A GREAT 'CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE' ON BOARD AIR FRANCE BUSINESS CLASS

‘Customer Experience’ has become the foremost podium to increase brand engagement. A major part of the experience is centered on the in flight services as it caters to an attentive audience, which helps in setting a positive impression. Air France considered to be one of the major airlines across the globe, has introduced several new products and services to enhance the overall customer experience thus, resulting in the enhancement of the internal operational functioning. 

Air France is in collaboration with one of the top gourmet food and delicatessen company in Paris aka ‘Fauchon’, which also happens to be one of my favorites.  While onboard you can experience a line of products that have been specially designed keeping in mind the need of the customer. My recent flight on board Air France Business made me aware of this fact. 

The flight attendant had asked me if I would like a cup of tea, usually I do not prefer to indulge in tea onboard, because they normally don’t have the selection of tea that I like, but to my surprise there was a choice of ‘masala chai’ available alongside many other selections by Fauchon and of course the decadent cookies to go with it.

THE SEAT

The complete look of the seat is chic, with cream leather and cream seat finishes outlining the profound slate blue seat. I loved the angle-poised lamp too, which is a pleasant touch. Waiting on the seat when I arrived was a king-size pillow, enclosed in a cotton duo-tone slip, a hanger signifying they will take your jacket, and a pair of slippers. There was also a very warm and a good sized duvet, impeccably sealed. Inflight publications, ‘Magazine’ and ‘Madame’ were a great read. It’s truly outstanding the airline can carry off a devoted fashion magazine with consistency and still have it bursting with extravagance advertising. 

Air France sure knows how to do an amenity kit and came in amazing colours (I choose the red from Delhi to Paris and the blue one on my return). As I unwrapped, the case showed itself off as a collector’s item in its own right. Opening it up there was a spectacle of wistful Air France black and white photographs from the JetSet Era. How chic! Beautiful baby blue soft touch eye mask, ear plugs, shoe-horn, comb and dental kit, plus a chap Ice lip balm and Clarins facial moisturizer. 

I usually don’t like travelling on long haul flights, as the seat gets extremely uncomfortable at some point or the other, but this time I slumbered like a ‘baby’, my seat had the precise amount of leg space, I could move around comfortably, and the best part about my seat was that I could lie down properly.

The in flight entertainment was not disappointing either, usually the movie selection is very limited when you are travelling internationally and you get bored seeing the same movies on every flight, but on this flight you could choose the entertainment program that would best suit your interest. It had all the new releases; the latest shows as, well as interesting music and games, one simply couldn’t get bored.

THE FOOD

Meal planning also plays an important role, when dealing with passengers on board and Air France does a fantastic job in providing a wonderful meal experience. It not only offers a glass of champagne to its business or first class customers but also to the customers that are travelling economy. One of the best inflight meals that I have had till date would be the one I experienced this time on my flight from Delhi to Paris. 

Now this is where Air France virtuously excelled. Expecting nothing more than a snack on a night flight, Air France presented an epicurean experience that still makes my mouth water. On offer was a wonderfully designed menu together with a wine list by sommeliers Paolo Basso and Wine writers Thierry Desseauve and Michel Bettane. For wine, we were treated to champagne from Joseph Perrier La Cuvee Royal brut, and for white, Bourgogne Blanc Pouilly-Fuisse 2014 Louis Latour. For reds there was a selection of Valee du Rhone Crozes -Hermitage Les Meysonniers 2014 M. Chapoutier or the rich Bordeaux, Saint Emilion Grand Cru Chateau Jean Faure 2011.

When the main course arrived, the aroma was incredible. The food was piping hot and flawless for filling me up and letting me sleep well on a full stomach. The sauce was perfect, the vegetables fragrant and the Perch perfectly cooked. Tucking into the cheese plate before the Coffee mousse, was great, and service attentive, the moment I broke my bread, the pleasant, and chivalrous cabin crew were around with the bread basket offering more rolls, with a varied assortment to choose from, all crusty and hot. From the appetizer to the main course everything was delicious; I managed to finish off most of the things on my plate. Air France works on creating a menu that is world class, by appointing renowned chefs to design their menus; this in return takes the entire dining experience to a completely new level. 

At the end of my meal, I was served a trio of desserts, which were outstanding, never had I expected such tasty desserts on board. I woke approximately one hour before arrival, and my breakfast tray delivered, and hot coffee dispensed practically instantly.

The same cabin crew lady offered the meal, looking fresh and still as cheerful as ever.

THE LOUNGE

As we were travelling onwards to Casablanca we decided to head to 2E on concourse M, through an unimposing door, lay Air France’s biggest lounge in CDG and the spacious and well-appointed space became our home for the next few hours. There are not only showers to refresh but a Clarins treatment zone, perfect for a bit of Pre Morocco pampering. Looking for a quiet space to relax, we headed to the end of the lounge, which has its own snack and beverage section and brilliant views of the airport. There are some lovely design touches in the lounge too, from standalone lights with branch like stands. Clean lines, calm cool creamish brown greys and whites fill the space, only broken by the occasional lovely green splash of colour. That said, CDG is a buyers dream, with high end boutiques lining the departure halls and of course I didn’t miss out on that chance! 

FAST FACTS

BEST FOR: Anyone with a degree of style, looking for good connections around the world.

THE CROWD: This carrier oozes Parisian chic (Thank God I dressed well!!).
BUSINESS OR PLEASURE: This carrier is all about both, outstanding and magnificent food harmonized with exceptional flight schedules, impeccable for any traveler.

ROUTES: Air France, and partner KLM have networks to almost every country in the globe.

FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAMME: Flying Blue well linked with airlines across the globe, with Delta, KLM and Air France all presenting brilliant reward availability.
MY FAVORITE BIT: The staff was warm and friendly, which added to the overall experience. It felt nice being looked after so well, the in flight staff catered to all my needs and I was really happy about that, not many people take an effort to do so.

FOR BOOKING LOG ON TO: http://www.airfrance.com/IN/en/common/home/flights/ticket-plane.do