AIR FRANCE
I was excited not only because I had a chance to host my very own TV show, but because I was flying Air France for the first time. To top it off I was in the very first row of business class. Guess who was sitting in the last row of First? Keanu Reeves (He was cool, but as you can see sick as a dog with the flu or something nasty). Air France recently became the largest airline company in the world when they merged with KLM. AirFrance currently offers 29 flights a day from the U.S. Two are out of LAX. One leaves at 3:30 p.m.; the other departs at 6:25 p.m. Both are serviced by 777-300s, but according to the gate agents the later flight is usually less crowded.

IN-FLIGHT SERVICE
Air France departs from Terminal 2, and business class (called "l'Espace Affaires") passengers can wait for departure in the Northwest Airlines lounge (Northwest is one of their SkyTeam Alliance partners). The lounge is in desperate need of renovation -- it's old and depressing -- but it's still better than trying to find an uncomfortable seat at the crowded gate. Boarding for Flight 65 was quick, and the plane had just been refitted with Air France's new state-of-the-art seats. They have vibrant colors, as well as footrests (even in Economy, which is called "Tempo"). Each seat has an individual video screen. In Tempo class they are 6.4 inches wide, while in business and first (called "l'Espace Premi�re") they are 10.4 inches. The premium classes feature videos on demand.

BIZ CLASS
Business Class seats also have optical fiber reading lights, AC adaptors, a remote control for the entertainment system (this can also be used as a telephone, but nobody does because it's too expensive), an amenity kit, side and front storage, and plenty of leg room. The seats are 21 inches wide. They recline to what is supposedly a 180-degree angle -- but mine did not go completely flat. The slight angle slid me down to the footrest, making me a bit uncomfortable when I tried to sleep. That was the only bummer about the flight. One more on the plus side: The flight attendants were impressive. They were friendly, attentive, and looked great decked out in stylish Parisian uniforms designed by Christian Lacroix.

FOOD ON AIR FRANCE
Whoever says airplane food sucks should take a trip on Air France. It was tasty! An hour after takeoff, out came a 4-course dinner with multiple choices. For hors d'oeuvres I went with the snow crab claws and seafood salad. My main course was grilled tournedos of beef with Provencale-style simmered vegetables and duchesse potatoes. Then came a fine selection of cheeses and an assortment of desserts� yummmm! The mango sorbet was scrumptious, though the chocolate cake tasted a tad dry. Of course, fine wines and champagne were flowing, but I only drink water when I fly (alcohol dehydrates you). For those like me who couldn't sleep, a self-service bar with drinks and snacks was set up in the galley. Just before landing we were offered pastries, croissants, and a hot breakfast (a choice of French toast or scrambled eggs with fresh tomatoes, bacon and roesti potatoes). Air France, tel.: 800-237-2747. For more click HERE.