Options for CDG-USA
 

I posted this on Skyteam, but it seems to be a very sparingly read forum:

I'm booking a OnePass award in business class from CDG into the US. My two choices are NW into MSP on an A330, or AF into ORD on an A340. Having never done either, can someone tell me whether there are any benefits to either one (in terms of comfort/amenities)?

Where are you flying to? There are many more options available, but I'm going to guess you name that those are your only options because those were where standard seats were available. AF also flies into IAH and LAX, among other cities. DL probably has some options available....JFK?, ATL.....SLC starting next summer. NW probably also offers flights from DTW, and CO offers IAH and EWR service to CDG.

I'm flying to SEA, so I don't want to go out of the way like JFK/ATL/IAH. Actually, AF has standard available, while NW is Easypass or whatever. The miles aren't much of a factor for me, but I really would like to know the difference in comfort/amenities between AF-A340 and NW-A330 business class.

depending on when you travel....

If you're not coming unitl later this Spring you can go CDG-CLE-SEA for prices under $1000

AF is slightly better overall than NW, in my opinion. And, if the choice is AF on a standard reward or NW on an Easypass reward, the choice is AF, hands down.

Can you enumerate any specific reasons other than number of mileage points, for these two type of aircraft?

Much better wine and food on AF. Also, better AVOD and somewhat more comfortable seat. AF new J lounge at CDG E also is very nice. 2-2-2 seating on each aircraft, so that is not an issue. Other than those factors, they are about equal.

I'll take AF anyday. There Business Class is terrific. One nice thing is that the seats have a hard shell on the back that never moves so no one reclines into your space.

Good point - both NW and AF have 60" pitch, but AF feels more spacious because there is no one reclining in front of you.

Excellent feedback. Can you tell me more about the seat and AVOD, both of which are very important to me?

You've got PM.

See http://www.airfrance.us/US/en/common...cekedgfndggh.0 One caveat. The website show the new new-concept seat. The old new-concept seat which was introduced about 2 years ago will be on some planes. It's similar but I don't think it has the massage function.

See http://www.airfrance.us/US/en/common...cekedgfndggh.0 One caveat. The website show the new new-concept seat. The old new-concept seat which was introduced about 2 years ago will be on some planes. It's similar but I don't think it has the massage function.

And if you're really a obsessed by this, here's a thread on the Flyer Talk AF forum running over 500 posts discussing the NTC (New Travel Concept). http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=769091

The old-new seat does have the massage feature, but it is essentially just the lumbar support inflating and deflating.