Fly Superior with Air France Premium Economy

If you are thinking of switching from Air France’s Economy class to Premium Economy, you must be wondering, is Air France Premium Economy worth it? Well, to align everything for you, this guide on Air France Premium Economy review will help you familiarize yourself with its service and atmosphere so that you can decide whether you should purchase it. 

Premium Economy is said to be the mid-range option between economy and business class, best for passengers who want a better experience than regular economy without spending the cost of business class. The blog covers everything from the differences to the pros and cons. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from this great middle-ground option between Economy and Business Class.

What Makes Premium Economy Unique from Regular Economy 

Before proceeding, let us explain the difference between Air France Regular Economy and Premium Economy so that you can decide whether spending those extras will be beneficial.  

Air France: Premium Economy

1. Seating:

• The seats of premium economy are larger and have more legroom than those of regular Economy. The seat pitch is about 38 inches compared to 31 inches in the economy, the seats are wider by up to 19 inches, and the recline is about 130°.
• Premium Economy seats generally provide a greater recline, which will be resourceful for a lengthy flight.
• The premium class also provides wider seats and a larger armrest compared to the regular Economy. 

2. Service:

• Premium Economy Passengers often enjoy priority boarding, which allows them to board a plane before the general boarding groups.
• It usually includes a more comprehensive amenity kit.
•  Improved meal service is provided with a wider selection of food options and often more refined presentation.

3. Entertainment:

•  Larger personal screens are provided with a greater selection of movies, TV shows, and games, adding another difference of that to the regular economy. 

4. Additional Perks:

• This one typically includes an additional checked bag compared to Economy and gives extra baggage allowance as well.
• Enhanced comfort with a dedicated cabin section, offering a quieter and more spacious environment. 

Air France: Regular Economy

1. Seating:

• Air France premium economy seats are more compact as compared to the premium ones with standard legroom.
• Limited recline is given compared to Premium Economy.
• Seats are with Standard width with less cushioning and fewer adjustable features.

2. Service:

• Only the Standard boarding process is available in the regular economy with no priority access.
• Basic or no amenity kit provided.
• Standard meal service, which may be less varied or presented more simply.

3. Entertainment:

• Smaller personal screens with a standard selection of in-flight entertainment.

4. Additional Perks:

•   Often, only one checked bag is included or there may be additional fees.

On-board Amenities to Experience at the Premium Economy

Air France’s Premium Economy gets positive reviews as a great middle-ground option between Economy and Business Class; passengers can expect several enhanced amenities designed to improve comfort and convenience. Here’s a breakdown of everything that you can expect on board:

Comfort and Seating

It’s obvious to expect a lot more if one is paying the price difference of 1.3 to 3 times. Hence, the seats in premium economy are more spacious and offer 40% more room to space out. Extra features like adjustable footrests, winged headrests, and a recline function are provided and appreciated by the passengers. 

Cabin Layout and Ambiance

It is so peaceful to experience the flight of your dreams, i.e., one with comfort and favorable options to choose from. The Premium Economy cabin is separate from the Economy one, providing a more peaceful atmosphere. It’s arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration. The section is less crowded, with fewer passengers compared to the main cabin. 

Meals and Amenities

While meal service in Premium Economy is similar to Economy in terms of food options, the presentation is slightly better, and the service is quicker. Passengers are treated to a glass of champagne after takeoff, a nice touch that’s not available in regular Economy. Additionally, amenities like noise-canceling headphones, a blanket, and an amenity kit with are provided.

Entertainment

Let’s consider the Air France Premium Economy review. Each seat has an upgraded entertainment system with a larger screen (typically 13-16 inches), and the selection of movies and shows is vast. However, in some configurations, passengers sitting in bulkhead seats might find it uncomfortable, as the screen is stored in the armrest and can’t be used during takeoff or landing.

Overall Value

Many reviewers have found Air France’s Premium Economy to be worth the extra cost, especially on long-haul flights. It strikes a good balance for those seeking additional comfort and services without paying for a business-class ticket. As it is no doubt a lot better than then the regular economy in the price of half of the business class, it is a good deal to go for it!

Pros and Cons of Traveling with the Air France Premium Economy 

The difference between premium and regular economy shown above shows that premium economy provides better facilities but costs a little more than regular economy. Per the Air France Premium Economy review, here’s a list of pros and cons to consider!

Pros:

1. More Space: Air France Premium Economy seats are wider and have more legroom than standard ones, providing a bit more comfort for long-haul flights.

2. Enhanced Service: You’ll often receive a better-quality amenity kit, including items like a higher-quality blanket, pillow, and sometimes even noise-canceling headphones. Meals are typically served on better-quality dinnerware and are of higher quality compared to Economy class.

3. Priority Boarding: Premium Economy passengers generally get priority boarding and might have quicker baggage handling upon arrival.

4. Additional Baggage Allowance: Premium Economy passengers usually have a higher baggage allowance than Economy class passengers, which can be a significant benefit for those traveling with a lot of luggage.

5. Dedicated Cabin: Premium Economy cabins are often located in a separate section of the aircraft, which can provide a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere.

Cons:

1. Cost: Premium Economy is more expensive than standard Economy, and depending on the route and timing, the upgrade can be quite significant in terms of cost.

2. Not as Luxurious as Business Class: While Premium Economy is an upgrade from Economy, it’s still not as luxurious or comfortable as Business Class, which offers significantly more space, better service, and amenities.

3. Limited Benefits: Premium Economy passengers typically do not have access to airport lounges unless they have elite status or a separate membership.

At Last!

If one has the option of choosing better facilities in Air France flights, which is much better to experience, at the price of less than business class, the Air France Premium economy can turn out to be a great deal. Especially in the case of long hours of flights, a comfortable flight is what everyone craves. So it is a great deal to go for the Premium economy as the middle-ground option between Economy and Business Class. However, don’t expect it to be equivalent to the business class and as basic as the Economic class. Have a happy Journey!

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