Air France Boeing 777-300 business class: NEW YORK-PARIS

The highlight of the lounge is the Clarins Spa and its range of 20-minute treatments

- Tamsin Cocks

BACKGROUND

Air France launched its new long-haul business class product on the Boeing 777-300 earlier this year, featuring the "three F"s - fully-flat, full aisle access and full privacy. So far six of its 12 777s have been retrofitted with the new product, with the remaining six due to be complete by the end of the year. Currently the upgraded product serves flights to New York JFK, Rio de Janeiro, Dakar and Johannesburg from Paris Charles de Gaulle, with upcoming destinations to include Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai. The carrier has also announced it will be introducing a new La Première (first class) product this year, with details yet to be released.

CHECK-IN

I arrived at JFK Terminal 1 at 1420 for the 1730 flight AF15 to Paris Charles De Gaulle. The Air France check-in counters were directly in front of the entrance and there was a short queue in both Sky Priority and normal counters. I used an expedited security lane (open 9am-10pm, US$35, reserve via flyvipone.com), and was airside by 1445.

THE LOUNGE

The Air France lounge is located by Gate 1, a two-minute walk from security. It's a bright and airy split-level space (open 9.30am-midnight) with plenty of table seating, although it did get busy and most were occupied. There was a selection of hot and cold dishes that were refreshed regularly, plus wine, Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royale Brut, Heineken beer and soft drinks.

The highlight of the lounge is the Clarins Spa, where you can enjoy a range of 20-minute treatments. La Première passengers can reserve in advance, or they can be booked at the reservation desk on a first-come-first-serve basis for business and Flying Blue Elite Plus passengers.

BOARDING