Inside Air France’s Boeing 787 Business Class: Seat Comfort, Service & Amenities Reviewed

Travelers flying Air France’s Boeing 787-9 on the Montreal (YUL) to Paris (CDG) route can expect a well-rounded business class experience that balances comfort, service, and amenities—albeit one that’s not as cutting-edge as the airline’s newer aircraft like the Airbus A350 or Boeing 777. For passengers redeeming Flying Blue miles, the 6-hour, 25-minute overnight flight offers a solid value proposition, with 30 reverse herringbone seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, gourmet dining, and attentive service. But with Air France’s newer planes boasting upgraded cabins, does the 787 still hold its own?

What to Expect from Air France’s Boeing 787 Business Class: A Mid-Range Luxury Experience

Air France’s Boeing 787-9 fleet consists of 10 aircraft, each configured with 30 business class seats spanning eight rows in a reverse herringbone layout. While the airline’s newer A350 and 777 jets feature more advanced cabins—with improved seat designs and enhanced privacy—the 787’s product remains competitive for passengers prioritizing reliability, service, and comfort over the latest technological innovations. The 787’s business class cabin, though not class-leading, delivers a consistent transatlantic experience, with warm hospitality, high-quality amenities, and a solid suite of in-flight offerings.

Seat Design and Layout: A Decade-Old Reverse Herringbone Standard

The 787’s business class seats are Safran Cirrus models, a last-generation reverse herringbone design that prioritizes privacy and personal space. Seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, meaning solo travelers can secure a window or aisle seat without compromising convenience. However, couples may find the middle seats less ideal, as they require leaning forward to converse—a common quirk of reverse herringbone configurations. Seat 8A, the window seat in the last row, offers a standard experience: a 16-inch touchscreen monitor, a side console with storage, a vanity, and a headphone hook. The seat lacks USB-C or wireless charging but includes AC and USB-A outlets, a 16-inch personal monitor, and a decent-sized ottoman that converts into part of the bed during flight.

Comfort and Privacy Features: What Makes the 787’s Seats Tick

The 787’s seats include a privacy partition for solo travelers, a console with an enclosed storage area, and pre-set controls for seat adjustments. While the overhead console lacks individual air nozzles—a notable omission—the reading lights are functional. The seats recline fully into a flat bed, with the ottoman extending to create additional sleeping space. The mattress pad, provided in partnership with Sofitel, enhances comfort, even on shorter long-haul flights. For passengers who value a window seat, nearly all window positions in the 787’s business class are equally desirable, with no significant differences in legroom or proximity to the aisle.

Air France’s Boeing 787 Business Class Lounge and Boarding Experience in Montreal

Passengers departing from Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) can access the Air France Lounge before their flight. While the lounge can become crowded, it offers a welcoming atmosphere with natural light, stylish decor, and a solid selection of food and beverages. Boarding for the YUL-CDG flight typically begins 35 minutes before departure, with business class passengers invited to board first. The flight used for this review, operated by the nine-year-old Boeing 787-9 (registration F-HRBB), showcased Air France’s updated livery, which features a larger font and sleeker design on the Dreamliner’s fuselage.

Dining and Drinks: A Taste of French Hospitality at 35,000 Feet

Air France is renowned for its transatlantic dining, and the 787’s business class menu upholds this reputation. Upon boarding, passengers receive a bottle of Evian water, noise-canceling headphones, and slippers—amenities that underscore the airline’s attention to detail. Pre-departure drinks, including champagne, orange juice, or water, are served shortly after takeoff, followed by the distribution of Clarins amenity kits. The kits include socks, eyeshades, a dental kit, earplugs, lotion, and lip balm. Warm towels are also provided before or during the meal service, which features a multi-course dinner designed to reflect French culinary traditions.

The Dinner Service: A Multi-Course French Feast

The dinner service on Air France’s 787 business class typically includes a starter, main course, cheese selection, and dessert, accompanied by wine pairings. The menu often features seasonal ingredients and classic French dishes, such as duck confit or beef bourguignon, alongside lighter options for health-conscious travelers. The crew’s service is consistently praised for its professionalism and warmth, with flight attendants attentive to passengers’ needs throughout the flight. For those with dietary restrictions, Air France offers special meal options that can be requested in advance.

In-Flight Entertainment and Wi-Fi: A Functional but Outdated System

The 787’s in-flight entertainment system features 16-inch touchscreen monitors, though the interface is not as modern as the airline’s newer aircraft. The selection includes an extensive library of movies, TV shows, and audio content, with a particularly strong lineup of French and international films. The map feature, which tracks the flight’s progress, is a favorite among passengers, provided there’s no tail camera obstructing the view. Wi-Fi is available for purchase, with Flying Blue members enjoying free messaging and passengers able to choose between a one-hour pass for 12 EUR or a full-flight pass for 29 EUR. However, Air France is transitioning to free Starlink Wi-Fi across most of its fleet, a move that will significantly enhance the in-flight experience for future travelers.

Amenities and Comfort: The Little Details That Matter

Air France goes above and beyond to ensure passenger comfort on the 787, with amenities that elevate the mid-range experience. Passengers receive a full set of bedding, including a pillow, blanket, and Sofitel mattress pad, even on shorter long-haul flights. Slippers are provided to make trips to the lavatory more comfortable, while noise-canceling headphones enhance the in-flight entertainment experience. The amenity kits, featuring Clarins products, include practical items like socks, earplugs, and lip balm. Warm towels are distributed before or during the meal service, adding a touch of luxury to the journey.

The Arrival Experience: Touchdown in Paris

The 787’s arrival in Paris (CDG) is marked by the same level of attentive service that passengers experience throughout the flight. Upon landing, passengers disembark via the second set of doors, with the crew offering a final round of service. The Boeing 787-9’s smooth landing and quiet operation contribute to a pleasant end to the journey, setting the stage for passengers to continue their travels or explore Paris.

How the Booking Process Works: Redeeming Flying Blue Miles

For this review, the reviewer redeemed 60,000 Flying Blue miles plus $266.47 in taxes and fees for the YUL-CDG flight. Flying Blue, Air France-KLM’s frequent flyer program, is known for its transfer partners, making it relatively easy to accumulate miles. The reviewer noted that they top off their Flying Blue account during transfer bonuses, as it’s one of their most frequently redeemed currencies. The flexibility of Flying Blue miles allows travelers to book flights on Air France, KLM, and partner airlines, with availability often improving closer to the departure date.

Comparing Air France’s 787 to Newer Aircraft: Where It Falls Short (and Where It Shines)

While Air France’s newer A350 and 777 jets feature upgraded business class cabins with improved seat designs, enhanced privacy, and more advanced in-flight systems, the 787 remains a reliable option for travelers seeking a comfortable and consistent transatlantic experience. The 787’s reverse herringbone seats, though not cutting-edge, offer solid comfort and privacy, while the airline’s renowned service and dining ensure a pleasant journey. However, the lack of individual air nozzles and USB-C charging may deter passengers who prioritize modern amenities. The future of Air France’s 787 fleet remains uncertain, with questions about potential cabin upgrades, transfers to KLM, or retirement.

Key Takeaways: Is Air France’s Boeing 787 Business Class Worth Your Time and Miles?

• Air France’s Boeing 787-9 business class offers a solid, mid-range experience with reliable service, gourmet dining, and attentive hospitality.
• The reverse herringbone seats are comfortable and private but lack the cutting-edge features of Air France’s newer A350 and 777 cabins.
• Passengers receive high-quality amenities, including noise-canceling headphones, slippers, Clarins amenity kits, and a Sofitel mattress pad.
• The in-flight entertainment system is functional but outdated, while Wi-Fi is available for purchase (though free Starlink Wi-Fi is coming soon).
• For travelers redeeming Flying Blue miles, the 787 offers good value, with 60,000 miles plus taxes and fees required for the YUL-CDG route.

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