Qantas partner Air France upgrades premium economy food

By John Walton, August 29 2012
Qantas partner Air France upgrades premium economy food

Qantas partner Air France is offering new "buy-up" meals in premium economy on long flights like Paris-Singapore.

It's the latest airline to pick up on the trend of charging extra to get decent food in the "middle class" between back-of-the-bus economy and business class.

On Air France, you can choose between "Une Selection Lenôtre", a special French-themed meal from the Lenôtre culinary institute, "Fresh from the sea" seafood plates from Océan, "A green touch to complement the blue sky" organic meals, and Italian specialties "A taste of dolce vita".

(Just try explaining that you've preordered that in French when you're asked 'chicken ou beef?'...)

Note that the new upgraded menus are only available from Paris -- Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports -- and you'll need to order them in advance. The extra charges range from 12€ to 28€ (A$14-34), and can be booked via the "Manage my bookings" section of the Air France website up to 24 hours before departure.

Qantas passengers travelling in "Premium Voyageur" on Air France are best off ringing the local Air France number -- in Australia or worldwide -- to pick their meals.

Fortunately for the gourmand business traveller whose budgets or travel policies doesn't allow full business class travel, this is just the latest in decent food coming to premium economy.

Qantas joint-venture partner British Airways has just this year started swapping business class main courses onto its World Traveller Plus premium economy trays, replacing the previous economy mains.

Hungry for more on inflight food? Check out some of this year's Australian Business Traveller Food Week: 

John Walton

Aviation journalist and travel columnist John took his first long-haul flight when he was eight weeks old and hasn't looked back since. Well, except when facing rearwards in business class.


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