Flying between Chicago and Paris with Air France’s Airbus A350 offers one of the most refined long-haul experiences available between the United States and Europe. This route connects two global cities—Chicago, a powerhouse of the Midwest and an economic hub of the U.S., and Paris, a center of art, fashion, and culture—through one of the world’s most modern aircraft: the Airbus A350.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore every aspect of the Air France A350 Chicago return flight, including its features, schedule, in-flight comfort, service quality, sustainability efforts, cabin configuration, meal service, and what passengers can expect at both airports. The goal is to give travelers a complete picture of this journey—whether you’re planning your first transatlantic trip or are a frequent flyer looking for the latest insight.
1. Overview of Air France and Its A350 Fleet
Air France, the national airline of France and a founding member of the SkyTeam Alliance, has been in operation since 1933. It has built a reputation for combining French elegance with global connectivity. The airline’s long-haul operations are powered by a mixed fleet that includes the Boeing 777, 787 Dreamliner, and the Airbus A350.
The Airbus A350 is among Air France’s newest aircraft types. Introduced into its fleet in 2019, the A350 has rapidly become the flagship for efficiency and comfort. It is quieter, more fuel-efficient, and offers passengers a smoother flight experience thanks to its advanced aerodynamics and cabin pressurization systems.
Key Features of Air France A350
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Model | Airbus A350-900 |
| Range | Approximately 15,000 km (9,300 miles) |
| Capacity | Around 324 passengers (depending on configuration) |
| Cabins | Business, Premium Economy, and Economy |
| Engines | Rolls-Royce Trent XWB |
| Highlights | Quieter cabin, larger windows, LED lighting, advanced air filtration |
Air France uses the A350 for many of its long-haul routes to North America, Asia, and Africa, and the Chicago route has become a popular one for both leisure and business travelers due to the aircraft’s comfort and operational reliability.
2. The Route: Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
The Air France A350 typically operates the daily non-stop route between Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). The return flight refers to the westbound segment, from Paris back to Chicago, which is slightly longer due to prevailing jet stream winds.
Flight Information Table
| Route | Flight Number | Duration | Distance | Aircraft Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris (CDG) → Chicago (ORD) | AF 136 | 9 hours 20 minutes (approx.) | 6,700 km (4,160 miles) | Airbus A350-900 |
| Chicago (ORD) → Paris (CDG) | AF 137 | 8 hours 25 minutes (approx.) | 6,700 km (4,160 miles) | Airbus A350-900 |
The return flight (AF 136) departs from Paris in the afternoon and arrives in Chicago in the early evening, allowing travelers to connect easily to other U.S. domestic flights.
3. Airport Experience in Paris (Departure Point)
Before boarding the A350 for the Chicago return flight, passengers start their journey at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Air France’s main hub. CDG is vast but efficiently organized, especially for Air France operations.
Check-in and Boarding:
Passengers can check in online up to 30 hours before departure or at dedicated Air France counters. Business and Elite Plus SkyTeam members have access to priority check-in and security lanes, ensuring a smooth pre-flight process.
Lounges:
At CDG Terminal 2E, Air France operates elegant lounges featuring French wines, gourmet food, and quiet workspaces. Passengers in Business Class or those with Flying Blue Elite status can enjoy these lounges before departure.
Boarding the A350:
Boarding typically takes place at the wide gates designed for large aircraft. Thanks to the A350’s dual jet bridges, passengers in Business Class and those in Economy board through separate doors, reducing congestion.
4. Inside the Air France A350 Cabin
One of the most appealing aspects of this route is the aircraft itself. The Airbus A350’s cabin environment was designed for long-haul comfort, offering wider seats, better humidity levels, and reduced noise compared to older aircraft.
Cabin Configuration
| Cabin Class | Seat Configuration | Seat Pitch | Seat Width | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Class | 1-2-1 | 78 inches | 21 inches | Full-flat beds, direct aisle access, sliding doors (newer models) |
| Premium Economy | 2-4-2 | 38 inches | 19 inches | Enhanced recline, leg rest, upgraded meals |
| Economy | 3-3-3 | 31 inches | 17 inches | Ergonomic seats, individual entertainment screens, USB ports |
The Business Class cabin on the Air France A350 is one of the most elegant in the skies. Each seat transforms into a fully flat bed and offers direct aisle access. The décor combines soft white and navy tones, with subtle lighting and privacy screens. Premium Economy offers a quieter experience with more recline and upgraded dining, while Economy Class maintains Air France’s focus on comfort with adjustable headrests and ample legroom.
5. In-Flight Service and Dining
Air France is known for its inflight service that celebrates French hospitality. From the welcome beverage to the final coffee service, the airline infuses a touch of French charm and culinary excellence into the experience.
Business Class Dining:
Passengers can expect a three-course meal curated by renowned French chefs, often featuring dishes like duck confit, beef tenderloin, or vegetable risotto, accompanied by French wines and champagne. Meals are served on fine chinaware with stainless cutlery.
Premium Economy and Economy:
Premium Economy passengers receive upgraded meals served on porcelain dishes, while Economy passengers enjoy a full hot meal with wine and dessert, followed by a light snack before landing.
Sample In-Flight Menu (Paris → Chicago)
| Course | Business Class | Premium Economy | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appetizer | Smoked salmon with dill | Cold pasta salad | Fresh garden salad |
| Main Course | Beef tenderloin with pepper sauce | Chicken with herbs and rice | Pasta with tomato basil sauce |
| Dessert | Cheese selection & chocolate mousse | Pastry & fruit | Ice cream cup |
| Beverage | French wine, champagne, coffee | Wine, beer, soft drinks | Wine, soft drinks |
6. Entertainment and Connectivity
Every seat on the A350 features a high-definition entertainment screen with hundreds of movies, TV shows, and music playlists in multiple languages. Air France’s “Air France Play” system allows travelers to access digital magazines and newspapers on their devices even before boarding.
The A350 also comes equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, available in three packages:
| Wi-Fi Plan | Price Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Message Pass | Free | Allows messaging apps (WhatsApp, iMessage, etc.) |
| Surf Pass | €8–€18 | Internet browsing, social media access |
| Stream Pass | €30 | High-speed for streaming or VPN use |
7. Sustainability and Efficiency of the A350
The Airbus A350 represents a major step toward eco-friendly aviation. It consumes up to 25% less fuel compared to the previous generation of widebody aircraft, thanks to lightweight composite materials and aerodynamic design.
Air France has also introduced initiatives such as:
- Waste reduction programs (removing single-use plastics)
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) integration for select flights
- Eco-piloting techniques to optimize fuel burn
- Carbon offset options available through the Flying Blue program
This aligns with Air France-KLM Group’s broader sustainability plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
8. The Return Flight Experience: Paris to Chicago
When travelers board the Air France A350 for the return journey to Chicago, the experience mirrors the eastbound leg—but with subtle timing differences due to prevailing winds. The westbound flight usually lasts about 9 hours and 20 minutes, departing Paris in the early afternoon and landing in Chicago around early evening local time.
Typical Schedule (Subject to Seasonal Change)
| Flight | Departure (CDG) | Arrival (ORD) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| AF136 | 13:10 (Local Paris Time) | 15:40 (Chicago Time) | Daily |
Because this is a daytime flight, cabin lighting is adjusted to maintain alertness, and meal service begins shortly after takeoff, followed by a lighter refreshment before arrival.
9. Arrival at Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Upon arrival in Chicago, Air France flights typically use Terminal 5, which handles most international arrivals.
Customs and Immigration:
Passengers clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Terminal 5, where Global Entry kiosks can expedite the process. Travelers connecting to domestic flights need to collect their luggage and recheck it after immigration.
Ground Transportation:
Chicago O’Hare offers multiple transport options—CTA Blue Line trains to downtown, rental cars, hotel shuttles, and rideshare services. For business travelers, access to downtown takes about 40 minutes.
10. Passenger Comfort and Well-Being
The A350’s environmental systems make a big difference on long flights. Its cabin is pressurized to a lower altitude, around 6,000 feet, compared to older aircraft that average 8,000 feet. This helps passengers feel less fatigued and better hydrated upon arrival.
Air filtration uses HEPA systems, renewing cabin air every 2–3 minutes. Combined with noise-reducing materials and LED lighting that simulates natural daylight cycles, the A350 creates a tranquil flying environment.
11. Flying Blue Loyalty Program Benefits
Air France’s loyalty program, Flying Blue, rewards frequent flyers with points (Miles) based on spending and fare class. Members can earn and redeem miles across SkyTeam partners like Delta, KLM, and Korean Air.
Flying Blue Benefits Table
| Tier | Requirement | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Explorer | Free to join | Earn miles, online booking perks |
| Silver | 100 XP | Lounge access (on AF/KLM), extra baggage |
| Gold | 180 XP | Priority boarding, preferred seating |
| Platinum | 300 XP | Guaranteed seat, premium service line |
For passengers regularly flying between Chicago and Europe, Flying Blue membership can offer valuable perks and discounts, especially on long-haul A350 routes.
12. Cargo and Operational Significance
Apart from passenger service, the Air France A350 also plays a role in transatlantic cargo movement. The Chicago route carries pharmaceutical products, electronics, automotive parts, and luxury goods. The aircraft’s cargo hold is temperature controlled and can carry up to 20 metric tons of freight per flight.
This dual role—passenger and freight—strengthens economic ties between France and the U.S. Midwest, facilitating trade and logistics.
13. Comparison: A350 vs. Boeing 777 on the Same Route
Before the A350 introduction, Air France operated Boeing 777-200ER aircraft on the Chicago route. The A350 now offers improved passenger comfort and environmental efficiency.
| Feature | Airbus A350 | Boeing 777-200ER |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Efficiency | 25% lower fuel burn | Older generation |
| Cabin Noise | Quieter | Louder |
| Air Quality | Humidified, lower cabin altitude | Standard |
| Passenger Comfort | Wider seats, advanced lighting | Good, but dated |
| Cargo Capacity | Slightly reduced | Higher volume |
Overall, the A350 provides a smoother, quieter, and more sustainable experience for both passengers and crew.
14. Crew and Service Training
Air France crew members on A350 flights undergo specialized training to familiarize themselves with the aircraft’s systems and safety protocols. Training includes cabin management, emergency drills, and service standards emphasizing French hospitality.
Cabin attendants are also trained in intercultural communication to cater to diverse passengers on transatlantic routes, ensuring professionalism and warmth throughout the journey.
15. Tips for Travelers on the Air France A350 Chicago Return Flight
- Choose Seats Early: Business Class seats with window access are most private. In Economy, aim for the forward cabin for faster disembarkation.
- Hydrate Well: The A350’s better humidity helps, but long flights still dehydrate—carry a refillable water bottle.
- Book Wi-Fi in Advance: Purchase online passes before boarding for discounted rates.
- Use Lounge Access: Flying Blue Silver or above can access lounges—worth it for relaxation before the flight.
- Plan Transfers: Arriving in Chicago’s late afternoon allows same-day domestic connections but plan at least 2.5 hours buffer.
16. The Broader Impact of the Chicago–Paris A350 Route
This route does more than transport passengers—it strengthens economic, cultural, and tourism links between the U.S. and France. The Airbus A350’s efficiency also supports Air France’s sustainability commitments while showcasing the future of transatlantic travel.
Conclusion
The Air France A350 Chicago return flight offers an ideal blend of modern aviation technology, French sophistication, and passenger comfort. From the moment you check in at Paris Charles de Gaulle to your arrival in Chicago, the experience reflects Air France’s dedication to innovation and hospitality.
For travelers seeking an efficient, comfortable, and refined transatlantic experience, the Air France A350 stands out as one of the best options available—balancing environmental responsibility with luxury and practicality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What aircraft does Air France use for its Chicago–Paris route?
Air France primarily operates the Airbus A350-900 on this route, known for its quiet cabin, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort.
2. How long is the flight from Paris to Chicago on the Air France A350?
The westbound (return) flight usually lasts around 9 hours and 20 minutes, depending on winds and air traffic conditions.
3. Does the Air France A350 have Wi-Fi?
Yes. The A350 offers three Wi-Fi options, including a free messaging plan and paid plans for browsing and streaming.
4. What is special about Air France’s Business Class on the A350?
Each seat converts into a fully flat bed with direct aisle access, enhanced privacy, and French fine dining service.
5. Is the A350 a more sustainable aircraft?
Absolutely. The Airbus A350 uses up to 25% less fuel and produces lower CO₂ emissions, supporting Air France’s eco-friendly initiatives.
