Air France 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class: My Honest Review

If you travel often, you probably have that dream flight in the back of your mind. Yep, we all have one!

The one that feels almost unattainable, the trip you imagine yourself taking in complete comfort, with little to no stress along the way.

For me, it’s always been flying long-haul business class: a real lie-flat seat, attentive service, gourmet meals, champagne before takeoff, and actually arriving overseas feeling like a functioning human instead of a zombie.

I’ve always been a littlleeee bit envious of the passengers who enter the plane and turn left (iykyk) and then when you are deplaning, seeing their “bed” they had for the last however many hours compared to your tiny economy seat… ok yeah, I have been jealous!

It’s the kind of experience I’ve dreamed about for years, especially after countless 8–10 hour economy flights where I barely slept and battled jet lag for days.

I take 25+ flights a year, have done multiple international trips, and have crossed the Atlantic more times than I can count… all in economy. I’ve always told myself, someday! Someday when it makes sense. Someday when the price is right. Someday when the stars align and I can justify treating myself.

Well, that someday came very unexpectedly, and very last minute, on an Air France flight from Denver to Paris! Here’s my honest review of flying Air France 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class from the moment I arrived at the airport to leaving the airport in Paris, France.

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A Very Spontaneous (and Slightly Tipsy) Upgrade Decision

Here’s how it happened.

My boyfriend (at the time) and I were flying from Denver (DIA) to Paris for a Euro summer trip to the South of France, and the night before our flight we were at a close friend’s wedding. There may have been celebratory drinks involved. Actually… there were definitely celebratory drinks involved.

When I checked in for our flight later that night, purely out of habit, I clicked the “upgrade” option out of curiosity, expecting the same 4 figure price tag to upgrade.

Imagine my shock when the upgrade price from economy to business class was under $500 per person.

Less than $500 for a lie-flat seat from Denver to Paris!

I stared at my phone. Looked at him. Looked back at my phone. Did some very quick girl math. And on a total whim, we said… why not? I was a little shocked he agreed, but little did I know this would become the trip of a lifetime!

We upgraded on the spot. We were flying business class to France! Euro summer here come.

In hindsight, I’m convinced that spontaneous, romantic, slightly tipsy decision played a role in what happened later on that trip because he proposed in France! So I’ll forever associate Air France business class with one of the best trips of my life.

But back to the flight.

Lounge Access: Delta vs. Centurion at DIA

One of the perks of flying business class internationally is complimentary lounge access. Air France is a Delta partner, which means access to the Delta Sky Club at Denver International Airport.

I’ll be honest: the Delta lounge at DIA is… not great. I know renovations are supposedly coming, but as of this flight, when I have visited, it was crowded, underwhelming, and not somewhere I wanted to spend time before a long overnight flight.

The food choices are simple and it’s a serve yourself bar. On the contrary, the Delta lounge near G gates at the MSP (Minneapolis/St. Paul) airport is the best lounge I have ever been to. And I am starting to think of myself as a “lounge connoisseur” (lol). Just a side note, but wanted to clarify I’m not giving a negative review on all Delta lounges.

Since I have the Amex Platinum, we opted for the Centurion Lounge instead, which was a much better experience. Better food, better atmosphere, and a calmer place to start the trip.

The Centurion Lounge at Denver has a two full bars with bartenders, refreshment counters with tea, flavored water, coffee, etc., and a full buffet. On the menu was build-your-own mac-n-cheese, which sounds simple, but was one of the better items I’ve had at the lounge. I topped mine with bacon and green onions.

To top it all off, a glass of champagne. You’ll notice my drink of choice is champagne throughout this blog post. My boyfriend chose his signature old fashioned.

If you’re flying business class out of Denver and have lounge options, I’d recommend skipping the Delta lounge if you can.

Boarding Group One (and Turning Left for the First Time)

Boarding Group One was called, and for the first time ever on a plane, I turned left when boarding.

If you know, you know. First class is in this section of the plane.

We were immediately greeted warmly by the flight attendants and directed to our seats, where an amenity kit was already waiting for us. Inside was:

• Clarins moisturizer
• Clarins hand cream
• Lip balm
• Eye mask
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Socks
• A few other small essentials

It felt thoughtful and elevated, and very French, very chic.

At our seats, we also had a proper pillow and a comforter that was noticeably thicker and more substantial than anything you get in economy. This wasn’t a sad little blanket- it felt like real bedding.

Before we even finished settling in, we were offered champagne and a hot towel. At that point, I think it really sank in: Oh. This is happening!

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The Seat: Lie-Flat Dreams Come True

Air France’s business class cabin uses a 1-2-1 configuration, meaning every seat has direct aisle access. This is a huge upgrade over traditional layouts. The seat itself was spacious, intuitive to adjust, and comfortable for lounging, watching movies, or reading.

I had been eagerly anticipating the new Air France mattress pad, but unfortunately, this particular aircraft hadn’t been outfitted yet. A minor disappointment, but the lie-flat seat was still incredibly comfortable compared to an economy seat.

There were a few storage compartments in the seat which allowed for plenty of space for my backpack, iPad, headphones, and small items. The USB ports and power outlets were also conveniently located.

Being able to stretch out fully was an experience in itself and what I looked forward the most. I could recline, adjust the leg rest, and even lie flat with privacy thanks to the seat dividers. It’s hard to overstate the joy of being able to fully stretch after 8+ hours in cramped economy seats over the years!

Dinner Service: Champagne and Lobster at 35,000 Feet

Shortly after takeoff, dinner service began. This is where business class truly separates itself. The crew sets your “table” with a white tablecloth and real silverware. It immediately felt like a restaurant experience in the sky.

I chose the lobster entrée, which came with:

• Two salads (fresh and crisp)
• A cheese plate with three types of cheese
• A dinner roll
• A lemon bar for dessert

Naturally, I paired it with more champagne. At that altitude, I swear everything tasted a little better and it felt indulgent in a way economy meals never do. Just having a real glass, real plate, and real silverware made it feel 10x more luxurious economy. It’s the small things that add up.

My boyfriend (now fiancé) opted for the braised short rib with potatoes, carrots, and a mushroom side. He reported that it was tender and flavorful, definitely a step above the typical airplane meal.

Service was attentive without being intrusive. The flight attendants remembered our drink orders and offered refills without having to ask, which made the meal feel seamless.

Comparing this to economy? It’s not even close. Even premium economy seats with slightly better food can’t compete with tablecloths, silverware, and a real dining experience at 35,000 feet.

Was it Michelin-star dining? No. But for a plane? It was genuinely enjoyable and miles better than anything I’ve had in economy.

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Sleeping at 35,000 Feet (Expectations vs. Reality)

After dinner, it was time to attempt sleep. I had very high expectations.

This was my first long-haul business class flight, and I assumed I’d sleep like a baby the entire way to Paris.

That… didn’t entirely happen. Even in the lie-flat seat, I didn’t sleep as deeply as I imagined. Part of it was excitement, part was the unfamiliar environment, and part was the missing mattress topper I had been looking forward to.

Apparently, Air France was rolling out memory foam mattress toppers for their business class long-haul flights around this time, but unfortunately, my plane didn’t have the yet. My hope is if you traveled now, they would have one for you.

That said, I did manage a few solid hours of sleep, which is far more than I ever get in economy. The ability to fully stretch out and lie flat made a huge difference in how I felt upon arrival.

I also appreciated being able to set a small routine: pajamas, skincare, eye mask, and a water bottle within reach which were small things that make a long-haul flight much more comfortable.

Breakfast Service and Sunrise in the Cabin

As sunlight filled the cabin, the flight attendants gently woke passengers for breakfast service.

Once again, they set the table with a tablecloth and silverware. Breakfast included:

• A croissant
• Yogurt
• Fresh fruit
• Granola
• Orange juice

It was light, simple, and refreshing. Compared to dinner, it wasn’t as memorable, but it was exactly what I needed after a few hours of sleep and a long night before the flight.

One of the things I loved most was that drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) were available at any time. Whether it was coffee, tea, sparkling water, or champagne, flight attendants were attentive and proactive.

They even came around with a warm towel before landing to freshen up, adding one last touch of luxury before we touched down in Paris.

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Arrival in Paris (and Was It Worth It?)

Touching down at Charles de Gaulle after a business class flight felt very different than my usual post-economy arrival. I wasn’t fully rested, but I also wasn’t completely wrecked, which set the tone for the rest of the trip.

So the big question: Was Air France business class worth it?

For under $500 to upgrade? Absolutely. No question.

One of the things I loved about flying business class is the attention to detail. Every interaction with the crew felt personalized and thoughtful. For example, when we ordered drinks, the flight attendants remembered our names and preferences without asking twice.

It’s the kind of service that makes you feel like more than just another passenger in a crowded cabin. Small touches like these really elevate the experience and as you can imagine, it’s hard to go back to economy once you’ve felt this level of care!

Even the little things mattered: the quality of the headphones for the in-flight entertainment, the adjustable reading light, and the extra compartments to store your belongings made the flight feel more like a home away from home.

I found myself relaxing in ways I never could in economy such as watching a movie without worrying about disturbing the person next to me, stretching out fully while reading, and even casually snacking whenever I wanted without juggling a tiny tray.

Value vs. Experience in Air France 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class

Looking back, the trip made me realize that the value of business class is not just in the seat or the food, but in the overall travel experience. It’s the reduced stress, the ability to sleep (even a little), the personal space, and the little luxuries that make the journey enjoyable. And when a spontaneous opportunity arises, like an upgrade under $500, it’s worth grabbing it.

Even though I don’t think I’d pay thousands for a long-haul business class seat, this experience gave me a new perspective on travel. It made me more aware of how much of a difference comfort and service can make on long flights, and it made the arrival in Paris that much more magical.

But Air France? You’ve officially set the bar and given me one unforgettable flight tied to one unforgettable trip!

BONUS: Tips for Travelers Considering a Last-Minute Upgrade

Check prices at check-in — Sometimes the upgrade costs significantly less than booking outright.

Consider your priorities — If it’s under $1,000, the comfort and service are worth it. Above that, economy is survivable.

Use lounge access strategically — Even a mediocre lounge can make a long wait more comfortable; if you have options, choose wisely.

Pack a small sleep kit — Pajamas, eye mask, skincare, and a water bottle will make any long-haul flight more comfortable.

Enjoy the experience — The meals, service, and little touches are all part of the indulgence. Don’t forget to savor them!

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