Air France 777 premium economy review

Choosing the right cabin class for your long-haul flight can significantly impact your travel experience. While business class offers ultimate luxury, and economy provides budget-friendly options, premium economy aims to strike a balance, offering enhanced comfort without the business class price tag. But how does Air France's Premium Economy on their Boeing 777 fleet truly stack up? Is it the sweet spot you're looking for, or are there caveats to consider?

This comprehensive Air France 777 premium economy review will delve into every aspect of the experience, from seat comfort and in-flight amenities to dining and ground services. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of what to expect and whether this cabin class is the right choice for your next journey.

Air France 777 Premium Economy Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Stepping onto an Air France Boeing 777, you might be wondering if that extra investment in Premium Economy truly pays off. The answer, as with many travel decisions, is nuanced. Air France has been actively upgrading its Premium Economy product, but the experience can vary depending on the specific aircraft configuration you encounter. Let's break down the key elements.

Understanding Air France's Premium Economy on the Boeing 777

Air France's Boeing 777 fleet features various configurations, but generally, the Premium Economy cabin is a dedicated, smaller section, often arranged in a 2-4-2 layout. This provides a noticeable increase in personal space compared to the tighter 3-4-3 layout typically found in the main economy cabin.

A critical point to note is the presence of two main types of Premium Economy seats on the 777s:

• Older Fixed-Shell Seats: Some older 777s still feature a "fixed-shell" seat design. With these, the seat doesn't recline in the traditional sense; instead, the seat pan slides forward, creating an illusion of recline. Passengers often find these seats uncomfortable, especially for sleeping, as they can feel like you're slouching or sliding down.
• Newer Recaro/Collins Aerospace Icon Seats: Air France is progressively retrofitting its 777s with a newer, more comfortable Premium Economy seat, often from Recaro or Collins Aerospace. These seats offer a more conventional recline (around 124-130 degrees), better padding, and enhanced features.

It's advisable to check the specific aircraft configuration for your flight if possible, as the seat type significantly impacts the comfort level.

Seat Comfort and Space: The Core of Premium Economy

The primary draw of Premium Economy is, undoubtedly, the increased space and comfort. Air France's Premium Economy seats on the 777 typically offer a pitch (legroom) of 38 inches and a width of 19 inches. This is a significant upgrade from the 31-32 inches of pitch and 17 inches of width often found in standard economy.

Key features of the newer Premium Economy seats include:

• Generous Legroom: That 38-inch pitch provides ample room to stretch out, making long-haul flights far more bearable.
• Wider Seats: The 19-inch width and 2-4-2 configuration mean fewer middle seats and more elbow room.
• Adjustable Headrests: Many seats come with adjustable headrests that can be moved up, down, and have side wings to cradle your head, which is a boon for sleeping.
• Leg Rests and Footrests: Most Premium Economy seats include a leg rest and a foot bar for added comfort and support, though emergency exit row seats might lack footrests.
• Power Outlets: You'll typically find both USB-A and USB-C ports, along with universal electrical outlets, conveniently located to keep your devices charged throughout the flight.

While the newer seats are generally well-received for their comfort and recline, some passengers have noted that the recline, while generous, can still feel a bit invasive for the person behind them.

In-Flight Experience: Entertainment, Dining, and Service

Beyond the seat itself, the overall in-flight experience contributes significantly to the value of an Air France 777 premium economy review.

In-Flight Entertainment (IFE)

Air France's 777 Premium Economy cabins are equipped with personal entertainment systems, typically featuring a clear and large 13-inch screen. You can expect a wide range of movies, TV shows, music, and games. Air France also provides headphones, which they claim are noise-cancelling, though some reviews suggest bringing your own for better quality. A welcome feature on some newer aircraft is the ability to connect your own headphones via Bluetooth.

Dining and Beverages

The dining experience in Air France Premium Economy can be a point of varied opinion. Upon boarding or shortly after takeoff, you'll often be offered a refreshing towel and a complimentary glass of champagne, a nice touch that sets it apart from economy.

For meals, some reviews indicate that the main meal might be similar in quality to what's served in economy, with no significant catering or presentation upgrade. However, other recent reviews on upgraded aircraft mention a "premium main meal" designed by Michelin-starred chefs, offering a clear distinction from economy meals. Breakfast, in particular, has been noted as often being identical to the economy offering. Throughout the flight, snacks and drinks are generally available in the galley.

Service

Service in Premium Economy is usually efficient, but it's important to manage expectations. Unlike business class, there often isn't a dedicated crew for the Premium Economy cabin, meaning the service flow can be similar to economy. While flight attendants are generally friendly and responsive, the service might feel less personalized than in higher classes.

Ground Experience: Priority Perks

One of the often-understated benefits of Air France Premium Economy is the enhanced ground experience. Passengers receive SkyPriority benefits, which can significantly smooth your journey through the airport. These perks typically include:

• Priority Check-in: Dedicated check-in counters can save you considerable time.
• Priority Security Access: Where available, you can use faster security lanes.
• Zone 2 Priority Boarding: You'll board just after business class, allowing you to settle in and stow your carry-on without the rush.
• Priority Immigration: Available at some airports, speeding up your arrival process.
• Increased Baggage Allowance: Premium Economy tickets generally come with a more generous checked baggage allowance than economy.

It's worth noting that, unlike business class, Air France Premium Economy tickets do not typically include complimentary lounge access unless you have elite status with Air France-KLM's Flying Blue program or a SkyTeam partner.

Pros and Cons of Air France 777 Premium Economy

To help you decide, here's a quick summary of the advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

• Significantly more space and comfort than economy, especially with newer seats (38" pitch, 19" width).
• Dedicated, smaller cabin offers a more private feel.
• SkyPriority benefits at the airport (check-in, security, boarding) save time and reduce stress.
• Amenity kit, pillow, and blanket provided.
• Complimentary champagne service.
• Modern IFE system with large screens and charging ports (USB-A, USB-C, universal outlets).

Cons:

• Older fixed-shell seats on some 777s can be very uncomfortable and hinder sleep due to limited recline.
• Inconsistent food quality, with some meals being similar to economy offerings, particularly breakfast.
• No dedicated crew for the cabin, leading to service that can feel less personalized than business class.
• No complimentary lounge access.
• The recline of newer seats, while better, can still feel invasive to the passenger behind.

Is Air France Premium Economy on the 777 Right for You?

So, after this Air France 777 premium economy review, is it the right choice? If you're looking for a substantial upgrade from economy with more personal space, better legroom, and priority airport services, Premium Economy can be an excellent option. The SkyPriority benefits alone can be a game-changer, especially at busy airports.

However, if your flight is on an older 777 with the fixed-shell seats, the comfort level might be disappointing, especially on overnight flights where sleep is crucial. The inconsistent dining experience is also something to consider if high-quality in-flight meals are a priority for you.

Ultimately, it comes down to your budget, priorities, and tolerance for potential variations in the product. For many, the added space and airport perks make it a worthwhile splurge over standard economy, especially on long-haul routes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do Air France 777 Premium Economy seats recline?

It depends on the specific Boeing 777 configuration. Newer Air France 777 Premium Economy cabins feature seats that recline up to 124-130 degrees. However, older 777s may still have a fixed-shell design where the seat pan slides forward rather than the seat back reclining.

2. Is food served in Air France Premium Economy on the 777?

Yes, meals are served in Air France Premium Economy. You can expect a main meal, often accompanied by complimentary champagne after takeoff. However, the quality and distinction from economy meals can vary, with some reviews noting that certain meals (like breakfast) might be identical to economy offerings.

3. Do Air France Premium Economy passengers get lounge access?

No, Air France Premium Economy tickets do not typically include complimentary lounge access. Lounge access is generally reserved for Business Class, La Première, or passengers with elite status in the Flying Blue program or SkyTeam alliance.

4. What amenities are provided in Air France 777 Premium Economy?

Passengers in Air France 777 Premium Economy generally receive a pillow, a blanket, and an amenity kit containing items like a mask, flight socks, earplugs, a toothbrush, and toothpaste. Noise-cancelling headphones and a bottle of water are also typically provided at the seat.

Have you flown Air France Premium Economy on the Boeing 777? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!