Air France saw the opening of its refurbished lounge in Washington-Dulles International Airport today. The new lounge welcomes Air France La Première and Business customers on both Air France & KLM, and Flying Blue Elite Plus members in a completely revamped, more elegant and modern setting. The lounge, which spans 615 sq. m across two levels can accommodate up to 155 customers, which will be good news for the evening departures of both KLM and Air France which overlap.
Through its choice of materials, furnishings and range of bright colours, the Air France lounge has a sleek, elegant feel. Those with a keen eye will also see the design advancements on the latest CDG lounge, mixed with some of its latest regional spaces.
We have to admit, we love this new direction, which bids farewell to a clinical red, white and blue approach that previous lounges, like the one in New York JFK had adopted in the past. This more retro-inspired fun-detailed approach reflects a contemporary French design touch, and allows the Joie De Vivre to shine through.
The space, which is still minimalist in approach, is framed by an iconic curved bar. Dressed in a lacquered metal structure and completely open to the lounge, the bar offers a selection of wines, Champagnes and spirits, served by a bartender. For the first time in an Air France lounge, customers can also enjoy cold draught beers.
However, the lounge really comes to life in the evening, where the carrier has adopted a similar approach to the JFK incarnation, offering exactly the same fare as can be found onboard in the style of an a la carte restaurant.
At the heart of the lounge, a new dining area has been offering Business customers on the daily 21:10 AF027 flight from Washington to Paris-Charles de Gaulle the Night Service.
The Night Service allows passengers to enjoy the same gourmet French meal in the airport lounge as the one served on board giving them more time to sleep (and the fear of missing out on a dish that you really wanted to try). The full meal comprising a starter, hot dish, cheese, dessert supported by a wine and Champagne list is served directly at their table.
During the day, or for those looking for a lighter meal, there’s a fully stocked self service counter, which frames a dining room that has been designed in the spirit of a Parisian brasserie.
New furnishings and circular benches have been custom-designed to provide “conviviality and comfort.”
The second level of the lounge offers customers a genuinely cosy environment. In a relaxing light-filled atmosphere, where light screens perfectly mimic sunlight and the colour of the sky, customers can relax comfortably in chaises longues or other seating of their choice. A snacking area completes this moment of well-being.
The lounge also features A VIP area with a more private atmosphere, dedicated to customers travelling in the La Première cabin and an area reserved for their most prestigious ‘Ultimate’ customers.
But it’s also packed with all the familiar essentials including a lobby equipped with new eligibility kiosks, for smoother access; a co-working space; high-speed Wi-Fi access and electrical/USB outlets close to each seat; a press kiosk offering French and international newspapers and magazines, in addition to the digital offer available on the “Air France Play” app; and for those arriving at the lounge after a long day, a place to freshen up and relax thanks to an invigorating shower.
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