Air France Premium Economy vs Business Class Review: Paris to Washington
Flying Air France across the Atlantic has always felt a little… romantic. Champagne, French cuisine, chic design—it’s the kind of airline that makes even the airport feel stylish. On our recent flight on a Boeing 777-300 from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Washington DC, we decided to put that reputation to the test by comparing Premium Economy vs Business Class on the exact same route.
From priority check-in and boarding to seat comfort, dining, champagne (very important), and arrival experience, here’s what it’s really like to fly Air France across the pond—and which cabin we think delivers the best value.
From priority check-in and boarding to seat comfort, dining, champagne (very important), and arrival experience, here’s what it’s really like to fly Air France across the pond—and which cabin we think delivers the best value.
Arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle & Priority Check-In
Our journey began at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, where Air France makes things refreshingly easy from the moment you arrive. Simply follow the SkyPriority signage—both Premium Economy and Business Class passengers are entitled to use dedicated check-in counters.
This alone is a huge win at CDG, which can feel overwhelming during peak hours. Lines move quickly, staff are efficient, and the experience feels noticeably calmer than standard Economy check-in.
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Navigating Terminal 2E (Gates K, L & M)
Once checked in, it’s time to tackle Terminal 2E, which is split into three boarding halls: K, L, and M. These halls are connected by an automatic shuttle train, and monitors throughout the terminal clearly indicate how long it’ll take to reach your gate.
For us, it was about a 40-minute journey to the M gates—something to factor in if you like to arrive “fashionably early.” After clearing security, you’ll pass through a large duty-free zone with luxury shopping, cafés, seating areas, and surprisingly good champagne prices (consider this your sign).
Premium Economy passengers can enjoy all standard terminal amenities, while Business Class travelers unlock one of the real highlights of the experience…
Air France Lounge (Business Class Only)
Business Class passengers have access to the Air France Lounge, a calm, polished space with comfortable seating, hot and cold food, premium drinks, and shower facilities. It’s a noticeable upgrade from the main terminal and a great place to relax before boarding.
Once in the M concourse, gates are close together, with power outlets at seats and even cold water refill stations near the restrooms—a small but thoughtful touch.
Boarding: SkyPriority Perks Explained
Boarding at Air France gates is clearly divided:
- SkyPriority on the left
- Everyone else on the right
A question we get all the time: Do Premium Economy passengers get SkyPriority at CDG? Yes, they do! SkyPriority applies to Premium Economy, Business Class, La Première, and SkyTeam Elite Plus members.
Premium Economy Cabin & Seat Experience
Air France’s Premium Economy cabin genuinely surprised us—in the best way.
- 2-4-2 configuration with only four rows
- Extra legroom and wider seats compared to Economy
- Generous recline with adjustable footrest
- Built-in noise-canceling headphones
- Universal power outlets and reading light
- Bottled Evian water
- Thicker blankets and upgraded pillows
Before takeoff, flight attendants served complimentary champagne in real glassware and handed out amenity kits with socks, eye mask, toothbrush, toothpaste, and earplugs.
And here’s the real shocker: Premium Economy has two dedicated lavatories. Curtains separate the cabin from Business and Economy, so restroom lines are virtually nonexistent.
Business Class Cabin & Lie-Flat Seat
If Premium Economy impressed us, Business Class fully spoiled us.
Air France’s Business Class seat is lie-flat, spacious, and thoughtfully designed with:
- Direct aisle access
- Privacy shell
- Generous storage
- Jacket hangers
- Slippers
- Elevated Clarins amenity kits
Hot towels are distributed after takeoff, champagne flows freely, and the onboard self-serve snack bar—complete with Pommery Brut Royal—is a standout feature.
Lavatories are stocked with Clarins skincare, and yes… you can pour your own champagne mid-flight. Dangerous knowledge.
Dining Comparison: Premium Economy vs Business Class
Premium Economy meals are a clear step up from standard Economy, featuring new signature menus by a Michelin-starred chef.
Highlights included:
- Pasta with eggplant in tomato sauce
- Président butter and Camembert cheese
- Christofle silverware (used in both cabins)
- Cognac after dinner
- Valrhona dark chocolate
While dinner was excellent, the pre-arrival snack box felt underwhelming and could benefit from better presentation.
Business Class dining is where Air France truly shines.
- Multi-course meal curated by a three-star Michelin chef
- Extensive wine list and premium beverages
- Large, beautifully designed menu
Our favorites:
- Shredded lobster and mixed salad starter
- Fresh French bread with real butter
- Gnocchi with chicken in creamy garlic-onion sauce
- Cheese plates and decadent desserts, including a hazelnut caramel baton with dark chocolate
- Pre-landing service with fresh juices and a puff-pastry brioche
Throughout the flight, snacks and self-serve champagne are available anytime.
Inflight Entertainment & Tech
Both cabins offer excellent entertainment options:
- Large screens with movies, TV, music, and games
- French and English selections
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Universal charging ports
Business Class screens are larger and can be angled away from sunlight—perfect for daytime flights.
Bonus: we loved discovering Buddha Bar Paris playlists onboard—one of our favorite chill-out spots in the city.
Arrival in Washington DC & Immigration Tips
Upon arrival at Washington Dulles (airport code: IAD), Premium Economy passengers disembark quickly but must wait until Business Class clears first.
Since IAD is a major U.S. entry point, everyone transfers via people mover to immigration and customs.
We highly recommend downloading the Mobile Passport Control App if you don't have Global Entry. Both can save you serious time.
After re-clearing security, we headed to the Air France Lounge at the A Gates, accessible for both of us using Priority Pass, courtesy of our Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Travel Credit Card We Actually Use
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is the only card we carry, thanks to:
- Lounge access via Priority Pass
- Global Entry credit
- No foreign transaction fees
- Excellent trip interruption & cancellation coverage (this benefit alone covers the annual fee for us)
🌟 Pro tip – Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. It helps support our travels and future content. Thank you!
Final Thoughts: Is Business Class Worth It?
Both cabins deliver excellent service—but they’re designed for different travelers.
- Premium Economy is one of the best in the sky (especially compared to U.S. carriers) and a fantastic upgrade from Economy.
- Business Class offers true luxury: lie-flat seats, superior dining, lounge access, and a more seamless experience from start to finish.
If you’re booking with points, Air France’s Flying Blue program is a game changer. We regularly find one-way Business Class flights for as low as 50,000 points.
We recommend following @Roame.Travel on Instagram for real-time award availability alerts. Pair that with a strong credit card welcome bonus like with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Business Class becomes far more attainable than you might think.
Bottom Line
Air France delivers style, comfort, and thoughtful details in both Premium Economy and Business Class—but if you want the full champagne-soaked, lie-flat, Michelin-level experience, Business Class is absolutely worth it.
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