Overview & First Impressions
The Air France La Première experience begins long before boarding, with a meticulously crafted ground journey designed for ultimate exclusivity. Arriving at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Terminal 2E, guests are welcomed into a dedicated, rather secretive check-in lounge. The journey then takes an unexpected turn with a private drive, bypassing the main terminal entrance, leading directly to the La Première lounge. This initial phase sets a tone of unparalleled privacy and bespoke service, truly resembling a private jet experience.
The La Première lounge itself is a sanctuary of French elegance, but the real highlight is the option for a private suite. Upgraded from the cozy common area, these suites are a revelation, offering a complete living and dining space, a private bedroom, and an ensuite shower and toilet. Even more remarkably, some suites feature a private outdoor patio, a unique amenity for an airport lounge. This private suite experience, available for a fee, transforms pre-flight waiting into a luxurious stay, mirroring a high-end hotel room. Breakfast served in the suite is a lavish affair, with a generous spread of cold cuts, salmon, and exquisite French pastries. The option to order from the lunch menu, featuring delicacies like foie gras and classic French dishes, even at 8 AM, underscores the lounge's commitment to personalized, indulgent service. A testament to this bespoke approach, a spa attendant offers facial treatments, ensuring guests are refreshed and rejuvenated before their long-haul flight. The ground experience alone establishes La Première as a benchmark in luxury travel, setting an exceptionally high bar for the journey ahead.
Seat, Cabin & IFE
Stepping aboard the Boeing 777-300ER, the new La Première cabin immediately impresses with its distinctive design philosophy. Eschewing traditional doors or rigid cubicle walls, the cabin utilizes elegant curtains to create an open yet private environment. This design choice provides a sense of spaciousness, preventing the feeling of being confined, while still allowing for complete privacy when desired. The cabin aesthetic is undeniably French – chic, luxurious, and refined, highlighted by five large windows and a tall ceiling that further enhances the sense of grandeur.
Each La Première suite is a masterclass in functional elegance, offering two distinct living spaces. One area features a comfortable seat that transforms into a fully lie-flat bed, while the other provides an additional seat, ideal for dining with a companion or simply stretching out. The bed itself is a generous two meters long, with the thoughtful design allowing for an additional 20-30 centimeters of legroom by extending feet onto the second chair, accommodating even the tallest travelers. A thick mattress and premium bedding ensure a restful sleep, with curtains effectively blocking out light even on a westbound day flight. The suite is equipped with two large high-definition screens, offering extensive entertainment options that can be controlled from a dedicated panel, allowing seamless switching of content between displays. Thoughtful details like a dedicated shoe box and ample storage units, accessible even when the bed is deployed, speak to the meticulous design. Guests are provided with a choice of comfort kits and stylish Jacquemus pyjamas, further elevating the onboard experience.
Food, Drinks & Service
The culinary journey in La Première is an ode to French gastronomy, elevating airline catering to Michelin-star standards. The menu, curated by acclaimed Chef Ardouin Almo, features a selection of exquisite dishes. Highlights include a delicate crab starter with yuzu vinaigrette and broccoli cream, and a perfectly prepared beef confit with herb vinaigrette and tenderloins. While the 100% Vanilla dessert proved a touch too sweet for some palates, the overall quality of the caviar, starters, and main courses was phenomenal, a true testament to three-star Michelin chef catering at 40,000 feet. Even a simple salad is transformed into a memorable dish, with the airline consistently delivering some of the best onboard food.
The beverage program is equally impressive, focusing exclusively on French wines and spirits. The champagne selection includes the prestigious Comtes de Taittinger, a bottle valued around €230. White wines feature renowned Burgundies like Montrachet and Valle de Arolla Condrieu (Viognier), while the red wine list boasts iconic Châteauneuf-du-Pape (estimated €80-100 a bottle) and a winning Bordeaux blend. A wide array of mocktails, cocktails, brandies, cognacs, Cointreau, and Calvados further complements the dining experience. Service is impeccable and highly personalized. Crew members like Mathilde and Mr. Albin (who personally served wines from the galley) provide attentive yet discreet service, anticipating needs and offering thoughtful gestures such as closing curtains for full privacy. The flight captain also makes a point to welcome passengers, adding a personal touch to the professional service. Galley snacks and a bar setup are available for those seeking refreshments between meals, ensuring continuous indulgence throughout the 11-hour, 8-minute flight.
