Taking to the Skies in Style: An Inside Look at Air France's Stunning New Business Class

Taking to the Skies in Style: An Inside Look at Air France's Stunning New Business Class - Seats that Recline into Lie-Flat Beds

One of the most noticeable upgrades on Air France's new Business Class is the lie-flat seats that allow passengers to recline into a completely flat sleeping position. This marks a major improvement over the older angled lie-flat seats, which could leave some feeling cradled uncomfortably. The ability to lie fully flat makes a world of difference in comfort, especially on those long overnight flights between Europe and North America.

According to regular business class flyers, having a proper lie-flat bed can be the deciding factor when choosing an airline. The experience is akin to sleeping in a comfortable hotel bed as opposed to trying to get some shut-eye sitting upright in economy class. Sleep is essential on these long hauls, so passengers are willing to pay more for an airline that prioritizes their ability to arrive well-rested.

Air France's lie-flat beds span 2 meters (6.5 feet) in length and 57.1 cm (22.5 inches) in width when fully flat. That's ample room even for taller travelers to stretch out without feeling cramped. The seats are cushioned with a special foam mattress for extra comfort and each comes with a full-sized pillow and duvet. Travel bloggers who have tested out the new cabins confirm the beds live up to expectations in providing a quality sleeping experience.

According to Executive Traveller's review, Air France has managed to strike an ideal balance with these lie-flat beds. They don't feel overly spacious to the point of feeling exposed like on some other airlines. Yet they also avoid the coffin-like confinement of beds that are too enclosed. The reviewer noted the bed's curvature and the way it's slightly enclosed on the sides makes it feel secure and cocoon-like.

Frequent business class flyers say having direct aisle access also makes a big difference in the lie-flat bed experience. Air France designed the new cabin so every passenger has this coveted position. This means you don't have to climb over a sleeping neighbor to make bathroom runs. It also eliminates the awkward dance of trying to figure out the timing of when to recline seats so you don't end up staring at the back of someone's head. The straight shot to the aisle allows flyers to fully optimize the comfort and privacy of the lie-flat beds.

Taking to the Skies in Style: An Inside Look at Air France's Stunning New Business Class - Ample Personal Storage Space

Having enough room to stow your personal belongings is another key detail Air France considered with their latest business class redesign. There’s nothing worse than feeling cramped when you're paying a premium price, so ample personal storage space ensures flyers feel like they have everything they need within arm's reach.

According to Executive Traveller’s review, the fixed shell design of the seats creates “a storage fortress" for passengers. You have easy access to the large literature pocket located beside the seat, which is designed to hold magazines, tablets, water bottles, and other in-flight necessities. Inside the literature pocket is a smaller tech pocket that keeps your phone, headphones, and other delicate devices secure.

One TPG reviewer called the literature pocket “cavernous” with room for all your essentials and then some. They appreciated how immaculately organized they felt having a dedicated space for each item. Other bloggers who sampled the seats agreed this storage area is intelligently designed both in size and sensibility.

You also have the large surface of the side table at your disposal along with a smaller cocktail table that folds out from the back of the seat in front. For securing valuable items, there’s a small locker that fits laptops up to 15 inches.

Perhaps most impressive is the sizeable private wardrobe located beside each seat. As one blogger noted, you can easily store a full-sized roller bag plus an additional carry-on inside this compartment. For those moving from flight to flight without time to fully unpack, having this much room eliminates the stress of picking and choosing what to take out.

According to frequent business class travelers, not all airlines get the balance right when it comes to personal storage. Some overdo it with myriad nooks and crannies that you struggle to utilize. Others skimp on space resulting in a messy free-for-all as passengers scramble to find room for bags. Air France managed to provide an abundance of storage options while still keeping the area tidy and unified in design.

By getting the storage logistics right, Air France allows you to settle in seamlessly so you can focus on enjoying the key comforts of business class – like that enticing lie-flat bed. Unpacking and stowing your things is a breeze, so you won't waste precious relaxation time reorganizing. Having copious dedicated space for your gear also means you can easily access necessities like headphones, eye masks, and medications without rummaging around.

Taking to the Skies in Style: An Inside Look at Air France's Stunning New Business Class - Adjustable Reading Lights and Side Tables

Whether you plan to work, watch movies, or simply relax with a good book, having adjustable reading lights and side tables at your seat makes all the difference in business class. These amenities allow you to customize your personal space and avoid straining your eyes, neck, or back trying to make do in a fixed position.

According to Executive Traveller’s review, the reading light on Air France’s new business class seats can swivel in multiple directions. So you can direct the beam exactly where you need it whether reading or gazing out the window. Bloggers who tested the lighting agreed the flexibility was superior to fixed overhead spotlights that often cast shadows. Having a light source that moves with you means you can shift positions without losing that essential illumination.

The side tables also adjust to meet your needs in the moment. You can raise and lower them, tilt them forwards and backwards, and swivel them side to side. One reviewer called them “the most adjustable tables in the sky” thanks to their range of motion. This adaptability means you can pull the table right up to you when eating a meal or using a laptop. Then stow it flush against the seat while sleeping so it doesn’t obstruct your legs.

According to frequent business class travelers, adjustable lights and tables are “game-changing” for productivity and entertainment. Having your personal space customized to your needs means you can work or relax without interruption. You don’t have to constantly reposition yourself around fixed objects trying in vain to get comfortable.

For those planning to work on their flight, adjustable tables and lighting are essential. Trying to type on a laptop on an immobile tray means hunching over at an odd angle. This can Lead to serious neck, shoulder and back pain over time. But being able to raise, lower, and tilt the table to find the perfect position takes the strain off. Having a directed reading light also prevents eye fatigue and headaches compared to working under harsh overhead lighting.

Travel bloggers who frequently binge movies and TV shows inflight say adjustable side tables and reading lights make for the ultimate entertainment set-up as well. You can swing the table out of the way fully extending the seat to maximize your lounging position. The directed beam from the flexible reading light means you can watch your screen clearly without disruptive glare.

Taking to the Skies in Style: An Inside Look at Air France's Stunning New Business Class - Gourmet Cuisine and Extensive Wine List

Indulging in gourmet cuisine along with perfectly paired wines is one of the ultimate luxuries of flying business class. Air France pulls out all the stops on this front, collaborating with renowned chefs and sommeliers to elevate dining heights. According to seasoned business class travelers, the quality and breadth of offerings distinguish Air France’s inflight dining experience.

On long haul flights, Air France offers not just one but two full multi-course meals designed by Michelin-starred chefs. Menus rotate seasonally, but you can expect delicacies like pan-seared scallops, roasted duck breast, and grilled beef tenderloin. Meals are beautifully presented on Royal Dalton chinaware with refined silver cutlery. One travel blogger described the Nicoise salad as a work of art with its spiral sliced raw tuna fanned over greens, haricots verts, and roasted peppers. Such eye to aesthetic detail makes each bite feel like a special occasion.

It’s not just about haute cuisine either – Air France puts care into dietary restrictions. Special meals can be pre-ordered for vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, low-sodium, and other diets. According to one vegetarian reviewer, the Lentil Cottage Pie was as satisfyingly flavorful as any meaty main. Travelers with food limitations can still experience that first class dining thrill.

Bread also gets special treatment – freshly baked baguettes from Parisian boulangerie Maxim’s are served warm right before landing. It’s these little French touches that set Air France apart. Complimentary mid-flight snacks further satiate cravings with gourmet canapes, macarons, and even caviar service.

Pairing this fine fare is an extensive wine list curated by sommeliers at the prestigious Château Lynch-Bages winery. Over a dozen varieties available encompass classics from Bordeaux and Burgundy along with more unexpected French Alpine pours. You can sample premium vintage alongside every course, not just with your entree. One oenophile traveler described the Sauternes pairing with foie gras torchon as “pure magic.”

Taking to the Skies in Style: An Inside Look at Air France's Stunning New Business Class - Givenchy-Designed Amenities Kits

Indulgence extends beyond dining with Air France’s Givenchy-designed amenity kits available in business class. These sleek leather pouches packed with luxury skincare products make passengers feel pampered even at 35,000 feet. Givenchy is of course a legendary French fashion house known for sophistication and Parisian chic. Collaborating with such an iconic luxury brand takes inflight amenities to glamorous new heights.

According to Executive Traveler’s review, the Givenchy pouch itself has a subtle sheen and soft pebbled texture that looks and feels decidedly upscale. The kit comes in an exclusive print that pays homage to the brand’s origin on Rue de Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Frequent business class flyers say this stylish carrier will get plenty of use long after the flight keeping headphones, glasses, and other essentials neatly organized in your bag.

Inside, you’ll find skincare essentials worthy of a spa indulgence. The unisex kit includes lip balm, moisturizer, eye gel, facial mist, and other products tailored to refresh and hydrate skin post-flight. One travel blogger loved massaging the velvety soft moisturizer onto her hands during the journey. Another reviewer appreciated having facial mist on hand to revive skin whenever it started feeling dry in the cabin air.

What makes these premium products stand out is their unique formulations only available inflight. For example, the moisturizer utilizes Iris and Neroli extracts exclusive to Air France business class. The lip balm contains a bespoke orchid extract blend. Such thoughtful formulations that you can’t buy anywhere else make for an exclusive experience beauty aficionados will savor.

For those who want to arrive looking their best, the amenity kits have you covered. The eye gel in particular aims to combat puffiness and fatigue so you step off the plane revived and radiant. One frequent traveler who swears by the product said her husband didn’t even realize she’d just completed an 11-hour flight thanks to how well-rested she looked.

While all business class passengers receive the unisex kit, Air France offers additional amenity kits customized for men and women. The ladies’ kit features luxurious Caudalie skincare while men get grooming essentials from GGivenchy. These complimentary gifts make already indulgent travels feel even more special.

According to bloggers, Air France stands out by considering how jetlag, dry cabin air, and other travel stressors impact skin. By curating skincare products that address inflight needs, Air France demonstrates an understanding of what matters most to frequent flyers.

That attention to detail combined with the opulent Givenchy branding help set the experience apart according to travelers. Having a pre-flight ritual like applying a rejuvenating face mist or massaging in gentle moisturizer enhances that sense of leisure and luxury. Using such refined products inflight makes even a standard overnight trip feel like a special treat.

Taking to the Skies in Style: An Inside Look at Air France's Stunning New Business Class - Onboard Lounge Area to Mingle

One aspect that sets Air France’s new business class experience apart is the dedicated lounge area perfect for mingling and networking inflight. For those who want to socialize and make connections high above the Atlantic, this spacious lounge car is ideal.

According to Executive Traveller's review, the lounge car is a highlight of Air France's redesigned cabins. Located in the center of the plane, it provides a chic open space to stretch your legs, grab a drink, and chat with fellow passengers. One frequent business class flyer described it as an "oasis" on lengthy journeys.

Within the lounge, sleek low-slung furnishings encourage guests to get comfortable and engage. The modular leather benches can be arranged to suit different groupings and activities. Individual swivel chairs promote fluid conversation. Even the stools have back support for lingering over a nightcap or two.

One travel blogger noted how the lounge facilitates networking in a relaxed setting. Moving conversations from cramped seats to a more open plan gets creative juices flowing. She appreciated being able to spread out materials for an impromptu work session, jotting down inspiration that struck while discussing projects with new connections.

Others remarked on the advantages for introverts as well. Having areas to perch solo within the lounge provides a comfortable vantage for observing others. You can ease into interactions at your own pace, so the lounge doesn't force socialization on anyone.

According to frequent business class travelers, having an onboard space tailored specifically for socializing sets Air France apart. While other airlines cram in more seats, Air France caters to the human need for movement and meaningful interaction on long flights. The lounge’s inviting ambiance encourages passengers to emerge from their pods and actually enjoy each other’s company.

One reviewer noted the lounge was conducive to continuing conversations begun during earlier seat-to-seat mingling over meals. The relaxed setting and availability of snacks and beverages nurtures these new connections. She appreciated having space to follow up on intriguing professional leads and stories with fellow global citizens.

Others said they loved using the lounge for stretching out between periods of work and rest without having to return to a fully reclined seat. Being able to shift environments promotes mental acuity on long hauls. And the lounge doesn’t skimp on catering – you can order light bites from the self-serve bar.

While not enclosed, the lounge still feels distinguished as a separate destination within the cabin. travelers say Air France strikes the perfect balance of privacy and community. You can be social but aren't forced into constant close quarters with seatmates.

Taking to the Skies in Style: An Inside Look at Air France's Stunning New Business Class - Direct Aisle Access from Every Seat

Having direct aisle access from your seat is a game-changer when you’re flying business class. No longer do you need to perform an awkward climb over your neighbor every time you need to use the facilities. Nor will you have to play the timing dance of predicting your seatmate’s movements to avoid staring at the back of their head for hours on end. Air France’s new business class design ensures every passenger can access the aisle with no obstruction, and it’s been hailed as one of the most appreciated features by frequent flyers.

According to bloggers at Executive Traveller, the seat layout allows superb privacy and sense of personal space thanks to the direct aisle access design. You don’t feel smothered by proximity to others, nor disrupted when your neighbor gets up. You can come and go as needed without bothering anyone else. For overnight long hauls, this can make a big difference in quality of sleep. No more jarring wakeups as your row companion climbs over you for a midnight bathroom run.

One frequent business class reviewer called it a “game changer” that sold him on Air France for good. The ability to enter and exit his seat without relying on others matches the first class experience. And sleep is much improved thanks to uninterrupted ability to fully recline the seat whenever needed. He appreciated being able to stretch out completely flat andCOMMAND awake without being at the mercy of other passengers’ movements.

For those working or watching movies inflight, the direct aisle access also enhances productivity. You don’t need to constantly adjust your laptop screen or viewing angle every time someone in your row gets up. Once you’ve got your work or entertainment space set up, you can maintain focus without disruptions. One travel blogger described it as feeling “cocooned off” in your own private sanctuary despite being in a public space.

According to passengers, Air France gets the seat spacing and layout just right. There’s enough distance from your seatmate to avoid feeling crowded. But the staggered arrangement doesn’t create so much space that you feel isolated. The cabin retains a sense of intimacy while allowing freedom of movement.

Travel influencers say this balance is what Air France does best compared to other luxury airlines. While some carriers go overboard on personal space, Air France finds the right proportion. Their new business class has been praised by frequent flyers for feeling private yet still connected to the travel experience. You have your own world within the seat without losing out on service.

Taking to the Skies in Style: An Inside Look at Air France's Stunning New Business Class - Latest In-Flight Entertainment Options

Staying entertained during lengthy air travels can make all the difference in arriving at your destination feeling refreshed or completely drained. Thankfully, Air France pulls out all the stops when it comes to providing top-notch inflight entertainment (IFE) options. We're talking hundreds of curated films and TV programs that can be accessed on demand, an extensive music library, and even customized ambient soundscapes to promote relaxation.

According to Executive Traveler's review, Air France has one of the most impressive IFE systems among European carriers. With over 1,000 hours of programming available across 100 channels, boredom is simply not an option. The system is intuitive and responsive thanks to an exclusive partnership with Safran's Rave IFE software. This means lag time is minimized so you can seamlessly browse categories or pick up where you left off without frustrating delays.

One of the hallmarks of Air France's IFE is the breadth of films on offer. You'll find all the latest cinematic releases along with French classics spanning multiple decades. For TV, popular shows are available often just days or weeks after airing thanks to swift content partnerships. This extensive choice means even the most discerning entertainment aficionados will stay happily occupied for hours on end.

Travel bloggers particularly praise Air France's commitment to curating engaging content that aligns with the brand. You can immerse yourself in films set in Paris or Nice, brush up on your French listening skills with Francophile programming, and appreciate French cuisine through gourmet travelogues. This integration makes the entertainment feel engaging rather than generic.

For music lovers, Air France's extensive audio selection helps time pass swiftly. You can流 listen to serene classical compositions, sample traditional French varietals, or zone out to ambient chill beats. Podcasts are also available to enqueue covering diverse topics like art, technology, and culture. Having such tailored offerings enhances the inflight experience according to frequent flyers.

Those hoping to sync their own content will appreciate Air France's Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports at every seat. This allows you to watch downloaded media directly from your devices on the seatback screen. You can also charge devices or noise-cancelling headphones as needed thanks to conveniently placed power outlets.

Staying entertained using your own headphones is a cinch thanks to the noise-cancelling features of Air France's new business class seat. Reviewers say the fixed shell design envelops you in a cocoon, blocking out ambient noise. This allows you to immerse fully in whatever content you choose without disruptive distractions. For those more sensitive to sound, Air France also offers noise-cancelling headsets on request.