March 5th, 2016
Air France 259 Jakarta (CGK) - Singapore (SIN) Departure: 2059 Arrival: 2359 Duration: 1:30 Aircraft: Boeing 777-328ER
Registration: F-GSQK Seat: 1A (La Première)
Hearing about Air France's revamped first class, la première seats on long-haul 777-300s, I was hoping when can I actually be on board. Then there was an opportunity I found when I was browsing which route this aircraft goes to. Luckily, I found that Air France 254 stops by at Singapore Changi and continues to Jakarta as my final destination had to be Jakarta.
Since I was at Singapore, I have decided to take the business class from Singapre to Jakarta, La Première as same day return and then premium economy to be back at Jakarta the next day. It was time consuming but was one of an experience for me. (You can check my business class and premium economy reviews on my blog as well).
Now time to introduce the Air France's unique new La Première cabin:
The La Première suites are currently available on long-haul B777-300ERs. Consiting of four full reclining private suits (79 inches of pitch and 24 inches of width), the suites, which are specially made for Air France and designed by designer Priestmangoode and design and branding agency, Brandimage. The atmosphere is really cozy once you step in the cabin.
The suite has a 1-2-1 configurations, with curtains for privacy and a huge 24 inch TV monitor in front of you. When the cabin lights are dimmed and curtain closed, its more like a small private movie theater in your flight.
La Première passengers are escorted by the staff member from the check-in counter until you have entered the cabin. There is a private jet bridge on the forward section of the aircraft exclusively for La Première passengers. As I board the aircraft, the first impression looking at the cabin was jaw dropping. I have never seen such a beauty!
I was able to board few minutes ahead of actual boarding time, I immediately took a lot of pictures of the empty plane. I was satisfied with Air France having the cabins upgraded and better looking.
The cabin was really beautiful and well designed with four windows for the window seats. The color of the seats and the surrounding made La Première more luxurious than ever.
After touring the cabin back and forth, when I came back to my seat, flight attendant welcomed me with a hot towel, champagne, gaufrettes and peanuts. I was informed that the champagne, "Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Alexandra Rosé" is the most renowned winemakers in champagne. Truly outstanding wine.
Luckily, I was the only passenger in the first section of the flight. It feels like a private jet as you are confined in your own space with all the top notch services.
Suite 1A, a significant seat in the first class. There is a hidden compartment behind the seat number to keep you coats and jackets during the flight.
Close up of my seat. Magazines are located on the lower left side below the by the table compartment. There is a small-medium sized compartment which you can put your mobile phone, passports and small personal objects.
Also, in this compartment by your left has the in-flight entertainment touch-display controller, 110V AC power outlet, USB port, seat recline buttons and Air France's noise cancelling headphone. As I mentioned above, this storeage is only for small personal objects.
Personal lamp attached beside the seat with Air France's signature winged seahorse logo. The intensity of the light can be adjusted with the dimming swithch under the lamp cover. The lamp was bright enough for me (without using the overhead lights) to read magazines when the cabin lights were darkened during takeoff.
Curtain closed on seat 1F. I prefer window seats as it maximizes the passenger's privacy than the middle section. Seats 1E and 1F have a divider that separates the two and I think these seats are uaually taken by passengers who travel with someone else they know. It is only the divider which is differnt. The rest of the functions are same as other La Première seats. If you are traveling alone I recommend you to use seat 1A or 1H.
In-flight Meals:
Before takeoff, the flight attendant gave me 2 different meal booklet. One contained dinner menus, and the other, list of wines. It was a short flight so light dinner was served. There were wide selection of red and white wines available to match my meal.
Large table is located under the hatch by the window. In order to get the table out, you have to open the hatch and push the table and it will pop out. Most of the time the flight attendant will help you to get the table out and get set for your meal.
Air France's signature china tableware with the seahorse logo designed on the plate. Flatwares are inside the button-down napkin tied in a strong red colored knot.
First, I was served with some breads and a smoked balik salmon with apple-radish salad. This ncluded scallop with lime mayonnaise, corn purée with mustard sauce. This tasted really awesome: not to sour not to bitter. I really thank the chef who made this meal palatable to my tastebuds!
During my meal, I had Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey Premier Cru Classé De Sauternes. Its a sweet white wine which has better combination with desserts. Regardless of the combination, the wine was still perfect with the dishes I had.
After the salad, I had a duck thigh confit on a bed of lentils with sour cherry sauce and baby carrots. The appearance seems like chicken thigh at first but I discovered it was duck when I was checked the menu again. Duck thigh with cherry sauce was remarkable.
Lastly, the fresh fruit salad. The strawberries were little withered and not juicy but the rest of the fruits were fresh.
This is how it looks when the divider on seat 1E and 1F is raised. And drinks waiting to be refilled by my side during the meal.
Tea and coffee time. I had to choose one flavor out of nine different teas which was hard. I wanted to try all but there was only less than 30 minutes before the aircraft land. So I just got to try the green tea by Fauchon.
Cute little tea kettle and a tea cup. The tea comes with sweets by Ladurée. Candies were little bit sweet for me but I have enjoyed the mild green tea.
More La Première Cabin:
When my meals were done, I got to have some time exploring the cabin. I wanted to see how comfortable full flat seat will be and had fun trying different combination of curtain setting. (There are magnet on each tip of the curtains to attach to cover your seat).
1. The flight attendant help me adjust the recline to full flat position. There is a row of buttons by the personal compartment which has seats in different configuations. Takeoff, full flat and slightly reclined.
2. My seat getting shaped for my 15 minutes nap before arrival.
3. And "this!" Is how it looks. Although there was no mattress placed, it was still soft and satisfying. The total length measures around 2 meters or 6.5 feets. With the help of the crew, I had this wonderful photoshoot of lifetime.
This was taken from seat 1E, sneak peaking seat 1A. The curtains are not thick but densely woven which make passengers on the other side hard to see through.
Curtains closed and the view from my seat. I forgot to mention above together with the divider but there is a another sliding panel by my right armrest (Left armrest for 1E and H), to keep your privacy when you are asleep.
In-Flight Entertainment:
With a huge 24 inch screen monitor and thousands of movies and songs, I was able to arrive at Jakarta without boredom. It was only 1 and a half hour flight so I had to fast forward movies few times in order to finish the movie on time.
Flight information display 1.
Flight information display 2. Changing the view to cockpit mode, I felt like a was playing a real time simulator. Informations were precise and the flight went smooth.
Lavatories:
Lavatories in La Première was slightly bigger than the ones at economy class. The faucet was touchless, and there was variety of amenities such as lotions, toothbrush and moisturizing sprays available inside the lavatory.
Simple and luxurious lavatory with a foldable rest.
Impressive large vanity mirror with I guess LED lights. You can see toothbrush, toothpast and lotions by the edge.
Really like the bright light illuminating from the mirror. It is the best spot to take a selfie!
Summary:
It was a short flight but everything was perfect: 10 out of 10. Friendly flight attendants as well as ground staffs welcomed me with warm smiles, I still can't forget about the flight. Wonderful atmosphere with clean seats and lavatories, I wish I could have stayed in La Première little longer. Although the ticket was little bit pricey even though it was only a short-haul flight, I hope I could fly again with it soon. Traveling with Air France's La Première is up to your decision but I would like to recommend you to try it once.
You won't be disappointed!