Traveling from the busy streets of Chicago to the romantic avenues of Paris is a dream for many. When you decide to make this journey, the airline you choose matters just as much as the destination itself. Air France has made a big statement by placing its flagship Airbus A350-900 on the route between Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Paris Charles de Gaulle. This plane is not just a piece of machinery. It is a modern marvel designed to make long flights feel much shorter and more comfortable. I have flown this route several times, and every time I step onto that blue and white plane, I feel like my vacation has already started before I even leave the ground at O’Hare.
The A350 is a very special aircraft for several reasons that even a casual traveler will notice. One of the biggest complaints about flying across the ocean is how dry and tired you feel when you land. This plane solves a lot of those problems because it is built with composite materials that allow the cabin to have higher humidity and better air pressure. This means your skin does not feel like a desert, and your head does not throb as much from the altitude. It is also one of the quietest planes in the sky. If you are someone who struggles to sleep with the roar of engines in your ears, you will find the A350 to be a breath of fresh air. In this guide, I want to walk you through the entire experience of the return journey, from the check-in desk in Chicago to the touch down back home.
Starting Your Journey at Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
Your trip begins at Terminal 5 at O’Hare. This terminal has seen a lot of changes and renovations lately, making it much more modern than it used to be. When you arrive at the Air France check-in counters, you are usually met with a mix of American efficiency and French politeness. If you are flying in Business Class or have SkyTeam Elite Plus status, the Sky Priority lane is a huge time saver. I always recommend getting to the airport at least three hours early. Even though the A350 is a fast plane, the security lines at O’Hare can be unpredictable, and you do not want to start your trip to Paris by sprinting through the terminal.
After security, the lounge situation for Air France at O’Hare is a bit unique. Air France passengers often use the shared lounges or the dedicated KLM/Air France lounge when it is open. These lounges provide a quiet place to sit away from the crowded gates. You can grab a light snack, a glass of wine, or a coffee. It is not the most luxurious lounge in the world compared to what you will find in Paris, but it is a solid place to recharge your phone and relax. I find that having a quiet space to sit before a nine-hour flight helps me get into the right mindset for the long journey ahead.
The Cabin Experience: Choosing Your Space
Once you board the A350-900, you will notice the cabin feels very open and airy. There are no overhead bins in the center of the Business Class cabin, which makes the ceiling feel very high. The plane is usually divided into three sections: Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy. Each section has its own pros and cons depending on your budget and how much you value your sleep. The interior design is very chic, using the classic Air France colors of white, navy blue, and a splash of red.
In Business Class, the seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. This is the gold standard for modern flying because it means every single person has direct access to the aisle. You never have to climb over a stranger to go to the bathroom. The seats turn into fully flat beds, and Air France provides a very soft duvet and a large pillow. I personally love the little storage locker at the side of the seat. It has a mirror and a place to keep your headphones or a bottle of water. It feels like your own little private office in the sky.
If you are looking for a middle ground, Premium Economy is a great choice. It is a separate cabin with more legroom and a deeper recline than standard Economy. The seats are wider, and you get a larger entertainment screen. However, be aware that these seats are often “fixed shell” seats on some models, meaning they slide forward rather than leaning back into the person behind you. Some people love this because no one ever bumps their knees, while others find it a bit stiff. In Economy, the 3-3-3 layout is standard. The seats are comfortable enough for a long haul, and the adjustable headrests are a nice touch for trying to catch some sleep.
Dining and French Gastronomy
One of the main reasons people choose Air France is the food. The airline takes great pride in its culinary offerings, often collaborating with Michelin-starred chefs to design the menus. Even in Economy, you get a choice of hot meals and complimentary wine or champagne. It is a small detail, but sipping a glass of French champagne while flying over the Atlantic is a wonderful way to celebrate your trip.
In Business Class, the dining is a multi-course affair. It usually starts with an amuse-bouche, followed by a starter, a main course, a cheese plate, and dessert. I remember a specific flight where the main dish was a slow-cooked beef cheek that was so tender I could cut it with a plastic fork. The cheese plate is always a highlight because it features authentic French cheeses like Camembert or Comté. They also offer a wide selection of French wines and spirits. It is very easy to forget you are on a plane when you have a white tablecloth in front of you and a glass of Bordeaux in your hand.
The Return Leg: From Paris back to Chicago
The return flight, usually numbered AF136, leaves Paris Charles de Gaulle in the afternoon and arrives in Chicago the same evening. Flying out of CDG is a different experience entirely. This is Air France’s home turf, and it shows. Terminal 2E is where most Chicago flights depart. If you are lucky enough to have lounge access, the Air France lounges in Paris are world-class. They offer hot buffets, showers, and even complimentary facial treatments from Clarins in some locations.
I highly suggest spending some time in the lounge if you can. The food selection is much better than in Chicago, with fresh pastries, gourmet salads, and high-quality French meats. The boarding process at CDG is usually quite organized, though the terminal is very large, so you should be prepared to do a lot of walking. One thing to keep in mind for the return flight is that it is often longer than the flight to Paris because of the headwinds over the Atlantic. You can expect the flight back to Chicago to take around nine and a half to ten hours.
The flight back is usually a daytime flight, which means you will want to stay entertained. The A350 has massive high-definition screens at every seat. The movie selection is updated every month and includes everything from the latest Hollywood blockbusters to classic French cinema. I find that the daytime return flight is the perfect time to catch up on all the movies I missed during the year. There is also onboard Wi-Fi. Air France offers a “Message Pass” for free, which lets you send texts on apps like WhatsApp or iMessage. if you want to browse the web or stream videos, you will have to pay for a “Surf” or “Stream” pass.
Important Tips for a Smooth Trip
When booking your Air France A350 Chicago flight return, there are a few things you should keep in mind to get the best experience. First, try to use the Air France app. It is very user-friendly and keeps you updated on gate changes or delays. Second, pay attention to the seat map. On the A350, some seats in Business Class are closer to the aisle, while others are “true” window seats that offer more privacy. If you are traveling alone, the window seats are much better. If you are with a partner, the center seats allow you to talk more easily.
Another tip is regarding baggage. Air France can be quite strict about the weight of your carry-on bag, especially on the return flight from Paris. Make sure you weigh your suitcase before you head to the airport. If you have done a lot of shopping in Paris (and who hasn’t?), you might want to check an extra bag. The A350 has plenty of room in the cargo hold, and it is much easier than struggling with a heavy bag in the overhead bins.
Lastly, consider the jet lag. Going to Paris, you lose several hours, which usually means you arrive in the morning feeling a bit like a zombie. Coming back to Chicago, you gain time. The A350’s special lighting system is designed to help with this. The lights change color to mimic the time of day, helping your body adjust to the new time zone more naturally. I have noticed that I feel significantly less “foggy” after flying on an A350 compared to an older Boeing 777 or 767.
Personal Reflection on the Experience
I have flown many different airlines across the Atlantic, but there is something about the Air France A350 that feels special. It is not just the plane; it is the atmosphere. The flight attendants often have a certain flair and a genuine sense of hospitality. They seem proud to represent their country. On one of my return flights to Chicago, I was feeling a bit sad that my vacation was over. The flight attendant noticed and brought me an extra box of Ladurée macarons and a small glass of dessert wine. That kind of personal touch is what makes a flight memorable.
The A350 itself is the star of the show, though. It feels solid and safe. Even when there is turbulence over the ocean, the plane seems to glide through it more smoothly than other aircraft. The large windows also provide great views. If you are flying back to Chicago during the day, keep your window shade open as you pass over Greenland and Eastern Canada. The view of the ice and the rugged landscape from 38,000 feet is absolutely breathtaking. It is a reminder of the beauty of our world and the magic of flight.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Air France A350 flight between Chicago and Paris is one of the best ways to cross the Atlantic. Whether you are sitting in the luxury of Business Class or the practical comfort of Economy, the aircraft itself provides a superior environment that reduces fatigue and enhances the travel experience. From the delicious French food to the quiet cabin and the high-tech entertainment systems, every detail is designed to make your journey pleasant. The return leg from Paris back to Chicago is the perfect way to wrap up a trip, offering one last taste of French culture before you land back in the Midwest. If you have the choice, always pick the A350 for your next European adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which terminal does Air France use at Chicago O’Hare?
Air France operates out of Terminal 5 at O’Hare International Airport. This is the main international terminal for most non-domestic carriers.
2. Does the Air France A350 have Wi-Fi?
Yes, the A350-900 is equipped with Air France CONNECT. You can get a free pass for messaging, or purchase a pass for internet browsing and streaming.
3. What is the best seat in Economy on the Air France A350?
The best seats are usually in the front rows of the Economy cabin or the exit row seats (Row 35) which offer significantly more legroom. However, be aware that exit row seats are narrower because the tray table is in the armrest.
4. How is the food for vegetarians on Air France?
Air France offers excellent vegetarian and special dietary meals. You should request these at least 24 to 48 hours before your flight through the “Manage My Booking” section on their website.
5. Is the Business Class seat a “lie-flat” bed?
Yes, all Business Class seats on the Air France A350-900 are 180-degree lie-flat beds, ensuring you can sleep comfortably on the long flight.
