Air France Elevates the Lounge Experience at Charles de Gaulle Airport

Last year, Air France introduced a chic new business class on its Boeing 777-300s, featuring lie-flat seats, 4K high-definition screens, and wines curated by sommeliers. This year, the French airline is enhancing its premium offerings with significant upgrades to its acclaimed first-class service, La Première.

The enhancements will kick off with the airport experience at Air France’s hub, featuring the launch of an ultra-exclusive La Première check-in lobby, dedicated security screening, and a private lounge area at Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG), set to debut in July ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games.

Later this year, Air France will unveil a new La Première cabin, boasting first-class seats that are expected to be the longest in the world.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the upgrades planned for La Première in 2024.

A Premium Airport Experience

To enhance the privacy of Air France’s first-class passengers, La Première travelers departing from CDG will have access to a dedicated lobby for private check-in starting this July. From there, guests will be escorted through a concealed hallway to their own exclusive security checkpoint before being guided to the lounge.

While the 10,700-square-foot lounge features a menu and wines crafted by renowned French chef Alain Ducasse (whose namesake restaurant boasts three Michelin stars), shower facilities, and complimentary 30-minute spa treatments from French skincare brand Sisley, the landside check-in and three exclusive 500-square-foot suites next to the lounge are new additions. The suites are truly extravagant.

Each private suite offers a living area, a bedroom, and an outdoor patio, along with a dedicated butler. According to Air France, while each suite has a unique décor, all will feature fresh flowers, luxurious linens, and original artwork by French artists. Passengers can also request adjoining suites.

It’s important to note that the La Première suites are not included in first-class fares; they must be booked in advance, with rates starting at €800 (approximately US$865, based on current exchange rates).

Introducing New First-Class Cabins

The La Première check-in area and guest suites are merely the beginning. Set to launch in Winter 2024, Air France’s new La Première first-class cabin will offer the longest seat configuration available, with five windows for each passenger.

With this design, each cabin will accommodate only three first-class seats, each equipped with a fully flat bed, a sofa, and an additional seat.

New Concierge Services for Everyone

Starting this week, Air France is launching new concierge services at CDG for passengers of all service classes, assisting with airport navigation. For €400 (approximately US$432 based on current conversion rates), an Air France passenger can arrange a transfer to the airport (within 25 miles), where a concierge will greet them. A porter will then handle their baggage, taking it to a dedicated check-in counter and escorting the traveler to the lounge (if accessible) or to the boarding gate.

Travelers can also book concierge services for their arrival at CDG, where a concierge will meet them at the aircraft door and guide them through the airport using priority lanes, assist with baggage retrieval, and escort them to a vehicle for a private transfer into Paris (within 25 miles of the airport). This service is priced at €400 for one person, €450 for two, €500 for three, and €550 for four travelers (the same rates apply for multiple travelers using the airport arrival concierge services).

These new concierge services at CDG are available for all Air France flights, as well as code-share flights with partner airlines. Services can be reserved online or via phone up to 18 hours before departure.