perfect business class, i will fly only with them. I fly a lot, and i cannot support mediocre situations. And in no case as a tall passenger i will accept to pay for extra leg room. I am wondering how the security is ok when there is no space for tall passengers in economy class.

The food is ok, nothing to do with the advertised made by a chef food. it is like a fast food in economy. For sure i will write a review for their excellent business class but in economy not satisfied at all.

JanetMcConkey flew Air France Voyageur (Economy), on a B747-400 (Config 2) (29/12/2009 15:43)

Plane was delayed by 24hours, seat then overheated due to video control, no other seat available. On return flight seat did not recline again no other seat available. Very poor would not recommend to others.

J.Augusto flew Air France Affaires (Business), on a A380 (22/12/2009 22:40)

I flew this weekend from Paris CDG to New York JFK with Air France A380.

A fantastic experience! The flight was 3h30 minutes delayed due to the weather condition in Paris and New York, but I spend a very nice time at Air France VIP loung at CDG terminal 2E. The flight boarding was realy confusing as the flight was delayed and the airline ground staff is still not prepared to deal with the huge airplane.

So, there were lots of people with lower deck seats boarding through the upper deck and vice-versa (a real mess). Also the lines were not well clearly marked... But, after everybody was seated I had only good surprises!! I was seated at the seat 60L (first Business Class 'Affaires' row, at the window at the upper deck - all the Business Class seats are ate the Upper deck).

A very polite cabin chief came to us to give individual welcome on the wonderful aircraft saying that they were glad to have them there and to provide any required information. The taxing took a while due to the snow and ice. The take-off was fast and VERY smooth - no noise at all!! At the upper-deck we have the feeling to be in a A330/340, but much quieter.

The front section lavatory is huge and very modern. For me, the stair, located just besides the lavatory could be quite dangerous during a night flight. They also have like a rest area with some video screens which is useless - It would be better to have like sofas or a bar... The seats are quite the same as other Air France aircraft but with a different and more 'clean' colour. The first row has more room for the legs and provides a feeling of a more space... The seats are very comfortable and easy to operate. The entertainment system is very good, but the first row has a lower screen size. The screen of the seat beside mine was not working well, but the airline had a support person. The food had a very good quality and 4 options of main course, including fish, meat, chicken and vegetarian.

Very good selection of wines as well. Before the arrival, it was offered a light meal - nothing special... The flight attendants were really fast and polite - I hate when they are slow...! At the arrival another mess to have all the 530 people out of the airplane.... In general I would give a 9 for the flight!

RichardBarr flew Air France Premium (business short-haul), on a A320 (08/11/2009 19:18)

The entire process from check-in through to arrival was smooth. The service professional and freindly. The seats however, were not exactly business class. They were coach seats with the armrest most a couple centimeters into the center seat. The center seat was turned into a flipdown table. O.K. for short flights but I wouldn't want to pay business class prices for anything longer than a few hours.

martinique flew Air France Affaires (Business), on a B777-300ER (Config. 3) (08/10/2009 17:01)

Air_Lac flew Air France Premium Voyageur (Premium economy), on a B777-300ER (Config. 3) (03/08/2009 15:30)

Leg room and space in general is much better in Alizé than in Economy. The screens are larger. You can board the plane as one of the first and also leave the plane as one of the first. Food is certainly not the business class food you would expect - mediocre...particularly disappointing was the breakfast.

JohnSmith8 flew Air France Affaires (Business), on a B777-300ER (Config. 1) (24/07/2009 18:04)

The staff were very helpful and the food was excellant. Even the Omlete for breakfast which is usually quite rubbery. The IFE was good. And the toilettes were very clean. Ground staff in LAX were great and at CDG. I had a tendancy to slide down the seat when i was sleeping but this did not bother me.

djeacock flew Air France Voyageur (economy short-haul), on a A320 (11/07/2009 19:58)

LHR-CDG June 2009. The flight was delayed and the onboard service disappointing. The aircraft interior appears old and in need of freshing up. The seats are small and uncomfortable. The in flight magazines are informative and nice. Surprisingly, the crew on this flight were quite friendly.

Pascal75 flew Air France Affaires (Business), on a B747-400 (Config 2) (09/06/2009 05:17)

CDG-SFO 04/06/2009 on "Affaires" seat 1B Unfortunately all AF 747-400 are equiped with the first generation "lie-flat" seat. It has proved rather unconfortable... Being seated on the forefront raw is not so "peaceful" because of the coat and luggage cupboard which is almost non-stop opened and closed by the crew members during the flight. The inflight video system is simply hopeless with only 4 movies dislayed on rather poor quality screens without any pause-stop or go system. Good quality food, very good wine, but the service is too long. You wait about 15mn between the cheese plate and the desert... The expresso machine - which is usually great - was out of order! The crew was nice and smiling but rather slow... It would be high time AF revamp its Affaires cabin in the 747. Unfortunatly there are two business classes on AF, the one on the 777 (mostly all equiped with a new seat - not great, but at least new) and all the other planes of the fleet (including the 747 and some 340), with the hopeless first generation seat. So, choose your aircraft if you really want to sleep on AF long-haul flights...

Thompson flew Air France Voyageur (Economy), on a B777-200ER (Config. 1) (12/05/2009 08:31)

AF 997 / 09 May Johannesburg - Paris CDG

Seat 23L

All electronics in our cabin were faulty. Majority of the flight, the IFE and even the over-seat lighting did not work.

terminalfive flew Air France Affaires (Business), on a B747-400 (08/03/2009 17:50)

CDG - MIA. Normal business configuration had a window sit that was comfortable albeit not a lie - flat bed. Service up to the high standards of AF and everything went smoothly on a packed flight (both economy and business were full). Entertainment system desperately needs revamping though - very poor selection of films (three) and problems with the audio

Ranerane flew Air France Affaires (Business) (19/11/2008 19:33)

Seat is very good new generation angled lie-flat. On last four intercontinental flights with Af they lost my bag every time. One was direct from CDG others I had 1h30 to 3h connecting time.

goswrang flew Air France Voyageur (Economy), on a B777-300ER (Config. 3) (30/09/2008 12:07)

Nice, new, clean aircraft, with in-flight entertainment screen on every seat. Not video on demand, but a system where you have to know when the films starts. Great food and friendly staff. Takeoff and landing bang on time. A bonus for the night "buffet" in the back of the plane where passengers can help them self to snack, drinks and towels during the night.