Summary Air France’s 787-9 provided a comfortable flight experience with ample legroom and a comprehensive IFE system.
The airline delivered an authentic french experience to all onboard.
The crew handled a medical emergency during the flight with professionalism, resulting in a positive outcome.
As my time in North America ended, it was time for me to cross the Atlantic again. My flight took me back to Paris- Charles-de-Gaulle from Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson (ATL). ATL is the world’s busiest airport, primarily thanks to the area where it was constructed, allowing the airfield to grow. It also benefits a lot from Delta Air Line’s vast network of destinations.
My origin airport on this occasion was not Atlanta, as I had just gotten off one of the US carrier’s 757-200s on a two-hour flight from Mexico’s resort destination – Cancun. This flight itself was smooth, and I will cover it in a later review.
Passport control and TSA were quick, taking less than 20 minutes. I then went to gate F5 in the international satellite terminal, where my aircraft was boarding.
Photo: Benjamin Cooper I Simple Flying
Waiting on the apron was one of Air France’s 787-9s registered as F-HRBG, delivered new to the French flag carrier five years ago.
Photo: Benjamin Cooper I Simple Flying
As a Flying Blue Silver status holder, I was offered boarding in Group 3, the first group to board in economy class.
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I was sitting on row 30, seat 30—the emergency exit window seat, with a breathtaking wing view. Waiting at my seat was a set of cushions and blankets. Shortly after settling in, the cabin passed by distributing headphones for the flight. However, I did not need them as I had already brought my own.
I’m just warning you: While this row gives you ample legroom, please note that it requires you to be ready to assist the crew in an improbable emergency. When on emergency exit rows, please always listen carefully to your crew. They will brief you on how to operate the door. If you feel unfit to help, please contact them, and you will be reseated at no extra charge.
Related How Have Inflight Entertainment Headphones Evolved Over The Years? Such technology was first introduced by TWA on flights in 1963.
The seat itself was very comfortable despite a full flight. I found the adjustable headrest to stabilize my head enough to get a few hours of sleep. The cushion surprised me. Not only did I like the motives, resembling the French “accent aigue” used in the language, a nod to the airline logo – it also was very comfortable for an economy class amenity.
Soon, it was time to close the doors and push back on our way to the French capital; the flight time was 7 hours and 45 minutes, one of the longest red-eye flights I have ever been on.
Photo: Benjamin Cooper I Simple Flying
I have done many European-bound transatlantic flights, but this takeoff had to rank among my favorites. The lush green fields of Georgia as the sun set on a crystal blue evening sky. This is precisely why I find flying so relaxing.
Just as we leveled off to cruising altitude, I was surprised to be given a refreshing towel. It isn’t the hot towels found on Singapore Airlines, but it’s still a welcome gesture, helping you wind down as you settle down for a long flight, and the sense of talk was lovely.
Photo: Benjamin Cooper I Simple Flying
AF offers a comprehensive IFE system featuring blockbuster films, series, and documentaries. After I had used the towel, I decided to sit back and watch an Avgeek favorite – Top Gun: Maverick.
Photo: Benjamin Cooper I Simple Flying
The meal service soon began. I enjoy trying what airlines offer gluten-free meals; the recipes are usually flavorsome and creative. This time was no different, with fresh salad and brown vinaigrette as a starter. The dish was a mustard chicken with rice, diced vegetables, and a bun, and the dessert was a deliciously fresh fruit salad with melon, strawberry, and pineapple.
One of the best things about these special meals is that you are served first. A full flight like today means you can eat more comfortably as you will have more room to enjoy your meal. Each passenger over the age of 18 was offered complimentary champagne.
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After my movie ended, I got some sleep for an extra two hours and woke up just as the snack bar was being prepared at the back galley. There, I spoke with the crew about their favorite aspect of the Dreamliner – bunkbeds. All the while, I was sipping on some fizzy soda with a lime. This is why I like the slow pace of long overnight flights; you get to chat with people about their experiences, their travel, and their culture.
Photo: Benjamin Cooper I Simple Flying
As I gained my seat to begin a new movie, an announcement stopped the IFE screen, and it was one of the most dreaded ones I could hear over the public address system: “A passenger at the back galley requires medical attention. If you are qualified medical personnel, please make yourselves known immediately to staff with your medical ID.”
The same announcement was then repeated in French. Soon, a doctor went to where the bar was set up. They interrupted the service until shortly after the initial descent. For a moment, there was talk of a diversion. Fortunately, however, our crew’s training kicked in, and with the help of the doctor, the patient was stabilized, and we were cleared to proceed onwards to our destination.
Related How Crew Deal With In-Flight Medical Emergencies What happens during a medical emergency onboard the aircraft
Later on, after talking with the purser, I discovered we were minutes away from beginning an emergency descent. He did not comment, however, on where our diversion could have been. Simple Flying reached out to the airline for further comments.
With the medical emergency cleared and our plane reaching the top of descent into CDG, it was time for breakfast. The gluten-free option included orange juice, a bread bun with butter, marmalade, and some cream cheese. All of these tasted good and were a perfect way to end what turned out to be a very eventful flight.
Photo: Benjamin Cooper I Simple Flying
Overall, Air France offered a competitive product in economy class, portraying French culture from take-off to wheels-down and making the experience authentic and balanced. I want to congratulate the crew who demonstrated professionalism in dealing with a difficult situation, which led to a positive outcome for all involved.
Flight Review: Air France Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Economy Class From Atlanta To Paris
