Air France Premium Economy Review

Air France Premium Economy Review: Is the Upgrade Worth Your Journey?

Long-haul flights can be daunting, leaving many travelers debating the best way to balance comfort and cost. If you're looking for an elevated experience beyond standard economy without the hefty price tag of business class, Air France Premium Economy might just be your sweet spot. But what exactly does it offer, and is it truly worth the upgrade? This comprehensive Air France Premium Economy review will break down every aspect of the experience, helping you decide if it's the right choice for your next adventure.

What is Air France Premium Economy?

Air France Premium Economy (often simply called "Premium" by the airline) is a dedicated cabin positioned as a middle-ground between the standard Economy and the luxurious Business Class. It's designed to offer a significant step up in comfort, space, and service, making long journeys more bearable. This cabin is available on most of Air France's long-haul flights, connecting continents like North America, Europe, and Asia.

Key Features at a Glance:

Enhanced Seating: Wider seats, more legroom, and a greater recline than Economy.
Upgraded Meals & Beverages: Multi-course meals, often with a touch of French culinary inspiration, and complimentary champagne.
Priority Airport Services: Access to SkyPriority benefits for a smoother airport experience.
Increased Baggage Allowance: More generous checked and carry-on baggage limits.
Amenity Kit: Thoughtful extras for a more comfortable flight.

The Seat: Comfort & Space

When considering an Air France Premium Economy review, the seat is often the first thing travelers want to know about. Air France aims to provide a noticeable difference from standard economy, and generally, they deliver.

Seat Pitch, Width, and Recline

Air France Premium Economy seats offer significantly more personal space. You can expect a seat pitch of around 38 inches, compared to 31-32 inches in standard Economy. The seats are also wider, typically around 19 inches, providing more room to relax.

One of the most crucial aspects for long flights is the recline. Premium Economy seats offer a deeper recline, up to 124 degrees on updated aircraft, making it considerably easier to rest or even sleep compared to Economy. While not a lie-flat bed like in Business Class, this enhanced recline, combined with adjustable headrests, footrests, and legrests, contributes to a more comfortable journey.

Fixed-Shell vs. Traditional Recline

It's worth noting that Air France has a mixed fleet. Some older Boeing 777 aircraft feature a "fixed-shell" seat design, where the seat slides forward within a shell rather than reclining backward into the space of the passenger behind. While this offers privacy, some passengers find it less comfortable for sleeping. However, newer Airbus A350 aircraft and some updated Boeing 777s feature traditional reclining seats, often with improved cushioning and headrest adjustability. Don't assume you'll get the newest version, as it's a mixed fleet situation.

Power Outlets and Personal Screen

Each Premium Economy seat is equipped with a wide, high-definition touchscreen for entertainment, typically around 13.3 inches. You'll also find a personal adjustable reading lamp, a power outlet, and a USB port (including both USB-A and USB-C on newer aircraft), ensuring your devices stay charged throughout the flight. Noise-reducing headsets are also provided to enhance your entertainment experience.

In-Flight Experience: Dining & Entertainment

Beyond the seat, the in-flight service plays a crucial role in any Air France Premium Economy review.

Meal Service and Beverages

Air France aims to offer an upgraded dining experience in Premium Economy. Meals are often inspired by French cuisine and are served on real tableware, a step up from the standard Economy presentation. You can expect multi-course meals, often including an appetizer, a choice of hot meals, cheese, and dessert.

A notable perk is the complimentary champagne offered shortly after takeoff, a touch usually reserved for higher classes on many airlines. Air France also provides a wide selection of other complimentary beverages, including wines selected by expert sommeliers.

Since November 2023, Air France has partnered with Michelin-starred French chefs, such as Frédéric Simonin, to create menus for the long-haul Premium Economy cabin on flights departing from Paris, offering a choice of two dishes, including a vegetarian option.

Entertainment System and Amenities

The entertainment system features a vast library of movies, TV shows, music, and games. As of May 2025, it also includes monthly-updated CANAL+ content.

For added comfort, Premium Economy passengers receive a comfort kit, which typically includes an eye mask, socks, earplugs, a toothbrush, and toothpaste. You'll also find a plush pillow and a soft fleece blanket at your seat, along with a complimentary bottle of water.

Ground Experience: Check-in, Baggage & Lounge Access

The benefits of Air France Premium Economy extend beyond the cabin, enhancing your airport journey.

SkyPriority Benefits

One of the significant advantages is access to SkyPriority services. This includes priority check-in at dedicated counters, priority security checks, priority boarding, and priority baggage handling upon arrival. These perks can significantly reduce wait times and streamline your airport experience, making you feel "a little bit special."

Baggage Allowance

Premium Economy tickets come with a more generous baggage allowance. You are typically allowed to check two suitcases, each weighing up to 23 kg (50 pounds), for free. This is double the allowance for standard Economy fares. For carry-on baggage, Premium Economy passengers can bring two bags (up to 55 x 35 x 25 cm each) plus one personal accessory (up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm), with a combined total weight of up to 18 kg.

Lounge Access

It's important to clarify that Air France Premium Economy tickets generally do not include complimentary lounge access. Lounge access is primarily reserved for Business and La Première passengers or those with elite status (e.g., Flying Blue Gold, Platinum, or SkyTeam Elite Plus).

However, Air France does offer Premium Economy passengers the option to purchase lounge access at check-in, subject to availability. The price varies by airport, but for those with long layovers or who simply desire a quiet space, it can be a worthwhile expense.

Is Air France Premium Economy Worth the Upgrade?

This is the million-dollar question for many travelers considering an Air France Premium Economy review. The answer largely depends on your priorities, the flight duration, and the price difference.

Cost vs. Benefits Analysis

Compared to standard Economy, Premium Economy offers a noticeable upgrade in comfort, space, and airport convenience. The wider seats, increased legroom, deeper recline, and improved meal service can make a significant difference, especially on long-haul flights. The SkyPriority benefits also save valuable time and reduce stress at the airport.

However, it's not Business Class. You won't get a lie-flat bed or the same level of dedicated service and privacy. Some travelers have also noted that while the meals are upgraded, they may not always match the taste expectations set by the presentation.

Who is it Best For?

Long-Haul Travelers: If you're facing an overnight or very long flight (7+ hours), the extra space and recline can be invaluable for getting some rest and arriving less fatigued.
Budget-Conscious Comfort Seekers: It's a fantastic compromise for those who want more comfort than Economy but can't justify the much higher cost of Business Class.
Travelers with More Baggage: The increased checked baggage allowance can offset some of the upgrade cost, especially if you'd otherwise pay for extra bags.
Individuals Prioritizing Airport Efficiency: The SkyPriority benefits can be a huge time-saver, particularly at busy airports like Paris CDG.

Ultimately, if the price difference is reasonable (some find it a "steal" if they can catch the right fare, paying under an extra USD 250 per person), the benefits of Air France Premium Economy often outweigh the cost, particularly on longer flights.

Tips for Booking Air France Premium Economy

Book in Advance: Like most airline tickets, booking early often yields better prices.
Consider Sales and Promotions: Keep an eye out for Air France sales or special offers on Premium Economy fares.
Use Miles: If you have Flying Blue miles (Air France-KLM's loyalty program), redeeming them for Premium Economy can offer good value, especially for long-haul routes.
Check Aircraft Type: If the seat design is crucial to you, try to identify the aircraft type operating your flight. Newer A350s and updated 777s offer the traditional reclining seats, while some older 777s might still have the fixed-shell design.
Seat Selection: Once booked, select your seats as early as possible to get your preferred spot, whether it's a window, aisle, or a pair of seats together.

Conclusion

The Air France Premium Economy experience offers a compelling balance of enhanced comfort and value, bridging the gap between standard Economy and Business Class. With more spacious seating, improved dining, a thoughtful amenity kit, and the undeniable convenience of SkyPriority services, it significantly elevates the long-haul travel experience. While it's not a lie-flat bed, the added legroom and recline can make a world of difference for your well-being upon arrival.

Have you flown Air France Premium Economy? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below! We'd love to hear your thoughts on whether you found the upgrade worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Do Air France Premium Economy passengers get lounge access?

No, Air France Premium Economy tickets typically do not include complimentary lounge access. However, you may have the option to purchase lounge access at check-in, subject to availability, or if you hold elite status with Air France-KLM's Flying Blue program or a SkyTeam Elite Plus membership.

Q2: Can you sleep comfortably in Air France Premium Economy?

While Air France Premium Economy seats do not lie flat like Business Class, they offer significantly more recline (up to 124 degrees on updated aircraft), increased legroom (up to 38 inches of pitch), and adjustable features like headrests, footrests, and legrests. Many passengers find it much easier to get decent sleep in Premium Economy compared to standard Economy, especially on long flights.

Q3: What is the baggage allowance for Air France Premium Economy?

Air France Premium Economy passengers are generally allowed two checked bags, each weighing up to 23 kg (50 pounds), free of charge. For carry-on, you can bring two cabin bags (max 55 x 35 x 25 cm each) plus one personal item (max 40 x 30 x 15 cm), with a combined weight not exceeding 18 kg.

Q4: Is the food in Air France Premium Economy better than Economy?

Yes, the meal service in Air France Premium Economy is generally considered an upgrade from standard Economy. You'll typically receive multi-course meals served on real tableware, often with French culinary inspiration. A notable perk is the complimentary champagne, and on flights departing from Paris, menus are often crafted by Michelin-starred chefs. While opinions on taste can vary, the presentation and overall offering are enhanced.