The Air France La Première First Class is About To Get Even More Luxurious

Air France La Première, the airline's highly-lauded first class, is getting not one, but two upgrades in 2024—and it all starts on the ground.

First, travelers flying through Paris, like for the upcoming Summer Olympic Games, will get an enhanced in-airport experience. Starting in July, La Première passengers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) can use a new check-in lobby, dedicated security channel, and swanky suites. The goal is to create even more privacy than before—from terminal arrival to boarding.

The revamped ground experience will be introduced in the coming months. Then, all eyes turn to the true star of the show: Air France’s new La Première onboard cabin, debuting this winter. The new first class seat will be the longest in the world, with a separate seat, sofa, and fully flat bed.

Here’s everything that we know so far about the upgrades coming to La Première in 2024—from the airport experience on the ground to the cabin revamp in the skies.

A great ground experience gets even better

Air France La Première already offers one of the more lavish airport experiences when departing or connecting through CDG.

Not only does the post-security lounge put many Michelin-starred restaurants to shame, there are also endless bottles of Krug Grande Cuvée and a Sisley spa with complimentary 30-minute treatments. And when it’s time to board your flight, you’ll be fetched by your personal concierge and driven up directly to the plane.

So how can get it get even better? Well, for starters, Air France is debuting a brand-new landside check-in lobby, adorned in a oh-so-French palette of white, gray, and red. First-class guests can use the exclusive facilities which include sumptuous leather seating, abundant natural light, and shower facilities to freshen up.

However, the real treat is for departing passengers who will be escorted down a secret passageway that leads to a dedicated security checkpoint. From there, it’s onto the aforementioned lounge, a 10,700 square-foot hideaway with a curated menu and wine selection crafted by Alain Ducasse.

While the post-security CDG lounge isn’t new, for the first time, La Première guests have the option to reserve one of three fully private suites that will be available starting in July. These 500-square-foot sanctuaries will be connected to the main lounge and feature a spacious living area, a bedroom with a double bed, an outdoor patio, and a dedicated butler. Two of the suites can be connected. Of course, travelers can still partake in a full dining experience or use the Sisley spa.

These optional suites for La Première passengers, embellished with fresh flowers and luxurious linens start at 800 Euros (about $870). That includes a private check-in area before security, located within the already-secluded new lobby.

The new La Première cabin

Currently, Air France offers one row of La Première on select Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Each berth in the ultra-exclusive and minimalist four-seat cabin is separated by floor-to-ceiling curtains.

Later this winter, Air France is preparing to unveil a refreshed La Première cabin. This highly-anticipated product will include the longest seat in commercial aviation, according to the airline. With five windows dedicated to each passenger, and only three seats in the cabin, the upscale space will receive an added layer of French refinement.

As of summer 2024, the carrier will have 19 Boeing 777-300ERs outfitted with the older La Première product, flying to Abidjan, Dubai, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Tokyo-Haneda, and Washington, DC. Fans of the cabin are in luck: the new La Première cabin will be available on even more aircraft than currently offered, per Air France.