That's the older seat , it's a fixed shell , the newer A350 has a more conventional seat. I flew on one in BC and the drawback I saw when walking back to PE was that unless you're in the front row someone is reclining into your space. This set up , whilst older , maybe a better seat if you can't get a bulkhead.
HI. This is the latest premium seating fitted to many of the 777's and also the A350's, so, not the fixed shell that reclines forward they were using since 2009. The seating in my video is the brand new seating that has a very generous recline backwards, not fixed shelll. Yes, I have flown several times with Air France in business and that new seat is also fantastic. I like AF overall as an airline. Thanks for watching and hope you enjoyed the review.
Thank you for a detailed review and especially for pointing out exactly what is / is not included in the ticket price. Too many "famous" UA-cam flight reviewers neglect to do that, making their reviews rather pointless. It is significant that Air France premium economy (as with other Sky Team airlines) includes several Sky Priority perks in the ticket price. As you pointed out, Air France premium includes priority check-in, baggage handling and boarding, regardless of your frequent flyer status. For me, that is a good reason to chose Premium over standard economy and for choosing Air France and Sky Team partners, over airlines like Lufthansa, Swiss and British Airways. I do, however, take issue with Air France's premium economy catering. It is the only aspect that completely undermines the premium experience. When directly compared to other Sky Team airlines like Delta and KLM, Air France fails miserably. (An irony from a country renowned for its food). The thumbnail size sliver of paper that amounts to a "menu" (and you, grandly, only get that on flights from Paris) is a joke compared to the proper, printed menus on all KLM and Delta international flights. Presented in plastic containers, Air France's "premium" food is indistinguishable from economy class and in fact, the second meal on long-haul flights, regardless of the time of day, is the same economy class breakfast snack box. Perhaps I would be less critical if the Premium economy ticket prices were more economy than premium, but most often they are not. So while the food is not inedible, and like you, I've never had a "bad" meal on Air France, its presentation is abysmal and ruins an otherwise premium experience. I wish they would take notes from their Sky Team partners, Delta and KLM, who I fly in preference for that reason.
Yes it’s difficult to find an airline that does it all isn’t it. I’ve flown this route (part of 3 legs between UK and Senegal) every 4 weeks for the last 3 years and although that means I get the same menu for chunks of time, overall, the food is always okay. Yes, nothing premium about the presentation, apart from the proper cutlery really. So yes, as you said, giving extras such as priority boarding etc does help balance that out. KLM are possibly stopping free food and drink (apart from tea, coffee and water) from 2025 on some European routes and Air France running a similar trial. So the days of still getting champagne etc in economy could be numbered! Thanks for watching and the nice feedback. Much appreciated.
I agree. The food was mediocre at best not bad but not great and the snack was a joke. Sky priority made dropping off and picking up baggage seamless from YOW to CDG, but on the return we waited over an out for our bags. The hard shell seats on the 777-200ER are uncomfortable and my biggest beef was no alcohol was served on the last 3 hours back to YOW. I only paid 300cad each for both ways but this product could be seriously improved. As opposed to Air Canada, they had a selection of 5 wines with a snack bar in the galley, a nice touch. AF nothing.
@ I think consistency in terms of service offered is often a problem with some airlines but I guess that’s not unique to airlines. If you are a frequent flyer and then reach the higher status levels, that can often tie you in to flying with the same airline. I also use things like the BA companion voucher, which gets you 2 for 1 tickets. BA aren’t the best compared to some, but of course you are getting 2 for 1, so you go with that. I do agree the hard shell seats are not a good product and good that they are replacing those. Thanks for watching.
Hi Graeme - just came across your channel and it's nice to find another fellow Scottish UA-camr! Enjoyed the video - looked like it's a fairly decent seat in PE with AF. Not had a chance to fly long haul with them yet - but have heard good things! Have to agree with you re the PE menu - didn't fancy the look of those, but the chicken dish looked decent.
Glad you enjoyed it. I don’t have a strong Scottish accent but I guess other Scottish folk will notice it 😀 I work overseas so fly Air France and KLM back and forth to UK every 4 weeks. So I know the menus inside out 😀 Yes, the seat is good and the new business cabin is equally as good. I find the food decent and compares well to other airlines. Just on the subject of food. Like many airlines, Air France (and KLM) are looking into possibly stopping free alcohol and soft drinks etc on European routes. Still be okay long haul but many airlines are still struggling. Just something to watch out for when booking. I notice other things like food running out for example in the KLM lounges at Amsterdam and that never used to happen. It’s these little cracks that start to appear that then causes them to lose customers.
@@GlobetrottingGraeme I was through AMS for the first time a few months back, and I really wasn't impressed with the food and drink offerings in either the smaller Schengen lounge (which I figured was mostly geared towards short-haul), and the larger non-Schengen Crown Lounge. The latter was an impressive and attractive lounge, but food was really weak, I felt - and not a fan of a "paid for" restaurant inside the sky lounge, as that just removes any incentive for them to improve the base food offering. I'd be surprised if they stopped free booze and soft drinks in business on Short haul, as that's a risky move, but if it's only in Eco, then I don't think that would be a huge issue.
@GLAFly Yes, it was eco I was referring to. The larger Crowne lounge is as you say, very impressive but so busy, I think they struggle to keep up with the demand on food. I flew KLM recently to Venice and on the way back (it was about 8pm) there were several mice running around inside the lounge. Have to say, that’s the first time I have seen that 😬
Thanks for watching. This was a free upgrade given to me without asking so not sure what the cost would have been. I’ve upgraded to business at check in and at airport in the past and of course because that is only a seat upgrade, not ticket upgrade, they are really good value. If you want to take the risk, that’s a good way to get it cheaper.
@@GlobetrottingGraemeThanks for the comment.. I most often book my business class flights on the AF web site.. How often does paying for an upgrade at the last minute work and what sort of saving do you make? Thanks
@@newbeginnings8566 Last year I booked premium Paris-Johannesburg and then upgraded at check in for £380 (I already had business booked return.) Last year I also booked premium Paris-Bangkok and this time upgraded at airport for £320. I then upgraded at the airport in Bangkok for the return flight, same cost. These flights were all in the new AF business cabin. So three flights upgraded no issues. Yes, it’s first come first serve but even at the airport while doing the baggage drop I still managed. Of course different routes will have different availability. I fly every 4 weeks UK-Senegal and every single time there are seats available to upgrade in premium and business. It’s a gamble, but it can save you a lot! Upgrading 4 days before my flight back from Bangkok I was quoted £2,000! Then got it for £320 at the airport. You get all of the benefits, lounge etc, you just don’t get the extra flying blue XP. Hope this helps.
Yes, in my experience the extra recline did make the journey more comfortable and easier to relax/sleep. As for noise, I was sat towards the rear of the premium cabin, so in line with the middle of the wing area. I would say no real difference between the front of the economy cabin where I often sit. Overall, the premium cabin does make a significant difference. You need to sit upfront in business to get the quiet seats, but not on this trip...Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed the video.
I have been getting mixed reviews and will be going to JNB next September and will be looking to do premium economy on the way back. Looking at Virgin Atlantic, Delta and Air France. Have you done Virgin and Delta. The food on delta as I have seen does not look good as of Virgin and Air France. Loved youth review because you talked during it. If they have the hard shells on the flight I’d it worth it? Thanks
Hi. No, I haven't done Virgin or Delta, sorry. My flight to JNB last year was the new AF cabin, so the premium seats would be the new type, not the older hard shell that some found uncomfortable. You need to also consider the full package i.e. if the other two airlines offer business class check-in, priority boarding etc. You will get full sky priority at Paris if you transit through there. That really helps save time at security and border control. Thanks for watching and enjoy your trip to JNB.
That's the older seat , it's a fixed shell , the newer A350 has a more conventional seat. I flew on one in BC and the drawback I saw when walking back to PE was that unless you're in the front row someone is reclining into your space. This set up , whilst older , maybe a better seat if you can't get a bulkhead.
HI. This is the latest premium seating fitted to many of the 777's and also the A350's, so, not the fixed shell that reclines forward they were using since 2009. The seating in my video is the brand new seating that has a very generous recline backwards, not fixed shelll. Yes, I have flown several times with Air France in business and that new seat is also fantastic. I like AF overall as an airline. Thanks for watching and hope you enjoyed the review.
@@GlobetrottingGraeme sorry mate I replied to the wrong video.
I Love The Exterior Camera.Great Video
Yes, always interesting to watch landing at night 😎 Glad you liked it.
I always find the food really good on Air France
Yes, I find it very good as well. It’s one of my favourite airlines 😊
Thanks because some people said the food was not very good.
Your detail review is great
Thanks, I’m glad you liked the video.
Thank you for a detailed review and especially for pointing out exactly what is / is not included in the ticket price. Too many "famous" UA-cam flight reviewers neglect to do that, making their reviews rather pointless.
It is significant that Air France premium economy (as with other Sky Team airlines) includes several Sky Priority perks in the ticket price. As you pointed out, Air France premium includes priority check-in, baggage handling and boarding, regardless of your frequent flyer status. For me, that is a good reason to chose Premium over standard economy and for choosing Air France and Sky Team partners, over airlines like Lufthansa, Swiss and British Airways.
I do, however, take issue with Air France's premium economy catering. It is the only aspect that completely undermines the premium experience. When directly compared to other Sky Team airlines like Delta and KLM, Air France fails miserably. (An irony from a country renowned for its food). The thumbnail size sliver of paper that amounts to a "menu" (and you, grandly, only get that on flights from Paris) is a joke compared to the proper, printed menus on all KLM and Delta international flights.
Presented in plastic containers, Air France's "premium" food is indistinguishable from economy class and in fact, the second meal on long-haul flights, regardless of the time of day, is the same economy class breakfast snack box. Perhaps I would be less critical if the Premium economy ticket prices were more economy than premium, but most often they are not. So while the food is not inedible, and like you, I've never had a "bad" meal on Air France, its presentation is abysmal and ruins an otherwise premium experience. I wish they would take notes from their Sky Team partners, Delta and KLM, who I fly in preference for that reason.
Yes it’s difficult to find an airline that does it all isn’t it. I’ve flown this route (part of 3 legs between UK and Senegal) every 4 weeks for the last 3 years and although that means I get the same menu for chunks of time, overall, the food is always okay. Yes, nothing premium about the presentation, apart from the proper cutlery really. So yes, as you said, giving extras such as priority boarding etc does help balance that out. KLM are possibly stopping free food and drink (apart from tea, coffee and water) from 2025 on some European routes and Air France running a similar trial. So the days of still getting champagne etc in economy could be numbered! Thanks for watching and the nice feedback. Much appreciated.
I agree. The food was mediocre at best not bad but not great and the snack was a joke. Sky priority made dropping off and picking up baggage seamless from YOW to CDG, but on the return we waited over an out for our bags. The hard shell seats on the 777-200ER are uncomfortable and my biggest beef was no alcohol was served on the last 3 hours back to YOW. I only paid 300cad each for both ways but this product could be seriously improved.
As opposed to Air Canada, they had a selection of 5 wines with a snack bar in the galley, a nice touch. AF nothing.
@ I think consistency in terms of service offered is often a problem with some airlines but I guess that’s not unique to airlines. If you are a frequent flyer and then reach the higher status levels, that can often tie you in to flying with the same airline. I also use things like the BA companion voucher, which gets you 2 for 1 tickets. BA aren’t the best compared to some, but of course you are getting 2 for 1, so you go with that. I do agree the hard shell seats are not a good product and good that they are replacing those. Thanks for watching.
Hi Graeme - just came across your channel and it's nice to find another fellow Scottish UA-camr! Enjoyed the video - looked like it's a fairly decent seat in PE with AF. Not had a chance to fly long haul with them yet - but have heard good things! Have to agree with you re the PE menu - didn't fancy the look of those, but the chicken dish looked decent.
Glad you enjoyed it. I don’t have a strong Scottish accent but I guess other Scottish folk will notice it 😀 I work overseas so fly Air France and KLM back and forth to UK every 4 weeks. So I know the menus inside out 😀 Yes, the seat is good and the new business cabin is equally as good. I find the food decent and compares well to other airlines. Just on the subject of food. Like many airlines, Air France (and KLM) are looking into possibly stopping free alcohol and soft drinks etc on European routes. Still be okay long haul but many airlines are still struggling. Just something to watch out for when booking. I notice other things like food running out for example in the KLM lounges at Amsterdam and that never used to happen. It’s these little cracks that start to appear that then causes them to lose customers.
@@GlobetrottingGraeme I was through AMS for the first time a few months back, and I really wasn't impressed with the food and drink offerings in either the smaller Schengen lounge (which I figured was mostly geared towards short-haul), and the larger non-Schengen Crown Lounge. The latter was an impressive and attractive lounge, but food was really weak, I felt - and not a fan of a "paid for" restaurant inside the sky lounge, as that just removes any incentive for them to improve the base food offering. I'd be surprised if they stopped free booze and soft drinks in business on Short haul, as that's a risky move, but if it's only in Eco, then I don't think that would be a huge issue.
@GLAFly Yes, it was eco I was referring to. The larger Crowne lounge is as you say, very impressive but so busy, I think they struggle to keep up with the demand on food. I flew KLM recently to Venice and on the way back (it was about 8pm) there were several mice running around inside the lounge. Have to say, that’s the first time I have seen that 😬
Air France Premium prices are usually at least double or more but I'm not sure you get double the improvement over economy
Thanks for watching. This was a free upgrade given to me without asking so not sure what the cost would have been. I’ve upgraded to business at check in and at airport in the past and of course because that is only a seat upgrade, not ticket upgrade, they are really good value. If you want to take the risk, that’s a good way to get it cheaper.
@@GlobetrottingGraemeThanks for the comment.. I most often book my business class flights on the AF web site.. How often does paying for an upgrade at the last minute work and what sort of saving do you make? Thanks
@@newbeginnings8566 Last year I booked premium Paris-Johannesburg and then upgraded at check in for £380 (I already had business booked return.) Last year I also booked premium Paris-Bangkok and this time upgraded at airport for £320. I then upgraded at the airport in Bangkok for the return flight, same cost. These flights were all in the new AF business cabin. So three flights upgraded no issues. Yes, it’s first come first serve but even at the airport while doing the baggage drop I still managed. Of course different routes will have different availability. I fly every 4 weeks UK-Senegal and every single time there are seats available to upgrade in premium and business. It’s a gamble, but it can save you a lot! Upgrading 4 days before my flight back from Bangkok I was quoted £2,000! Then got it for £320 at the airport. You get all of the benefits, lounge etc, you just don’t get the extra flying blue XP. Hope this helps.
Thank you for your vidéo really accurate!.
Did the inclination of the seat help you to relax or sleep ?
What about noises ?
Yes, in my experience the extra recline did make the journey more comfortable and easier to relax/sleep. As for noise, I was sat towards the rear of the premium cabin, so in line with the middle of the wing area. I would say no real difference between the front of the economy cabin where I often sit. Overall, the premium cabin does make a significant difference. You need to sit upfront in business to get the quiet seats, but not on this trip...Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed the video.
@GlobetrottingGraeme thank you very much for your recommendations 😊
I have been getting mixed reviews and will be going to JNB next September and will be looking to do premium economy on the way back. Looking at Virgin Atlantic, Delta and Air France. Have you done Virgin and Delta. The food on delta as I have seen does not look good as of Virgin and Air France. Loved youth review because you talked during it. If they have the hard shells on the flight I’d it worth it? Thanks
Hi. No, I haven't done Virgin or Delta, sorry. My flight to JNB last year was the new AF cabin, so the premium seats would be the new type, not the older hard shell that some found uncomfortable. You need to also consider the full package i.e. if the other two airlines offer business class check-in, priority boarding etc. You will get full sky priority at Paris if you transit through there. That really helps save time at security and border control. Thanks for watching and enjoy your trip to JNB.