Air France just announced a new La Première cabin, the airline’s pinnacle of luxury travel, set to start operations in Spring 2025. With four suites on a selection of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, this is part of a broader premium strategy from Air France, which includes introducing refreshed long-haul cabins and enhanced ground services at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG).

Here’s everything you need to know about Air France’s latest ultra-premium product, plus details on how you can book it using Flying Blue miles (for now, just for Flying Blue).

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A New Standard in First Class Luxury

Suite Highlights

  • Five windows for side suites: An Air France exclusive that fills your private space with natural light.
  • Seat + Chaise Longue Combo: A unique design featuring a fully adjustable seat and a separate chaise longue, which connects to form a two-meter-long bed for total comfort.
  • Increased Cabin Real Estate: Each fully enclosed suite spans nearly 3.5 square meters, offering 25% more space than the current cabin.
  • Floor-to-Ceiling Curtains: Ensuring privacy while adding a luxurious, boutique-hotel feel.
  • Cutting-Edge Tech: Two 32-inch 4K screens, noise-canceling headphones, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless charging, and upgraded Wi-Fi that’s slated to roll out across Air France’s fleet from Summer 2025.
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Design & Craftsmanship

Air France devoted three years to designing this product, teaming up with STELIA Aerospace, the Design Investment studio, and SGK Brandimage. It’s crafted with full-grain leather, plush wool, and tailored fabrics exclusive to La Première.

  • Color Palette: Elegant grays with subtle accents of red (a nod to the airline’s haute couture roots) and champagne-toned metallic details.
  • No Overhead Bins: For an extra-spacious feel, personal storage compartments are located at floor-level, including sliding drawers for carry-on bags and footwear.
  • Enhanced Lighting: Electric translucent or blackout shades on each window and atmospheric lighting that adapts to each flight phase.
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Routes & Availability

Initially, four suites will be installed on select Boeing 777-300ERs. The first will debut on an aircraft named Épernay, launching routes to New York (JFK) in Spring 2025. Additional destinations on the roster for Summer 2025 include:

  • Los Angeles (LAX)
  • Singapore (SIN)
  • Tokyo-Haneda (HND)

La Première is currently offered from Paris Charles de Gaulle to:

  • Abidjan
  • Dubai
  • Los Angeles
  • Miami
  • New York-JFK
  • San Francisco
  • São Paulo
  • Singapore
  • Tokyo-Haneda
  • Washington DC

While previous reports suggested the launch might happen by the end of 2024, Air France has now confirmed the Spring 2025 timeline. According to the airline, more aircraft will eventually be retrofitted with the new product as part of Air France’s move to further “premiumize” its long-haul fleet.

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Enhanced Ground Experience at Paris (CDG)

Air France has also revamped its La Première ground services:

  • Spacious Check-In Lobby: Designed for expedited processing and privacy.
  • Dedicated Suites in the Lounge: Offering fine wines, a gourmet menu, and extra privacy. Additional paid “connecting suites” can also be reserved for an even more exclusive experience.

The airline is investing heavily in top-tier amenities, aiming to streamline and elevate the entire journey, from arrival at the airport lounge to stepping off the aircraft at your final destination.

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Booking the New La Première with Flying Blue

The La Première cabin is notoriously one of the toughest awards to book. However, there are a few strategies:

  1. Flying Blue Platinum or Ultimate Status: The most crucial requirement is that you must be a Flying Blue Platinum or Ultimate member to redeem miles for La Première. This exclusivity is a key aspect of Air France’s strategy to maintain the premium nature of its first-class cabin.
  2. Limited Availability: Even with Platinum or Ultimate status, award availability for La Première is extremely limited. Air France restricts the number of La Première award seats available per flight.
  3. Build or Transfer Miles: You can accrue Flying Blue miles directly or transfer from partners like American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, and more.
  4. Stay Flexible: Keep an eye out for new routes or last-minute openings, especially during off-peak travel seasons.
  5. Alternative Method - Business Class Upgrade: Another approach is to book a business-class award ticket with miles and then inquire about a paid upgrade to La Première. This option may be available to Flying Blue Gold or Platinum members, but it’s also subject to availability.

With AwardFares, you can quickly search for Flying Blue availability, set alerts, and track potential award seats on upcoming La Première routes.

Want to be among the first to try it? Make sure you’re ready to book as soon as award availability pops up. Sign up for AwardFares to discover and track Flying Blue seats across Air France’s network in just seconds.