Air France introduced its “Golden Parisian” service in 1953, using a Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation (F-BGNI) that could fly nonstop between New York and Paris in just 12 hours.
The Golden Parisian carried only 32 passengers (instead of the usual 56) and was equipped with sleeper seats, private cabins with beds, and a lounge. The flight from Paris to New York was called “Parisien Spécial.”
Passengers dined on gourmet fare including lobster medallion, duckling à l’orange, and foie gras with truffles, and were offered free champagne, wines, liqueurs, and American cigarettes during the flight.
The flight cost an extra $25 above the regular $415 first-class fare, for passengers traveling a sleeper-seat; the private cabins were available for an additional $125.
Air France Flight 045 left Paris-Orly at 11:00 PM and landed in New York at 7:40 AM; the return, Air France Flight 044, left New York at 7:00 PM and arrived at Paris-Orly at 12:35.
Air France created a wonderful website about its transatlantic history which includes a video featuring the Golden Parisian and other Air France flights.
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It would be great to fly like that, just once, to see what it was like. I’ve had several flights over the Pacific going back 40 years, and hated everyone of them (except the one back from Vietnam). Could only imagine what it would’ve been like to lay down and sleep, or have a private cabin. Maybe this service will come back someday. Heck, I’d settle for train travel like the old days.
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Well long before Singapore Airlines ! introduced SKYBEDS..and this on the most beautiful plane ever built.
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