I'm flying JFK-CDG on Monday in business class. I have an email from Air France that "advises" checking in "at least four hours in advance."

I am a bit skeptical of this so I have two questions for the more experienced AF regulars here:

1. How serious should I take this? It would require leaving home five hours in advance of the flight.

2. Is there any "VIP" or other service that you can pay for which will reduce the time? (AA sells something like this where they meet you at the car. I believe ADP sells this at CDG but I could be wrong.) We have no status on AF but TSA Pre-Check.