While Air France has recently debuted “next-generation” business class cabins on its A350 and Boeing 777 fleets, its Boeing 787 Dreamliner remains a staple of its long-haul operations. On a recent 6.5-hour overnight flight from Montreal (YUL) to Paris (CDG), the Dreamliner proved that while the hardware might not be the newest in the sky, the service and culinary offerings remain industry-leading.
The Booking: Maximizing Value with Flying Blue
For this segment, the flight was booked using Flying Blue miles —the loyalty program shared by Air France and KLM.
- Cost: 60,000 miles + $266.47 in taxes and fees.
- Strategy: Flying Blue is widely considered one of the more accessible programs for travelers due to frequent transfer bonuses from various credit card partners. For those looking to redeem miles efficiently, timing these transfers is key to maximizing value.
The Cabin: A Reliable, If Not Cutting-Edge, Product
The Boeing 787-9 features a business class cabin with 30 seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration.
Seat Configuration and Comfort
The aircraft utilizes Safran Cirrus seats, a “reverse herringbone” design.
– Solo Travelers: The layout is excellent for privacy, with individual window seats and extendable partitions.
– Couples: Because the seats face away from each other, communication requires leaning forward, making it less ideal for those traveling together.
– Features: The seat includes a 16-inch touchscreen monitor, a side console with enclosed storage, and a large ottoman that converts into a bed.
– Connectivity: Passengers have access to AC power and USB-A ports, though notably, there is no USB-C or wireless charging available in this older cabin.
Amenities and Bedding
Air France elevates the “hard product” through high-quality amenities. Passengers are provided with:
– Sofitel-partnered bedding: Including a pillow, blanket, and a dedicated mattress pad—a luxury even on shorter long-haul segments.
– Clarins Amenity Kits: Containing essentials like eye shades, dental kits, and skincare.
– Noise-canceling headphones and slippers for comfort during the flight.
Culinary Excellence: A Masterclass in Efficiency
Where Air France truly distinguishes itself is in the dining experience. On an overnight flight, the speed and quality of service are critical to ensuring passengers can sleep.
Dinner Service
The service was remarkably swift. Within five minutes of the seatbelt sign turning off, passengers were served champagne and cheese crackers. The main meal followed just 40 minutes after takeoff.
– Menu Highlights: The meal included an appetizer of fennel, watermelon, and pan-fried sea scallops, followed by a main course of seared Canadian lobster with creamy rice bisque.
– The “Restaurant” Feel: The crew maintains a high standard of service, including offering to crack fresh pepper over dishes, mimicking a fine-dining atmosphere.
Breakfast
Despite the short duration of the flight, Air France provides a full hot breakfast—a rarity on many short-haul overnight flights. The menu featured scrambled eggs, potato rosti, and mushrooms, accompanied by fresh fruit and yogurt.
Service and Connectivity
The crew’s performance remains the airline’s strongest asset. The service is described as a rare blend of high efficiency and genuine friendliness. This is particularly vital on transatlantic routes where passengers are often balancing tight schedules and sleep deprivation.
Regarding connectivity, while Wi-Fi is available for purchase, it remains somewhat expensive (ranging from €12 to €29). However, a significant upgrade is on the horizon: Air France is currently transitioning to free Starlink Wi-Fi for much of its fleet, which will likely revolutionize the onboard digital experience.
Final Verdict
The Air France Boeing 787 Business Class is not the most technologically advanced cabin in the Air France fleet, but it is a highly dependable one.
The Takeaway: If you can secure a seat on the newer A350 or 777, do so for the superior hardware. However, if you are on the 787, you are still in for a premium experience defined by exceptional food, high-quality bedding, and some of the best service in the Atlantic corridor.
Conclusion: While the Dreamliner’s seat technology is a generation behind Air France’s newest aircraft, the airline’s superior catering and attentive service make it a consistently excellent choice for transatlantic travel.
