Is Air France Premium Economy Worth It? Your Guide to an Upgraded Journey

Long-haul flights can be daunting, leaving you feeling cramped and exhausted upon arrival. If you've ever wished for more space and comfort without the hefty price tag of Business Class, Air France Premium Economy might be the answer. But is it truly worth the extra cost? This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about Air France's "Premium" cabin, helping you decide if it's the right choice for your next journey.

What is Air France Premium Economy?

Air France Premium Economy, recently rebranded simply as "Premium," is a distinct cabin class positioned between standard Economy and Business Class. Introduced in 2009, it aims to offer a noticeable upgrade in comfort and service for travelers seeking a balance between affordability and an enhanced flying experience. This cabin is primarily available on Air France's long-haul flights, including routes between the US, Europe, and Asia, utilizing aircraft like the Boeing 777, 787, and Airbus A350.

Key Benefits of Air France Premium Economy

So, what exactly do you get when you choose Air France Premium? The benefits extend beyond just a bit more legroom.

Enhanced Seat Comfort and Space

One of the most significant advantages of Air France Premium Economy is the improved seating. You can expect:

• More Space: Premium Economy offers approximately 40% more personal space compared to standard Economy. Seats are typically 19-20 inches wide with a pitch (legroom) of 38-40 inches, a substantial increase from Economy's 31-32 inches.
• Greater Recline: While not lie-flat, Premium Economy seats offer a deeper recline than Economy, with some newer aircraft featuring up to 124 degrees of tilt. This, combined with adjustable headrests, footrests, and leg rests, can significantly improve comfort, especially on long flights, and make it easier to rest.
• Cabin Configuration: Depending on the aircraft, Premium Economy cabins typically feature a 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 seating configuration, providing more personal space and a quieter atmosphere than the denser Economy cabin layouts (e.g., 3-4-3 or 3-3-3).

It's worth noting that Air France has different seat types, including an older "fixed-shell" design that slides forward, and newer reclining seats, particularly on A350 and some 777 aircraft. The fixed-shell design aims to prevent intrusion into the space of the passenger behind, though some travelers find it less comfortable for sleeping.

Priority Airport Services (SkyPriority)

Air France Premium passengers receive SkyPriority benefits, which can significantly streamline your airport experience. These perks include:

• Dedicated Check-in Counters: Access to priority check-in lines.
• Priority Security Screening: Expedited security lines at many airports, including Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), which can save considerable time.
• Priority Boarding: You'll typically board after Business Class but before standard Economy groups.
• Priority Baggage Handling: Your checked bags are among the first to be delivered upon arrival.

Enhanced Baggage Allowance

Premium Economy tickets generally include a more generous baggage allowance than Economy. You can typically check two suitcases, each weighing up to 23 kg (50 pounds), for free. In contrast, standard Economy often allows only one checked bag. For carry-on, Premium Economy allows two cabin bags plus one personal item, with a combined weight limit of 18 kg (39.7 lbs), compared to 12 kg for Economy.

Improved Dining Experience

While not on par with Business Class, the dining experience in Air France Premium is an upgrade from Economy. You can expect:

• Multi-course Meals: Meals are often inspired by French cuisine and served on real tableware.
• Complimentary Beverages: This includes champagne as a welcome drink, along with an expanded selection of wine, beer, and spirits.
• Upgraded Food Quality: Meals are generally considered better than Economy, with some routes, especially from Paris, featuring menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs.
• Snacks: Small sweet and savory snacks, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are available throughout the flight, with some flights offering instant noodles mid-flight.

In-flight Entertainment and Amenities

Air France Premium offers a richer entertainment experience and thoughtful amenities:

• Larger Screens: Seats are equipped with 12- to 13-inch high-definition touchscreen monitors, larger than Economy screens.
• Extensive Content: Access to hundreds of movies, TV shows, games, and music, with multilingual options.
• Connectivity: USB ports and power outlets are available at each seat, and Wi-Fi is offered (though packages may need to be purchased, with a free messaging option on some flights).
• Amenity Kit: Premium Economy passengers typically receive a comfort kit containing essentials like an eye mask, socks, earplugs, a toothbrush, and toothpaste. These kits are often designed to be reusable. Note: As of March 2025, Air France may no longer offer free amenity kits in Premium Economy on all flights, so it's wise to check current policies.
• Pillow and Blanket: Larger, cloth-covered pillows and fleece blankets are provided.

Comparing Premium Economy to Economy and Business Class

Understanding where Premium Economy fits in the grand scheme of Air France cabins is crucial for your decision.

Premium Economy vs. Economy

The most direct comparison is with standard Economy. Premium Economy offers:

• Significantly More Space: Wider seats, more legroom, and deeper recline.
• Better Airport Experience: SkyPriority benefits reduce wait times.
• Increased Baggage Allowance: Two checked bags vs. typically one in Economy.
• Upgraded Meals and Amenities: Better food, complimentary champagne, and an amenity kit (subject to current policy).
• Quieter Cabin: A smaller, curtained-off cabin can offer a more tranquil environment.

While Economy offers good value, especially with complimentary champagne on long-haul flights, Premium Economy provides substantial comfort upgrades for a slightly higher cost.

Premium Economy vs. Business Class

Business Class is a significant leap in luxury and price. Key differences include:

• Lie-Flat Seats: Business Class offers fully lie-flat seats, ideal for sleeping on overnight flights, whereas Premium Economy seats only recline significantly.
• Lounge Access: Business Class tickets typically include complimentary lounge access, a perk not generally included with Premium Economy (though Premium Economy passengers can sometimes purchase lounge access at the airport, subject to availability).
• Superior Dining: Business Class offers a more extensive and gourmet dining experience, often with more choices and higher-quality presentation.
• Dedicated Service: Business Class often has more dedicated flight attendant service.
• Privacy and Aisle Access: Many Business Class configurations offer direct aisle access for every seat and greater privacy.

Premium Economy is a "true-middle" option, offering a more comfortable seat and enhanced ground handling without the high price tag of Business Class.

When is Air France Premium Economy Worth It?

Deciding if "Is Air France Premium Economy Worth It" depends largely on your personal travel priorities and budget. Here are scenarios where it often makes sense:

• Long-Haul Flights: For journeys lasting several hours, the extra legroom, recline, and overall comfort can make a significant difference to your well-being upon arrival. If you're hoping to get some sleep, the deeper recline and leg rests can be beneficial.
• For Taller Travelers: The increased seat pitch (legroom) is a game-changer for taller individuals who find standard Economy seats unbearable.
• When Business Class is Too Expensive: If Business Class is out of your budget, Premium Economy provides a welcome upgrade from Economy without the full premium cost. It's often priced 30-70% more than Economy but significantly less than Business Class.
• For Travelers Needing to Work or Rest: The added space, power outlets, and quieter cabin can make it easier to be productive or simply relax during your flight.
• If Baggage Allowance is Important: The included two checked bags can offset some of the cost if you would otherwise pay for extra luggage in Economy.
• To Enhance the Airport Experience: SkyPriority benefits can be invaluable for avoiding long lines at check-in, security, and boarding, especially at busy airports.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

While generally a positive upgrade, there are a few points to consider:

• Price Difference: The cost can be double that of an Economy ticket, which might not be worth it for shorter flights or if your budget is extremely tight.
• Aircraft Type Variations: Air France operates different aircraft with varying Premium Economy seat designs (fixed-shell vs. traditional recliners). The fixed-shell seats, while offering privacy, might not be preferred by all for comfort or sleep.
• Not a Full Business Class Experience: It's important to manage expectations; Premium Economy is a step up from Economy, not a "Business Class lite" in terms of lie-flat seats or full lounge access.
• Amenity Kit Policy Changes: Be aware that complimentary amenity kits in Premium Economy may no longer be offered on all flights as of March 2025.

Tips for Booking Air France Premium Economy

• Book in Advance: Like most cabin classes, booking early can help you secure better fares.
• Look for Sales and Promotions: Keep an eye out for special offers or use points/miles if you have them, as deals can make Premium Economy particularly good value.
• Consider Upgrading: Sometimes, last-minute upgrade offers are available, though these can be unpredictable.
• Check Aircraft Configuration: If seat type is a major concern, try to identify the aircraft type operating your flight to understand the specific Premium Economy seat design you'll encounter.

Conclusion

Is Air France Premium Economy worth it? For many travelers, especially on long-haul flights, the answer is a resounding yes. It offers a significant upgrade in comfort, space, and airport convenience compared to standard Economy, bridging the gap towards a more relaxed journey without the premium price tag of Business Class. The wider seats, increased legroom, deeper recline, enhanced dining, and SkyPriority benefits contribute to a noticeably more enjoyable travel experience.

Ultimately, the value of Air France Premium Economy comes down to your priorities and budget. If you prioritize comfort and a smoother travel day over strict cost savings, and particularly for longer flights, it's an excellent investment.

Have you flown Air France Premium Economy? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Air France Premium Economy passengers get lounge access?

No, complimentary lounge access is generally not included with an Air France Premium Economy ticket. This perk is typically reserved for Business and La Première passengers. However, Air France may offer the option to purchase lounge access at the airport, subject to availability.

What is the difference between Air France Premium Economy and Economy seats?

Air France Premium Economy seats are significantly wider (19-20 inches vs. 16-17 inches) and offer substantially more legroom (38-40 inches pitch vs. 31-32 inches). They also provide a deeper recline and often come with footrests and leg rests, which are generally not found in standard Economy.

Is food better in Air France Premium Economy?

Yes, the food in Air France Premium Economy is generally considered an upgrade from Economy. You'll often receive multi-course meals served on real tableware, complimentary champagne, and an expanded beverage selection. On some routes, especially from Paris, menus are even designed by Michelin-starred chefs.

Do Air France Premium Economy seats lie flat?

No, Air France Premium Economy seats do not lie flat. They offer a significantly deeper recline than Economy seats, along with leg rests and footrests, but they are not designed to be fully flat beds like those found in Business Class.