Air France KLM Lounge

Located in Concourse A, opposite gate 20 and a stone’s throw away from Air France’s departure gate, the Air France KLM Lounge at Washington Dulles airport welcomes Air France and SkyTeam business class customers, as well as Flying Blue Gold and SkyTeam Elite Plus passengers departing on international flights. In the mornings and until early in the afternoon, the club also welcomes members of popular airport lounge access programs such as Priority Pass and DragonPass.

The Air France Lounge was completely remodeled early 2019. The cramped and tired facility made way for a modern and attractive space with a new overflow lower level, a separate dining room, and a luminous private area for La Premiere (First Class) customers.

The white entrance blends with the minimalistic terminal décor and would be easy to miss, if it weren’t for the line that occasionally snakes outside the door — the club can be busy at peak times. Air France customers may check in at one the automated kiosks, while other guests should inquire with one of the customer service agents.

Air France KLM Lounge IAD design

The Air France KLM Lounge at Washington Dulles airport received a major facelift early 2019, and by all accounts, the French flag carrier has hit a home run.

The bright, airy, and luminous 7,000 square-foot open space boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic tarmac views. It’s a prime vantage point over Dulles airport’s storied main terminal and vintage mobile lounges.

Playful colors, smooth lines, and curves give the space a fresh and lively vibe. A sculptural showcase bar with a wine wall seamlessly separates the tucked-away La Premiere area from the main lounge space. At the center, dramatic light fixtures delineate a convivial dining area with circular booths.

The décor is resolutely modern without being excessively minimalistic. The space is ultra-functional, with power outlets at every seat, and a variety of seating options catering to multiple needs. Guests have their choice of plush sofas, convivial egg chairs and tabletop seating along the windows, and dining tables. Privacy is limited—the floor plan is definitely efficient—but the remodeled lounge feels far less cramped than the former space.

A new overflow basement level opens in the afternoons when the crowds swell. The designers have incorporated innovative Italian-made fake skylights that simulates daylight in order to enhance guest wellbeing. In addition to additional traditional seating and dining spaces, the downstairs room features noise-buffered private alcoves.

The alcove in the rear of the lounge, opposite the lobby, is typically cordoned-off for VIPs or left vacant, an odd choice considering that Air France offers a much more private and better-appointed separate zone for La Premiere customers.

Air France KLM Lounge IAD amenities

The Air France KLM Lounge at Washington Dulles airport features a well-rounded line-up of amenities aimed at international travelers.

Guests will find a selection of snacks, finger food, sandwiches, fruit, and treats with a French flair. The ham sandwiches made with French baguette are a highlight, as is the expansive bread selection. While the real china and silverware are a nice touch, the spread is relatively modest overall, though Air France offers a broader selection in the evenings, outside Priority Pass hours.

The beverage selection is notable, on the other hand. Air France offers Taittinger Champagne, draft beers on tap, an assortment of red and white wines, as well as an expansive choice of liquor and spirits. Unfortunately, soft drinks are not self-service and must be ordered from the bar. Espresso machines and tea are also available.

Business Class passengers departing on the evening flight to Paris (AF 027 departing at 9:10 pm at the time of writing) have the option to enjoy a full a-la-carte meal on the ground, should they wish to maximize sleep onboard. The striking dining room, located adjacent to the reception area, accommodates up to 20 guests across a large communal table and 10 tables for two. (Outside dinner hours, the dining room is open to all and serves as a business center.)

For guests who wish to freshen up, the Air France Lounge at Washington Dulles airport features one shower suite. It is prudent to inquire early as there may be a wait at peak times. The regular bathrooms are slightly under-dimensioned for the lounge, and when we visited they were not in pristine condition (compared to the rest of the space which was spotless.)

Other amenities include secure Wi-Fi and a selection of international newspapers and magazines.

Air France La Premiere (First Class) passengers may retire to a dedicated area tucked in behind a door marked “Private.” (Note that Hippocampe members do not have access to the First Class area.) The premium space was designed back when Air France routinely operated an Airbus A380 between the US and French capitals, and as such is comfortably oversized for the intimate four-passenger First Class section of the airline’s Boeing 777.

The La Premiere area is outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, a sofa, designer chairs, and two elegant dining tables with prime tarmac views. Guests receive personal service, a-la-carte dining, and premium beverages.

Air France KLM Lounge IAD bottom line

The newly-renovated Air France Lounge at Washington Dulles airport has multiple facets, and your experience may vary.

Throughout the day, Priority Pass members and other pay-in guests will find an elegant and well-appointed space with expansive tarmac views, a shower suite, a modest but enjoyable snack selection, and a superior complimentary bar. The club can get busy at peak times, though the 2019 addition of a new basement level has mitigated the issue.

Air France customers will enjoy the slightly more expansive food selection with a French flair, while  business class passengers departing on the evening flight to Paris will be treated to a complimentary a-la-carte dinner, served restaurant-style in an elegant dining room.

Air France La Premiere customers are invited to retire to a well-appointed private area with superior views, personal attention, and table service.

Overall, the Air France Lounge Dulles remodel is spectacular, and the new lounge is one of the better clubs at Washington Dulles airport. It beats, by a long shot, the dominant carrier United’s rundown membership-based clubs, but is a far cry from the luxuries of United’s exclusive Polaris Lounge for business class customers. Compared to other carriers located in Concourses A-B, Air France has newer facilities than British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Etihad, but stops short of offering a-la-carte dining ahead of every flight unlike its competitors. Should Air France extend meal service hours, the French flag carrier would have a winning product.