On my flight AF 65 (LAX-CDG) I think I got, what @
SFO777 would perhaps call, the B-team - or even the C-team.
The ground experience at LAX involved a separate check-in queue for P and escort through security. Red envelopes for the boarding pass were unavailable due to Covid. The lounge offering is a wine bar called Vino Volo where customers can order anything off the menu. Options include nice American wines by the glass and even bottles of premium wines of the world are available. In terms of food small bites are available and served on cardboard plates or in plastic cups with plastic cutlery. The server told me some funny story of an AF P passenger who ordered a bottle of Cristal and slurped it with a straw from Starbucks. I was also reminded several times that tip/service charge is not paid by AF so it would be up to me to give it.
The cabin was full 4/4 and when I arrived onboard 3 crew members were occupied with a French rockstar who was onboard. He was very upset that he had an aisle seat so the crew came to me (1L) and the gentleman in 1A to ask if we would switch because the musician was claustrophobic, however we both declined. There was no silver tray or pre-departure beverage apart from water. I asked for some champagne and was told, yes, after the doors are closed, but never ended up getting any before take-off.
The rockstar immediately closed his curtains after take off for the duration of the rest of the flight - this is certainly a very unusual form of claustrophobia! Dinner was nice but could not compare to the offering on the outbound CDG-LAX which was to be expected. But the service was what really disappointed me. They forgot the starters, served me the salad instead (I had requested it after the main course as suggested in the menu) and after enquiring what was going on I ended up getting the starters after the main course. This should not really happen in First Class. Maybe I was eating too slowly and the timing of heating the dishes was a problem, I don't know. Just like on the outbound flight the WiFi was not functional which was great – less distraction, more sleep and enjoyment.
The bed was very comfy and I fell asleep quickly after indulging in some cheese and Château La Dominique 2015 which is an absolute delight for lovers of powerful and heavy Bordeaux (15% alc vol). It was very hot so I woke up thirsty a couple of times. With the whole plane in "sleep mode" and my call button malfunctioning I got up to get some more water both times. Not a big deal as I don't like using the call button anyways. I did not request any breakfast, just some juice and tea. Hoping for a refill of juice, the crew was nowhere to be seen for the last half an hour before landing. They were in the business class galley chatting with their colleagues.
The ground experience was truly "magnifique" though and made up for what was lacking onboard. The staff were incredibly nice, I asked for a goodie and received a USB stick two minutes later (apparently nothing else is available due to the recent reopening of the lounge but I gather that the stock level of goodies is a bit of a black box). Being able to lie down and sleep for just a couple of extra hours, followed by a cold shower, in the comfort of the lounge was great. As on the outbound, the wine list included Bruno Paillard Blanc de Blancs, an epic champagne, and Chateau Cantenac-Brown 2008. I was not sure if I was going to love the infamous coquillettes au jambon et truffe noir but they absolutely blew me away. When I think back to the lounge, I immediately think of the coquillettes and the great charcuterie. Before it was time to leave I asked one of the staff if I could taste some of the Macallan whiskies on display at the newly renovated bar - and so, my fantastic stay came to its worthy conclusion.
The ground experience was the best I ever had thanks to some amazing employees - their courteousness, sophistication and professionalism really blew me away. Overall I was left a bit stupefied that the consistency of the onboard P product was not as usually reported on this forum and other blogs. My outbound flight was superb with a really enthusiastic FA, on the return I was left wanting more. Please do tell me if my expectations were simply too high in this regard. In any case, I look forward to entering the captivating world of La Première in the not too distant future.