Air France has continued its lounge renovation programme with a brand new lounge located at gate A of the international terminal at San Francisco airport, in the United States. The upgrade isn’t just skin deep though; the lounge is larger, with new spaces and more services, including a new dining offering to keep passengers fed and watered before their long flights home.
Dedicated to La Première, Business and Flying Blue Elite Plus customers of Air France, KLM and its Skyteam partner airlines, the lounge is open daily from 10am to 8.30pm. Almost 20% larger than its predecessor, it now features enough space for 117 seats.
Once again, Air France has collaborated with the SGK Brandimage agency. It’s one of many new lounges that veer the brand away from the incumbent sea of wooden veneer and obvious red white and blue. Instead the lounge celebrates the French travel experience, with a contemporary twist. By choosing noble materials such as wood and leather, and in Air France colours, with paired back shades of blue and white it boasts a refined and chic design. The addition of pops of red make the lounge iconically Air France. The furniture features creations by French designers such as Little Tulip chairs by Pierre Paulin, Ester bar stools by Patrick Jouin and Softshell chairs by the Bouroullec brothers.
The lounge offers a warm, elegant atmosphere, combining private alcoves and convivial spaces. Bench-style seating, comfy chairs and high tables provide the perfect place to relax or work in peace and quiet.
A large table d’hôte and comfortable seating allow guests to spend some time together around a self-service buffet. The menu changes throughout the day, offering a choice of hot and cold, savoury and sweet dishes. “From croque-monsieur to boeuf bourguignon, French cuisine is given pride of place,” states the press release. In a more sustainable approach, Air France favours local and seasonal produce when preparing its menu. In addition, the airline pays particular attention to limiting food waste, selective sorting and recycling of its catering services. Finally, water fountains are available to limit the consumption of single-use plastic.
Naturally this wouldn’t be an upscale lounge without a signature bar. Dressed in blue-stained wood, this convivial space offers a selection of French wines and champagnes, spirits and cocktails prepared by a bar attendant. Local draught beers are also available.
While this lounge caters for both Business and First Class customers, those travelling in the La Première cabin between San Francisco and Paris have a seperate area in the lounge totally dedicated to them. With plenty of natural light thanks to its large glass façade, this unique space with its cozy atmosphere is a reflection of the experience in this exceptional cabin. It has its own restaurant and direct access to the bar.
Benefitting the most frequent of guests, Flying Blue Ultimate customers also have a space reserved for them. Located at the entrance to the lounge, it is equipped with comfy chairs to make you feel at home.
The lounge entrance is equipped with eligibility kiosks for greater fluidity. The space also offers a free Wi-Fi connection and numerous electrical and USB sockets close to the seats. For optimum well-being, showers are available throughout the day to help you freshen up.
It’s certainly a step forward for the Air France brand which is looking to not only elevate its customer experience, but create greater connection between the ground and flight product across the globe.
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