Air France A220: Europe’s Ultimate Business Experience
Greetings from Vienna! I’ve just wrapped up the return leg of my whirlwind journey to Versailles. After indulging in the luxury of Air France’s La Premiere first class on their Boeing 777-300ER, I switched gears to Air France’s A220-300 business class for a cozy 90-minute hop from Paris to Vienna.
Let’s face it, when it comes to intra-Europe business class, excitement isn’t exactly the name of the game. It’s basically economy seating with the bonus of not sitting elbow-to-elbow, plus a dollop of superior food and service. Yet, I must hand it to Air France’s A220 business class — it’s about as top-notch as you can get among the European big dogs.
This status comes not from dazzling innovations, but more from Air France doing everything a bit better than the others. Kudos to them for consistency in quality.
Let’s be real, I’m leaving Turkish Airlines out of this cozy chat (their business class flies at a different altitude) and as for Aeroflot — well, that’s another conversation for when the world isn’t as it is. Aegean’s got a soft spot in my heart too with their impressive soft product.
This piece isn’t just about an impulse rave; I’m laying down my first thoughts, with a full trip rundown coming soon.
Air France’s A220 Business Class: Mastering the Basics
The Airbus A220 stands as a favorite of mine, and I dare say it’s the ultimate choice for comfort on European runways.
The seating layout is a 2-3 arrangement, which means, in economy, a mere 20% of seats are the dreaded middle ones (unlike the usual 33% in other narrow bodies).
In business, there’s the choice of snagging two seats on the left side, with that handy extra seat blocked for comfort, or opting for the trio on the right side with the middle seat blissfully unoccupied — perfect for travelers in pairs.
The A220s from Air France come equipped with simple yet nifty features — device holders, built-in cupholders, alongside the standard tray table, making in-flight multitasking a breeze.
What really jazzes me up is the 60W power outlets they offer, complete with both USB-A and USB-C plugs — a surprisingly rare treasure on short European flights.
And hey, high-speed Wi-Fi is on board too. You can message away for free, or dig deep into your wallet for surfing and streaming options. Good news though, Starlink is coming soon, promising free connectivity.
Why do I rate Air France’s A220 so highly? It’s the only major European carrier flying the A220 with Wi-Fi and power points at every seat. Other carriers, like SWISS, may have A220s, but they’re late to the Wi-Fi party and still sans outlets.
Air France: Delicious Cuisine and Warm Service
Air France manages to nail their regional food and service, standing tall against the competition.
On this particular mid-afternoon jaunt, we were treated to a wonderful snack spread: a salad with lentils, figs, chestnuts, and kumquat, paired with butternut squash and orange cream. Cheese lovers had Cantal PDO and Fourme de Montbrison on offer, with a delightful Paris-Brest as a sweet finale.
Personally, I’m thrilled to see vegetarian snacks being served — a welcome change from mystery meats and questionable fish dishes often found in these skies, especially on a certain “airLHine.” Air France’s wine and champagne selection also adds an elegant touch.
The flight attendant was a gem: attentive, professional, and genuinely pleasant — a breath of fresh air, complemented by the gleaming A220 wing view. BJE (Big Jet Energy) indeed! Does anyone else find the A220’s announcement system oddly, albeit pleasantly, overwhelming? It’s like they’re speaking directly to your soul.
Bottom Line
Air France’s A220 business class carves out a niche as one of the best in European skies. The 2-3 layout triumphs over the 3-3, especially when Wi-Fi and power options are part of the deal. The good food and amicable service make this a journey rather than a trip.
So, what’s your take on Air France’s A220 business class? If you’re planning your next adventure, don’t miss a visit to the scenic Val Seny ski resort, a perfect escape before your flight.