5 Fast Facts About Air France’s Luxurious ‘La Première’ First Class Cabin

Air France stands out as one of the few remaining airlines that offer a first class experience onboard as the first class is becoming a dying breed. The French flag carrier’s La Première cabin is already considered to be one of the best in the skies as it is more than just a first class cabin.

It is an exquisite flight service that begins hours before you arrive at the airport. Here are the five interesting facts about Air France’s La Première first class cabin.

1

Available on the Boeing 777-300ER

Air France offers these services from its Charles de Gaulle (CDG) base

Since Air France retired its fleet of Airbus A380 quad jets during the global pandemic, the La Première cabin is now only available on select Boeing 777-300ER widebody aircraft and specific routes.

Photo: Minh K Tran | Shutterstock

As it stands, the French carrier currently has a total of 63 Boeing 777s, including 43 Boeing 777-300ERs, 18 Boeing 777-200s, and two Boeing 777 freighters, as per Planespotters.net. According to the Air France website, you can currently book the La Première cabin on 12 international routes. Here is the list below:

• Los Angeles (LAX), the US
• Miami (MIA), the US
• New York (JFK), the US
• San Francisco (SFO), the US
• Washington DC (IAD), the US
• Singapore (SIN)
• Tokyo (HND), Japan
• Abidjan (ABJ), Ivory Coast
• Cancun (CUN), Mexico
• Mexico City (MEX), Mexico
• Sao Paulo (GRU), Brazil
• Dubai (DXB), the United Arab Emirates

It is worth noting that the routes above may change periodically depending on aircraft availability and the time of year. According to Air France, the upgraded La Première cabin will be unveiled during the 2024/2025 winter season, and more aircraft and destinations will offer the product.

2

Four suites

There is just a single row of four first-class suites

The La Première cabin is identical on every Boeing 777-300ER flight. The first-class cabin always consists of just four suites, ensuring that the highest-paying passengers can enjoy a spacious cabin and ample privacy.

While many airlines have opted for fully enclosed suites with permanent or half walls, Air France has chosen to keep its suites open. However, passengers seeking privacy can raise partitions or completely enclose their suite with a floor-to-ceiling curtain, reminiscent of the early days of long-haul air travel.

However, the upgraded La Première cabin will presumably have just three seats in a 1-1-1 configuration. In addition, the airline promises that their upgraded first-class cabin will be the longest on the market, with each passenger having five windows.

3

Ground experience

Free access: chauffeur service, priority check-in, La Première lounge

The La Première experience begins well before you board the flight. Air France offers a complimentary chauffeur service that transports first class passengers from within a 75 km radius to CDG Airport and within a 30 km radius from other major airports in France.

Photo: EQRoy | Shutterstock

Upon arriving at the airport, La Première passengers benefit from priority check-in, allowing them to check three complimentary bags. Following the check-in process, passengers can relax in the La Première lounge. The lounge features numerous other amenities for the esteemed guests, including:

• Shower and spas
• Free meals and beverages
• Relaxation room
• WiFi
• Newspapers and magazines

Starting in July 2024, Air France will introduce a new, more private, and personalized check-in area. In addition, new optional suites will complement the La Première lounge at Charles de Gaulle Airport. These suites will offer a bedroom with a double bed, TV, and safe, as well as access to an outdoor patio.

Photo: Air France

4

High demand

High demand makes booking La Première relatively complicated

The French flag carrier has excelled at maintaining exclusivity in its flagship La Première cabin. Securing a flight using points and miles at a reasonable price is challenging. While obtaining a significant discount on these flights is not entirely out of reach, it generally requires considerable effort and a bit of luck.

Photo: Lukas Wunderlich | Shutterstock

Examples of La Première cabin fares, as per the airline’s website:

• A round-trip journey between Paris (CDG) and New York (JFK) costs approximately €10,800 ($11,550)
• A round-trip journey between Paris (CDG) and Tokyo (HND) costs approximately €13,700 ($14,650)
• A round-trip journey between Paris (CDG) and Dubai (DXB) costs approximately €7,000 ($7,400)

One method to book La Première tickets using points is to redeem Flying Blue miles for an award ticket in full. However, this option is exclusively available to Flying Blue Platinum and Ultimate members.

According to a report by Upgraded Points, meeting the elite status criteria usually allows you to redeem between 200,000 to 250,000 Flying Blue miles for a one-way La Première first-class ticket between the US and France.

5

Service onboard

Air France offers a tailored service

Air France provides personalized service to its La Première passengers, from ground experience to onboard service. During boarding, the airline’s staff escorts La Première passengers to the plane using one of their 29 Porsche Cayenne Hybrids. Upon arrival onboard, passengers are personally introduced to the dedicated crew.

Photo: Air France

Onboard the aircraft, La Première passengers will find a suite equipped with the following:

• Soft leather seats
• An individual cloakroom
• Ample storage space
• A bedside lamp
• The Air France travel kit containing Sisley facial and body care products, a cotton bathrobe, slippers, and socks

What are your thoughts on the La Première first class cabin? Have you ever flown onboard Air France’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft? Let us know your experiences in the comments section.