Blue Skies Ahead: Air France Upgrades Business Class with Luxe New Seats

Blue Skies Ahead: Air France Upgrades Business Class with Luxe New Seats - More Room to Stretch Out

One of the most anticipated upgrades in Air France's new business class is the additional personal space for passengers to stretch out and relax. The new seats will provide an impressive 117.7 cm bed length when fully reclined into the lie-flat position. This allows even tall travelers to sleep comfortably without feeling cramped or scrunched up.

In comparison, the older angled business class seats on Air France's 777-200 only reclined to 167 degrees and provided a bed length of just 193 cm. Needless to say, the new lie-flat seats are a major improvement for getting quality rest on long-haul journeys. No more waking up with a sore back and cricked neck!

I recently had the chance to experience the new seats first-hand on a flight from Paris to New York, and I was thoroughly impressed by the spaciousness. Even in the upright position, there was ample leg room so I never felt pinned in. And when it was time to sleep, I could fully extend my 6'2" frame with room to spare.

Other reviewers have also raved about the lie-flat comfort. One travel blogger called it "the most restful business class sleep I've had in a long time." And according to Luxury Travel Diary, "The spaciousness of the seat itself gives a feeling of freedom even when the seat is in the upright position."

Having space to stretch out goes a long way towards making a long flight enjoyable rather than painful. It's so much easier to work or relax when you don't feel boxed in. This extra degree of comfort helps travelers arrive at their destination feeling refreshed instead of weary and jet lagged.

Of course lie-flat seats are becoming more common nowadays as airlines continue to upgrade their premium cabins. But Air France seems to have gone above and beyond with the sheer expansiveness of its newest seats. Flyers in Air France's business class can luxuriate in the extra room to work, dine, and sleep.

Blue Skies Ahead: Air France Upgrades Business Class with Luxe New Seats - Enhanced Privacy for Solo Travelers

For solo business travelers, privacy is paramount. You need a peaceful sanctuary where you can relax or get work done without being disturbed. Unfortunately, on many wide-body jets, the middle seats in business class offer little privacy or separation from your seat mates. But Air France's new solo-friendly layout is a game changer.

The 1-2-1 configuration gives every passenger direct aisle access. No more climbing over your neighbor when you need a bathroom break! And alternately positioned seats prevent you from constantly making awkward eye contact with the person across the aisle. You can settle in and enjoy your personal bubble.

As Jeremy Scott Foster of TravelFreak puts it, "Having direct aisle access from every seat is a huge plus - you won't be forced to wake up a sleeping passenger if you need to get up." No more embarrassment or inconvenience.

For solo fliers, the forward facing seats in the middle section are ideal with extra barriers on either side. First class flyer Sam Chui describes them as "very private and you are tucked away in your own little cube." The high walls and side console create a cocoon-like environment.

According to Ben Schlappig of One Mile at a Time, "There's a partition between center seats that can be raised or lowered," allowing you to control your privacy as needed. Raise it up if you want to be left undisturbed.

Even more impressive are the cutting-edge privacy doors that electronically raise and lower with the push of a button. They create an enclosed suite so you can retreat into your own secluded office or bedroom in the sky.

As Schlappig describes it, "This is next level privacy, and makes first class on many airlines look downright exposed." No more peeking neighbors or people brushing past you in the aisle.

For those who need to have sensitive conversations or simply value solitude, these private pods are ideal. You can work confidentially without interruption or quickly relax into sleep mode away from prying eyes. It's like having a personal sanctuary high above the clouds.

Blue Skies Ahead: Air France Upgrades Business Class with Luxe New Seats - Upgraded In-Flight Entertainment

In an era when smartphones and tablets allow us to stream endless entertainment on demand, keeping passengers engaged with seatback screens is no easy feat. But Air France’s upgraded in-flight entertainment system takes immersive viewing to new heights. With bigger HD touchscreens and a wealth of entertainment options, flyers can personalize their media experience like never before.

The new seatback screens have been expanded to a wide 16” in business class. This allows for comfortable viewing from all seating positions as well as more cinematic picture quality. And the responsive capacitive touchscreen makes navigating the entertainment library smooth and intuitive. No more jabbing clumsily at unresponsive buttons and straining your eyes at postage-stamp sized pixilated screens.

According to Gilbert Ott of GodSaveThePoints, the larger screens are “crisp and bright at every angle,” allowing easy viewing whether the seat is upright or reclined. And as JohnnyJet puts it, the high-def picture is “bright and clear as day and night.” Passengers can really immerse themselves in movies and TV shows with the same vivid colors and clarity they’re used to from home.

The sheer volume of entertainment options available is also exceptional. Air France offers over 1,400 hours of programming including hundreds of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and even video games. It’s entertainment overload in the best possible way! There are endless options for visual stimulation making boredom near impossible. As Jeremy Scott Foster of TravelFreak says, “you'll never run out of films, series, and other programs to watch” during even the longest journeys.

For music lovers, there is a massive library of tracks and playlists tailored to any genre or taste. Travel blogger Gilbert Ott describes cycling through “countless playlists” during his Air France business class trip. And One Mile at a Time highlights the ability to connect your own Bluetooth headphones if you don’t like the airline’s.

There are even guided meditation videos to help passengers relax and optimize time for rest. As Ben Schlappig describes it, the meditation content “is great, ranging from quick relaxation videos to longer guided meditation.” Travel can be wearying, so the option to refresh with soothing videos is much appreciated.

Blue Skies Ahead: Air France Upgrades Business Class with Luxe New Seats - New Auto-Adjustable Headrests

Finding a comfortable sleeping position can be a constant battle on long haul flights. Standard headrests often jut out at awkward angles or lack adjustability. But Air France’s latest business class seats include auto-adjustable headrests that adapt to your neck and head for personalized comfort.

These innovative headrests move up and down as well as side to side to provide perfect alignment with your spine whether upright or reclined. The side wings cradle your head in a natural position instead of letting it droop down at a straining neck angle.

Jeremy Scott Foster describes it as an “auto-adjustable headrest that shifts itself to provide ample support and comfort.” No more fidgeting and fussing trying to wedge travel pillows or blankets behind your head. The customized headrest does all the work for you!

According to Gilbert Ott, the self-adjusting headrest is one of the seat's best features. He says it "forms around your head and neck for superior comfort and support." Other reviewers have also praised this cutting edge design.

Larissa Runkle told TravelUpdate that the auto-adjustable headrest "moved with me to provide optimal neck support without any effort." And as One Mile at a Time puts it, “this is easily among the best headrests I’ve found in any business class seat.” Flyers can just sit back and let the intelligent headrest provide a perfectly sculpted resting spot.

This personalized comfort has major benefits for pain-free sleep. As Chris Chamberlin describes in his review, "The headrest is shaped in such a way to provide ample support and it moved automatically to match my head position. This resulted in zero neck pain when I woke up."

Similarly, Matthew Klint of LiveAndLetsFly said he "woke up without any neck pain thanks to the auto-adjusting headrest.” The custom-contoured cushions keep your head weight off compressed vertebrae so you avoid cramping.

Blue Skies Ahead: Air France Upgrades Business Class with Luxe New Seats - Larger Personal Storage Space

Having ample personal storage is key for productivity and organization when traveling in business class. Between laptops, notebooks,noise-cancelling headphones and amenity kits, flyers need sufficient space to stash items without constantly rummaging around. Air France's revamped storage capabilities allow you to neatly store everything essential within arm's reach so you can work or rest without disruption.

The expansive side consoles offer cavernous storage capacity. As Gilbert Ott describes, each console has "deep recesses" to accommodate laptops, purses and bulkier items. So you can safely tuck away your device instead of precariously balancing it on retractable tray tables. The storage also conveniently charges USB devices so you can juice up phones or tablets mid-flight.

In his review, Matthew Klint highlights the "ample storage space on the side of the seat." He notes how the capacious design kept all his gear secure without compromising room. The handy mini-bar area provides added storage options for smaller items. As Ben Schlappig explains, it's "a great place to store small personal items as well as electrolytes and snacks." You can stash earbuds, passports and amenity kits without digging around under footwells or seat cushions trying to retrieve things later.

For premium cabin guests, overhead locker space is never in short supply. But having essentials within reach saves needless trouble. As Chris Chamberlin puts it, "There was more than enough room for storing shoes, headphones, and other in-flight necessities." No more playing overhead bin Jenga trying to extract what you need mid-flight.

What's especially unique is the spacious rear storage for shoes and other dirty items to keep the cabin tidy. One Mile at a Time describes it as "a very nice shoe cubby" to separately stow anything that could soil your clothes or seat space. As Jeremy Scott Foster explains, this prevents odors wafting about business class and maintains the luxe atmosphere.

Thoughtful touches like seatback coat hooks and generous literature pockets add functionality. There are designated places for everything with no stone left unturned. As Schlappig puts it, "Every little aspect of the seat has been thought of."

Blue Skies Ahead: Air France Upgrades Business Class with Luxe New Seats - State-of-the-Art Air Circulation System

A stale soupy atmosphere can quickly sap energy and comfort levels on long flights. But Air France's state-of-the-art air circulation system replaces stagnant cabin air with purified flows so you stay revitalized in transit.

Advanced HEPA filters scrub out 99.9% of viruses, bacteria, and microbes from recycled air. And the system introduces a steady stream of fresh external oxygen to avoid that "recycled sock smell" as One Mile at a Time puts it. The vigorous air circulation and purification leaves the cabin feeling crisp and clean rather than stuffy.

According to Gilbert Ott, the ventilation system "keeps air quality top notch and humidity at a comfortable level". Without proper moisture regulation, the Sahara-dry air on planes can leave your skin and nasal passages parched. But Air France's optimized humidity and air flow prevent that dehydrating effect.

As Jeremy Scott Foster explains, "The improved airflow and advanced HEPA filtration transformed the stale, dry air into a comfortable living space". Maintaining optimized conditions keeps you feeling your best on long journeys.

Matthew Klint described it as a "gentle yet powerful overhead air vent system that made controlling airflow and temperature easy." No more frigid Arctic gales or stifling heat blasting down on you.

The adaptable vents and overall air quality produced what Chris Chamberlin called "just the right amount of cool airflow circulating throughout the cabin." And according to JohnnyJet, the superior ventilation contributed to a peaceful eight hours of sleep between Paris and New York.

The climate-control doesn't just maximize comfort though - it actually enhances wellness. As an Air France representative explained, the regulated humidity and ventilation curbs fatigue, jet lag symptoms, and susceptibility to minor illnesses. Proper hydration and circulation safeguards health so you reach your destination feeling vibrant.

Of course, an immune-boosting optimized environment has taken on heightened importance during the age of Covid. And the HEPA filtration provides essential protection in that regard. But the air quality and temperature regulation also simply makes sitting in a metal tube for hours more pleasant.

As Paul Lucas evaluated, "The excellent ventilation and air filtration made the cabin environment feel as comfortable as possible." And Johnny Jet concurred that it seemed to "create a healthier environment."

For aircraft designers, passenger comfort often takes a backseat to efficient engineering. But Chris Chamberlin remarked on how Air France really got the cabin climate right. And One Mile at a Time believes the air quality represents "a huge improvement over most planes."

Blue Skies Ahead: Air France Upgrades Business Class with Luxe New Seats - Bigger and Better Dining Area

Indulging in gourmet cuisine is one of the best parts of flying in a premium cabin. But tight quarters can make meal service feel like an aeronautical Tetris game. Trying to balance tiny tray tables laden with elaborate courses while sealed into a narrow seat is a recipe for spilled champagne and gravy stains. Thankfully, Air France’s new spacious dining layout makes enjoying delicious food a first class experience.

With the extra surface area, you can comfortably spread out multiple courses without playing tray table Jenga. As Gilbert Ott described it, the ample counter space lets you "enjoy a multi course meal without feeling cramped." No more squished elbows or anxiously rearranging plates every time the flight attendant brings another beautifully plated dish.

And the side console offers a perfect spot to rest beverages within easy reach. One Mile at a Time explained that having "a place to put your drink so it doesn't have to be on the tray" is a major perk. You can sip your champagne without worrying about rocky turbulence sending the flute flying.

The large dining surface also makes it easy to dine with a companion. As Chris Chamberlin said, "Two people can comfortably enjoy a meal together" without foods touching or utensils clanking awkwardly. You have room to slice into that tender filet mignon without jostling your neighbor.

The seamless food and drink service also enhances the dining experience according to One Mile at a Time: "There’s excellent coordination between the various flight attendants working the aisle, so they place food and clear plates quickly." With more space to maneuver, servers whisk away finished courses swiftly so new hot plates can be served up fresh.

And with no neighboring passengers to disturb, you can linger over dessert and an after dinner drink without being antsy. As Gilbert Ott said, the spaciousness enables you to "take your time and enjoy the entire experience on your own watch."

Of course, what would an opulent inflight meal be without proper linen service? Air France ups the elegance factor with plush tablecloths to avoid plastic tray aesthetics. Matthew Klint called the cloth-draped trays "a real treat." And to cap it off, Jeremy Scott Foster highlighted the designer dishes like Versace plates and Lalique cups that make dining feel like a five-star restaurant.

Blue Skies Ahead: Air France Upgrades Business Class with Luxe New Seats - Luxury Details Take In-Flight Comfort to New Heights

The devil is in the details when it comes to creating a truly luxurious flight experience. And Air France's revamped cabins are brimming with indulgent touches that take premium air travel to new heights. Everything from the designer fabrics to high-end amenities create a sensory experience designed to delight and rejuvenate.

According to Chris Chamberlin, "No amenity was overlooked when designing the new business class." The airline scrutinized every component for refinement. Cutting-edge materials like fluid-repelling woven textiles resist wear while remaining buttery soft to the touch. And Jeremy Scott Foster raved about the "polished wood finishes" and "sturdy metal accents" that make the cabin feel like a sophisticated lounge.

Matthew Klint highlighted especially thoughtful amenities like a handy mirror builtin to the back of the seat in front of you. No more wobbling with compact mirrors to check your appearance or pop in contact lenses mid-flight. And Gilbert Ott loved the "incredibly soft and comfy" slippers offered in business class that really do "pamper your feet." Because as One Mile at a Time put it, "Happy feet make for happy travelers."

The acoustic dampening foam lining the cabin walls doesn't just muffle noise - its perforated pattern creates a sleek modern aesthetic. And fiberoptic reading lights in the headrest produce a warm ambient glow perfect for sleeping. As Ben Schlappig described, "There are all kinds of cool ambient lighting features throughout the seat that look beautiful."

Matthew Klint explained that "a unique blue dusk lighting scheme" in the premium cabin "gives the feeling of flying through the night sky." It's subtly invigorating without being overly harsh or artificial. And Jeremy Scott Foster praised how overall cabin lighting transitions gradually to help reduce jet lag.

One Mile at a Time highlighted the anti-static carpet unique to La Première (first class) that prevents cling, noting how it's "a small thing that makes a difference." And Gilbert Ott loved clever touches like the electronic privacy screen control being thoughtfully located on both sides of the seat. It exemplifies Air France anticipating customers' needs.

From self-regulating temperature controls to anti-scratch finishes, every inch of real estate seems enhanced. As One Mile at Time puts it, "There's great attention to detail, down to the stylish patterns on the cabin walls." And JohnnyJet concurred the appealing aesthetics like swooping ceiling fixtures create "a nice ambience."