I’ve done a few of these reviews now, like Air Canada cusiness class, and JAL vs. ANA. But this one’s a bit different — this is a review by proxy. No, I’m not ripping off some other blogger, or basing my opinion on Air France’s business class on their marketing material. I’m working much closer to the source, with a very reliable informant — my own wife Christine, who flew in the opulent comforts of business class while I squeezed into the meagre arrangements of economy on the same flight.

As you might imagine, this is an unusual situation for us. Normally , through some elaborate point-scheme we’d be travelling up front together. But on this trip we had originally booked economy, and mere hours before our flight decided to check for an “affordable” upgrade. Lo and behold — two seats available. Christine raced to book them both….but alas. In the time it took to go through, only one got booked, and it was in her name.

My lovely wife was devestated, and immediately offered me the privilege. I declined (she’s the brains of the operation, speaks French, and would be better served well rested) but I had one caveat — she had to take the pictures and notes, and ultimately be my eyes for this Air France Business Class review. Here’s what she (and occasionally me) thought:

Drinking in Air France Business Class: 8.5/10

This was going to be a tricky one for Christine — she doesn’t much care for booze. But by incredible good fortune the plane we were on (the AirBus A350-900) has text wi-fi, which means I could be summoned from coach for a quick sip. And summoned I was!

Christine noted that there wasn’t any pre-flight Champagne poured for her which is a shame — I consider that indicative of a high gloss touch. But the Champagne that was eventually poured (the Pommery Brut Royal) was bloody delightful, and one of the nicer bubblies I’ve enjoyed (quick though it was) in the sky.

The overall menu is tightly curated, with a limited but very, very good selection. For wine, I tried the absolutely superb Pessac-Leognan 2019 Bordeaux which has to be the best red I’ve sipped at altitude since Emirates. Both whites on the menu (which I didn’t get to try) are Chardonnays, but I’m absolutely certain the Chablis would have been stellar.

There’s also the solid Bellevoye Bleu for the whisky heads, a French craft beer option (take notes Air Canada!) and both a VSOP Cognac and an XO Armangnac to choose from for a digestif. All in all, a seriously excellent drinking experience — exactly in line with what I’d expect from the French.

Dining in Air France Business Class: 7/10

The menu was stock standard upscale French fare. For dinners, you had the choice between the lobster, the steak and the chicken — all very nice I’m sure. And from the few photos Christine took, it looked like everything is nicely plated and appetizing, a far cry from the economy slop (featured below for reference).

Economy slop.

In short, here’s what Christine thought:

“The food was yummy but ultimately forgettable. The standout were these crunchy cheese snacks that they served before the meal, which I would buy in bulk if I could.”

Come for the lobster, stay for the cheese snacks.

Being in Air France Business Class: 7/10

I gotta say — taking the long walk to my economy seat through business class and bidding adieu to Christine was damn tough. From this coach-flyer’s perspective the pods on the A350-900 looked spacious, well appointed, and teched-out with big, bright screens. But Christine had a few quibbles.

For one — the amenity kit. While the bag itself looks nice, there was practically nothing in it! A token lip balm and moisturizer — that’s it. Hardly oozing oppulence, and we’ve had way better amenity kits on other flights — I think even Air Canada’s meagre offering bests this kit.

As for the finer details here’s what Christine thought:

“The best part was the comfort of the pods. They had a door so you could have full privacy (at first this was a bit frightening cause the air staff shut me in while I was sleeping so I woke up a bit confused).

The service is a bit impersonal. For example, I was questioned when going to the washroom because they thought I was an economy customer sneaking to the front. Other airline staff make more of an effort to know their customers.“

Basically, comfortable, upscale pods with loads of privacy, attended to by less-than-warm staff.

Overall Experience on Air France Business Class: 7.5/10

If you like to tipple at altitude, I think you’re going to love flying Air France business class. Frankly, I think I could have seen passed some of the shortcomings after my third or fourth XO Armagnac. But, alas, it was Christine’s experience, so all I’ve done is bump Air France up half a point to account for my wife’s profound indifference to alcohol.

Christine’s final thoughts:

“For me it’s a 7 – Air France business class doesn’t quite reach the heights of ANA or even JAL but it’s still a good business experience overall.”