first international flight surprises
Breakfast arrived tucked in a thoughtful miniature Bon Appétit shopping bag on my international flight.Kirsten Acuna/Insider
  • I flew economy from Los Angeles to Paris with Air France.

  • I was surprised to find out that I was in a better class than I thought.

  • I didn't know I would get a blanket and wine on the flight.

Everyone at my seat received free blankets and pillows.

Air France pillow and blanket combo
Air France wasn't giving out some super tiny pillow either. That pillow helped prop me up against the wall on my flight there.Kirsten Acuna/Insider

I was surprised to find out that every passenger on the flight received pillows and blankets.

These were reserved for first class passengers on domestic flights.

I wouldn't have packed a blanket if I knew this.

Wine would be free on my flight.

wine on Air France
I started thinking that domestic flights are cheap in how they treat passengers compared to the amenities you receive on Air France.Kirsten Acuna/Insider

I thought I had to pay for wine on my flight to Paris, so I didn't ask for it. I was surprised to learn that Air France gives free alcohol to everyone.

It's possible to get champagne or wine for free, but you can also ask for other alcoholic beverages.

The flight attendant offered other liquor to passengers who asked about something stronger.

Everyone was given little care kits with masks.

Here's everything that came in our care kit.Kirsten Acuna/Insider

After boarding, passengers were provided with a face mask and a number of antiseptics.

We were given individual towelettes for our hands to wipe clean before we got to eat.

The extra wipe made me feel better.

I was surprised by the amount of food we received.

Air France has pretty good food for an airline. Here are two of the four meals I received. I was impressed by the care that went into the breakfast presentation.Kirsten Acuna/Insider

Unless you are in first class, airplane food can be missed. On my flights to and from Paris, I received four total meals.

On both flights, I received different chicken dishes and breakfast pastries.

I was impressed with what I received and maybe I'm easy to please. I was pleasantly surprised that I was given a decent-sized water bottle with dinner and that I enjoyed the pie that was served with my meal.

I was not expecting a lot of drink offerings at breakfast. A yogurt drink, orange juice, and coffee were sent to me. One of the best things I have ever eaten is the pastry.

Air France will allow you to request one of many "special meals" if you have a restricted diet. I was surprised that their website has 13 different options to choose from, ranging from a "gastric irritant-free meal" to a "gluten-free meal."

Air France gives you a free checked bag.

I was thoroughly surprised to learn that I didn't need to pay to check my bag in for my flights.Kirsten Acuna/Insider

It costs $30 to check your first bag on domestic flights, so I was surprised when I was allowed to leave my luggage at the airport without paying.

I think Air France is the best airline to fly to Paris with in the future.

I was used to paying an extra fee for once at the airport, but the price of the airfare felt like it was worth it.

Air France put the comfort of its passengers first with thoughtful amenities and a good menu for economy class tickets. I wondered what it would have been like to sit in a premiere seat.

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