Air France Premium Economy Review: Is It Worth It?

Air France Premium Economy, now officially called “Premium,” first debuted on the company’s long-haul flights in 2009 and is today an integral part of the Air France product suite.  

Air France’s Premium seats are distinctive. They were designed after an older Air France business class product that has since largely been retired in favor of a more modern business class cabin. The “fixed-shell” has fans and detractors, but it remains one of the only seats of its kind in the premium economy universe. 

A traditional reclining seat has been introduced on Air France’s Airbus A350, and customer feedback may ultimately determine the fate of the fixed-shell seat on future models. 

Air France has made slight tweaks to its premium economy seats over the years, but still, the product isn’t particularly competitive with the comfort and service introduced by US-based carriers with their premium economy cabins (many of which are significantly newer).

All things considered, many travelers choose Air France for their charming French service, and Air France Premium brings a higher standard of comfort compared to the economy cabin, which is already quite comfortable.

Key takeaways

• Air France’s Premium Economy (formally called Premium) is offered on most long-haul flights, including routes between the US, Europe, and Asia, making it an accessible option for many travelers.
• Premium seats are wider and more spacious with extra legroom and enhanced recline. The fixed-shell design provides privacy, but newer A350 aircraft feature traditional reclining seats.
• Premium meals are inspired by French cuisine served on real tableware. Passengers also get complimentary beverages and an amenity kit.
• Air France Premium comes with SkyPriority perks like expedited check-in, boarding, and baggage handling.
• While premium economy prices start around $1,300 roundtrip, Going Elite members have received deals for as low as $800.

Going experts’ Air France Premium Economy review & score

Air France Premium is far from being the best premium economy product on the market. While the seating is a step up in comfort, with more recline, footrests, and extra legroom, its unusual fixed-shell seat design may not be everyone’s favorite—though it provides added privacy.

Something we’d like to highlight are the dining options, which feature multi-course French-inspired meals, real tableware, and complimentary champagne. SkyPriority perks also enhance the airport experience, allowing for faster check-in, boarding, and baggage retrieval. Still, the service and overall offering are more in line with economy than business class, with limited lounge access and no lie-flat seating.

For travelers looking for a more comfortable long-haul experience without the high price tag of business or first class, Air France Premium Economy is a solid choice. That being said, many competitors offer better seating and amenities at a similar price point, so we suggest comparing options before booking.

Expert score: 6.5/10

Become a Going Elite member to score the lowest prices in higher classes. 

What to know about Air France Premium Economy

Premium is sold on every Air France flight that is operated by widebody aircraft, including the Boeing 777, Boeing 787, Airbus A330, and Airbus A350.

Depending on the carrier, premium economy products can range from being more like economy class to being much closer to business class. Air France Premium is closer to economy class than it is to business—competitors on the same routes offer more spacious seating and more upgraded meals. 

What sets Air France apart is that it is one of the few carriers that advertises the ability to purchase lounge access (subject to availability) for premium passengers. These passengers also enjoy Sky Priority services like expedited check-in, boarding, and baggage delivery.

What is included in Air France Premium Economy?

What is the difference between Air France economy and premium economy?

Air France Premium cabin offers a noticeable upgrade from standard economy, with wider seats, extra legroom, and enhanced recline. The perks are also present during check-in and in the airport where premium passengers can enjoy free seat selection and SkyPriority benefits.

But in comparison to business and first class, premium still falls short in terms of luxury and exclusivity. While premium offers more comfort than economy, Air France's first class (called La Première) provides a private suite, gourmet dining designed by Michelin-starred chefs, and access to exclusive airport lounges. 

Additionally, first class passengers enjoy personalized concierge service, lie-flat seats, and ultra-premium amenities, making it a true luxury experience.

>> Flights don’t have to break the bank! Discover smart strategies on how to find cheap flights and book at the lowest prices.

What flights operate premium economy in Air France?

Air France Premium class is available on most long-haul international routes, primarily on flights operated by wide-body aircraft between North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and select destinations in the Middle East.. 

Flights between major hubs like Paris (CDG) and New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), São Paulo (GRU), Tokyo (NRT/HND), and Bangkok (BKK) regularly offer premium, making it a great choice for travelers looking for extra comfort without the high price of business or first class.

The Air France Premium Economy experience at the airport

Does Air France SkyPriority get lounge access?

As is standard for most carriers, passengers in Air France Premium are not entitled to lounge access with their ticket, unless they otherwise qualify (such as having FlyingBlue or SkyTeam status that affords lounge access).

However, Air France does offer Premium passengers the option to purchase lounge access at check-in, subject to availability. The amounts are not published in advance and may vary by airport.

Air France Premium Economy check-in

Air France Premium passengers enjoy SkyPriority status, a premium check-in lane also used by business class passengers and SkyTeam elite flyers. At many airports, SkyPriority lanes are also available at security checkpoints, customer service counters and transfer desks, and customs inspection lines. 

Baggage allowance

SkyPriority benefits also include expedited baggage delivery upon arrival (priority bags are identified with the yellow Air France/SkyTeam priority flag added to the printed bag tag at check-in). Besides, all premium economy passengers can check two bags up to 50 pounds (23 kg) each.

Like most European carriers, Air France agents typically monitor carry-on bag weight at check-in or during boarding, but there’s an additional allowance for premium economy passengers there, too—they’re allowed two pieces in the cabin and a personal item, with a combined weight of up to 40 pounds (12 kg).  

By comparison, economy passengers are only permitted one checked bag up to 50 pounds (23 kg), if they have purchased a fare that includes a checked bag. Carry-on bags have stricter limits too—one bag and one personal item not to exceed 26 pounds (12 kg) in total are permitted.

The Air France Premium Economy experience in the air

Air France Premium Economy class seats

When Air France introduced its premium economy category (then called Premium Voyageur) in 2009, it was touted as the first fixed-shell seat in a premium economy cabin, and it’s still the seat in use on most Air France intercontinental aircraft today—with some variations. 

The fixed-shell seat is designed so that the seat reclines forward and down within the fixed space of the seat, instead of back into the space of the seat behind. There’s a foot pedestal that comes down from the underseat area (and slightly reduces under-seat stowage), and a leg rest that can be extended or retracted using a button next to the recline button. 

On the Airbus A350, the fixed shell seat has been replaced by a traditional reclining seat, which maintains the leg rest and footrest. 

The seats have integral noise-canceling headphones, an adjustable reading light, a large entertainment screen, and a large tray table that comes out of the seat in front (at bulkheads, it’s in the arm rest).

Boeing 777 (All Series): These aircraft feature the fixed shell seat in a 2-4-2 configuration. On some versions of the 777-300, there is a pair of spacious lavatories in the premium economy cabin that are not well-patronized by the economy cabin. Still, on other 777-300 versions and the 777-200, the closest lavatories are through the economy section aft.

Boeing 787-9: These aircraft feature the fixed-shell seat in a 2-3-2 configuration and the lavatory is aft through the economy cabin.

Airbus A330: These aircraft feature a newer version of the fixed-shell seat with lighter fabric coverings in a 2-3-2 configuration. The lavatory is aft through the economy cabin.

Airbus A350: These aircraft feature the reclining (non-shell) seat in a 2-4-2 configuration, and the lavatory is aft through the economy cabin.

Benefits of flying Air France Premium Economy

One of the main benefits is that premium passengers board before economy passengers.

Premium passengers also receive larger, cloth-covered feather pillows and fleece blankets as well as a complimentary bottle of water at their seat during boarding. These tickets also include a comfort kit, containing an eye mask, socks, toothbrush and toothpaste, earplugs, and sanitary earpiece covers for the headset. (Economy passengers receive an eye mask; business passengers receive a larger kit that also includes Clarins products).

Air France Premium Economy meals

Premium passengers receive a modified version of the economy meal for the first service on long haul flights. What does this mean? The main courses are the same, and the meal is served on the economy meal tray, but it comes with cloth napkins and glassware.

The appetizer and dessert are also upgraded—“inspired by the business menu.” Premium economy passengers also receive first dibs on the entrée selections. The meal cart starts in the premium cabin, so there’s no running out of anybody’s first choice.

The second service is the same as that served in economy, though drinks will again be served in glassware. Flights longer than eight and a half hours offer a breakfast or snack bag; flights longer than ten and a half hours offer a second meal.

Alcohol in Air France Premium Economy

Alcohol—including champagne—is complimentary in all classes of service on Air France long-haul flights. Premium passengers are offered the same beverage list as economy passengers. 

On flights longer than eight and a half hours, a self-serve cart with drinks (including wine, champagne, and other alcoholic beverages) and snacks is available in one of the economy class galleys.

How to book premium economy on Air France

How much does it cost for a premium economy ticket on Air France?

Premium economy fares are managed separately from other classes of service, so the difference between economy and premium can vary from significant to virtually the same. In most circumstances, when booking patterns for both classes are normal, premium is priced at double the lowest economy fare. 

However, if premium is lightly booked and economy is booking heavily, economy fares can increase while premium fares remain the same. If premium economy books early or quickly, the premium economy fare can shoot up to several times the lowest economy fare. 

For example, fares between New York and Paris in premium economy typically hover around $1,500 roundtrip, but Going frequently finds cheap flights under $800 roundtrip.

Premium fares tend to book well in advance, and the lowest fares often sell out months before departure. Part of this is owed to the small size of the premium economy cabin (only a handful of seats are available at the lowest fares). 

Between Los Angeles and Tahiti, economy fares are typically around $800 roundtrip, and premium economy can be around $2,700 roundtrip, but Going has found them as low as $1,500.

How to upgrade to business class on Air France for free

Nowadays, travelers can’t depend on a free upgrade anymore, as airlines generally prefer to sell premium cabins for a premium price.

Like many carriers, Air France overbooks, and if they have sold more economy seats than they can accommodate, they’ll upgrade select passengers to premium. Still, upgrades will typically go first to elite members of their own frequent flyer program, FlyingBlue, then to elite members of SkyTeam partner airlines.

>> Flying for less is possible! Discover how to save money on flights and make every dollar count. 

How much does it cost to upgrade to premium economy class on Air France?

Passengers already holding confirmed reservations can upgrade to premium at any time after booking but before check-in by modifying their reservation to premium and paying the applicable fare difference. 

Air France will also sell load factor–based upgrades during the check-in process online or at the ticket counter. The amount of the upgrade isn’t standard, and varies by flight but is normally less than the fare difference between the economy and premium fares. Passengers can pay the full amount in cash or select to pay all or a portion of the upgrade with FlyingBlue miles.

How many miles to upgrade to Air France Premium Economy?

Air France prices mileage upgrades dynamically, meaning the amounts are not set. For a transatlantic flight, Flying Blue members can expect to pay between 10,000 and 30,000 miles for an upgrade from economy to premium economy. It’s also worth noting that award space must be available for upgrades to be available. 

Delta SkyMiles members can also use SkyMiles to upgrade to premium on Air France, subject to the terms of the SkyMiles program. It’s easier to use SkyMiles to upgrade if the flight is Delta marketed (i.e. ticketed by Delta, with a Delta flight number).

How to bid for a seat upgrade on Air France?

Air France offers passengers the opportunity to bid for an upgrade to a higher class, including premium, business, or La Première, through its Upgrade Yourself program. 

If your flight is eligible, Air France will send an email inviting you to bid for an upgrade. You can also check upgrade availability by logging into My Bookings on the Air France website. Then, you can submit the amount you're willing to pay for the upgrade (it shows a bid range, giving you an idea of the minimum and maximum amounts).

About 24 to 48 hours before departure, you’ll receive an email letting you know if your bid was successful. If your bid is not accepted, you won’t be charged and will remain in your originally booked class.

Alternate airlines for premium economy on Air France

Travelers wanting to keep their travel within the SkyTeam can fly Delta on many of the same routes operated by Air France. While not a SkyTeam member, Virgin Atlantic flights also accrue points on many SkyTeam member airline programs (including both FlyingBlue and Delta SkyMiles) and offer reciprocal program benefits. Note that SkyTeam member KLM does not currently offer a premium economy product. 

Outside of SkyTeam, American, United, British Airways, and Lufthansa all offer premium economy cabins.

How to save while traveling in Air France Premium Economy

Leverage loyalty programs and miles

Joining Flying Blue, Air France’s frequent flyer program is one of the best ways to save on premium seats. You earn miles with every flight, and then you can redeem them for flights, upgrades, and even lounge access. Silver, Gold, and Platinum members have additional perks like priority boarding and extra baggage allowance.

Flying Blue miles can also be used with Transavia, Air France’s low-cost subsidiary, allowing travelers to book budget-friendly flights across Europe while still earning miles.

Another way to boost your miles balance is by getting the Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard, which often comes with bonus miles for sign-ups, everyday purchases, and travel-related expenses. 

If you’re flexible with your travel dates, the Promo Rewards program offers discounted award tickets on select routes every month.

Join Going and get notified about great deals

While it’s great to use miles and points to save, knowing the best time to book a flight is what ultimately makes the difference. And that’s where Going comes in. Our team of experts scours airline pricing trends and notifies members when fares drop significantly, helping them save hundreds.

Elite members receive exclusive flight deal alerts for discounted premium economy, business, and first class tickets, making it easier to fly in high-end classes without overpaying.

Here are some of the best deals we’ve encountered in Air France Premium Economy recently:

• Dallas to Rome for  $1,395 roundtrip 
• Chicago to Lisbon for $1,395 roundtrip
• Green Bay to Barcelona for $1,454 roundtrip
• Chicago, Dallas, Newark, Miami, San Francisco, and Washington DC to Paris starting at $1,170 roundtrip nonstop

Download Going’s app and start receiving flight deals alerts!