Flying Air France 777 Business Class from New York's JFK to Paris
- Patrick Petronje
- Feb 26
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 3
Have you ever been curious about the thrill of flying transatlantic in business class, only to discover that luxury can have its own quirks? I want to provide a review of the Air France Business Class product with the knowledge that flying business class is a privilege! Alex and I embarked on an exciting journey aboard the Air France 777 from JFK to Paris in business class, using 50,000 Air France Miles to secure my seat. Join me as I share the exhilarating story of my early morning departure from Jersey City and my unforgettable arrival in the enchanting city of Paris!
The Journey Begins: From Jersey City to JFK
Leaving my Jersey City home, I embarked on a public transit adventure to JFK. Trust me, navigating New York’s PATH train and the connecting services is an experience in itself. Sure, the commute can feel like being crammed into a sardine tin at peak hours, but there's a certain charm in watching the city wake up as you make your way to the airport. With my boarding pass in hand and a head full of mile-saving dreams, I arrived at JFK, ready to begin my transatlantic journey—even if the trip to the airport wasn’t exactly a VIP affair. Honestly, getting an Uber isn't any better, and you could get stuck in traffic and miss a flight, I've almost have in the past.
A Quick Stop at the Air France Lounge
The Air France Lounge at JFK is a practical space that provides the standard amenities expected in a business class lounge, but it lacks a special touch. The seating is sufficient but not particularly cozy, and the decor appears outdated and uninspiring. The food selection is limited, featuring a small buffet with a few salads, cheeses, cold cuts, and one or two lukewarm hot dishes, along with pastries and fruit—adequate for a quick snack but lacking in variety or excitement. The drink options are typical, including a basic champagne pour that’s unremarkable and not premium, along with a selection of wine, beer, and spirits. While it offers a quiet place to wait for your flight, the overall experience is underwhelming, providing little more than the essentials without any sense of luxury or sophistication.
Boarding the Air France 777: The Charm of an Aging Workhorse
Stepping onto the Air France 777, I immediately noticed that this aircraft has clearly seen better days. The interior was noticeably dated, and the business class seats bore the unmistakable marks of many transatlantic journeys. They weren’t in a state of glamorous vintage chic—they were simply falling apart, a reminder that even in business class, time takes its toll. Despite these imperfections, there were still moments of comfort. The seats did offer a decent recline and enough space to stretch out, though they fell short of the modern, zero-gravity experience one might hope for in today’s business class.
Culinary Delights at 35,000 Feet
Alright, let's dive into the culinary escapade—if we can even call it that—aboard the flight. Given Air France's fancy reputation for French cuisine, my taste buds were ready for a culinary masterpiece. But unfortunately, what I got was more like a culinary mystery. As a business class passenger, I was expecting more of a meal that screamed sophistication and quality, much like a French chef in a beret. I know that I don't always get that on my flights, but come on, this is a French airline! Instead, my entrée was as exciting as a snail race, and the dessert didn’t exactly whisk me away to a Parisian café. For a French airline, the grub was shockingly "meh" and left my expectations hanging like a deflated soufflé. (I jest) At the prices Air France is charging, I was expecting of a meal so refined it would make a croissant blush, but instead, it was more of a baguette blunder in both taste and presentation. Oh well.
The Value of Miles: Booking with 50,000 Air France Miles
One of the best parts of this journey was scoring the flight with just 50,000 Air France Miles. When you compare that to the cost of a cash ticket, it felt like a savvy move indeed. Redeeming these miles provided real value—especially considering that a similar cash ticket could have easily set you back a pretty penny. Even with the quirks of an aging aircraft and a lounge experience that left a bit to be desired, using those miles made the journey a win for the budget-conscious traveler.
Final Reflections: A Mixed Bag of Luxury and Nostalgia
My transatlantic flight on Air France’s 777 was a mixed bag—a blend of comfort, value, and a few nostalgic quirks. The journey from Jersey City to JFK was an adventure in itself, and while the lounge was serviceable, it didn’t quite match the high expectations I had. The aircraft, with its worn-out seats and dated interiors, reminded me that even in business class, not every detail sparkles. Yet, the food was enjoyable, and booking with miles gave me a sense of having made a smart, economical choice. I also really do love the 777, it has such a close place in my heart.
If you’re considering redeeming your miles for a transatlantic escape, keep in mind that sometimes, a flight is just a flight. It might not always be the pinnacle of modern luxury, but it can still be a cost-effective way to reach your destination while gathering stories of its own. After all, every journey has its quirks—and it’s those imperfections that often make the adventure all the more memorable. However, I am flying them again on the newer Airbus A350-900 from Newark Airport in June 2025. Am I crazy or is it right to give them another chance?
Feel free to share your own travel tales or ask any questions in the comments below. Every journey, no matter how imperfect, has a story worth telling!
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