Our Business Class Experience on Air France: JFK to Florence

In April 2024, my wife and I embarked on an unforgettable journey, flying business class on Air France from JFK to Florence. Here’s a detailed look at our experience and the fantastic deal we scored for this trip.

The Air France Lounge at JFK

Flying out of JFK, we had the privilege of accessing the Air France lounge. If you have a Priority Pass, you can enjoy this lounge too. The lounge offered free alcoholic drinks and a solid selection of food. We tried not to overindulge, saving room for the in-flight dining experience.

Boarding and Seating

Upon boarding, we turned left to find our seats right there. We chose the middle seats so we could pull down the divider and chat throughout the flight. The first impression was impressive: lay-flat seats with plenty of room, a compartment for personal items, and a tote bag with essentials like a toothbrush, socks, an eye mask, ear plugs, and headphones.

In-Flight Dining

The flight started with champagne and biscuits, followed by a delicious meal. We enjoyed a fresh salad, burrata, veggies, and an assortment of bread. The main course included mashed potatoes and a protein option—though I can’t recall exactly, as my photo didn’t turn out.

Despite the flight being under six hours, I couldn’t sleep with so many intriguing movie options. Breakfast featured eggs, Greek yogurt, fruit, coffee, and pastries. The food and service were both top-notch, making it an overall enjoyable experience.

Air France Lounge at CDG

The Air France lounge at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) was equally impressive. Note that Priority Pass holders cannot access this lounge; it’s reserved for business class passengers or higher. Despite being full from our flight, we couldn’t resist sampling the hot options, pastries, and yogurt. And yes, I did stuff my pockets with a couple of croissants!

Final Thoughts

If I find another business class deal from the West Coast to Europe for 55,000 points, I would jump on it again for one direction and then opt for Premium Economy (35,000 points) for the return leg. The ability to lay down flat and sleep, combined with excellent food and service, made this trip a memorable one. Next time, I’m eager to try this for a longer flight anywhere in Europe!

Read more about our trip and tips for scoring great deals on our travel blog!