Honest Air France premium seat review

An Honest Air France Premium Seat Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Considering an upgrade for your next long-haul flight with Air France? The allure of more space, enhanced service, and a generally more comfortable journey often leads travelers to explore premium seating options. But with various classes available, how do you know if an Air France premium seat review truly lives up to the hype and your expectations? Is the extra cost justified for the experience you receive?

In this comprehensive guide, we'll provide an honest Air France premium seat review, diving deep into what you can expect from their Premium Economy cabin. We'll cover everything from the booking process to the in-flight experience, helping you decide if this intermediate class is the right choice for your travel needs and budget. Let's find out if upgrading truly elevates your journey!

Understanding Air France Premium Economy: What's on Offer?

Air France's Premium Economy cabin is strategically positioned between the standard Economy and the more luxurious Business Class. It's designed for travelers seeking a significant step up in comfort and amenities without the hefty price tag of a full business class ticket. But what exactly does this "premium" entail?

Typically, you'll find Premium Economy on Air France's long-haul flights, offering a more spacious and private environment. It's not just about a slightly bigger seat; it's about a more refined travel experience from start to finish.

Key Features of Air France Premium Economy

The core appeal of an Air France premium seat lies in several key enhancements:

• Increased Space: Wider seats and significantly more legroom (pitch) compared to Economy.
• Enhanced Recline: Seats often recline further, allowing for better rest.
• Dedicated Cabin: A smaller, more intimate cabin separated from the main Economy section.
• Improved Amenities: Better quality headphones, a larger personal screen, and a more substantial amenity kit.
• Upgraded Dining: A step above Economy meals, often served on real crockery with a wider beverage selection.

The Booking and Pre-Flight Experience

Your journey begins long before you step onto the plane. How easy is it to book an Air France premium seat, and what perks can you expect before boarding?

Booking Your Premium Economy Ticket

Booking an Air France Premium Economy seat is straightforward, available directly on the Air France website or through travel agencies. When comparing prices, you'll notice a clear jump from Economy, but it's typically a fraction of the cost of Business Class. Keep an eye out for sales or consider using Flying Blue miles for upgrades if available.

Airport Perks: Check-in, Baggage, and Boarding

While Premium Economy doesn't usually grant access to Air France's exclusive lounges (that's typically reserved for Business and La Première), you do get some valuable benefits:

• Dedicated Check-in Counters: Often, there are specific counters for Premium Economy, speeding up the check-in process.
• Increased Baggage Allowance: You typically enjoy a higher checked baggage allowance than Economy passengers, which can be a significant cost saver for longer trips.
• Priority Boarding: You'll be among the first to board, allowing you to settle in without the rush and find space for your carry-on.

The Seat Itself: Comfort and Practicality

This is arguably the most crucial aspect of any Air France premium seat review. Is the seat truly comfortable for a long-haul flight?

Air France Premium Economy seats are designed with comfort in mind, offering a noticeable upgrade from standard Economy.

• Seat Dimensions: You'll typically find a seat pitch of around 38 inches (compared to 31-32 inches in Economy) and a wider seat, often around 19-20 inches. This extra space makes a huge difference, especially on flights lasting several hours.
• Recline: The recline is usually more generous, often around 123 degrees, allowing for a more relaxed sleeping position. While not fully flat like Business Class, it's a significant improvement for rest.
• Footrest/Legrest: Many Premium Economy seats feature a footrest or a legrest, providing additional support and comfort, particularly for taller passengers.
• Storage: You'll often find more thoughtful storage options around your seat, such as dedicated pockets for water bottles or personal items.

In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) and Connectivity

The entertainment system in Air France Premium Economy is generally excellent. You'll get a larger personal screen (often 12-13 inches) compared to Economy, offering a vast selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. High-quality noise-reducing headphones are usually provided, enhancing your viewing and listening experience.

While Wi-Fi is available on most Air France long-haul flights, it's typically a paid service, regardless of your cabin class. However, the larger screen and better headphones make enjoying offline content or pre-downloaded media more comfortable.

In-Flight Service and Dining Experience

Beyond the seat, the service and dining are key differentiators in an Air France premium seat review. Does the culinary experience match the "premium" label?

Meals and Beverages

Air France Premium Economy offers an elevated dining experience compared to Economy. Meals are often served on real crockery with metal cutlery, providing a more restaurant-like feel. You can expect:

• Enhanced Menus: While not as extensive as Business Class, the meal options are generally more refined, with a choice of main courses.
• Appetizers and Desserts: Meals typically include a starter, main course, cheese, and dessert.
• Beverage Selection: A wider selection of complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, and spirits, is usually available throughout the flight.
• Snacks: Mid-flight snacks are also provided.

Cabin Crew Service

The cabin crew in Premium Economy are typically attentive and professional. Given the smaller cabin size, the service can feel more personalized than in the larger Economy section. They are generally responsive to requests and maintain the high standards of hospitality Air France is known for.

The Verdict: Is Air France Premium Economy Worth It?

After this honest Air France premium seat review, the big question remains: is the upgrade worth the additional cost?

Pros of Air France Premium Economy:

• Significantly More Space: The extra legroom and wider seat are game-changers for long flights, allowing for better rest and less stiffness.
• Enhanced Comfort: Better recline, footrests, and quality amenities contribute to a more comfortable journey.
• Improved Dining: A step up in meal quality and presentation.
• Smoother Airport Experience: Priority check-in and boarding reduce stress.
• Better Value than Business Class: Offers many comforts at a fraction of the Business Class price.

Cons of Air France Premium Economy:

• No Lounge Access: Unlike Business Class, Premium Economy typically doesn't include lounge access.
• Not a Lie-Flat Bed: While the recline is good, it's not a fully flat bed, which might be a deal-breaker for some on ultra-long-haul flights.
• Price Gap from Economy: Can still be a significant jump in price from a standard Economy ticket.

Our Conclusion: For travelers on long-haul flights who prioritize comfort and space but aren't ready to splurge on Business Class, Air France Premium Economy offers an excellent compromise. It delivers a noticeably superior experience to Economy, making those long hours in the air much more bearable. If you value personal space, better sleep, and an improved dining experience, then yes, an Air France premium seat is often worth the investment.

Maximizing Your Air France Premium Economy Experience

To make the most of your Air France premium seat review experience, consider these tips:

• Choose Your Seat Wisely: If possible, select a bulkhead seat for maximum legroom, or an exit row if available in Premium Economy.
• Dress Comfortably: Even with more space, comfortable clothing is key for long flights.
• Utilize Amenities: Don't forget to use the amenity kit, pillow, and blanket provided.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the flight.
• Pre-order Special Meals: If you have dietary restrictions, pre-ordering can ensure you get a suitable meal.

Have you flown Air France Premium Economy? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Or, if you're looking for more ways to enhance your travel, check out our guide on "Understanding Airline Alliances for Seamless Travel."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is Air France Premium Economy worth the extra cost for a transatlantic flight?

A1: For transatlantic flights, which can be 6-8 hours or more, many travelers find Air France Premium Economy to be well worth the extra cost. The increased legroom, wider seats, and enhanced recline significantly improve comfort and can make a big difference in how refreshed you feel upon arrival.

Q2: Do Air France Premium Economy seats recline fully flat?

A2: No, Air France Premium Economy seats do not recline fully flat into a bed. They offer a significantly enhanced recline compared to standard Economy, typically around 123 degrees, which allows for a more comfortable resting position, but they are not lie-flat beds like those found in Business Class.

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

A3: Typically, Air France Premium Economy passengers are allowed two checked bags, each weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs). This is generally double the allowance for standard Economy passengers and provides ample capacity for most trips. It's always best to verify the exact allowance for your specific route on the Air France website.

Q4: Does Air France Premium Economy include lounge access?

A4: Generally, Air France Premium Economy tickets do not include complimentary lounge access. Lounge access is typically reserved for Business Class, La Première (First Class) passengers, or Flying Blue elite status holders. However, you may be able to purchase lounge access at some airports, or gain access if you hold a qualifying credit card.