You can immerse yourself in the epitome of luxury air travel with Air France’s La Première. This ultra-exclusive first cabin boasts just four soothing neutral-toned seats thereby ensuring unparalleled privacy.
You can also transform your seat into a plush, hotel-quality bed and get served gourmet meals crafted by Michelin-starred chefs. From bespoke Limoges porcelain to bedside turn-down service, La Première offers a truly unforgettable travel experience.
Flying La Première isn’t available on all Air France flights, but if you have a ticket, you get a perk most flyers dream of: boarding the plane whenever you want. Be the first one on board to settle in or relax in the airport lounge until the last minute – it’s entirely up to you.
Also read: Emirates A380 Business Class Review: Dubai to London
At most airports, La Première passengers enjoy the privilege of boarding through a dedicated jet bridge, separate from other passengers. This exclusive access provides a smoother and more private boarding experience.
Booking and Price
Expect to pay a premium for La Première. While short routes like New York to Paris typically start around £9,000 one-way, roundtrip deals can bring the price down to £4,000 per leg.
Scoring a La Première upgrade can happen! Air France offers them online and at the airport. For instance, a recent JFK-Paris flight saw a Premium Economy upgrade for just over £2,500. However, some La Première perks, like airport transfers, need the upgrade confirmed at least 24 hours before takeoff.
Check-in
In seven cities, Air France La Première passengers can book transfers to the airport at New York JFK, Paris, and five other French airports—included in their ticket price—by calling the dedicated La Première number they receive at the time of booking.
Side note: the number is a French number but it is available 24/7.
In Paris, La Première passengers get the VIP treatment. They have a dedicated check-in area, breeze through security with priority service, and are whisked away in luxury cars to their lounge, plane, or even a private customs line upon arrival.
Suites
The La Première product is identical onboard every flight that offers it. It is only available onboard the 777-300 series aircraft, and the cabin is always just four suites.
The suite is custom-designed for Air France and won’t be found on any other airline. While many carriers have elected to fully enclose their suites with permanent walls or half walls, Air France has chosen to keep their suites open, although passengers desiring privacy can raise electronically-operated solid partitions, or completely enclose their suite with a floor-to-ceiling curtain reminiscent of earlier days of long-distance overnight air travel.
The suite also has a 24-inch HD touchscreen entertainment system with a separate touchscreen tablet control. And when it is time to sleep, the seat becomes a fully flat bed, which flight attendants will outfit with a mattress pad, pillow, and duvet from the French luxury hotel brand Sofitel.
Amenities
Passengers receive Sisley skincare kits on board, along with cosy pyjamas, socks, and slippers to ensure a comfortable and pampered journey. La Premiere lavatories are generously sized, and have a fold-down padded bench for dressing and changing. Personalised hangers for your clothes (stored by the flight attendant until landing). Plus, you’ll find premium Sisley toiletries and even toothbrush sets, all to ensure a refreshed and pampered journey.
Meals
La Première meals are a luxurious affair. Pop champagne pre-takeoff, savour an amuse bouche, indulge in caviar, and enjoy a multi-course feast served on fancy Air France china. Main courses might include lamb tenderloin, monkfish, creamed vegetables, John Dory fillets, beef tenderloin, scallops, or shrimp. Main courses are presented with flair underneath a silver serving dome.
Main courses are followed by a made-to-order salad (proteins like smoked salmon, anchovies, shrimp, or grilled chicken can be added), cheese selection presented from a cheese board and taken back to the galley to be sliced and arranged, desserts by Lenôtre, and capped off with fresh fruit and sorbets.
Forget aeroplane food. La Première breakfasts are a feast of fresh pastries, made-to-order eggs, and waffles or pancakes, all alongside fresh fruit. For lunch and dinner, expect a decadent multi-course experience designed by a revolving roster of France’s top Michelin-starred chefs. Imagine names like Joël Robuchon, Régis Marcon, and Guy Martin crafting your in-flight meals!
Alcohol
La Première elevates your in-flight drink experience. Kick off with a glass of prestige Champagne like Perrier Jouet or Veuve Cliquot, then explore a meticulously curated wine list by a top sommelier. New selections rotate frequently, ensuring a delightful surprise on every flight.
Alcohol is included in the price of the ticket. Non-alcoholic beverages include espresso or cappuccino served with a box of chocolates, or a selection of teas.
La Première offers more space, more personalised service, greater comfort, on-demand dining, and an overall more premium experience than Air France Business Class. When the curtain is closed on a La Première suite, passengers enjoy three square metres of personal space.
