Air France Premium Economy Review: Comfort, Space & Style

Air France Premium Economy, officially renamed “Premium” in September 2024, offers a polished, more spacious experience that bridges the gap between Economy and Business. Found on the airline’s long-haul fleet, including the newest Airbus A350s and upgraded Boeing 777-300ERs, this dedicated cabin provides wider recliner seats, more legroom, enhanced comfort features, and Air France’s signature French hospitality.

Key Features at a Glance

• A separate Premium cabin on long-haul flights.

• Seats available on Airbus A350 and updated Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

• Bigger, more comfortable recliner seats with softer cushions.

• Extra legroom and more recline than regular Economy.

• Upgraded dining with Air France’s French-inspired service.

• Larger, easy-to-use entertainment screens.

• High-speed Wi-Fi is progressively available across the fleet.

• A perfect middle option between Economy and Business, more comfort without the high price.

What Makes Air France Premium Economy Special

Air France Premium Economy fills the perfect middle space for travelers who want more comfort than Economy but don’t need the full luxury or price of Business Class. Found across the airline’s long-haul routes, this cabin is designed to offer extra space, privacy, and a calm atmosphere from the moment you sit down.

A Cabin Designed for Comfort and Style:

The Premium cabin features a modern, soothing look with navy blue upholstery and soft sky-colored accents. The layout feels more private than Economy, giving you a peaceful space to relax throughout your flight.

Recliner Seats Built for Real Rest:

The heart of Premium Economy is its specially designed recliner seat, created with Collins Aerospace. These seats focus on better support, comfort, and ergonomics so you can rest, work, or sleep more easily, and arrive feeling refreshed.

Priority Services That Make Travel Easier:

On select routes and airports like Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Premium travelers get benefits such as:

• Priority boarding

• Dedicated check-in counters

• Access to fast-track security lanes

These perks help you move smoothly from the terminal to your seat.

Extra Baggage for Practical Travel:

Whether you're a family, business traveler, or heading on a long trip, Premium Economy includes a more generous baggage allowance. This makes it a practical upgrade when you need extra room without jumping to Business Class prices.

Also read How Do I Select Seats on Air France?

The New Premium Cabin: Modern, Quiet, and More Comfortable

Air France’s refreshed Premium cabin brings a calmer, softer, and more modern feel, reflecting the airline’s vision for a new “standard of travel. First launched on the Airbus A350-900 in late 2023, it is now expanding across refurbished Boeing 777-300ERs through 2025.

Where the Upgrade Shines:

• Available on A350-900s and updated 777-300ERs

• Up to 48 Premium seats on 777s with more space and less intrusion

• Enhanced cushioning and softer fabrics for improved comfort

Smart, Sustainable Design:

The new cabin focuses heavily on physical comfort:

• Eco-friendly materials and optimized layouts to reduce weight

• Enhanced cushioning for a softer, cradle-like feel

• Adaptive lighting that supports natural sleep cycles

• Larger windows for a brighter, more soothing cabin

A Better Travel Experience:

This upgrade is more than a cosmetic change; it’s a thoughtful response to modern travel needs. Whether you're heading to Abidjan, Dubai, Los Angeles, or any long-haul route, the new Premium cabin aims to deliver a more peaceful, comfortable, and wellness-focused journey.

Air France A350 Premium Economy: Comfort Meets French Style

Air France’s Airbus A350 is set to reach 38 aircraft by 2025, bringing Premium Economy to a new level of calm and comfort. Depending on the A350 variant, the cabin includes 24 to 32 seats, making it both intimate and spacious.

Spacious, Comfortable Seating:

• Seat width: 48 cm

• Legroom: 94–96 cm, perfect for stretching out or working comfortably

• Recline: Up to 124°, offering a near-bed feel for long overnight flights

Thoughtful Design Features:

• Four-way adjustable headrest

• Individual reading lights

• Reinforced lateral support to keep you from slouching

A350 Advantages:

• Whisper-quiet cabin with 40% noise reduction

• 30% larger windows for a more open feel

• Advanced air system for a fresher environment

Whether you're flying to Tokyo-Haneda, San Francisco, the Maldives, or Rio, the A350’s smooth, quiet ride makes Premium Economy the perfect place to relax and enjoy the journey.

Also read Ultimate Guide to Air France New Business Class: What to Expect

Air France Economy vs Premium Economy: What’s the Difference?

If you're deciding between Economy and Premium Economy, Air France makes the differences clear, especially when it comes to space, comfort, and overall value.

Premium Economy offers significantly more comfort, better food, upgraded amenities, and extra baggage, making it ideal for long-haul flights if you want a noticeably better experience without paying Business Class prices.

Premium Economy Lounge Access

Your Premium experience can start well before takeoff. At Paris–CDG, Premium Economy passengers can buy lounge access (subject to availability), giving you entry to Air France’s relaxing spaces with showers, work areas, and light gourmet snacks.

If you’re a Flying Blue Gold, Platinum, or SkyTeam Elite Plus member, lounge access is complimentary, often with a guest, making the upgrade even more rewarding.

Across CDG’s terminals, these lounges offer French wines, pastries, quiet corners, and a calm atmosphere for working or unwinding. Paired with Premium Economy’s priority services, the lounge sets the tone for a smoother, more polished journey from the moment you enter the airport.

Is Air France Premium Economy Worth It?

For long flights, especially eight hours or more, Air France Premium Economy is often a smart upgrade. You get noticeably more space, better comfort, refined meals, and improved productivity thanks to expanded Wi-Fi across the fleet in 2025.

Premium Economy is priced above Economy, but far below Business Class. It fits milestone trips, work-and-leisure travel, and anyone who wants to arrive feeling rested instead of drained. The A350’s 25% lower emissions also make it a more sustainable choice without sacrificing comfort.

Experience the real difference upon arrival, as you step off refreshed, focused, and ready, whether it's Broadway in New York or a business meeting in Singapore. In short, Premium Economy delivers comfort and value that make travel feel smarter, not just more luxurious.

Dining and Entertainment in Premium Economy

Air France brings its culinary elegance to the sky, and Premium Economy passengers enjoy an upgraded taste. Since November 2023, Michelin-starred chef Frédéric Simonin has crafted signature menus featuring French-sourced ingredients, including local meats, dairy, eggs, and sustainable seafood.

Dining Highlights:

• Welcome champagne to set the tone

• Starters like fresh salads

• Two hot main courses, including a vegetarian option

• French cheese selection

• Desserts such as chocolate fondant or Paris-Brest

• Provençal ice creams on long-haul flights

• Meals served on recyclable porcelain

• Expert wine and drink pairings curated by sommelier Xavier Thuizat

• Updated 2025 beverage lineup with new wines, champagnes, craft beers, and many non-alcoholic choices.

Entertainment and Connectivity:

Premium Economy also excels in tech and entertainment:

• 13.3-inch 4K HD screen

• Over 1,500 hours of movies, shows, and games

• Bluetooth audio pairing for your own headphones

• USB-A, USB-C, and universal power outlets

• High-speed Wi-Fi rolling out fleetwide by September 2025

• Free browsing and fast streaming, ideal for work or entertainment mid-flight

Whether you are relaxing with a French dessert or streaming on a crisp 4K screen, Premium Economy blends comfort, culture, and connectivity for a richer in-flight experience.

Book Air France Premium Economy with Flightsquest Today

Air France Premium Economy delivers a clear upgrade over standard cabins, offering more space, better comfort, and enhanced service. Whether you're comparing Air France Economy vs Premium Economy or exploring the redesigned Air France A350 Premium Economy seats, the difference is noticeable. While Air France Premium Economy lounge access isn’t automatic, it can be purchased or enjoyed through elite status. Overall, the new Air France Premium Economy cabin provides strong value on long-haul routes. So, is Air France Premium Economy worth it? Absolutely, especially for travelers seeking extra comfort without the Business Class cost.

Book easily with Flightsquest and unlock the best Air France Premium Economy fares without the hassle. Flightsquest makes booking fast, simple, and stress-free, so you get premium comfort at the best price.

Book your Air France Premium Economy ticket with Flightsquest today and travel smarter.

FAQs About Air France Premium Economy

Q1. What is Air France Premium Economy like?

It offers wider seats, extra legroom, more recline, upgraded meals, and priority services compared to Economy.

Q2. How much baggage is allowed in the Premium Economy?

You get 2 checked bags (23 kg each) plus 1 carry-on and 1 personal item.

Q3. Do Premium Economy passengers get lounge access?

No, lounge access is not included, but you can buy entry or get it through status.

Q4. Is the seat different from Economy?

Yes, Premium Economy has a separate cabin, a wider shell seat, enhanced recline, and larger screens.

Q5. Are meals better in the Premium Economy?

Yes, you get improved meals, a welcome drink, and upgraded service compared to Economy.

Q6. Does Premium Economy include priority boarding?

Yes, passengers get SkyPriority check-in and boarding, but not SkyPriority security at all airports.

Q7. Is Air France Premium Economy worth it?

Most travelers say yes, especially on long flights, because of the extra comfort, space, and better overall experience.