I was on my way to Germany for Christmas and had a lot to do before my flight departed. Still, I wanted to leave enough time to enjoy the full ground experience at LAX. In the end, I only arrived about two hours before my flight. I found the first class check-in occupied by a couple arguing over checked bags.
An agent working the business class line signaled for me to come over and quickly checked me in. Another agent was summoned to escort me through security and to the lounge. Normally, escorts will cut in line and take you to the front of the security line.
There was no need for that today as the PreCheck line was deserted. That may strike you as odd, considering Qantas is part of the one world alliance and a Korean Airlines from the same SkyTeam alliance first class lounge was nearby. But, to put it bluntly, Air France has recognized that the Korean Airlines lounge is horrible. So bad that it pays Qantas for access for its first class passengers.
I was happy to enjoy a late lunch prior to boarding. About 45 minute before scheduled departure, my escort returned and took me to the gate. Pre-boarding had already begun and we simply bypassed the line and stepped right in the jetbridge foyer.
There, however, we waited several minutes because the crew was not quite ready for boarding. Finally, we received the green light to board and I headed down the dedicated first class jetbridge. Onboard, two flight attendants warmly welcomed me to my seat. I surveyed the luxurious four-seat cabin, noting how beautiful Air France had made La Premiere on the First class is only a single row of four seats in a configuration.
