Air France Golden Parision, 1953
In 1953, Air France introduced its luxury “Golden Parisian” service.
The Golden Parisian used a Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation (F-BGNI) which was able to fly nonstop between New York and Paris in just 12 hours.
The “Golden Parisian” from New York to Paris (called “Parisien Spécial” from Paris to New York) carried only 32 passengers (instead of the usual 56) and was equipped with sleeper seats, private cabins with beds, and a lounge.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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In honor of sixty years of service between Paris and New York, Air France created a website about its transatlantic history, including a video featuring the Golden Parisian and other Air France flights.