🇫🇷 Air France Premium Economy Review: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Air France Premium Economy offers a coveted middle ground for travelers seeking comfort without the high cost of Business Class. Positioned perfectly between standard Economy and the full luxury of Business, this class aims to elevate your long-haul journey.

But with price increases, the burning question remains: Is Air France Premium Economy worth the extra cost in 2024?

We dive into the details of the dedicated cabin, the specific seat design on the popular Airbus A350 and Boeing 777, and whether the improved amenities justify the upgrade.

1. Air France Premium Economy: The Core Value Proposition

Air France Premium Economy is a distinct travel class, sometimes referred to as Premium Select. It is designed to offer significantly enhanced comfort and services compared to Economy Class, primarily for long-haul international routes.

Air France Economy vs Premium Economy: Key Differences

The decision often comes down to the measurable improvements over the standard Economy.

Feature	Air France Economy Class	Air France Premium Economy	Impact on Travel
Seat Width & Pitch	Standard (Approx. 17″ wide, 32″ pitch)	Wider Seat (19″-20″) More Pitch (~38″)	Significant increase in personal space and knee room.
Seat Recline	Limited	Enhanced Recline (123°) in a fixed shell.	Better for resting without infringing on the person behind you.
Baggage Allowance	Standard (Usually 1 Checked Bag)	Increased (Usually 2 Checked Bags)	Ideal for longer trips or shoppers.
Check-In/Boarding	Standard	SkyPriority (Dedicated check-in & priority boarding)	Saves time at the airport.
Meal Service	Standard meals, served on a tray.	Upgraded Meal Service served on proper tableware, often with a choice.	Enhanced dining experience.

The Verdict: Is Air France Premium Economy Worth It?

For the majority of long-haul travelers (flights over 6 hours), the upgrade to Air France Premium Economy is generally worth the investment.

The justification lies almost entirely in the seat comfort and personal space. The extra legroom (pitch) and wider seat make a profound difference in minimizing fatigue and stiffness, particularly on overnight flights or routes longer than 8 hours.

Rule of Thumb: If the cost difference is less than 50% of the Economy fare, it is excellent value. If it exceeds 100%, consider if the additional comfort is worth bridging the gap toward Business Class.

2. Air France Premium Economy Seats: A Deep Dive

The quality of your Premium Economy experience depends heavily on the aircraft model you are flying. Air France operates Premium Economy on its flagship long-haul fleet, primarily the Boeing 777 and the new Airbus A350.

Air France Airbus A350 Premium Economy Review

The A350 represents Air France’s most modern cabin product.

Layout: Typically a 2-4-2 configuration.
Seat Design: Features the newest generation of the Premium Economy seat. This modern design provides excellent storage and power access.
Comfort: The A350 boasts improved cabin air pressure and humidity compared to older jets (like the older 777s), which significantly reduces jet lag and enhances overall flight comfort.
Verdict: This is widely considered the best Air France Premium Economy experience.

Air France Boeing 777 Premium Economy (777-300ER/777-200ER)

The experience on the Boeing 777 fleet is variable depending on the refurbishment status of the aircraft.

Layout: Historically a 2-4-2 configuration, though some older models may have slight variations.
Seat Design: While still featuring the fixed-shell recline design (where the seat slides forward within a shell rather than reclining back into the passenger behind you), the overall feel can be less modern than the A350.
Recline vs. Comfort: The fixed-shell recline is polarizing. While great for the passenger behind you, some travelers find the forward slide movement slightly less comfortable for deep sleep compared to a traditional recline.
Verdict: A solid, reliable product, but check if the specific aircraft has received the latest cabin upgrades.

3. Premium Economy Features and Amenities

Beyond the seat, Premium Economy includes valuable services that simplify your journey.

Food, Meals, and Beverages

Premium Economy dining is a clear step up from the main cabin.

Dining Service: Meals are typically served on porcelain tableware, reflecting a more restaurant-like experience. You usually receive a welcome glass of champagne or sparkling wine after boarding.
Menu: The menu often features a choice of main dishes, sometimes offering higher-quality selections than those available in Economy.
Amenities: Passengers receive an amenity kit (usually including socks, earplugs, eye mask, and sometimes Clarins skincare products in the lavatories) and a comfortable blanket and pillow.

Priority and Airport Services

One of the often-overlooked benefits is the speed through the airport:

SkyPriority: This label grants you access to dedicated check-in counters, priority baggage drop-off, and priority boarding. This significantly reduces stress and waiting times, particularly at busy hubs like Paris (CDG) or LAX.
Baggage: The standard two-piece checked baggage allowance for Premium Economy is a substantial advantage for international flights.

4. Premium Economy vs. Business Class: When to Upgrade Further

While Premium Economy is a big step up from Economy, it is essential to understand its limits, especially when deciding if you should splurge on Business Class.

Seat: Business Class offers a lie-flat bed (up to 78 inches of pitch) and significantly more privacy. Premium Economy seats only recline significantly (approx. 38 inches of pitch).
Dining: Business Class offers multi-course gourmet dining, fine wines, and à la carte options. Premium Economy offers an enhanced Economy meal.
Lounge Access: Premium Economy tickets DO NOT include complimentary lounge access. This is reserved for Business and First Class passengers or those with elite status.

Recommendation: Upgrade to Business Class if the journey is exceptionally long (over 10 hours) or if your priority is sleep and maximum privacy. Stick with Premium Economy if your priority is space and comfort while awake or lounging.

Conclusion and Booking Recommendations

Air France Premium Economy remains an excellent choice for long-haul international travel. The product successfully bridges the gap, offering significantly more space and a better service experience than Economy, particularly on the modern Airbus A350 fleet.

If your route is served by the A350, the upgrade is highly recommended for optimal comfort. For any route, the enhanced seat and SkyPriority benefits provide a highly rewarding experience that is well worth the incremental cost.

Booking & Next Steps

Best Value Routes: Look for routes like LAX to Paris or similar long-haul international connections where the extra space is most needed.
Check Aircraft Type: Always verify the specific aircraft (A350 is best) when booking to set accurate expectations for the seat design.

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