Review of Air France flight from Paris to Los Angeles in First

Here I go for a short business trip in France.
Short because family (my wife and my 3 years old kid) did not want to come with me and stay in France for holidays. But a lonely trip brings a lot of benefits ;)
As this is a business trip, I don’t pay myself the ticket, and as the stay is short, I would like to travel in more comfortable conditions than coach class. I asked for a flexible ticket in Economy or Premium Economy, so a paid upgrade would not be too expensive for me.

1ST PART : From Tahiti to France Papeete [PPT] - Los Angeles [LAX], Air France AF77, B772, Premium Eco, May 16, 2014 CLICK HERE Los Angeles [LAX] - Paris [CDG], Air France AF77, B772, Premium Eco, May 16, 2014 CLICK HERE 2ND PART : Back from France to Tahiti : Flying with style Paris [CDG] - Los Angeles [LAX], Air France AF66, A380, Premiere, May 25, 2014
YOU ARE HERE Los Angeles [LAX] - Papeete [PPT] Air Tahiti Nui TN1, A343, Business, May 25, 2014 CLICK HERE

Now is the best time of this trip, and of my avgeek career.
For this return I chose the weekly Air France/ Air Tahiti Nui code share, on Sundays when purchased from Air France. Several advantages for this flight :
- This brings a little change from my usual reports on flight AF76 CDG PPT, and allows me to present a flight operated by Air Tahiti Nui on LAX PPT flight
- The départure time that suit me perfectly, with a morning departure from France and arrival to Tahiti in the evening, perfect for back to work the next morning
- A better availability of different fare classes in Business class, in comparison to flight AF76 (if purchasing ticket in advance), which allows me to make this return trip in Business, for what I consider a reasonable amount
But the icing on the cake is the possibility to perform CDG LAX in « La Première ». A flight in First class, that’s although a small pleasure that I never thought I will have the opportunity to offer me! I have a unique opportunity on this flight: I travel alone, I have a paid ticket in business in an eligible fare class (D), and upgrade to First is available on my flight. It will cost me 75 000 miles for one trip, but you only live once!

My trip begins in Toulouse and my flight TLS CDG is booked on a separate file, I decided to leave the day before and sleep in an hotel in CDG. That allows me to spend more time in La Première lounge before my CDG LAX flight scheduled at 10:30 am.
When checking in online my first flight TLS CDG, I realize that AF was attended my flights, so I checked in online for the entire trip, except the last one operated by Air Tahiti Nui which is excluded , because of the code share I guess.
In Toulouse, the hostess at check-in managed registering on all flights, but with a change of seat I had booked several months ago on the last flight (which I did not I realize immediately) making me go from a window to an aisle.

The morning of the flight when I woke up, I checked my emails and found that my flight is delayed.

This will leave me more time to enjoy the Lounge, but my connection time at LAX (2:30) melts like snow in the sun.
So I go early before 7:00 am to CDG and see on the departures board that my flight is the only one delayed this morning.

Direction Check-in « La Première » located in the lobby of Terminal 2E near the entrance 14.

I am greeted by an hostess who took my passport and my boarding pass issued in TLS, I notice her the untimely change of seat on the last flight and requests to retrieve my original seat 3L
I wait in a small room, where I expected to see me offer something to drink, an oshibori or anything else, but in fact, nothing at all.

Check in will take 5 to 10 minutes, the hostess returned to tell me that the 3L is no longer available but that does not matter ! I'm not very happy, the hostess disappears, returns with his colleagues, and finally find myself placed on a window seat two rows behind on 5L. All this ultimately doesn't really matter I agree, but management lacked a bit of class and empathy.
So here is my boarding pass, and I regret that AF does not make an effort on the its design, which will not remain as a relic in memory of this flight

I am quickly driven by another hostess through security checks of the 2E, then we join the Lounge by the elevators that are just after on the right

I enter a small vestibule with red tones to put me in the mood

An hostess makes me a brief presentation of the place. I discover this Lounge that I am excited to see. I had read that it was quite small, but I personally find it well sized, and the decor is simple and enjoyable.
Some overviews of the main part

Bottom right is the Alcove, quiet room, the decoration of optical fibers is the symbolic picture of this Lounge

Several comfortable sofas in the Alcove

Just before on the right in a little nook, the bar with red lounge atmosphere

Ice bucket with various Champagne will be available

Newspapers and magazines available in a rack on the back of the bulkhead separating the vestibule from the rest of the Lounge

On the left as you enter, a work area

Workstations are very private and isolated

On the left of the Lounge, also the buffet with classy design

The sausages bar as some called ;)

All products are of excellent quality and highlighted by a beautiful presentation

A wine cellar contains some beautiful bottles

I came here early for breakfast, it’s time to move to table

Have a look to the menu

The morning menu is fairly standard and altogether commonplace, with a good choice anyway

The lunch menu is only available from noon, and offers much more tempting dishes

As I know this menu with Flight Report, I could test the responsiveness and flexibility of the service by calling in advance La Première phoneline (+33 1 56 93 10 05) to order at breakfast the most famous dish this Lounge : Elbow pasta with ham and black truffle

This is really delicious, this dish is at the height of his reputation, I loved it!

After that, I take a small fruit salad from the buffet

And I finish with an espresso

After that I inquire with an hostess of the Lounge about the opportunity to enjoy a massage at the Biological Research Spa. She tells me that she has taken the liberty to book me shortly before boarding. Nice and much appreciated initiative.
I enjoy having a little time ahead of me to see my favorite site with wifi

Discover now the second part of the Lounge, the relaxation area

First is the toilets. The place is clean, simple, with rounded forms

Large sink

Spacious toilet cabin

Just after is a relaxation and rest area with comfortable sofas

Finally we arrive at the small Biologique Recherche Spa

The list of benefits (only in french, I’m sorry)

I choose a free relaxing body treatment (20 minutes), which takes place in this room and that is a true delight before such a long flight

After this it is suggested that I take a shower, I refuse proposal, finding oil massage nice and soft, unobtrusive on the skin.
Let still see the showers

Towels and bathrobe branded BR

BR samples available

Time is now 11:15 when it’s proposed to go down to boarding by the small elevator

Down the lift, security check, then BMW car is waiting. We will be 2 pax in the car

Let's go for a short ride on the tarmac
Exterior view of the Première Lounge

After a brief boost, we are already under the S3 (gates L of terminal 2E). We meet a B744

Then we go out the car and I see my bird.

Small disappointment to see F-HPJB, equipped with old Première cabin (beige color). The last 3 A380 are equipped with an evolution of this Première cabin (taupe color), never published on Flight Report at the time of this publication. The new Suite is not available at this time
We climb the stairs to get to the bridge and then go in the plane. I’m welcomed by 2 charming hostesses and the chief purser who apologized for the agitating in the galley due to technical intervention

Here is my headquarter in 2A

I did not want to choose 1A, fearing that the proximity of the galley will harm peace
Some overall views of the cabin. Occupation rate is 6/9

Infinite legroom and Ottoman

I take this opportunity to present my FR award gleaned in 2013 at the meeting of Manchester where I was absent, and recovered during this passage in Paris ;)

A Biologique Recherche box is a distributed, containing samples and an invitation for a one-hour care at the Champs Elysees or the Première Lounge at CDG

Distribution also an amenity kit and pajamas

The content of the amenity kit is similar to the one distributed in Business, which makes cheap for once, but improved with new Biologique Recherche samples

Pajamas only decorated with the shrimp, no brand name. Simple inscription Made in Bangladesh on the label

Drawer under the Ottoman

That contains slippers

And coverage that I find less pleasant to touch the new fleece blanket of Business

Champagne as welcome drink

Meanwhile, boarding continues in economy class behind me

The crew propose newspapers or magazines, the captain greets each of 6 passengers and apologizes for the delay. Some passengers coming from behind, cross the cabin and go up the stairs. Surely modest non-rev pax who did not wish to disturb Eco pax to go to their Business seat ;)
We push back at 12:10, another 20 minutes late again.
Next to us was another A380 that I would rather fly with, equipped with evolution of the Première cabin (taupe color),

Then another A380, F-HPJE recently decorated with a symbol of Chinese French friendship

I meet the A320 special livery 80 years

And the Concorde

Take off occurs only 20 minutes after pushback, we are now over 2 hours late. I have only an hour for my connection in LAX

Last view of the french metropolitan ground before a long time

I now explore the storage space on the window side. Power outlet and USB are there

A button to retrieve a screen of ridiculous size for a First

The Bose noise reduction headphones is good, very nice. The remote controler is useless with a small screen at hand

My choice of movie to start this flight is not really First class with a humoristic french film

Distribution of the menu (white) and wine list (red)

I had seen him last year in Business … (we will discuss about)

Here is the menu (I will come back to it with each dish)

IFE allows me to compare with the Business menu, which offers less choice, but look at least as appealing

The wine list remains Olivier Poussier’s work, regardless the cabin

1 Champagne, 1 sweet white wine, 1 white wine, 1 rosé wine, 2 red wines. I’ll find something to satisfy my taste buds

Beverage list

In addition to the toilets, there is a second booth at the disposal of pax in La Première : the locker room

I decide to go there before the meal. The place is not very big but enough to change myself comfortably.

Miscellaneous Biologique Recherche Products again available : moisturizing creams, or boxes of samples identical to those distributed shortly after boarding

So here I am in f(l)ight gear to face the long flight

Going to the toilet to see that it is technically possible to have a baby in First class

Another Biologique Recherche samples for the best effect while other items (razor, brush) are really cheap

I go back to my seat, we are above England.

I choose to take my first meal at that time, and the service begins one hour after takeoff.
Here is the program of the beginning of this meal

The table is set and mise en bouche comes first:
Sesame duck foie gras, zucchini roulade, fresh salmon paté canapé with cuncumber
All this is nice
The same Traou Mad Apericrepes as in Business are also served

I accompanied the beginning of the meal with a glass of Sauternes. Very good choice with Chateau Guiraud, one of my favorites in the appellation. I really enjoy

After that I go to the first course and choose the duck foie gras

Here I am ready to eat

But first of all, focus on certain elements of service:
The metal cutlery, AF branded, but non-specific of La Première

Red leather lace used to tie the towel around cutlery. I like

The salt and pepper shakers are unworthy of First Class

Isigny butter, presented in its aluminum cup. As it does not bother me at all in Business, as I find that an effort of presentation could be done in La Première

The duck foie gras with lime zest is pretty average taste, the portion is generous

The simmered date with lemon and the tomato-carrot chutney accompanies well

I take country bread which is a big disappointment, it must date from yesterday

Then I go to the main course. The choice is varied with 3 Michel Roth’s dishes. I'm very surprised to find a dish that was served in Business last year, and generally disliked by people on Flight Report : Pan-seared scallops with tartuffon sauce . To see my report (only in french) describing this culinary experience in Business CLICK HERE
Recycle a Business catering in First, we must dare!

I choose the simmered veal with verbena, vegetables fricassee and morel mushrooms

Exploded presentation, Air France's signature, is even found in La Première. Gustatorily speaking, this is good, but more at what a Business catering is expected that a First catering

I accompany this dish with red wine. I find the Châteauneuf du Pape good but too young to drink for such a good vintage

After that I ignore the salad to compose oneself

To complete this meal, I’m unfortunately not hungry enough to try cheeses and desserts

I only take sherbets which are as usual very good

In total, this first meal gives me an impression of Business catering
Now it’is time to play with the seat controler to better manage the jet lag, I must sleep on this flight up

My seat into bed position

Time to take a walk to the toilets and this is my bed with mattress set, duvet and pillow by my lovely stewardess

Here I am in sleeping position

We are well installed in First class

I have more than 8 hours before me

I sleep 4 hours and found a small bottle of Evian filed by my side during my sleep by my charming stewardess

The cabin is still pitch black but most passengers watch a movie

I did not see « l’instant fraicheur » that had to intervene during my sleep, so I'll see the buffet

Here it is, erected next to the stairs, no trace of mini sandwiches but I'm not hungry

But I'm thirsty, Champagne !

We are above northern Canada, at the Labrador’s Bay

I look through the window of the locker room for some refreshing pictures

Thereafter, finding no sleep, I watch another movie, Winter's Tale

The cabin gradually awakens

Steward call to retrieve my cloakroom and change me, very fast response.
At this moment, I think that the Emirates shower brings a real added value to the First class product on such a long journey. Pity that Air France did not follow this example
The time of the second meal, served 1:30 before arrival, approaches. I pull out the big tablet

The trolley is out, bad image in First class

Reminder of the menu

A meal tray is served

I accompany it with white wine, Pouilly Fuissé that I find good

First course chicken brochette with spicy diable sauce, with tabbouleh, asparagus tips, baby spinach is good

Main course pan-seared fillet of organic salmon, fried cherry tomato, lentils and fava beans with beurre blanc sauce is also good

As for cheese, Gorgonzola cheese flan is surprising, not bad at first but quickly sickening

The strawberry compote and strawberry pieces is excellent

I finish with an espresso which is accompanied by his box of chocolates

This second meal is good but always seems to me the level of a good Business class
Distribution of the first (and only) oshibori of the flight

I hold the end of the flight with aerial views:
Lake Mead on my left

With the Hoover Dam

I go quickly to the locker room located on the right side to see Las Vegas

Mac Carran Airport

The Strip

Overview of the desert (I am too at the front of the plane to the winglet photo :-0 )

Big Bear Lake, California, seems to be a popular place for water activities

Descent to Los Angeles

This flight ends, it seems too short to me !

Welcome to LAX, we touch down at 14:10

Several birds intersect, with Smaug at the terminal 2 (B77W Air New Zealand)

My next blue plane is here at the TBIT

B77W Virgin Australia

Many A380 coming from all over the world

And Fiji airways A332 with beautiful livery

We are at tour parking stand after taxiing about 10 minutes, the crew greets passengers and the youngest of them (my lovely stewardess) lingers a little chat with me for a few minutes.
It is now time to leave

Each La Première pax is supported by a ground agent. The one who cares for me is not AF staff but airport staff and accompanies me throughout this transit that promises to be short

We go down quickly to the passport control

Express Connection coupon will be very useful.

I pass immigration in 2 minutes, then towards the carousel to retrieve luggages (required because of the code share, since the bags change planes)

This report ends on a little sour note. While other La Première pax see their luggages arriving first, we wait for mine more than 20 minutes, despite the priority tag and red label identifying La Première.

When my bags finally appear, it only remains a little more than half an hour to get to my next plane, performing all transit procedures (customs, baggage connecting, exit on U.S. territory, security check, boarding …)
To be continued …