I did a quick trip to London at year-end that included an outbound trip in business in the new 789 and a return in La Premiere on the 777. I won’t cover much about the outbound leg except that the 789 cabin is very stylish, I found the seat quite comfortable and the amenity kit was handsome.
I assume this 747 parked at Heathrow is a private plane?
After a couple of days, it was return time. The London lounge and flight were consistent with what I discussed in last year’s trip report. Upon landing at CDG, I was escorted off the plane and down to a waiting Jaguar. It was probably a 2-minute drive to La Premiere lounge. It was relatively crowded with a restless infant in the room I prefer. So, I sat in the first room, had a glass of Alain Ducasse champagne (pretty good) and then a spa treatment & shower. After that, the infant was gone and time to enjoy some treats.
I switched to the Laurent-Perrier Alexandra Rose Champagne. Wow, was that terrific!
Then, it was time for lunch. I went with the coquillettes (I’d never been tempted but was urged to try it by posters here) and the beef (included whipped potatoes (not shown)). Exceeded all expectations.
I retired back to the couches for my favorite dessert – the Paris-Brest wonder bomb. More rose champagne.
Before I knew it, it was time to go to the plane.
I had been monitoring the seat availability on expert flyer for a few weeks and what I hoped for turned out to be true – I had the first class cabin to myself. I don’t know how much that contributed to the extremely high service quality, but that aspect was superb. Very professional staff –proactive throughout, charming, smart, great attention to detail. Everything one would want for a premium product. They closed one of the curtains so that traffic between the front and business class would be shielded from me – my own cave.
Good leg room and impractical amenity kit – no real clasp so difficult to ever re-use.
Following are the food and beverage highlights leading up to the main course. For what it’s worth, I preferred the L-P Alexandra to the Krug. Overall, this may have been the best food and wine I’ve ever had in the air.
I was undecided about which main course to select. So, Caroline advised, “You’re the only one here. It’s all for you. Have two!” And so . . . I had both the lamb and the lobster. Both were phenomenal.
Overall, this may have been the best food and wine I’ve ever had in the air. After a long break, there was a nice cheese course.
Oh, and let’s not forget dessert. It was back to “You’re the only one here so . . . “
Another terrific La Premiere experience. Kudos to Air France. Hard and soft products were terrific and – likely because of the holiday season travel dates – it was pretty good value for the price.