Airlines

Evaluation: Air France Enterprise Class Airbus A350 (JFK-CDG)

For the primary lengthy haul phase of my journey to Japan by way of Mongolia, I flew Air France’s Airbus A350-900 enterprise class on the quick six hour in a single day flight from New York to Paris. I used to be enthusiastic about this flight, because it was operated by one in every of Air France’s latest A350s, that includes an all-new passenger expertise.

Air France’s new A350 enterprise class is spectacularly good, and can in all probability quickly make my listing of the world’s greatest enterprise class merchandise. The seats are improbable, the tech couldn’t be higher, the A350 is mostly a pleasure to fly, and Air France additionally has among the many greatest mushy merchandise of any European airline. It is a fairly nice method to cross the Atlantic.

How I booked my Air France enterprise class ticket

I booked my Air France enterprise class ticket utilizing Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles. Particularly, I booked the next award in enterprise class for 50,000 Flying Blue miles plus $226.70 in taxes and charges:

1/25 AF9 New York to Paris departing 11:30PM arriving 12:40PM (+1 day)
1/26 AF1318 Paris to Frankfurt departing 3:25PM arriving 4:45PM

Flying Blue miles are are straightforward to come back by, as this system is switch companions with Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One, Chase Final Rewards, and Citi ThankYou. On high of that, Flying Blue usually sells miles at a reduction.

Air France enterprise class lounge & boarding

Within the earlier installment, I reviewed the Air France Lounge JFK Terminal 1, which is sort of good. It’s spacious, has a strong choice of meals and drinks, and even has a spa with complimentary remedies.

I used to be on the final flight of the night from New York to Paris, which was departing from gate seven, on the alternative finish of the terminal of the lounge. I noticed the beautiful A350-900 parked on the gate — I actually do love the Air France livery, and discover it to be easy but elegant, particularly on the A350, with its cool-looking “raccoon masks.”

Air France Airbus A350-900 New York JFK Airport

Boarding was scheduled for 10:45PM, 45 minutes earlier than departure. Positive sufficient, that’s precisely when boarding began, with enterprise class passengers being invited to board first.

Air France departure gate New York JFK Airport

Air France A350 enterprise class cabin & seats

I used to be flying one in every of Air France’s new Airbus A350-900s, in a really premium configuration, with 48 enterprise class seats. Earlier than I speak about this product, let me level out a few issues:

Anyway, again to this product. Air France’s new A350s have 48 enterprise class seats, unfold throughout 12 rows, in a 1-2-1 configuration. Air France has reverse herringbone seats on these planes, and it’s the launch buyer for this particular product. Air France chosen the STELIA Opera seat — curiously that is primarily supposed for slender physique jets, however Air France partnered on a personalized model of the seat for its extensive physique plane, which you gained’t discover on some other airways.

The ahead cabin (between doorways one and two) has a complete of 32 seats, unfold throughout eight rows.

Air France A350 enterprise class cabin
Air France A350 enterprise class cabin

In the meantime the rear cabin (behind the second set of doorways) has a complete of 16 seats, unfold throughout 4 rows. I like how Air France is evolving its cabin finishes, between the blue carpet with a sample, and the prominence of the provider’s winged seahorse brand.

Air France A350 enterprise class cabin

To take a more in-depth take a look at the seat choices, those that are touring with a companion might favor to decide on one of many units of middle seats, so to pretty simply talk with the individual you’re touring with.

Air France enterprise class seats A350

That being mentioned, when you’re touring alone and find yourself in one in every of these middle seats, don’t fear. There’s a privateness partition that may be raised to principally provide you with full privateness, so that you gained’t even need to work together with the individual seated throughout from you.

Air France enterprise class seats A350

My choice, whether or not touring alone or with somebody, is to pick out one of many window seats, as I’m a sucker for a very good wing view.

Air France A350 enterprise class cabin

The usual seats on this configuration are about nearly as good as any reverse herringbone seats on the market. Every seat has a door, a fairly sized footwell, and a very good quantity of storage, which is about all you’ll be able to ask for.

Air France enterprise class seat A350
Air France enterprise class seat A350
Air France enterprise class seat A350

Nevertheless, the very best seats on this configuration are the bulkhead seats, and so they’re arguably the very best enterprise class seats on this planet. The principles for assigning these seats are the identical as the principles for assigning the particular bulkhead seats on the 777s. They’re saved for Flying Blue Platinum and Gold members up till 72 hours earlier than departure, and at that time they are often assigned by anybody.

I checked precisely 72 hours earlier than departure, and was in a position to assign seat 10A, the window seat on the left aspect within the first row of the second cabin. What makes these seats so superior is that they’ve an infinite quantity of area on your ft.

Air France enterprise class seat A350
Air France enterprise class seat A350

The seat itself is similar as each different enterprise class seat…

Air France enterprise class seat A350

…whereas the ottoman is huge. That is the alternative excessive of getting to squeeze your ft right into a small footwell!

Air France enterprise class seat A350

Air France’s A350 enterprise class seats are very thoughtfully designed, with distinctive tech. To the aspect of the seat, you’ll discover a storage compartment the place you’ll be able to hold headphones, which additionally has a mirror. I like how when that is closed, there’s Air France’s lovely brand prominently displayed (although don’t fear, you’ll be able to flip it off as nicely).

Air France enterprise class seat options A350
Air France enterprise class seat storage compartment A350

One other new characteristic of this product is the massive pill to the aspect of the seat.

Air France enterprise class seat pill A350

Consider this as being “mission management” on your seat, as you need to use it to regulate nearly every little thing, from the seating place, to the lighting, to the leisure. You may both simply click on on the display screen instantly the place it’s saved, or you’ll be able to take away it so to have it in a extra handy place.

Air France enterprise class seat pill A350

If you happen to simply need to make primary changes to your seat positions, there’s a small panel beneath the seat’s armrest, the place you’ll be able to management seat capabilities.

Air France enterprise class seat controls A350

The counter to the aspect of the seat is sort of giant, and likewise incorporates a wi-fi charging setup.

Air France enterprise class seat wi-fi charging A350

You’ll discover each USB-A and USB-C charging ports instantly subsequent to this, and so they’re 60W, so that they cost your gadgets in a short time.

Air France enterprise class seat charging A350

The seat additionally has an AC energy outlet, however that’s positioned a bit of bit decrease within the seat.

Air France enterprise class seat charging A350

The tray desk folds out from beneath the counter to the aspect of the seat, and the tray desk is substantial, and might’t be folded over in half.

Air France enterprise class seat tray desk A350

Every seat has a excessive definition leisure monitor. This display screen is similar measurement within the bulkhead row as in different rows, so it seems fairly a bit smaller, on condition that it’s additional away from you.

Air France enterprise class seat private tv A350

One other in style characteristic of the seat is that it incorporates a door. That is locked throughout takeoff and touchdown, however you’ll be able to in any other case both slide it open or closed.

Air France enterprise class seat door A350
Air France enterprise class seat door A350

The seat additionally has a powerful quantity of storage. Not solely are you able to retailer stuff beneath the ottoman, however there’s additionally a drawer subsequent to that the place you’ll be able to place issues.

Air France enterprise class seat storage A350
Air France enterprise class seat storage A350

Air France’s new A350-900s are the “new manufacturing customary” fashions of those plane. Along with the fuselage being barely wider than on earlier A350s, these planes even have dimmable home windows, and I shared my ideas on these in a separate put up.

Air France A350 dimmable home windows & tail digicam

Lastly, the overhead console incorporates studying lights and the seatbelt signal, however sadly Air France doesn’t have particular person air nozzles on these plane.

Air France A350 overhead console

That is actually an distinctive enterprise class laborious product. You’ve an trade main reverse herringbone seat with a door (and even higher bulkhead seats), with unbeatable tech, mixed with the commonly superior attributes of the A350. Air France has a winner right here.

Air France enterprise class facilities

Ready at every seat upon boarding was a pillow and blanket. The bedding is strong, because the pillow is substantial and the blanket is sort of thick. It’s not the very best bedding within the trade, although, but it surely does the trick. I do assume it could be good if there have been a special shade sample for the bedding, so as to add a bit extra persona to the cabin.

Air France enterprise class blanket & pillow

There was additionally a pair of noise canceling headphones ready at every seat, in addition to a bottle of Evian water.

Air France enterprise class headphones
Air France enterprise class bottled water

Towards the top of the boarding course of, the crew distributed amenity kits. These include eyeshades, earplugs, a dental package, a pen, two lotions from Clarins, and hand sanitizer.

Air France enterprise class amenity package

A couple of minutes later, menus have been distributed for the flight.

Air France enterprise class menu

Lastly, pre-departure drinks have been served, with the selection of champagne, water, or apple mint juice. I in fact chosen the champagne, which I loved, although I used to be intrigued by the apple mint juice as nicely.

Air France enterprise class pre-departure champagne

Air France A350 enterprise class leisure & Wi-Fi

Air France’s A350 enterprise class leisure system is phenomenal — the display screen is excessive definition, the interface is straightforward to make use of, and there are all types of cool options.

Air France enterprise class leisure A350

Air France has an enormous choice of motion pictures, TV reveals, audio, and video games. I wasn’t in a position to depend simply what number of choices there have been, however you actually shouldn’t get bored, each by way of the standard and amount of choices.

Air France enterprise class leisure A350
Air France enterprise class leisure A350
Air France enterprise class leisure A350
Air France enterprise class leisure A350
Air France enterprise class leisure A350

For individuals who are aviation geeks, there’s a superb map interface that’s extremely customizable. There’s additionally a tail digicam, which is one thing that by no means fails to make me giddy.

Air France enterprise class leisure A350

Final however not least, Air France has bluetooth audio on its A350s, so to join your private headphones to the leisure system. I’m glad to see this changing into an more and more frequent characteristic.

Air France enterprise class bluetooth audio A350

Air France’s A350s additionally characteristic Wi-Fi. There have been three completely different pricing choices for the Wi-Fi:

  • You should buy a one hour “Surf” go for €8
  • You might buy a full flight “Surf” go for €18
  • You might buy a full flight “Stream” go for €30
Air France enterprise class Wi-Fi A350

For these questioning, the “Surf” go is marketed as being good for sending and receiving messages, whereas the “Stream” go is marketed as being splendid for streaming music, audio, and video. Nevertheless, I haven’t discovered the distinction in speeds between the 2 plans to be that nice, and the “Stream” go doesn’t persistently enable streaming, in order that’s one thing to concentrate on.

Air France enterprise class Wi-Fi A350
Air France enterprise class Wi-Fi A350

On stability, I’d say Air France’s A350 tech setup is superb, between the nice leisure interface, the map characteristic and tail digicam, the bluetooth audio, the Wi-Fi, and extra.

Air France A350 departure from New York

This was fairly a full flight, and each seat in enterprise class was taken, so boarding took fairly a while. One factor I observed in the course of the boarding course of was the superior boarding music, which was some form of French pop. I completely cherished it, as Air France is greatest when it leans into its French-ness.

At 11:20PM the primary cabin door closed. Nevertheless, we didn’t transfer for a while. At 11:30PM, the captain made his welcome aboard announcement, informing us of our flight time of six hours. He apologized for the slight delay for pushing again, and defined that we needed to wait a second to push, as there was an plane in our method.

At 11:35PM we started our pushback, at which level the security video was screened.

Then at 11:40PM we began our takeoff. One of many advantages of departing so late at evening is that there’s not a lot site visitors at that hour. So inside 10 minutes we made it to runway 4L, and have been instantly cleared for takeoff.

I’m sorry, however these tail cameras by no means, ever, ever, ever get previous.

Air France A350 tail digicam departing New York JFK
Air France A350 tail digicam departing New York JFK

We had a easy climb out, and the seatbelt signal was turned off about 10 minutes after takeoff.

Air France enterprise class dinner service

There was a dinner service on this flight after takeoff, and you’ll find the menu and drink listing under.

Air France enterprise class menu
Air France enterprise class drink listing
Air France enterprise class drink listing
Air France enterprise class drink listing

On a brief in a single day transatlantic flight, it’s necessary for a crew to be deliberate with how they carry out the service. It’s not about having probably the most extravagant meal service doable, however somewhat it’s about having probably the most practical and environment friendly service, whereas nonetheless providing one thing good. I’d say Air France nailed it with this flight, by way of high quality and tempo.

Simply 10 minutes after takeoff, the crew was by way of the cabin with heat towels.

Air France enterprise class heat towel

Then simply 20 minutes after takeoff, the crew handed by way of the cabin with a tray of champagne, together with some packaged cheese crackers. It’s at all times good to get folks their first drink as shortly as doable, because it retains them glad. For what it’s price, Air France is at the moment pouring Telmont Réserve Brut in enterprise class.

Air France enterprise class drink & snack

35 minutes after takeoff, the meal tray was served. This was superbly introduced, and fairly packed. This included two appetizers (a lobster, herb cream, and fennel salad, plus a grapefruit and cucumber salad), then a backyard salad, then a cheese choice, after which a cheesecake. The whole lot was superb, although speak about a whole lot of salads and a whole lot of cheese. 😉

Air France enterprise class dinner

Drinks have been additionally supplied off the cart on the similar time, and I ordered a chablis and glowing water.

Air France enterprise class drinks

20 minutes later, the crew handed by way of the cabin to clear any empty plates, and likewise served most important programs. I ordered the sautéed shrimp with rice, mushrooms, and child spinach. The dish was tasty, and was served with a aspect of lobster sauce.

Air France enterprise class dinner

This was an excellent meal for a late evening flight, and most significantly, your entire service was accomplished inside an hour. Discuss nice high quality and effectivity!

Air France A350 enterprise class toilets

Air France has three toilets in its A350 enterprise class, with one being on the entrance of the cabin, and two being subsequent to the middle galley. The toilets have been unremarkable — they weren’t very giant, however have been fashionable.

Air France A350 enterprise class toilet
Air France A350 enterprise class toilet

The one notable facilities within the toilets have been a few merchandise from Clarins.

Air France A350 enterprise class toilet facilities

Air France A350 enterprise class mattress

Once I obtained again to my seat, I instantly reclined into mattress mode, and tried to get some relaxation. The bulkhead seats are in fact extraordinarily comfy, given simply how a lot room you’ve on your ft. It additionally stood out to me how quietly the seat reclined, as there are some seats that make as a lot noise as a 777 engine throughout takeoff when being positioned into mattress mode.

Air France enterprise class mattress A350
Air France enterprise class mattress A350

I ended up falling asleep simply over an hour after takeoff, with round 4hr50min remaining to Paris.

Air France A350 map enroute to Paris

Then I awakened with round 1hr20min remaining to Paris. 3.5 hours of sleep on a flight of this size whereas nonetheless having fun with each the dinner and breakfast service is basically laborious to beat!

Air France A350 map enroute to Paris

Air France enterprise class breakfast service

Earlier than I went to sleep, I used to be requested if I wished to be woken up for breakfast. Whereas I don’t normally have breakfast just some hours after going to sleep, I used to be reviewing the flight, so I in fact awakened for that. You could find the breakfast menu under.

Air France enterprise class breakfast menu

As you’ll discover, Air France even provides a scorching breakfast on such a brief in a single day flight, which not many airways do. Nevertheless, I couldn’t fairly carry myself to eat that a lot.

As an alternative, I chosen the lighter choice, and opted for contemporary fruit, yogurt, and a few bread. I had a cup of espresso to go together with this.

Air France enterprise class breakfast

As soon as breakfast was cleared, I additionally ordered an espresso, as I wanted one other caffeine hit.

Air France enterprise class espresso

Air France enterprise class service

The crew on this flight was nice. Not solely have been they pleasant, however they have been extraordinarily environment friendly. On a six hour in a single day flight, you don’t need the chattiest or most participating crew, however somewhat you desire a crew that’s centered on performing service in a pleasant and environment friendly method. The crew’s document right here speaks for itself, as they accomplished your entire meal service inside an hour after takeoff, and did it with a smile.

Air France A350 arrival in Paris

At 11:25AM Paris time, the captain was on the PA to tell us that we’d begin our descent in about 5 minutes, and can be touchdown at 12PM, half-hour forward of our scheduled arrival time.

Now let me inform you about probably the most irritating facet of this flight, on condition that it was mild out. How on earth was I alleged to resolve whether or not to look at the tail digicam…

Air France A350 tail digicam enroute to Paris

…or simply look out the window at this beautiful wing view?! Selections, choices!

Air France A350 view approaching Paris

The seatbelt signal ended up being turned on round 11:50AM.

Air France A350 tail digicam approaching Paris
Air France A350 view approaching Paris

We then had a superbly easy landing on runway 26L at 12:05PM.

Air France A350 tail digicam touchdown Paris

From there it was a prolonged 10 minute taxi to our arrival gate, the place we pulled in at 12:15PM, quarter-hour forward of schedule.

Air France A350 tail digicam taxiing Paris
Air France A350 view taxiing Paris CDG

I cleared safety, after which modified terminals, previous to my Air France HOP flight to Frankfurt.

Backside line

Air France’s new A350 enterprise class is a delight, and units the usual for enterprise class amongst European airways. Air France’s A350s have comfy reverse herringbone seats with glorious know-how, mixed with the final advantages of the A350 (nice cabin pressurization, a tail digicam, and so forth.). If you happen to can snag a bulkhead seat, you’re in for much more of a deal with.

Whenever you add in Air France’s tasty meals, pleasant and environment friendly service, and good facilities, this is likely one of the greatest methods to cross the Atlantic. Air France has come a good distance over the previous a number of years, and I can’t wait to see what’s subsequent for the airline.

What’s your tackle Air France’s A350 enterprise class?

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