Air France’s long haul fleet is most made up of 777s and A350s. They are by far the most common wide body aircraft in the Air France Fleet. For this compirson, I’ll be looking at the Air France A350-900 and the 777-300 in business class. The Air France A350s only come in one configuration and they all have 34 business class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. On the other hand, Air France has 6 different configurations of 777s and 4 different 777-300 configurations. While most of Air France’s 777s use a very similar business class seat, I’ll be focusing on the 777-300 with 58 business class seats spread across 2 cabins. This is the most common Air France 777-300 in the fleet.
The Business Class products on the Air France A350 and Air France 777-300 are different yet both are very good. For the most part, the business class service and meals on both the Air France A350 and 777-300 will be the same, a few small differences due to the size of the cabins, but they will feel very similar.
Bottom Line: The Air France A350s are newer than the 777-300s so the Business Class in those planes feels more fresh. Air France is in the process of upgrading some 777-300s to a newer configuration, but those are not yet common in service(January 2022). I’d gladly ride with Air France in either the A350 or 777-300 in business class. Both planes are comfortable, the service is very good, and I enjoy both very much.
For a full Air France Business Class A350 review, check out my YYZ-CDG trip report
For a full Air France Business Class 777-300 review, check out my JFK-CDG trip report
Business Class Seats
In my opinion, the most important thing in business class is the seat. The ability to lie down and be comfortable during a long flight the real reason to pay the big bucks for a business class. The business class seats on the Air France A350 and 777-300 are both very good, just different.
Air France A350 Business Class Seats
On the Air France A350 in business class the seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. I prefer the window seats but some are better than others. The even number rows here are closer to the windows and the odd number rows are closer to the aisle.
The A350 Business Class seats that are closer to the aisle have less privacy. Not that these are bad seats, they just aren’t as good as the seats farther from the aisles. From a comfort standpoint the A350 in business class is very good. The lie flat seats are extremely comfortable, I like that Air France uses cloth on the seats instead of a leather like material.
The leg room here on the A350 is fantastic as you’d expect from a lie flat seat. The foot box is a little smaller than other seating configurations, but not cramped.
Air France 777-300 Business Class Seats
The Business Class on Air France’s 777-300 is a reverse herringbone configuration where every seat slightly faces away from the aisle. The widow seats are again my preference and they are all the same, no one row is better than another. These seats are also very comfortable, lots of space, and decent privacy in every seat.
On the Air France 777 the leg room here in business class is fantastic and the foot space is huge. The space here is larger than what you’d find on most other aircraft, but then again, the 777 is a very large aircraft.
Air France A350 vs 777 Business Class Seats
Both the Air France A350 and 777 are great in business class. The 777 with it’s herringbone seats is private, large, comfortable, and consistent. Pretty much all of the seats are the same. The A350 is newer, but a little less consistent than the 777. Some seats are amazing and others are a little less private. The 777 seats are larger than the A350 but because the A350s are nearly new, they seem to be a little more polished and less worn.
I’d honestly have a tough time choosing between the two planes. If I had to play favorites when it comes to business class seat comfort, I think I’d choose the Air France 777. The slightly larger seat and consistent privacy makes it a slightly better experience. The seats might be a little bit older but I think they make up for it. It’s not like it’s a clapped out old plane, just not as nice and fresh as the A350.
Business Class Amenities
The amenities that Air France provides on the A350 and 777 are pretty much identical in business class. Bedding, amenity kits, headphones are all the same between the A350 and 777. All good stuff, but nothing over the top.
Air France Business Class Bedding
Waiting in each business class seat is a pillow, blanket, and coat hanger. The bedding is good but not amazing. I liked the pillows but the blanket leaves a little be desired.
Once reclined and sleeping, the bedding and pillows are pleasant enough. Air France does tend to keep their planes on the warmer side so the thin blankets are warm enough.
Air France Business Class Amenity Kit
The Air France business class amenity kit contained everything you’d expect. Eye mask, socks, toothbrush, ear plugs, pen, and lotion.
Air France Business Class Headphones
The Air France headphones provided are decent, but not amazing. I used my Sonys as they are great on long haul flights.
Both the A350 and 777 have power in each seat, perfect for charging devices or doing a little work on the flight.
Business Class Special Features
Between the Air France A350 and 777-300 there are some unique features in business class. I wouldn’t go out of my way to pick a flight based on these features, but they are fun to look forward to.
Air France A350 Special Features
Ok first and foremost, the Air France A350 has these cool electric blinds. No, they don’t really add any comfort to the seat and certainly you shouldn’t pick a flight to play with the windows, but it’s pretty cool.
The Air France A350 cabin has great mood-lights. I like that they use them to show the French flag.
The Air France A350 has exterior cameras so you can watch the plane from the outside. It’s a pretty fun feature for when you’re on the ground or passing through clouds.
On the A350, you can rotate the tray table out of the way and exit the seat. Sometimes mid meal you just really have to pee and it’s nice to be able to get up without dealing with the service items.
Air France 777 Special Features
While both the Air France A350 and 777 have a remote for the In Seat Entertainment, the one for the 777 has it’s own screen and can be used to track the flight or select a program to watch.
The 777 also has armrests that can raise and lower. This is great if you have a tray table full of food and want to get out of the seat. Just lower the arm rest and you can get out. When you get back, put it back up for more comfort.
The AF 777 Business Class seating is divided into two different cabins, because of this there is a smaller section in the front that is a little more quiet and private.
Air France A350 vs 777 Business Class Special Features
Both the Air France 777 and A350 have some interesting special features. Nothing amazing, but still fun little additions that making business class a little special. I think I like the Air France A350 electric window blinds the best. Along side the cameras I think the A350 has better special features than the 777.
Business Class Meals and Service
The meal service between the Air France 777 and A350 in business class is identical. You can pre-order your meal selection ahead of time via the app or web. You can also choose from the menu onboard if you want, but I prefer to pre-order.
Air France does a nice job with their Business Class meals. On an overnight flight there is dinner served then breakfast before landing. On a daytime flight there is a dinner then pre-landing snack. The flow of the meal is the same on both planes, drinks and snacks first, then on a single tray the appetizer, salad, and desert are served. Once you finish the appetizer the main course is brought separately. During the meal wine and whatever beverage is offered and your glass is kept full.
After dinner coffee, tea, or stronger stuff is offered.
The meal starts with Champagne and snacks. This time was these little cheese crackers but other times it’s nuts.
The Air France Business Class menu.
Air France Business Class Menu.
The Air France meal served on a tray. First is appetizer, salad, and desert. Bread is from a basket. Wine along side a gin and tonic.
Next the main course was served. I really loved this brazed beef.
Finally the deserts and cheese. These little deserts are perfect and light.
Breakfast in business class is a simple affair. It’s fast and served on one tray, great for trying to get a little more sleep. There’s a hot option as well, usually an omelet, but I don’t usually bother.
Business Class Storage
In business class on Air France there’s plenty of storage space. The overhead bins never fill so you’ll always be able to find a space for your carry on bags. In the seats there are a few cubbies and storage spaces for smaller items.
The storage compartments are great for keeping the Air France amenity kit and the case for my headphones.
On or under the ottoman is storage space for the bedding. Nothing else is allowed to be stored in this area during takeoff and landing.
Business Class Entertainment
Both the Air France A350 and 777 have great entertainment options in business class. The selection seems to be the same on both aircraft and there’s a huge selection of both shows and movies. The A350 and 777 also have a remote to use to control the entertainment system. Both also feature a moving map to track your flight progress. That’s where the similarities end.
Air France A350 In Seat Entertainment
The screen on the Air France A350 in business class is fantastic. Fast and responsive along side great multi-touch features when using the moving map.
The AF A350 has a simple to use remote for its entertainment system. Nothing fancy, just the features you need.
Air France 777 In Seat Entertainment
The Air France 777 has great entertainment options but the screen is a little lacking in comparison with the A350. It’s also on a pivot that has to be swung out. This is an older system so while not bad, isn’t as impressive as the A350.
The remote from the AF 777 business class has more features than the A350. It can also display a moving map that you can see without disrupting the video you’re watching.
Air France A350 vs 777 Business Class Entertainment
Both the AF A350 and 777 have great entertainment selection but the actual hardware on the A350 is better. It’s faster, more responsive, and larger. The remote isn’t as good, but that’s a small downside to an otherwise great system. I wouldn’t be disappointed with the AF 777, but the A350 is a nicer system.
Air France A350 vs 777-300 Business Class Final Thoughts
Both the Air France A350 and 777 are great business class products. I’d be happy to fly on either one and I have. I wouldn’t pick a flight based on the aircraft, but if I had to pick a plane, it would depend on the flight timing. The service on both planes will be fantastic, Air France does a great job with meals and service.
On a daytime flight I think I’d rather be on the AF A350, the entertainment system is better, the cabin is newer, and fun features make for a really enjoyable flight. The smaller A350 business class seats wouldn’t matter so much on the daytime flight as I’m not super concerned about sleeping.
On a night flight I would enjoy the AF 777 more. The seats are larger, they are all very private, and the slight downsides of older entertainment wouldn’t matter so much, I’m just trying to sleep.
I really enjoy Air France and their business class offering, I’d be glad to ride on their A350 or 777 again as they are both great.