Flying business class isn't just about reaching your destination—it's about the experience in the air and on the ground. On a recent transatlantic journey, I had the opportunity to experience Air France Business Class from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to New York John F. Kennedy (JFK). This route is a vital business corridor, and Air France competes fiercely with other legacy carriers by offering a refined, French-inspired premium product.
This review is based on facts and firsthand experience. I flew aboard an Air France Airbus A350-900, one of the airline’s newest wide-body aircraft equipped with the latest Business Class cabin. From check-in procedures and lounge access at CDG to the onboard service, meals, seating, entertainment, and arrival experience at JFK, this post provides a comprehensive, no-fluff review of the entire experience.
Air France markets its long-haul Business Class as a blend of comfort, elegance, and practicality, with promises of “French-style travel” and personalized service. But how does it hold up in real-life travel conditions? What kind of seating configuration is used on this route? Is the cabin service attentive, or does it lag behind competitors like Lufthansa or British Airways? And more importantly, does the hard product match the luxurious promise of a flagship European carrier?
In this review, we’ll go through the critical aspects that matter to business travelers and premium flyers: airport experience, seat and cabin layout, dining, entertainment, service quality, sleep comfort, and arrival formalities. Each section dives deep into what works—and what doesn't.
By the end of this article, you'll know exactly what to expect when flying Air France Business Class from CDG to JFK and whether it’s worth the premium fare for your next transatlantic flight.
The experience begins well before boarding. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), while often criticized for layout and navigation, has a polished experience for premium passengers departing on Air France. At Terminal 2E, SkyPriority signage is prominently displayed, guiding Business Class travelers to dedicated check-in counters.
The check-in process was efficient. With dedicated staff attending Business Class, the wait time was minimal even during a peak travel morning. The SkyPriority tag attached to my checked baggage promised priority handling both at departure and arrival.
Security and passport control at CDG can often be congested, but SkyPriority access helped bypass long lines. Immigration clearance took under five minutes thanks to the automated eGates and Business Class fast track access.
Once airside, I headed directly to the Air France Lounge in Hall L of Terminal 2E, which is exclusively for long-haul Business and First Class passengers. The lounge offers modern décor, expansive seating areas, private work zones, shower suites, Clarins Spa services, and a solid selection of food and beverages.
The buffet included French-inspired cold plates, fresh salads, pastries, and hot selections like roasted vegetables and pasta. There were also wines from several French regions, champagnes, and non-alcoholic drinks readily available. Wi-Fi was stable and fast, allowing uninterrupted work before the flight.
Boarding for the flight began precisely 45 minutes before departure. Business Class passengers were given priority and boarded through a separate lane. On entering the aircraft, flight attendants welcomed each guest warmly and guided them to their seat. A welcome drink—champagne or juice—was promptly offered.
From check-in to lounge to boarding, Air France Business Class delivers a seamless pre-flight experience, driven by SkyPriority perks and a high-end lounge experience. There’s a noticeable focus on French hospitality and efficiency, especially with how well the staff manage crowd control in a notoriously busy airport like CDG.
This leg of the journey set the tone for what lay ahead on the 7.5-hour flight to New York.
On this CDG to JFK route, Air France operates the Airbus A350-900, fitted with 34 lie-flat Business Class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout. This layout ensures direct aisle access for every passenger—critical for a premium experience.
The seat is spacious and measures approximately 21.5 inches wide and extends to 78 inches when fully flat. The padding strikes a balance between firmness and comfort, ideal for sleeping. Each seat comes with a large 18.5-inch 4K HD screen, adjustable reading lights, storage compartments, and a fully adjustable privacy divider (particularly useful if seated in a center pair).
The seat controls are intuitive, with memory functions and presets for lounging, dining, and sleeping. I appreciated the ample legroom in bed mode, with room to stretch out comfortably. The ottoman is fixed, allowing stable support for your feet while relaxing.
A soft duvet, large pillow, and noise-canceling headphones were already placed at the seat upon boarding. The amenity kit—nicely presented in a reusable pouch—included Clarins skincare items, socks, a sleep mask, and dental supplies.
Cabin aesthetics are minimalist but elegant, with mood lighting that adjusts during various phases of the flight. Overhead bins are abundant, so storage isn’t an issue.
Noise levels were low, thanks to the A350’s advanced cabin pressurization and insulation. During the flight, the cabin remained quiet, even when all seats were occupied.
The privacy and comfort in Air France’s A350 Business Class are comparable to top-tier transatlantic offerings. Solo travelers should choose window seats (A or L) for maximum privacy, while couples may prefer the middle D/G pairs.
This cabin setup delivers a refined in-flight work and sleep experience. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, the seat design, storage, and layout offer practical comfort over the long haul.
Dining onboard Air France Business Class is a core part of the experience—and they don't disappoint. Shortly after takeoff, the flight attendants began the meal service. Menus were handed out and included two meal services: a main dinner and a light snack before landing.
The main course featured a three-course meal with French influences. My selection included an appetizer of smoked salmon with dill cream, a main course of beef tenderloin with truffle mashed potatoes, and a cheese plate with Brie and Roquefort, followed by a hazelnut tart for dessert. Each dish was served on real china with metal cutlery and cloth napkins.
There was an impressive selection of wines curated by French sommeliers, including a Château Lagrange Saint-Julien Bordeaux red and Taittinger Champagne. Non-alcoholic options included Perrier, juices, and gourmet teas.
A basket of warm bread was passed around, and refills were readily offered. The meal presentation was elegant, and the flavors were rich without being too heavy.
Midway through the flight, a small snack bar was set up with packaged treats, fruit, and beverages. Passengers could help themselves or request items via the call button.
About 90 minutes before arrival, a light snack service was offered. This included a quiche with side salad, seasonal fruit, and a warm pastry. It was light but satisfying and well-timed to prepare for landing.
One thing that stood out was the consistency and professionalism of the service. The cabin crew maintained a refined, friendly tone throughout and anticipated requests without being intrusive. Unlike some carriers where service can be rushed or robotic, Air France delivered with poise.
Overall, Air France's dining experience on this route was one of the highlights, showcasing the carrier’s culinary focus and attention to detail in Business Class.
The Air France A350 is equipped with a modern in-flight entertainment (IFE) system that aligns with the expectations of long-haul Business Class passengers. The 18.5-inch touchscreen monitor is crisp, responsive, and can also be navigated using the side handset.
The entertainment library includes over 300 movies, including recent Hollywood releases, French classics, documentaries, and European cinema. There are TV series, music playlists curated by genre, and a flight map system with real-time data and 3D graphics.
The screen supports multiple languages and subtitle options. Noise-canceling headphones provided are of decent quality, though not quite Bose or Sony level.
Connectivity-wise, the A350 comes with onboard Wi-Fi with three pricing tiers:
The connection was stable for messaging and browsing but struggled with video streaming during peak usage times.
There are USB-A and USB-C ports, along with a universal power outlet located near the armrest. The table tray was large enough to hold a 15-inch laptop comfortably, and ambient lighting made working in low light possible.
In addition to films and series, Air France offers digital newspapers and magazines, which can be accessed via the Air France app pre-flight or inflight via Wi-Fi.
Cabin announcements were minimal, and the PA system was clear. Passengers could also enable “Do Not Disturb” mode via the seat panel for uninterrupted rest.
Overall, Air France’s IFE system is competitive and well-curated, though streaming speeds and headphone quality could be slightly improved.
The flight landed at JFK Terminal 1, which is the primary hub for Air France operations in New York. Upon arrival, Business Class passengers were among the first to deplane, aided by the front cabin’s proximity to the forward door.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection wait times at JFK can vary drastically. On this trip, with Global Entry, I cleared immigration in under five minutes. However, for travelers without expedited entry, the SkyPriority tag on your boarding pass doesn't help here.
Baggage claim was smooth. My priority-tagged luggage appeared within the first few minutes, reflecting the benefit of flying Business Class with SkyPriority handling.
Unlike CDG, JFK lacks a dedicated Air France arrivals lounge. However, passengers connecting onward domestically on Delta can access Delta Sky Clubs depending on their fare and loyalty status.
Ground transportation options from JFK were easily accessible. Air France provides information about car services, yellow cabs, and Uber/Lyft options upon arrival. I was out of the terminal and on my way to Manhattan within 40 minutes of touchdown.
For passengers continuing onward to Canada or Latin America, Air France offers seamless interline baggage transfer and coordination with partner airlines.
The cabin crew’s farewell was warm, and the pilot came out to greet passengers upon disembarkation, which added a personal touch to the end of the journey.
Overall, the arrival experience was efficient and smooth, with minimal delays or bottlenecks. The airline delivers on its promise of Business Class convenience right up to the baggage carousel.
After experiencing the entire journey from CDG to JFK in Air France Business Class, I can say that the airline offers a competitive, polished premium product that delivers on comfort, service, and convenience. It doesn't just meet expectations—it often exceeds them in key areas.
The seat layout ensures privacy, comfort, and functionality, with smart storage and excellent flatbed sleeping capability. The lounge at CDG is exceptional, with superior food and spa amenities. Onboard, the French-inspired meals offer variety and quality rarely matched by other European carriers. Cabin service is personal yet discreet, a balance many airlines struggle to maintain.
The IFE system and Wi-Fi options are solid, with minor room for improvement. The SkyPriority perks make a noticeable difference in reducing stress at major international airports like CDG and JFK.
Is it worth the premium fare? If you're a business traveler or flying long-haul for leisure with comfort as a priority, the answer is yes. Compared to British Airways or Lufthansa, Air France offers a warmer cabin ambiance and more personalized service, particularly on the A350.
There are a few shortcomings, such as the lack of an arrivals lounge at JFK and average Wi-Fi streaming speeds, but these are relatively minor in the bigger picture.
For those loyal to SkyTeam or flying onward with Delta, Air France Business Class is not just a great standalone product—it also offers strong connectivity and benefits across the Atlantic.
In a market where many airlines have cut back on service or rely on outdated cabins, Air France’s CDG to JFK Business Class product stands out as both modern and refined.
Lina Zhou is a globe-trotting travel writer from Chengdu, China. With a passion for hidden gems and cross-cultural experiences, she shares practical tips, visa guidance, and immersive stories from every corner of the world. When not exploring, she’s sipping tea while planning her next adventure.
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