Paris always feels like a place where stories begin. People visit for the Eiffel Tower, the Michelin starred restaurants, and the simple joy of turning a corner and finding something beautiful without even trying. 

I joke that I am ready to live my best Emily in Paris life, only with fewer outfit changes and a much stronger focus on flying Air France Business Class. It is a silly line, but it captures how eager I feel to start this trip.

Even with all the charm of Paris waiting for me, the flight itself sits at the top of my mind. Why? This is my first time flying Air France, let alone Air France Business Class. The Airbus A350-900 aircraft on this route features the Safran Optima seat, which is not the newest Air France Business Class cabin, yet it is a hard product I have wanted to try for a long time.

Before I get swept up in thoughts of Paris streets and evening walks along the Seine, I focus on the journey ahead. This Air France A350-900 Business Class flight from Toronto (YYZ) to Paris (CDG) sets the tone for the entire trip, and I am more than ready to see how this experience measures up.

Award Flight Booking (7/10)

I begin this trip with the most important step: how to book Air France Business Class. In general, the best option is to use Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles. This program usually gives the lowest prices in points and has reasonable taxes and fees. However, since Air France is part of the SkyTeam alliance, partner programs can also be used to book an Air France Business Class.

Here are a few common award options for a one way Business Class seat between North America and Europe on Air France:

• Air France-KLM Flying Blue: 60,000 points + ~250 USD
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: 58,500 points +  ~250 USD
• Delta SkyMiles: 220,000 points + ~5 USD

For this trip, I use my Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles and book two seats (spouse + me) in Business Class. It feels like a strong value, especially since award seats for this route can be limited and the cash rate often reaches above 3,000 USD per person. 

Here is the exact itinerary I book:

• Flight Number: AF359
• Route: Toronto, Canada (YYZ) to Paris, France (CDG)
• Departure Date: October 27, 2025
• Departing: 22:45
• Arriving: 11:10 (+1 day)
• Duration: 7 hours and 25 minutes

With the booking locked in, the excitement begins to build. I am finally on my way to experiencing Air France Business Class.

TPA Pro Tip: If you want to book Air France Business Class with points, always start your search on the Air France-KLM Flying Blue website. Air France frequently releases more award seats to its own members than to partner programs like Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Japan Airlines Mileage Bank, or Delta SkyMiles.

Business Class Airport Check-In (7/10)

I arrive at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) by taking the UP Express from Union Station. Once I reach the airport, I switch to the small terminal train that brings me to Terminal 3, where the Air France check in area is located. The terminal feels busy, but the Air France section is easy to find.

When I fly in Business Class, I never expect anything dramatic at check in. I only hope for a smooth process and a line that moves quickly. For this Air France flight, the experience meets expectations. A separate SkyPriority lane is available, and I walk straight to the counter without waiting at all.

The agent prints my boarding pass and sends me toward the priority security lane. Within about fifteen minutes, I am through security and standing airside. It is simple, efficient, and exactly what I hope for at the start of a long trip.

Airport Lounge: KLM Crown Lounge (6/10)

After clearing security, I walk through the duty free shops and start looking for the lounge while I wait for my flight to board. Air France uses the KLM Crown Lounge in Terminal 3, which feels logical given how closely the two airlines work together.

The lounge sits above Gate C32, and I take a small elevator up to the entrance. I keep my expectations low. Most lounges in North American airports feel underwhelming, especially when they are outstations, so I prepare for something simple.

The KLM Crown Lounge turns out to be fairly average, although it still surprises me in a few small ways. The space is on the smaller side, yet it offers a mix of seating, from loungers to dining style tables, so it is not difficult to find a spot that feels comfortable.

The food selection includes a few hot dishes such as teriyaki chicken, roasted vegetables, chicken curry, and tofu dumplings. The tofu dumplings taste better than expected. The cold items focus on salads, dips, and sauces.

Drinks include a basic selection of alcohol, juices, a coffee machine, and plenty of water, so staying hydrated is easy. I settle into a quiet corner, and I choose not to eat much. I want to save my appetite for the onboard meal service.

For a North American outstation lounge, the KLM Crown Lounge feels slightly above average. It is calm enough to get some work done, easy enough to find a seat, and predictable in its food offerings. It does the job, although it is not a place I feel the need to explore for long.

Air France A350-900 Aircraft Cabin And Layout (6/10)

Boarding begins, and I walk down to Gate C35. The area is crowded, as usual, with groups of people gathering long before their boarding groups are called. I weave through the cluster and reach the podium. As soon as the gate agent scans my boarding pass, a loud ping comes from her computer. 

I instantly know something is wrong.

In moments like this, I picture only two outcomes. Either I am downgraded to Economy Class, or I am moved to a new seat without notice. The second scenario turns out to be the truth, which is better than a downgrade, although still far from ideal. The gate agent stays completely neutral and hands over my new boarding pass without any explanation or apology. 

It feels like a rough start.

Air France currently operates two versions of the Airbus A350-900. The older configuration, which I am flying tonight, uses the Safran Optima seat. The newer layout features the Stelia Opera suite, which is a clear upgrade and offers more privacy and comfort. If you want the best Air France A350 900 Business Class experience, the Opera cabin is the one to aim for.

Air France Business Class Configuration

This aircraft has 34 Business Class seats in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration. For solo travelers, the A or L seats are the best choice, since they sit closer to the window. Couples usually prefer the E and G seats in the center, which is why my spouse and I originally selected seats 8E and 8G. The involuntary move places us in 9D and 9H instead, which are not ideal for traveling together.

Once onboard, the cabin makes a strong first impression. The design mixes bright white surfaces with deep navy accents, which feels modern and clean. The colors remind me of the French flag, and the overall style feels polished.

I settle into my aisle seat and quickly notice that it feels more private than expected. My legs are partly exposed to the aisle, but a panel beside the seat blocks most of the view. The Air France Safran Optima seat is fine for a transatlantic flight, yet it is not a standout product. 

There are two Business Class lavatories. The first sits at the very front of the aircraft near the cockpit door and the second sits between the Business Class and Premium Economy cabins. The forward lavatory is for Business Class passengers only, while the one in the middle is shared.

In complete honesty, the combination of the seat change at the gate, the position beside the aisle, and the overall density of the cabin lowers my initial enthusiasm.

TPA Pro Tip: If you want to know which Air France A350-900 Business Class cabin you are flying, the easiest method is to check the total seat count. A cabin with 48 Business Class seats uses the newer Opera configuration, whereas a cabin with 34 Business Class seats is the older Optima version.

Air France Business Class Seat (6/10)

Even though the Safran Optima seat is not the preferred option on the Air France A350-900 Business Class, I still find it comfortable once I settle in. My rating would be a little higher if my spouse and I received seats farther from the aisle, since those have more privacy and feel less exposed.

The seat itself offers good cushioning, and one unexpected benefit of sitting closer to the aisle is the larger footwell. In lie flat mode, the extra room for my legs makes a noticeable difference compared to the window side seats.

At each seat, Air France places a blanket, a pillow, and the amenity kit. Directly in front of me is the in flight entertainment screen. The display is very reflective, yet the touchscreen works well and responds quickly when the system is functioning.

Below the screen is the tray table, which slides out with a simple push. Under that is the footwell where my legs extend when the seat is in bed mode.

Within arm reach on the side wall are the seat controls for takeoff, recline, and lie flat settings.

To my left, I find a small shelf, a storage cupboard, and a divider that I can raise if I want more separation from the seat beside me.

Inside the cupboard is a mirror, a pair of headphones, and a bottle of Evian. 

Right next to it sits the remote for the entertainment system. It uses an older style touchpad, and I find it difficult to control with any precision.

On my right side is another divider that extends almost the full length of the seat. This panel holds a reading light and a second set of controls for the overhead light, the Do Not Disturb setting, and the call button for the crew.

Under the armrest on the same side is a small storage bin, although it is too shallow to hold anything bigger than a phone or passport.

Air France Business Class Bed (6/10)

After a late dinner service, I put my focus on sleep. On a red eye transatlantic flight, the most important part of the experience is how quickly the crew completes the meal service so that passengers can rest.

Air France does not provide a mattress pad, a duvet, or any type of turndown service in the Business Class cabin. The setup includes only a pillow and a blanket. It is simple enough to recline the seat fully and place the blanket on top of myself, although a mattress pad would elevate the experience. 

Given the reputation of Air France as a premium European carrier, a small seat cover or mattress pad would feel appropriate here. Even Air Canada provides a simple seat cover in its Business Class cabin.

Further, Air France did not provide pajamas in Business Class for this flight; which is fairly standard for most airlines; I am fine with that, but frequent flyers who love a full sleep kit may want to bring their own lightweight sleepwear.

Once the seat is fully flat, I find it comfortable enough for a short rest. I sleep on my side, so the larger footwell in this aisle side seat makes a noticeable difference. I fall asleep quickly and manage about three hours of rest. I do feel somewhat exposed to the aisle, yet I am tired enough that it does not disrupt my sleep.

The bed is not luxurious, but it does what I need it to do on a short overnight flight.

On-Board Entertainment (4/10)

The entertainment on the Air France A350-900 Business Class should be strong in theory, but my flight turns out to be unlucky. Air France normally offers Wi-Fi on the Airbus A350-900, yet the Wi-Fi system is not working on this journey. 

I try to connect several times with no success.

The in-flight entertainment screen also has issues. For most of the flight, it is frozen on the welcome page. After I wake up from a short sleep, the system finally loads, so I take a moment to explore the options. 

The selection is average, with a mix of movies and shows that cover the basics. As a self proclaimed “aviation geek,” the highlight for me is the pair of exterior cameras on the Airbus A350-900. Often, that is all I need.

The remote control makes things even more frustrating. It uses an older touchpad that does not respond well. The sensitivity feels inconsistent, and the movements do not match what I expect. After a few tries, I rely mainly on the touchscreen instead.

Business Class Lavatory (6/10)

On the Air France A350-900 Business Class, there are two lavatories (one shared with Premium Economy) for the 34 passengers in the Business Class cabin. This feels less-than-average for a layout of this size. Throughout the flight, the crew keeps both spaces clean enough, and I never see them in poor condition nor are they outstanding.

The lavatories include a small selection of sprays, ranging from disinfecting alcohol to Clarins perfume. These small touches add a bit of comfort, even though the overall space feels similar to most Business Class lavatories that I have used in the past.

One detail I appreciate is the full length mirror. It is helpful when getting ready before landing, especially on an overnight flight. The lavatories are not memorable, yet they do exactly what I expect for a transatlantic Business Class experience.

Air France Business Class Amenity Kit (5/10)

The amenity kit for this Air France A350-900 Business Class flight feels fairly average. It comes in a small blue pouch that has a light and somewhat cheap texture. Inside, the items are functional but not memorable.

The kit includes an eye mask, a pair of socks, ear plugs, a basic pen, and a simple toothbrush. For products, Air France adds two Clarins creams, one for hands and one for the face, along with a small bottle of mouthwash. Everything works for a short overnight flight, yet nothing stands out.

When I compare this kit to what other airlines offer in Business Class, it sits in the middle of the pack. Air France presents itself as a premium carrier in Europe, and the La Premiere First Class amenities are among the best in the world. The Business Class kit, however, does not match that level of standard that Air France is trying to be. 

It is fine for the route, but it does not feel special.

Air France Business Class Food And Beverage (7/10)

On this transatlantic red eye, Air France serves two meals. Supper begins shortly after takeoff, and breakfast arrives just before landing. The timing works well because most passengers want to eat quickly and then rest.

Main Meal Service

The supper service begins with a roast duck breast paired with a butternut squash mousse line and a few tomatoes. The appetizer tastes pleasant, although the presentation feels plain. 

For an airline that aims to be one of the most premium carriers in Europe, receiving everything on a single tray feels a little basic. The portion of duck is also quite small, although the flavor is still enjoyable.

There are four choices for the main course. I choose the beef cheek with a red wine demi glace, served with carrots and onions.

This dish is easily the standout of the night. The beef cheek is tender, rich, and free of any briny taste. The red wine sauce pairs well with the onions, and the overall balance of the dish feels thoughtful.

After the main course, I try the cheese plate, which includes mature cheese, blue cheese, and brie. All three taste fine, yet none of them feel special. The dessert is a small chocolate and caramel cake. It is pleasant, although not something I would remember after the flight.

The drink selection feels familiar. Air France earns praise for offering only French wines and spirits, and the highlight is the Fleur de Champagne 1er Cru Duval Leroy. Non alcoholic drinks include water, juices, soft drinks, ILLY coffee, and several teas. 

I enjoy both Evian still water and Perrier sparkling water throughout the flight to stay hydrated.

Breakfast Meal Service

After about three hours of sleep, a flight attendant wakes me for breakfast. 

The options are a Continental Breakfast or a cheese omelet. I choose the Continental Breakfast because I am not very hungry. The yogurt tastes plain, and the croissant and bread feel dry. I eat the fruit for some vitamins and fiber, but the overall breakfast is disappointing.

The food and beverage experience is slightly above average but not exceptional.

Air France Staff And Service (8/10)

The cabin crew on this Air France A350-900 Business Class flight feel professional and friendly from the start. They do not stand out in any dramatic way, yet they perform the most important task on a transatlantic red eye with real expertise.

On an overnight flight, most passengers want the same thing. They want a quick meal and as much sleep as possible. The crew understands this clearly. They begin the service quickly, move through the cabin with good speed, and stay on top of clearing trays and wrapping up the main meal. 

Their pace allows the entire cabin to settle in and rest without delay.

The service is not memorable in a personal sense, but it is extremely efficient. On a short overnight flight to Europe, that efficiency is exactly what matters most.

Final Thoughts

Flying in the older Air France A350-900 Business Class configuration turns out to be a good, but not great experience. Even with the seat change at the gate and a layout that is not ideal, the flight feels comfortable and enjoyable. I would happily choose Air France again on another trip across the Atlantic.

The cabin feels clean and modern, the Optima Business Class seat provides enough comfort for a short overnight journey, and the food is acceptable. Most importantly, the crew works with impressive efficiency, which matters more than anything on a seven-and-a-half hour red eye flight.

Since this is my first time flying with Air France, the experience leaves me curious to try the newer Opera Business Class suite on a future departure from Paris (CDG). I want to see how that updated cabin compares with leading global carriers like Qatar Airways QSuites and how much more Air France can offer from its hub instead of an outstation.

Now that I arrive in Paris, I feel excited for the next part of this trip. I am looking forward to an incredible line up of hotel stays at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, Hôtel du Louvre, and the Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace. 

It feels like the perfect continuation of a points and miles adventure.

Kevin Zhao