Advantages and Disadvantages of Air France's Premium Economy Class on the Boeing 777-300 Aircraft
In a recent flight from Rio de Janeiro to London via Paris, the author experienced Air France's premium economy on the Boeing 777-300. This cabin offers a noticeable upgrade from regular economy but falls short of the luxurious comfort and privacy found in business class.
The dedicated premium economy cabin, with a 2-4-2 layout, features seats that are 20% wider and provide 20% more legroom (38-inch pitch), with 123° reclining fixed-shell seats, adjustable headrests, and leg rests. While this is a significant improvement over economy, it does not offer the lie-flat seats found in business class.
Passengers in premium economy receive amenities such as an amenity kit (including socks, eye mask, toothbrush & toothpaste, earplugs), Sennheiser noise-cancelling headphones, improved blankets, and pillows made of high-quality material. Meals include a second hot meal, candies, and ice cream, served with real glass and metal cutlery. A welcome drink of Nicholas Feuillatte Champagne is served shortly after takeoff, adding a touch of luxury to the experience.
Double baggage allowance, priority airport services, and lounge access (for a fee), along with extra frequent flyer miles, are also included in the premium economy offering.
In comparison, Air France's business class on the Boeing 777-300ER features full lie-flat seats with closing privacy doors, offering a level of privacy and comfort far superior to premium economy. Business class passengers receive more comprehensive amenities, including premium skincare products, slippers, high-quality pajamas, and larger pillows and duvets for enhanced sleep comfort. The meal service is more extensive and uses higher-end ingredients and presentation.
The service in Air France's premium economy is generally good, with attentive and professional crew members. However, the author's first subpar experience with Air France's catering was on the Boeing 777-300ER from Rio de Janeiro to Paris, with inconsistent food quality and presentation.
The IFE screen on the Boeing 777-300ER is large, crystal clear, and has a tactile interface. The premium economy cabin also boasts well-placed USB-C and USB-A power outlets, although this is not the case for all Air France aircraft, such as the 787-9 Dreamliner.
In conclusion, Air France's premium economy on the 777-300 is a premium step above regular economy, focusing on comfort and some luxury without reaching the fully private, lie-flat, and highly personalized level of business class. Despite the occasional service hiccups, the author still finds Air France's premium economy to be one of their favourite premium economy experiences in the sky.
Air France offers a route network connecting Paris with South America, making it an attractive option for travellers seeking a comfortable and relatively luxurious flight experience across the Atlantic.
The premium economy cabin on Air France's Boeing 777-300 provides food and travel amenities such as improved blankets, pillows, Sennheiser noise-cancelling headphones, and meals including a second hot meal, candies, and ice cream. For a fee, passengers can also access lounges and enjoy priority airport services, as well as double baggage allowance and extra frequent flyer miles.
On the other hand, Air France's business class offers a significant upgrade, featuring full lie-flat seats with closing privacy doors, premium skincare products, slippers, high-quality pajamas, and a more extensive meal service using higher-end ingredients and presentation. This luxurious lifestyle option, emphasizing comfort and personalization, is found only in business class.
