I flew LAX-CDG-DUS Dec. 31st on an award ticket, and asked about the upgrade price (F was completely empty). The check-in agent quoted $3,400 (or something like that) and asked if I'd like to do it. I even told her I didn't think I could do that on an award ticket. She kind of shrugged (pleasantly) and looked at me like "you want it or not?". I declined because I have never flown Air France long-haul before and was happy to try their Business Class. Didn't seem like it would be an issue for her to do it. First Class went out completely empty.

Not a lot of people flying on New Year's Eve (but 777 mini cabin was full). TSA Pre-Check at LAX had nobody in line. CDG transfer was easy/no lines anywhere. It was so sweet breezin' through. Service was awesome on board. Glad I didn't upgrade. AF left my luggage at CDG as I made my way home to Dusseldorf. Had a bunch of Kitchen Sink cookies from Panera that I was bringing for some of my swimmers. By the time I got my suitcase delivered a few days later, they were a bit dry. TMI.