Air France Business Class Review: What to Know in 2025

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Flying Air France Business Class in 2025 is a step up from the usual long-haul grind. I’ve flown business on dozens of airlines worldwide, and Air France continues to stand out for its mix of French style, solid service, and upgraded cabins. From lie-flat seats and fine dining to Wi-Fi and amenity kits, I’ll break down exactly what to expect so you know if it’s worth the splurge. This review is based on my firsthand flights and what’s new for 2025, from redesigned cabins to updated routes. If you’re considering booking Air France Business Class, here’s everything you should know before you board.

• Read also: The Absolute Best Airlines for Business Class
• You may also like: The Cheapest Airports to Fly Into France in 2025

#1 tip to find cheap Air France Business Class tickets

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Overview of Air France Business Class

In 2025, flying Air France Business Class delivers a refined blend of French elegance, comfort, and innovation. Here’s what’s new…

• New Tech Features: Many long-haul cabins now boast 4K HD screens with integrated Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, and over 350 hours of entertainment.
• Sofitel Mattress Topper: Rolling out mid-2025, a luxury mattress topper developed with Sofitel’s MY BED line elevates in-flight sleep quality.
• Next-Gen Seats: Some 777‑300ERs now feature suites with full sliding doors, wireless charging, and enhanced privacy — called “doors are life‑changing” in recent reviews.
• Lie-Flat Comfort: Standard cabins still use the 1‑2‑1 layout lie-flat seats with aisle access, 2‑meter beds, USB‑A/C ports, and noise-canceling headphones — upgraded interfaces in 12 languages too.
• Regional Jet Perks: Starting October 2025, Air France HOP’s Embraer regional jets will seat-block Business Class (no neighbor), plus feature adjustable headrests, cup and smartphone holders, and both USB-A and USB-C ports.
• Premium Dining & Service: Meals are crafted by Michelin-level chefs, served with fine wines and champagnes — dining remains a standout highlight for many Business flyers.
• What’s Missing: While top-tier premium cabins are trending upward, passengers shouldn’t expect universal offering of doors or Starlink Wi-Fi on every aircraft just yet.

My Bottom line: Air France is doubling down on comfort, technology, and elegance for its Business Class, making 2025 a great year to fly upgraded…especially if you value sleep, privacy, and a taste of French flair.

Benefits of Air France Business Class in 2025

Flying Air France business class isn’t just about getting from point A to B – it’s honestly one of the best ways to cross the Atlantic. I’ve flown their business class multiple times, and here’s what you’re actually getting for your money.

The lie-flat seats are legit. We’re talking 1-2-1 configuration on most long-haul flights, so you won’t have to climb over anyone at 2 AM. The seats are 70cm wide (that’s about 27.5 inches) and stretch into a full 6’6″ bed. As of 2025, Air France is rolling out new suites with sliding privacy doors on select Boeing 777-300ERs and A350s – but don’t get your hopes up unless you specifically check the seat map first.

Your baggage allowance is pretty generous too. You get two free checked bags up to 70 pounds each, plus the standard carry-on. The SkyPriority thing actually works – I’ve saved probably hours over the years just by skipping regular check-in and security lines.

The amenity kit has Clarins products, which is way better than the cheap stuff most airlines throw at you. Starting in July 2025, they’re adding mattress toppers in partnership with Sofitel MY BED – basically trying to make the sky feel like a fancy hotel room.

Here’s the thing though: Air France cabins run warm, and there are no individual air vents. If you’re someone who needs it cold to sleep, this might bug you. But honestly, the French hospitality and that whole “we invented fine dining” attitude make up for it.

Tips for Booking Air France Business Class Tickets

Let’s be real – Air France business class isn’t cheap. You’re looking at anywhere from $3,600 to $6,000+ roundtrip for transatlantic flights. But here’s how to actually make it happen without selling a kidney.

The sweet spot for awards is 60,000 Flying Blue miles one-way during their frequent sales. I’ve seen routes go as low as 50,000 miles, but that’s usually last-minute availability. The program has dynamic pricing though, so that same seat could cost 285,000 miles if you’re booking at the wrong time.

Your best bet is Flying Blue miles through credit card transfers. Pretty much every major program transfers to them at 1:1 – Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One, the works. The transfers are instant, which is clutch when you see a good deal.

Pro tip: Air France sometimes offers upgrade opportunities during online check-in. I’ve seen upgrades for around 30,000 miles or $500-800 cash. Not guaranteed, but worth checking 24 hours before your flight.

The monthly Promo Rewards deals are legit. They discount specific routes by 25%, and the travel windows are usually generous. I booked New York to Paris for 45,000 miles during one of these sales.

If you’re flexible with dates, use the Flying Blue calendar search. Don’t put in specific dates – just search month by month and you’ll see when the cheap awards pop up.

Air France’s Fleet: A Detailed Comparison

Air France has a bunch of different planes, and honestly, which one you get makes a huge difference in your experience. Here’s what you need to know about each.

• Read also: My Guide to Flying Air France First Class

Airbus A220-300 (Short & Medium Haul)

This is their European workhorse, and it’s actually pretty nice for short hops. The business class is basically economy with the middle seat blocked, but you still get champagne and decent meal service on flights over 2.5 hours. Nothing revolutionary, but it gets the job done for Amsterdam to Rome type routes.

Boeing 777-300ER

This is where things get interesting. Air France is retrofitting their entire 777-300ER fleet with new business class suites that have sliding doors, wireless charging, and 4K screens. As of 2025, about 30 of these planes have the new seats – the rest are still on the older herringbone layout.

If you see a seat map with no first class cabin and only 48 business seats in rows 1-7 and 9-14, you’ve got the new product. The bulkhead seats (rows 1 and 9) are massive – like first class massive. I actually prefer these to some airlines’ actual first class.

Airbus A350-900

Here’s where it gets confusing. Air France has two different A350 configurations. The newer ones (delivered from 2023 onwards) have 48 business seats with the same sliding door suites as the new 777s. The older A350s have 34 staggered seats that are cramped and weird.

The new A350s have the biggest screens in their fleet – 20-inch 4K displays with Bluetooth connectivity. The older ones… well, just pray you don’t get stuck on one for 10+ hours.

Airbus A330-200

The A330 has a 2-2-2 configuration, which is great for couples but not ideal for solo travelers. The seats go fully flat, and the service is solid, but these planes are getting retired and replaced by A350s. Most routes to India and Africa still use these.

Boeing 777-200ER

Similar story to the A330 – these are the older workhorses getting phased out. The business class varies between different configurations, some 2-3-2 (avoid the middle seats) and others 1-2-1. All 777-200ERs are being retired by 2026.

Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Solid choice. All 787s have the 1-2-1 herringbone layout with fully flat beds. The Dreamliner’s cabin pressure and humidity make you feel less terrible after long flights – that part isn’t marketing BS, it actually works. The screens are 17.3 inches, which is pretty good.

Air France Business Class Ground Experience

The Charles de Gaulle lounges are honestly worth showing up early for. I know that sounds crazy, but Air France actually gets the lounge experience right.

Check-in & Security

The SkyPriority lines work. You’ll breeze through check-in, security, and immigration while economy passengers stand around looking miserable. At CDG, they have dedicated fast-track lanes that can save you 30+ minutes during busy times.

Air France Lounges

The main lounges in Terminal 2E (Halls K, L, and M) are legit. They just renovated the Hall K lounge in 2025 – it’s now three floors and can hold over 600 people. The food is restaurant quality, not the usual airport slop.

The champagne flows freely (Laurent Perrier, Taittinger, Charles Heidsieck), and the wine selection would make most restaurants jealous. The cheese selection alone is worth the price of admission. I’ve spent entire layovers just working through their French cheese board.

Spa Treatments

Here’s the cool part – they have complimentary 15-minute Clarins spa treatments. Facials, massages, the works. It’s first-come, first-served, and honestly, it’s almost impossible to get unless you’re there super early or during off-peak hours. But when you do get one, it’s amazing.

The Hall L lounge has a sauna too. A sauna! In an airport! It’s exactly as weird and wonderful as it sounds.

Global Lounge Access

Air France has lounges worldwide, but honestly, most of them outside Paris are pretty basic. The JFK lounge is particularly sad and needs a major renovation. San Francisco and Frankfurt are decent, but nothing compared to what you get in Paris.

Partner Lounge Access

In cities without an Air France Business Class lounge, passengers are not left wanting. Access to third-party facilities, often SkyTeam partner lounges, ensures a comfortable and luxurious wait before departure.

Travelers with SkyTeam Elite Plus status on any SkyTeam airline can access these lounges on international itineraries, regardless of their cabin. However, the privilege is extended to all Air France Business Class passengers, irrespective of their status.

In-Flight Comfort & Amenities on Air France Business Class

Once you’re on board, Air France really shows off. The amenity kit is in a fabric pouch (96% recycled materials, if you care about that stuff) with solid Clarins products. Eye mask, earplugs, socks, toothbrush – all the basics plus some nice face cream.

Starting in July 2025, they’re adding mattress toppers from Sofitel MY BED. I haven’t tried these yet, but if they’re anything like the hotel versions, your back will thank you after a 12-hour flight.

The entertainment system is excellent. The new planes have 4K screens up to 20 inches with Bluetooth connectivity. Finally, you can use your own headphones without those stupid adapters. The movie selection is huge – over 350 films, tons of TV shows, and a solid music library.

Wi-Fi is getting a massive upgrade in 2025. Air France is rolling out Starlink across their entire fleet, and it’ll be free for all passengers (you just need a Flying Blue account, which is free). When I say free high-speed Wi-Fi, I mean actually usable internet – streaming, video calls, the works. The rollout is happening gradually, so check if your specific aircraft has it.

The cabin crew on Air France are generally excellent. They’re trained in that French hospitality style that feels genuine rather than forced. Hot towels before meals, regular check-ins during the flight, and they actually remember your name and preferences.

Other amenities to be aware of with Air France

For young adventurers, Air France has introduced charming activity kits. Kids get a dog figurine, a mini airplane, a runway puzzle, and more, all wrapped in a French bakery-themed package. Babies aren’t left out either – they receive a cuddly toy dog in a kraft paper kit. On long-haul flights, families with little ones can expect exceptional care, including the option to request a bassinet for babies.

Freshen up in-flight with Clarins products in the lavatories, including lotion and facial toner. Combined with the hot towels provided before meals, you’ll land feeling refreshed and ready to go.

Entertainment is top-notch in the new Business Class cabins. Immerse yourself in over 350 movies, a vast music library, and podcasts on the latest 4K HD screens. The Boeing 777 boasts a 17.3-inch touchscreen whilst the A350 features an even larger 20-inch screen. Both offer Bluetooth connectivity for your favorite headphones.

Staying connected is easy with Wi-Fi available on most long-haul flights. Choose from various affordable plans based on time, not data usage, and even enjoy complimentary messaging on apps like WhatsApp and iMessage. These touches make Air France one of the world’s best airlines.

On-board Dining with Air France Business Class

This is where Air France absolutely kills it. The food is legitimately restaurant quality, designed by Michelin-starred chefs like Glenn Viel, Arnaud Lallement, and Dominique Crenn.

Food

The multi-course meals start with proper appetizers – think foie gras, lobster, or quality charcuterie. The main courses rotate but you’ll typically get three options: meat, fish, and vegetarian. I’ve had coq au vin at 35,000 feet that was better than what I’ve eaten in actual Paris bistros.

The cheese course is mandatory. They serve it after the main course, French style, with a hard cheese, soft cheese, and a “wild card” option. Pro tip: ask the flight attendant about the cheeses – they actually know their stuff and can recommend based on your preferences.

Desserts are small but perfect. Think individual chocolate soufflés or seasonal fruit tarts. Before landing, you get a light meal or breakfast depending on timing. If you want to maximize sleep, you can ask for just coffee and a pastry 30 minutes before arrival.

The self-service bar in the galley is stocked with snacks, drinks, and Haagen-Dazs ice cream. I probably eat way too much ice cream on these flights, but hey, you’re already in business class.

Beverages

Master Sommelier Paolo Basso curates the wine list, and it shows. The champagne selection rotates but includes serious names like Taittinger Brut Réserve and Charles Heidsieck. They serve champagne before takeoff (except at certain destinations where local laws prohibit it).

The wine pairings are thoughtful – two whites, two reds, carefully chosen to complement the menu. The beer selection includes proper options like Heineken, and the cocktail menu features French classics. For after-dinner drinks, they have port, cognac, and other digestifs.

Coffee is Segafredo or Illy – way better than most airline coffee. Tea lovers get Palais des Thés, which is a nice touch.

Air France Business Class vs. La Première: What’s the Difference?

La Première is Air France’s first class, and it’s honestly in a different league. While business class is excellent, La Première is pure luxury theater.

The suites are individual rooms with sliding doors, personal wardrobes, and a separate bed and seat. The dining is even more elaborate with caviar service and wines that cost more per bottle than most people’s monthly rent.

Ground service includes chauffeur transfers to the aircraft at some airports, dedicated check-in areas, and access to the La Première lounge at CDG, which is basically a luxury hotel with a runway view.

La Première is only available on certain 777-300ER routes – Los Angeles, New York JFK, San Francisco, and Washington Dulles. It’s also nearly impossible to book with miles unless you have Flying Blue Ultimate status.

Honestly, unless money is no object, business class gives you 90% of the luxury for about half the price. La Première is amazing, but business class is the sweet spot for most travelers.

Seat and Space:

In Business Class, you’ll enjoy lie-flat seats with direct aisle access. La Première, however, offers individual suites for unparalleled privacy and comfort. The suites are more spacious and come with a personal coat service and additional storage.

Dining Experience:

While Business Class offers a gourmet multi-course meal, La Première elevates this with even more exquisite culinary creations. The dining in La Première is akin to a top-tier restaurant, with a menu crafted by world-renowned chefs.

Amenities:

Both classes provide luxury amenity kits, but La Première’s kit includes additional high-end products. The bedding in La Première, with its mattress topper and plush duvet, is designed for ultimate sleep comfort.

Ground Service:

La Première passengers enjoy a personalized airport experience, including dedicated check-in areas, escort through security, and access to exclusive lounges. At select airports, La Première guests are chauffeured to their aircraft.

In-Flight Entertainment:

Both classes offer a wide range of entertainment options, but the screens and sound systems in La Première are typically more advanced.

Overall Service:

The service in La Première is even more personalized, with a higher staff-to-passenger ratio. This means more attentive service throughout your flight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Air France’s Business Class

Are you still curious about which airline is the best in France? Here are some popular questions (and answers) I get that will help decide whether Air France business class is the right option for you.

What is business class like with Air France?

Flying Business Class with Air France is an experience I always look forward to. It’s a blend of comfort, luxury, and exceptional service. The seats are spacious and convert into lie-flat beds, perfect for relaxing on long flights. The in-flight dining is a culinary adventure, with meals designed by top chefs. You’re also treated to a premium selection of wines and champagnes. The service is attentive, making you feel pampered throughout the journey.

Does Air France have flatbeds in business class?

Yes, Air France offers lie-flat beds in Business Class on their long-haul flights. These beds provide a comfortable sleeping experience, ensuring you arrive at your destination refreshed. The bedding, including a soft pillow and duvet, adds to the comfort. Believe me, it feels like a bedroom in the sky!

Is business class the same as first class on Air France?

No, Business Class and First Class (La Première) on Air France are distinct. While Business Class offers a high level of comfort and service, La Première takes it to an even more luxurious level. In La Première, you get more privacy with individual suites, superior dining options, and additional exclusive services both on the ground and in the air. The level of personalization and luxury in La Première is unmatched.

Does Air France give you pajamas in business class?

No, Air France does not typically provide pajamas in Business Class. However, you do receive a comfortable amenity kit that includes items like an eye mask, earplugs, and skincare products from Clarins. For optimal comfort, I recommend bringing your own sleepwear if you plan to sleep during the flight.

What is the difference between premium economy and business class on Air France?

The difference between Premium Economy and Business Class on Air France is quite significant.

In Business Class, you get lie-flat beds, access to exclusive lounges at the airport, a higher quality of meal service, and more personalized attention. The seating arrangement is more spacious. It offers more privacy and comfort. Premium Economy, on the other hand, is a step up from Economy. There’s more legroom, enhanced meal service compared to Economy, and additional amenities like a larger personal screen and improved headphones.

However, it doesn’t provide the same level of luxury and comfort as Business Class, particularly in terms of seat comfort and additional services like lounge access.

• Looking to find international business class flights for under $1,300 roundtrip? You’ll want to sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going.com). While the free version is great for economy deals, the Elite version is what you’ll need to find cheap business and first class deals.