Today’s journey covers over 10,000 miles as Brendan flies Air France economy from New York to Athens before returning home in Air France business class. Along the way, the differences between these two experiences will be compared, helping you decide whether upgrading to business class is worth the extra points. Plus, we’ll break down the entire process of booking this $7,000 itinerary entirely with miles and points, along with some helpful tips, including how to get a free stopover in Paris. Let’s get into it!
Air France Economy Experience
For fairness, the Air France & KLM lounge at JFK was skipped since it wasn’t included with the economy ticket. However, thanks to The Platinum Card® from American Express, Brendan had access to the Centurion Lounge. A great reminder that with the right credit card, a luxurious experience is still possible even when flying economy. 😊
The flight was operated on one of Air France’s older Boeing 777s. The economy experience was fairly standard—each passenger received a blanket, headphones, and a wet towel. However, the meal left much to be desired, despite tasting better than it looked (see video for deets). The red-eye flight included dinner and a light breakfast before landing in Paris.
Upon arrival, Brendan enjoyed a three-day stopover in Paris before continuing on to Athens. The stopover strategy allowed for an extended layover, creating a mini-vacation without extra costs. The second flight from Paris to Athens was relatively short, wrapping up the economy experience before the much-anticipated business class flight home.
Booking Air France Economy With Points
The total cash price for this itinerary would have been $842. Instead, it was booked with 22,000 points per ticket plus $100 in fees, giving a redemption value of 3.37 cents per point. This stopover method made the journey even more rewarding, essentially adding a free trip to Paris within the ticket cost.
Flying Blue, the loyalty program for Air France and KLM, allows free stopovers of up to one year, even on partner airline flights. This feature is rare among airline programs and a great way to add value to award bookings.
Air France Business Class Experience
The business class portion of the trip began with priority check-in and fast-lane security at the Athens airport. The first leg from Athens to Paris was on an A320, where business class meant an economy seat with an empty middle seat. Despite that, passengers were given a full meal and personalized service from flight attendants.
After a short layover in Paris, Brendan’s main event was the business class flight on an Airbus A350-900 from Paris to Boston. Pre-departure amenities included a hot towel and a welcome drink. The seat was significantly more spacious than in economy, offering ample storage, extra legroom, and a lie-flat bed for maximum comfort.
Meal service in business class was a highlight! The menu featured dishes curated specifically for the flight route. From gourmet appetizers to high-quality entrées and desserts, the difference from economy meals was night and day. And, a breakfast service was provided before landing.
Booking Air France Business Class With Points
If paid in cash, the business class flight from Athens to Boston would have cost $5,306 for two people. Instead, it was booked for 43,800 points per ticket plus $399 in fees, resulting in a redemption value of 5.1 cents per point. While the fees were significant, the experience was a massive upgrade from economy.
Flying Blue frequently runs transfer bonuses and promotional award fares, making it possible to book premium cabin seats for fewer points. These promotions are worth keeping an eye on for those looking to maximize their points.
Is Business Class Worth the Upgrade?
Given the significant differences in comfort, dining, and service, upgrading to business class on Air France is well worth the extra 21,800 points and $300 in additional fees—especially on long-haul flights. While economy was adequate, the business class experience was on an entirely different level.
For people looking to book Air France award seats, using a tool like Daily Drop Pro can help streamline the search process and maximize points value. Plus, those interested in earning Flying Blue points can explore top travel credit cards to start building a balance for future flights. Happy travels!
