When looking at this Air France Premium Economy as a step up from Air France’s Economy, you might wonder: “Is it worth upgrading to Premium Economy?” Hoping to make your choice more informed, this blog will provide you with all the information about Air France’s Premium Economy service, its specific mood, and its amenities.
Essentially, Premium Economy is a compromise between the Economy and Business classes but it comes with only a slightly heavier price tag than an Economy ticket. So, this blog will discuss what sets this enhanced class apart and the advantages and disadvantages of selecting this premium economy whether it best suits you or not. Keep on reading to know more about what Air France’s services can offer especially in their Premium Economy class.
Air France Premium Economy: Everything You Need to Know
Air France has premium Economy in all the flights enrolling them in wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777, Boeing 787, Airbus A330, and Airbus A350. However, the fully-fledged Premium Economy cabins differ in their character from one airline to another. Especially, ranging from the Economy to the lower stratum of the Business Class.
Premium Economy is closer to Economy than to Business, and Air France’s offer competes unfavorably with their competitors on the like routes in terms of offer, which includes more space to sit and better meals. However, being one of the exceptions, Air France permits Premium Economy passengers to buy into lounge options (where available). Furthermore, passengers receive Sky Priority services, which entail a fast check-in procedure, priority in boarding, and efficient baggage handling.
Premium Economy vs. Regular Economy: Which Class is Right for You?
However, to guide your decision as to whether the upgrade can justify the charges or not, let us further distinguish between the Regular Economy and the Premium Economy that Air France provides.
| Premium Economy | Regular Economy |
| Premium Economy retains the spaciousness of its features with a pitch of 38 inches, widths of up to 19 inches, and a recline of approximately 130 degrees which is moderately more comfortable for extended flights. | Regular Economy offers comparatively more legroom than basic economy, narrower seats, and restricted reclining capabilities with few movements. |
| The benefits of traveling in Premium Economy include priority boarding, a more elaborate amenity kit, and better meal selection and presentation. | Regular Economy passengers board according to their zones, have no access to Economy Plus, may lack a quality amenity kit, and get only simple meals. |
| Premium Economy is characterized by larger personal screens, for example, movies, television shows, and games libraries are more expensive. | While the Regular Economy class has smaller screens and a smaller choice of entertainment. |
| Premium Economy comes with one extra checked piece of baggage extra baggage allowance for the flight and is situated in its cabin area in order to minimize noise and disturbances. | Whereas, regular Economy usually permits one checked piece of luggage, though it charges for the extra baggage. |
Is Air France Premium Economy Worth It? Benefits and Drawbacks Explained
Comparing the differences between the Premium Economy and the Regular Economy it can be understood that the AF’s Premium Economy entails various improvements in the services as well as facilities. But at the same time, these improvements are provided at a higher cost. Based on this Air France Premium Economy, here are some key pros and cons to weigh before choosing:
Benefits of Selecting Premium Economy
Increased Space and Comfort: Premium Economy class is slightly wider and offers more space. Particularly for your legs thus making long-distance travel less cramped than in the normal Economy.
Enhanced Amenities: Passengers can get a better-quality blanket, pillow, and sometimes noise-canceling headphones. Pricing also rises to meet the better-quality dinnerware, which complements the meal presentation on the table.
Priority Boarding and Baggage: Some of the advantages for passengers traveling in Premium Economy include showing priority at boarding times. Moreover, faster baggage handling when disembarking at a particular destination.
Extra Baggage Allowance: There is one more advantage of the Premium Economy class; passengers can check more baggage than in Economy.
Dedicated Cabin: Premium Economy cabins are frequently situated in a different mini-cabin to ensure that passengers feel more comfortable in the quiet environment.
Drawbacks of Selecting Premium Economy
Higher Cost: Premium Economy fares are higher than Regular Economy. However, these range from a few bucks for a regular flight to several hundred dollars on a connecting flight of several thousand miles. Especially, depending on the airline, route, and time of booking.
Not Comparable to Business Class: Even though, as can be seen, Premium Economy is higher than Economy by the level of service, space, and comfort it cannot be compared to Business Class.
Limited Lounge Access: Free lounge access is available but for PREMIUM ECONOMY passengers only if they have elite status of the airline or if they can purchase it online prior to the flight and it may offer additional comfort before the flight for a passenger.
The Airport Benefits of Flying Air France Premium Economy
There are a lot of amenities and services that Premium Economy passengers can take advantage of. Some of them are mentioned below:
Check-in Process
Passengers of the Premium Economy Class traveling with Air France get a SkyPriority. This means they are free to check in using special priority check-in desks which are also available for Business Class and SkyTeam elite members. Additionally, there are SkyPriority lanes convenient for security control points, check-in desks, transfer desks, and customs at many airports.
Baggage Allowance
Some of the privileges that come with SkyPriority include special tags meant to show that the baggage needs to be given special priority. However, it is permissible to take two checked bags each of which may not weigh more than 50 pounds (23 kilos). Furthermore, premium passengers can carry two pieces of cabin baggage, whose total weight should not exceed 40 pounds.
On the other hand, economy passengers are generally allowed one checked baggage of up to 23 kilos, if these are included in the ticket price. However, their rules for what they allow you to take on board in carry-ons are also much more rigid. One carry-on bag and one personal item, which cannot weigh more than 26 pounds (12 kilos).
Meals and Amenities
The meal choice is similar to the economy, but the concept of serving is a little classy, or as known as a step up,’ the serving time is comparatively less. Passengers in the Premium Economy class also receive a glass of champagne during the flight, a feature that is not provided for passengers in the Economy class. Other items include noise-canceling headphones, a blanket, and an amenity kit.
Entertainment Options Avail
Air France’s Premium Economy class offers seats with an improved entertainment system. The viewing screen size is increased from 13-16 inches, and the range of films and programs is broader. However, the situation may be slightly different for passengers who get the bulkhead seats as the screens are located in the armrest and all the options have to be put away during take-off and landing.
To Wrap Things UP!
Passengers have an opportunity to take advantage of Air France Premium Economy facilities and amenities. For long-haul journeys, comfort is a top priority, and Premium Economy offers a wide range of facilities to satisfy the passenger’s needs and requirements. However, it provides a more enjoyable experience than Economy Class. So, choose Premium Economy for a more convenient and comfortable journey. Additionally, enjoy a Premium Class flight! Have a happy and Safe Travels!
Answer to Common Queries Passengers May Have!
Air France Premium Economy includes a comfortable seat, better meals, Sky Priority services at airports, larger baggage allowance, the possibility to buy lounge access, and more FlyingBlue XP points.
Lounge access is not provided, but this facility can be accessed at many airports at an extra cost.
Service Overview and New Fare Class: Premium Economy fares start from $1,400 up to $2,700.
Yes, Premium Economy has an improved main meal plus an Economy-type meal during the second half on long hauls.
Air France’s Premium passengers can get 2 bags each of them not exceeding 23 kgs.
Indeed, Air France flies to several cities in the United States, including New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, among others. A few flights have seasonal service.
Premium Economy seats are available when you book a flight through Air France’s official website or at service counters.
If you travel on Air France, you can call the Air France customer service number 800-375-8723 to try for an upgrade.
