Constructive Criticism of La Premiere
 

I'm a recent convert to AF after years of declining standards from OneWorld airlines, and have done a few paid P returns from CDG-JFK over the past couple of months, all on the 777-300.

Overall, I'm a happy customer, and will be back over and over assuming all remains the same with the product.

That said, in the spirit of what seems to be AF's genuine interest in providing a world-class product, here are a few thoughts along the way...

The ground experience is virtually flawless. One minor nitpick: When flying alone, ensuring each passenger has a separate car for the transfers would add to the exclusive feel of the product.

The hard product on the 777 is exceptional. I was wary of the curtain concept before trying it, and am deeply impressed at how spacious it remains while being private and very functional.

The service has also been faultless on all sectors. I've had crews just as good on other carriers, but not so consistently.

Please get rid of the little crackers at the seat before takeoff. These feel decidedly non-premium.

Having invested so much in so many places, I'm surprised they can't manage a proper caviar service. For an airline which doesn't hesitate to serve Cristal onboard, this seems like a no-brainer, and would round out the indulgence factor. Indeed, having a few extra tins would really create a wow.

While the food in the lounge is out of this world for airport fare, I find the menus onboard sparse in general in terms of variety, and the quality of catering ex-CDG is surprisingly average, (it seems consistently higher ex-JFK, except for the cheese.) Don't get me wrong....it's a solid offering, decent quality and plenty of food.....but it doesn't quite live up to the rest of the experience. More choice would be welcome.

The wine quality is very good, though back in my heavy drinking days I would have been a little irritated at Bombay Sapphire in this setting. And being a French airline, please load a good vintage Calvados for heaven's sake!

The arrivals experience at JFK is probably the best offered by any airline in the USA. They are brilliant, and seem to have the run of the airport.

Unfortunately, the departure and connection experiences inbound let them down badly. A tarmac transfer coordinated with Delta if necessary when connecting on the same itinerary should be standard. The check-in and escort are well done, however.

That said, the lowest point of the entire experience is the JFK lounge. It's a hole; even the odd and tiny private F area. The catering is good, though not special in any way. Unfortunately it is let down badly by poorly trained service staff who speak little English and no French. Unlike the polish at CDG, this is low-end American diner service. It's not a nice way to start the journey home, and surprising that standards are so low for their premiere outstation. The lounge itself is not inviting, and the F area feels like a kids playroom, not a first class lounge.

A buggy could be provided for the transfer from lounge to gate, as it always seems a bit of a walk.

Finally, the menus ex-JFK, though of a high quality, are again extremely limited.

All this said, the ground services make this easily the best product on the route, and from the EU to the USA overall. But while AF might be tempted to settle for that, the investment required to blow the competition hopelessly out of the water seems a pittance when considering what they are already putting into the product. I'll give it a 93/100, but would love to see them be as flawless as I think they very well could.

Awesome! Really looking forward to my first P experience on AF... and great to hear that it's not just hype, despite some room to improve.

What's the arrivals experience like at JFK? I haven't really heard much about it.

JFK arrivals is brilliant.

You will be met at the door and escorted into the immigration hall. You'll be placed at the front of the line for the machines if needed, and then escorted to the front of the line if you need to see an officer. They will then escort you to baggage claim if needed and handle your bags for you, and take you to the front at customs. If you have a driver, they will coordinate the handoff with him, and if you need them to they even are able to get you to the front of the general taxi queue outside.

Just top notch.

I should also add that regarding the lounge at JFK, by comparison, the BA Concorde Room is leagues nicer. The bathrooms at the AF lounge are atrocious.

Try flying to or from Japan.

I expect you can find a good Armagnac on any AF flight, even if you don't see it on the menu. Perhaps they would have to go back to business class to grab a bottle, but it should be there somewhere on the plane.

Have you tried IAD? AF is pretty good there too for arrivals.

I agree, but I expect that AF is prevented from doing an inter-terminal tarmac transfer due to JFK overcrowding. What they could do is meet you at your DL arrival gate and provide an escort. At least that would work if there are only one or two transfers happening at a time. If there happened to be more that would require a significant outstation staff increase. And it seems that they want French nationals performing the escort service. So that further restricts hiring.

I agree that there is no wow factor in the JFK P lounge. But when I was there the staff spoke perfect English and the service was fine. And as you say the food is good. I'm just there to have a meal before sleeping on the flight to Paris.

There are only 4 seats on most of these flights so I guess that's why. And for the late flights most people don't want to eat on the plane. It's best to try and sleep as much as possible.

As you say, criticism is good. Especially when you acknowledge the good.

Only having 4 seats on these flights should be why they could push for inter-terminal transfers, if the reason they can't at the moment is overcrowding.

And, sure, the lounge may be functional but most people flying F probably want more than functional. They could do well to improve it, at least to the level of other airlines F lounges at JFK.

Last time I was at IAD the AF staff let us into the terminal building from the private shuttle bus and disappeared into the crowd leaving us to join the back of all the queues. She met us again at the carousel.

Were we unlucky?

Yes, unlucky and unloved! I was escorted all the way through, although I entered during a slow period without big lines. Obviously I beat all the rest of AF's A380's worth of pax using the private van.

Perhaps, then, this could be addressed in future, going again in the New Year. These types of inconsistencies would make a one off flight seem less good than it could normally be and lose a customer.

Thank you FrenchMerican, what a thoughtful post ^

Whilst I share your overall enthusiasm, and whilst I am personally somewhat indifferent about some of the observations (just things that I don't care that much about, such as having a car for myself or the brand of gin) I subscribe to many of the proposals that you make.

My P experience with Air France is on different destinations than you (JFK only once, and that was arriving there. Other than that mostly GRU, also BEY and SFO on the old-style A380) and I am a less frequent guest than you (eight legs this year), but still I'd like to add some observations/ideas for improvement.

Ground service in CDG is top notch as you said. Outstations something should be done for transfers to/from other flights in general (not just alliance partners). For instance, connecting to DL at JFK I skipped the escort servive because I was told that bascially I'd be on my own once I left T1, so I left it at that and walked faster than she would have and used Global Entry, which makes queue-jumping unnecessary. THere are positive examples: in GRU for instance, I was once picked up by an escort from Terminal 1 and she rode with me in a taxi to Terminal 3. My arrival was on Azul, not an AF or Skyteam partner at all. Similarly, at some airports other airlines organize escort services for you even when arriving on a different ticket. Air France should do the same for their P passengers.

Continuing on ground services: not overwhelming at outstations, with JFK being a positive albeit not outstanding exception thanks to the P section of the lounge. Line cutting at immigration and security works well in some places (USA on departure is a positive experience) but in the other places I've arrived they didn't offer it. On departure often there is no cutting of lines at security or passport control, and then lounges often range from mediocre (GRU) to really underwhelming (BEY). In some AF-opreated lounges they have private rooms which are nice (BOS). Something could be done on the ground, and my experience from LH and LX shows that more is possible.

For ground services at mediumhaul outstations: Air France tries to offer some special attention for instance at places like GVA or ZRH, but I found that rather to be a nuisance than a help. I was stressed and pushed to arrive at the gate super early by some over-panicking ground agent, which would have meant sitting around and waiting for the plane to land, dock, disembark, get cleaned, before boarding starts. I rather go to one of the nice airport cafes or to a lounge and then turn up when the plane really does board.

On board catering: yep, not much choice, and quality not on same levels as others (Lufthansa or Swiss in First, Qatar in Business).

Last wish/proposal: WiFi on board. It does make a difference to me. Some travelers are against it, arguing that flying is for them a moment where they don't want to be reached. To me those are cases of people who can't manage their connectivity in general: if they feel that having a network connection means that they *have* to respond to calls/mails, then that is something that will make their life horrible not just in the air but also on the ground. I rather prefer having the choice to connect or not respond whenever I want and do the things that I want. On a 10 or 12 hour flight I can very well see myself doing some work for 2 or 3 hours rather than arrive at destination with my inbox exploding and me having to deal with it after a long flight and jet lag. Also, since airlines do invest into making time fly by, it is only logical to offer some past-times that rely on connectivity. On recent flights I have planned my holiday by browsing through web pages, downloading travel guides, emailing with tour operators, etc. Or Live TV: I have watched one of the US presidential debates on a flight between California and Germany. Air France should invest into that for their long haul fleet (I believe they actually are).

They have truffles though, at least, right? PLEASE TELL ME THEY HAVE TRUFFLES! ;)

This is also good to hear (and as mentioned, I think for the first time). But as someone else said, with Global Entry it just doesn't really seem that...necessary. As long as my bag comes out first on the carousel (or fourth). That is always the hold-up for me at JFK.

And interesting that you later mention cutting the taxi line. I can't imagine how that works! Cutting in front of a bunch of cranky New Yorkers who just arrived from overseas?!? They must have an in with the dispatcher and can more discreetly get you into a cab away from the front of the queue.

Sadly, the onboard "truffles" are of the thick, hard, flavorless variety that I have experienced on BA and elsewhere, which serve strictly to disappoint. First world problems, yes, but again, if you can spring for Cristal, surely loading a black truffle on each flight to be shaved sear-side wouldn't be that extravagant.

The taxi powers were amazing and not discreet. I often stay at the JFK Hilton when overnighting between flights or having a breakfast meeting before going onward, and feel silly paying for an executive car for the 5 minute ride, so I use taxis at JFK frequently. I was really shocked that the agent just brazenly walked up to the dispatcher, said a few words out of earshot, then the dispatcher held the queue of about 40 people while I was deposited in the next taxi and my bags were seen to. Brilliant, and they refused a tip.

Agreed on all points. I find the ground service with AF La Premiere to be the reason I keep booking again and again.

Having a representative help you every step of the way from check-in, security, lounge, boarding and then the reverse is great. I am always impress at CDG the ability they have to avoid customs lines.


-Pat

yesterday AF257 from SIN

"tartare de saumon fumé et noix de Saint-Jacques, oeufs de saumon et agrumes"

Attachment 22589

delicious

For truffle, at P lounge in CDG, you may eat "Elbow pasta with ham and black truffle"...

no photo because I ate the famous "Cookpot of seasonal vegetables, crushed tops"

with a marvelous Riesling:

I wish I had these problems when travelling on BA

Indeed. I have a BA F trip coming up where I will experience almost none of the above. Then again it only cost about $2000.

I did have a delicious pork trio and glass of LPGS in the Concorde Room on Sunday. I also like the open air terrace there better than some of the CDG lounge seating areas. So not hopeless.

I've only had Cristal once, and frankly I think I like the LPGS more (first had it on Swiss F a few years ago and have since bought it at home a few times). And more than Krug.
It does seem like AF rotates what they serve on board though.

Yes, but Taittinger Comtes de Champagne seems to be pretty steady in the CDG lounge. To me this is a small step better than LPGS. But I'd never turn down a glass of LPGS. :)

indeed.

What happened ??? Were you on diet ? :D

Dear friends of the AF forum, are you starving ?? :)

I am sure the answer is yes, so here’s some more P class treatments (recent pictures from last month) !

The well-deserved Skytrax awards for the lounge and the new BEST P

https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5604/3...075c6685_z.jpg


From the CDG P lounge :
Choice of Champagne
https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5590/3...39be3a6c_z.jpg

The gratinated sea scallops (you can take them as an appetizer (2 pieces) or a main course (3 pieces)
https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5497/3...7b9fd9e3_z.jpg

A picture with a closer look, half-eaten
https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5457/3...f9173140_z.jpg

The lobster Ceasar salad
https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5830/3...67f6d691_z.jpg

Oven baked turbot, root vegetables, vin jaune cooking jus
https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5797/3...6d15b7e0_z.jpg

And the absolutely fabulous beef filet, back pepper crust and sauce, with mashed potatoes. It is certainly not the most original dish of the menu, but I believe it is the best one if you like meat. It is absolutely amazing.
https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5560/3...bdff571d_z.jpg

On-board AF990/AF995 CDG-JNB-CDG
The caviar, whipped cream with vodka and mascarpone, with Champagne
https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5329/3...efe1ebcc_z.jpg

Chicken cream aspic, with dried fruit, quinoa and chutney
https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5537/3...99debc16_z.jpg

Marinated salmon with beets, cucumber carpaccio, caponatta salad
https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5776/3...f75b3802_z.jpg

A light salad, with my own choice of ingredients from the list in the menu
https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5511/3...dc41a411_z.jpg

Butternut squash velouté soup, with fried butternut squash shavings and toasted cashew nuts
https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5477/3...0816cb33_z.jpg

Fillet of beef Wellington, fondante potatoes, steamed baby carrots, fried leek julienne, tomato-tarragon sauce
https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5607/3...626b4813_z.jpg

The Lenôtre cake called « Autumn leaf » : a combination of meringue, and almond cake mixed with creamy dark chocolate mousse.
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A mixed fruit tart
https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5715/3...82232a14_z.jpg

No need to say that everything was delicious. Enjoy ! :)

One minor detail I do personally like very much - the Orezza water from my favorite Corsica island - they have been serving it for many years, both inflight as well as in the La Premiere lounge.

I'm a bit lost by what you mean here? My AF P have all had a proper caviar service. Not as pretty as some (e.g. CX tin is prettier than the AF 'quenelle' but the AF caviar is actually of significantly better quality than those on CX, QR, and LH for instance.

Don't we all?!

Let me know if/when you want to swap! ;) I'm no fan at all of the pork trio and in fact very happy it has now left the menu!!

I guess all tastes are individual, but put simply, LGPS and Cristal are basically not in the same 'league' of Champagne. LGPS is very good but explicitly a level below the 'great' ones. Again, that does not obviate individual tastes: for instance Dom Perignon is also among the "great" like Cristal and really doesn't do it for me.

PS: QR currently serve Comtes de Champagnes... in J!

Wow Goldorak. Just wow.

How is the Ducasse champagne?

I know you mention the beef fillet, but that lounge blanc de turbot looks absolutely delicious to me! Was it?

Good Lord... 11 more days until I'm JFK-CDG-SIN ... this thread is torture.

I didn't try it this time (I had the 2 others you see on the picture), but I tried it another time and it is good.

Yes, it was delicious. The scallops were also fabulous. Life is hard...;)

:D . I hope you'll enjoy your experience. Do you have a long connection to enjoy the lounge ?

On CDG-JFK-CDG they only offer a caviar amuse bouche. A quenelle about 10g with blinis and creme fraiche. It does seem to be a good quality, but leaves one mildly disappointed there isn't more.

Yes, that's the standard presentation at the moment (but is in fact supposed to be a 20g quenelle, which is in fact similar to many airlines that offer a 20g tin). It used to be a "Petrossian egg" which looked much prettier/classier IMHO indeed but I think that the caviar is still the same. So like you I would prefer individual eggs/tins but to me it still qualifies as 'a proper caviar service' nonetheless.

My main issue (albeit a very very minor point I'll admit!) is that they always put a lemon wedge with it and I feel pretty sorry when lemon touches caviar, it just shouldn't. But then at least they don't put chopped onion with it which is something I have really never understood! :)

No but from time to time I like it!
But after , as you show, I ate the famous beef filet



and after, the cheeses, even if I don't understand why they do not serve "Roquefort" in place of "Bleu d'Auvergne".
I am objective as an "aveyronnais" :)

Roughly 9 hours in the lounge in both directions. I'm in P for all 4 segments, so plenty of food to try!

Excellent ^ . As you arrive from JFK (so in the morning) and connect to SIN (the flight is around 7 or 8 pm), what I recommend you :
- skip breakfast in flight from JFK, and maximize sleep time
- have breakfast in the lounge when you arrive there.
- have a massage and a shower after (call before to book your massage slot)
- have a lunch (more or less late depending on when you had the breakfast) in the lounge
- have dinner in-flight to SIN

does that sound a good plan ? :D

Pro-tips from a pro... you folks are my guide. This sounds like a plan!

Goldorak made similar plans for my P lounge visit. He is a pro. He should quit his day job and become a first class travel planner. :D

This sounds like the best plan indeed.

But personally I would not look forward to spend 9 hours in the P lounge.
From the time you reach JFK (say two hours before AF9 departure) to the moment you leave SIN, you will spend over 30 hours in airports/planes.
A lounge is a lounge and 8 hours there will be extremely boring after an overnight flight. I would rather get some fresh air and maybe get a stroll in Paris.

he he he :D thank you guys
@alee0729 : I forgot to say in your day planning that, of course, you can have a nap, well deserved after all this stress :D. There is a rest area with loungers and you can ask blanket/pillows to the staff.

Actually that does bring up a question... if I wanted to head into Paris for a few hrs, will the lounge hold my bags?

I don't know but I would say no for security and liability reasons. But you can ask.

An outsider point of view!
 

Some weeks ago I bought my first AF F flights.
Still waiting to fly them, there is allready few things "qui ne vont pas":

- Received same confirmation email as, say, if I fly an MiNi ATR flight from Brive to CDG. What about a small red stripe? I don't even think of personalization!

- invited to do checkin on-line or with the machines!!!

- no mention of La Première phone number and no mention of the lounge's services (perhaps am I too impatient?).

- Of course no possibility to choose seat on the Province CDG "J" flight!

- rebooked du to feeder flight schedule change automaticaly, change is rather important nearly two hours: what about make a proposition: you can book earlier or later (I have a long layover in CDG).

- and when exposing this to the "service client" a very ininteressant answer (not realy surprising!).

So for the moment not a very good first impression (unfortunately I will say that I am quite used to with AF).

I received this last week...

Pretty standard Email and not much content of note.