With the Air France La Première experience, the usual hassles of airport immigration and transit simply disappear—so seamless and indulgent that you’d travel just to experience it again
I have had multiple debates on whether the journey should matter as much as the vacation. I’ve always stood firmly on the other side of the fence, convinced that the holiday doesn’t truly begin until you touch down—that airports are merely a means to an end, something to be endured rather than enjoyed. That was until I stepped into Terminal 1 of Changi Airport for my flight to Paris with the La Première experience.
At the Air France counter, I was greeted by a team whose radiant smiles and impeccable attentiveness turned the hassle of immigration and boarding into a thoroughly enjoyable prelude to the journey ahead.
From the very first moment, it was clear this was far more than a simple check-in. Every detail had been anticipated: the team already had my preferences and particulars, so there was no need to fumble with reservation numbers. Even before I reached the counter, the La Première experience had begun: staff approached with genuine enthusiasm, taking charge of my luggage and ensuring the process felt effortless, seamless, and deeply personalised.
Next, I was guided to the departure hall. While I completed immigration myself, the staff moved ahead, awaiting my clearance to lead me to the Qantas lounge, an Air France partner. Inside, a curated selection of drinks and gourmet dishes awaited, featuring a seasonal menu crafted by renowned chefs—each plate a testament to their celebrated artistry.
As someone who’s always conscious of time, the La Première experience had me completely covered. My personal attendant reached out only when it was time to board. From my lounge seat, I was transported in a buggy directly to the gate, bypassing every queue, and escorted to my seat before a courteous farewell. There was no need to double-check with flight attendants or worry about logistics. Every detail was handled, leaving me free to focus solely on the journey ahead. Every moment is designed to make guests feel quietly, unquestionably cared for.
Upon arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, the seamless experience continued. I was met directly at my seat on the plane and brought to an exclusive exit, where a Porsche awaited to bring me to private immigration. To my surprise, I didn’t even have to leave my seat: my passport was collected, processed, and stamped while I remained comfortably in place. The only time I needed to move was from the car to the lounge, where I savoured exquisite meals while my luggage was discreetly delivered and a designated driver prepared to transport me to my hotel in a BMW. The entire process, from touchdown to the arrival lounge, took less than ten minutes—an efficiency I had never before experienced.
For my return, the same BMW picked me up, delivering me to the exclusive Air France La Première entrance, set apart from the main terminal. I was brought to a holding room within the lounge, resembling the living room of a five-star hotel, and treated to endless snacks—the madeleines were particularly memorable. From there, I was guided to the departure La Première lounge, vastly different from the arrival. Highlights included a Sisley spa offering a complimentary 30-minute treatment, relaxation corners, and private showers. The true centrepiece, however, was the private suite.
Designed to evoke the elegance of a Parisian apartment at its finest, each suite features a bedroom, dining area, bathroom, and private patio, adorned with works by legendary designers Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Paulin, and Philippe Starck. The bathroom, in particular, impressed me the most—expansive and outfitted with Sisley products and a Dyson hairdryer. Its interior imbued my quick shower with a sense of calm before I indulged in an exclusive menu curated by Alain Ducasse.
From there, I was conveyed by Porsche to the private La Première immigration office, reserved exclusively for first-class guests, before continuing to the gate via a separate walkway that bypassed the rest of the passengers. As before, the team ensured I was comfortably settled before bidding farewell. The experience didn’t end there: upon arriving in Singapore, an airport crew greeted me at the foot of the arrival gate, holding a sign with my name and ready to transport me in a buggy directly to baggage claim.
Returning to my original debate, it is now clear: the journey absolutely matters. Perhaps as much as the destination itself. With the Air France La Première experience, travel becomes effortlessly indulgent, transforming what is usually a chore into a period of rest, anticipation, and refinement. By the time you arrive, you feel not only well-rested but already immersed in the luxury of the journey itself.
