Constructive Criticism of La Premiere
#511
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: SJC / SFO
Programs: Flying Blue Platinum; Marriott Bonvoy Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 785
Sorry, I just meant it’s less convenient than without having to have overnight layover: i.e. PRG-AMS-SFO on KLM w/o overnight layover vs. PRG-CDG-SFO with overnight layover (the connection time there for same day schedule is insufficient IMO).
#512
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: paris
Programs: flying blue Gold
Posts: 12
So finally flew SFO-CDG in P on 773 (later connecting to PRG).
There’s already enough review, so just a few of my own observations:
- definitely like the curtain over a fixed wall / door: it goes all the way to the ceiling making it feel much more private, it doesn’t however make the seat feel spacier (comparing to MU 777)
- doesn’t have a bar area (though you just call the flight attendant and don’t really need it)
- food service was great (both 773 / P lounge), was so stuffed that I had to reject any food on CDG-PRG
- my teeth hurt from all the wine I had (brushed it twice!)
- in SFO, P passengers go to Virgin Atlantic club house - this is definitely much better lounge than for J pax (quieter and has an actual service instead of a buffet), only thing is that it’s pre-security (doesn’t matter when you have an escort) - you’re not really wanting to order any food there though and save appetite for the airplane
- aaaand yes, you’re the odd one out if you’re solo P pax still 20-something
Otherwise a very good experience. Certainlly worth it for an overnight flight (SFO-CDG-somewhere) for me. Going the other way (also given that CDG-SFO leaves 11am) I think I’ll keep it J in the future like this time. I feel more like if you want proper P experience, you got to maximize it over J and a 11 am flight (where you don’t sleep on the airplane) just doesn’t have that options (also you have to stay overnight in Paris because no reasonable same day connections (unlike when going via AMS)).
There’s already enough review, so just a few of my own observations:
- definitely like the curtain over a fixed wall / door: it goes all the way to the ceiling making it feel much more private, it doesn’t however make the seat feel spacier (comparing to MU 777)
- doesn’t have a bar area (though you just call the flight attendant and don’t really need it)
- food service was great (both 773 / P lounge), was so stuffed that I had to reject any food on CDG-PRG
- my teeth hurt from all the wine I had (brushed it twice!)
- in SFO, P passengers go to Virgin Atlantic club house - this is definitely much better lounge than for J pax (quieter and has an actual service instead of a buffet), only thing is that it’s pre-security (doesn’t matter when you have an escort) - you’re not really wanting to order any food there though and save appetite for the airplane
- aaaand yes, you’re the odd one out if you’re solo P pax still 20-something
Otherwise a very good experience. Certainlly worth it for an overnight flight (SFO-CDG-somewhere) for me. Going the other way (also given that CDG-SFO leaves 11am) I think I’ll keep it J in the future like this time. I feel more like if you want proper P experience, you got to maximize it over J and a 11 am flight (where you don’t sleep on the airplane) just doesn’t have that options (also you have to stay overnight in Paris because no reasonable same day connections (unlike when going via AMS)).
#513
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: MAN
Programs: FB Platinum
Posts: 500
I was just making mischief and should have used a winky smiley thing
#515
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Seat 1A
Programs: Non-status paid F/J (best value for $$$)
Posts: 4,124
#517
#518
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Hong Kong, France
Programs: FB , BA Gold
Posts: 15,555
#520
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Eurostar Carte Blanche, SBB-CFF-FFS GA-AG, SNCF Grand Voyageur LeClub
Posts: 7,836
And when can drivers are being tipped for finding smart routes to get you to your destination quickly, air traffic controllers are not to be tipped.
#521
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Arlington, VA
Programs: DL DM, 1.5 MM; AS MVP Gold 100K; HHonors Diamond; AMEX Platinum
Posts: 487
Checked in this afternoon for my upcoming flight IAD-CDG-SIN in J, and got an unexpected upgrade offer to P. I'm really tempted, but it's a bit out of my budget: $1641.02 pp IAD-CDG and $2,177.01 pp CDG-SIN.
#522
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: USA
Programs: AA2, DL2, Amtrak2, US2, SPG1, MAR2
Posts: 2,550
Maybe just do 1 of the legs? If so, I'd vote for springing for CDG-SIN. Sleep IAD-CDG and then go P for the long flight. Plus, when faced with the choice, it's better to progress upward from J to F along your journey than the other way around.
#523
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Arlington, VA
Programs: DL DM, 1.5 MM; AS MVP Gold 100K; HHonors Diamond; AMEX Platinum
Posts: 487
It's really tempting, but I'm bringing my son, so there are two of us. I did, however, bite for a splurge trip in La Premiere for this spring. IAD-CDG-MAD then BCN-CDG-IAD (with over 5 hours set aside for the lounge).
#525
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,918
same opinion : I vote for the longer leg, which is on ideal time for sleeping. On top, you have a long layover at the P lounge which gives you ample time to enjoy the lounge and great food +spa treatment . But for the long layover at the lounge, this is true whichever leg you upgrade