Air France is currently in the process of replacing it’s older short haul aircraft. The A220-300 is set to become the backbone of the Air France narrow body fleet. On this trip to Copenhagen we’ll be flying on the Air France A220-300 in business class. This flight review should be pretty representative of nearly all the flying that’s done on the Air France A220 in business class. We arrived into CDG on Air France’s excellent 777-300 Business Class.
Flying European Business isn’t usually anything special, a blocked off middle seat and a light meal is usually what’s to be expected. This Air France A220 flight is no different, what’s interesting about the A220 is because of it’s 2-3 seating configuration, those seated on the 2 seat side of the plane get their own row. Those on the 3 seat side have a blocked middle seat between two passengers.
Bottom Line: I’ve recently ridden on Delta’s A220-100 in US domestic first class and really enjoyed it. Air France’s A220 isn’t as nice, but it’s still a good ride.
Let’s get into this review.
Air France A220-300 Business Class Boarding
After spending some time in the fantastic Air France 2F Schengen Lounge, we walked down to our gate here at CDG. The Paris Airport just looks fantastic in this light.
Our Air France A220 was waiting at the gate to take us up to Denmark.
When we arrived at the gate, they had already called zone one and two so we walked through the automated gates and into the glass jetbridge.
I really like Air France’s winged seahorse logo. I’m really not sure where it comes from, but it’s at least unique. I enjoy uniqueness.
Air France A220-300 Business Class Seat Review
We boarded and put our bags away in the overhead. Air France does a French Flag motif with the lighting on the A220. It’s reversed when you’re boarding, but once you sit down, the blue, white, and red is back in the correct order. The A220 has a 3-2 seating arragement so if you’re in Air France Business that’s a 2-1 configuration as they block a seat.
Val and I are traveling together today so we’re sitting on the 3 seat side with the middle seat blocked.
The seats on the A220 are pretty standard, I think they are a little tighter than most economy seats would be. Remember, European business class is the exact same seats as economy, with a seat blocked off. I like the little cup holder though, easy to just put your drink into it instead of using the full tray table.
Air France’s A220 doesn’t have in seat entertainment. It does have a phone/tablet holder. It also has power in each seat, there’s a type C USB along with standard USB.
The overhead panel has lights and air vents.
Outside it’s still dark as it’s very early in the morning.
Soon after boarding finished the flight attendant came around and offered bottles of water.
Air France A220 CDG Departure and Takeoff
We pushed back right on time and headed for the runway. It’s very cloudy here in Paris, the plane is also a bit wet from overnight rain, it’s disrupting my camera.
The Pilots came on and offered their welcome. We were told this flight would be just over 1 hour in flight and the weather should be nice for the trip. We soon tookoff and pointed the nose towards Copenhagen.
Air France A220 In Flight
Outside the sunrise was incredible. Flying this early is a little rough, but the views are hard to beat.
I plugged in my phone to the onboard power. Air France doesn’t let you use these during take off and landing.
Inside the cabin, the flight attendant pulled the curtain and the meal service began.
Air France A220 Business Class Breakfast Service
Breakfast was served all on one tray. This isn’t a long flight so to get a plaited meal is very welcome. There’s no meal selection on Air France European business class, everyone is served the same thing. Today it was a ham and cheese crepe with a side of cheese. Then a croissant with yogurt on the side. I had a tea to drink. I liked this breakfast, the crepe was tasty as was the cheese.
Outside the amazing sunrise was still in progress. This was also one of the few times it was clear both above and below. This is Norther Europe in November after all.
Air France A220 Arrival into CPH
After just over an hour in flight the cabin was readied for landing. Our trays from breakfast were collected and the arrival announcements were made.
We descended into Copenhagen and got a first glimpse of Denmark. I’ve never been here before and I’m excited. Looks like there’s a little bit of snow on the ground too.
And on the ground here at CPH.
Air France A220 Final Thoughts
The Air France A220-300 is a nice plane. Intra-Europe business class isn’t anything special though. On the AF A220 I mostly enjoyed the new interior, the lighting, and nice quiet ride. The leg room wasn’t anything amazing, it’s the same as you’d find in economy as it’s the same seating. I found the seats comfortable enough for the quick 90 minute flight from Paris to Copenhagen. I like that Air France has included USB power in each seat. The overhead air vents also have good flow.
Intra-Europe business class does serve a meal, for the most part I enjoyed it. It wasn’t anything amazing, but it’s better than nothing. On the Air France A220, with two people, the seats on the right hand side are nice, the middle seat is blocked so you get some extra space. With a single traveler the left hand side is probably the best choice, there are only two seats on that side of the plane so with one of them blocked, you’ll get a whole row to yourself.
I like the A220, I’ve liked it since it was called the C-Series, 2-3 seating is just better than the 3-3 seating you’ll find on most narrow body planes. Air France does a nice job with service on these short routes. I’d gladly choose the A220 over most other short haul planes.
Follow This Trip
Air France 777-300 Business Class Flight Review JFK-CDG
Lounge Review: Air France CDG Terminal 2F Salon Schengen Area Lounge
Flight Review: Air France A220-300 Euro Business CDG-CPH
Hotel Review: 71 Nyhavn Hotel Copenhagen
Flight Review: SAS Airlines A320Neo Economy CPH-OSL
Hotel Review: Revier Hotel Oslo
Flight Review: Norwegian 737-800 Economy OSL-ARN
Hotel Review: At Six Stockholm Sweden
Train Review: Sweden SJ X 2000(X2)
Totally agree with your review. EuroBusiness is a nice have if you book it as a connecting flight (or get an OpUp) for a long haul flight but paying only for a EuroBusiness flight does not pay off.
However, what I disagree with is that the A220 is “better than most other short haul planes”. Personally, I prefer the E-Series much more because of its only 2-2 seating.
I certainly love the E175/195 series of planes. I’m not sure what I like better, the A220 or E175/195. Probably depends on the carrier.