French Bee Premium Class: A Budget-Friendly Upgrade for Long-Haul Comfort

Flying long-haul often comes down to two choices: splurge on premium comfort or endure economy class to save money. French Bee, a relatively new player in the affordable long-haul market, offers a third option with its Premium Class—a middle ground that promises a more comfortable journey without the premium price tag.

But does it deliver on that promise? Let’s break down what you can expect when flying French Bee Premium.

Comfort and Space: A Notable Upgrade

For travelers familiar with the typical tight squeeze of economy, French Bee’s Premium Class offers a noticeable upgrade—especially in the no-frills world of low-cost carriers.

With 36 inches of pitch (legroom) and 18 inches of seat width, it provides more room to stretch out compared to economy’s 32 inches of pitch. The seats also recline up to 7 inches and are equipped with adjustable headrests, footrests, and leg rests, which make long flights a bit more tolerable.

Photo: Courtesy of French Bee

However, these aren’t lie-flat seats, so if you’re hoping for a business class style experience, it’s worth tempering expectations.

Seating configurations vary slightly between French Bee’s two Airbus models—the A350-900 and the much larger A350-1000.

The Premium Class on the smaller A350-900, which is the aircraft of choice for the airline’s U.S. gateways—features 35 seats in a 2-3-2 layout, while the larger A350-1000 offers 40 seats in a 2-4-2 layout.

The cabin’s smaller size compared to economy makes for a quieter, more exclusive atmosphere, with less foot traffic and quicker service from the flight crew. It also features an exclusive lavatory, making those pre-landing freshen-ups quicker.

In-Flight Dining: French Touches, Modest Offerings

One of the hallmarks of French Bee’s service is the emphasis on French cuisine and its attentive and energetic flight attendants.

Passengers are welcomed onboard with a complimentary drink, and throughout the flight, they can enjoy a selection of juices, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages.

Photo: Courtesy of French Bee

Meals in Premium Class come with a few added touches—actual silverware, dedicated service, and some regional French ingredients—something other long-haul/low-cost carriers are certainly not known for.

For those seeking a more refined dining experience in the sky, French Bee offers an enticing array of gourmet meal options that elevate in-flight dining beyond the typical fare. Crafted by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Michel Lorain, who sought inspiration from regional specialties around the country, these menus provide passengers with a true taste of French cuisine.

The “French Bouillon” Menu

Inspired by the 19th-century Parisian “bouillons” — restaurants known for serving hearty, no-fuss dishes at affordable prices — French Bee’s “French Bouillon” menu delivers a traditional yet indulgent meal. Passengers can savor the flavors of authentic French cooking, starting with foie gras on gingerbread with onion confit, followed by duck confit and grenaille potatoes.

Photo: French Bouillon menu. Courtesy of French Bee

The meal is rounded out with a selection of fine French cheeses, including Reblochon and brie with walnuts, and a chocolate and vanilla puffy pastry trio for dessert. All this is paired with your choice of Champagne or a glass of red or white wine.

If you’re a meat lover, the “Gourmet Meat” menu offers a refined, in-flight culinary experience. This option includes a meat entrée, served with your choice of Champagne or red or white wine.

The “Gourmet Fish” menu provides a delicious alternative for those who prefer seafood. According to the airline, this option is carefully curated to offer a gastronomic experience. “This menu includes a fresh fish entrée that is as sophisticated as flavorful,” says French Bee. Like the other gourmet options, it is served with Champagne or a glass of red or white wine.

Photo: The Gourmet Meat menu. Courtesy of French Bee

With French Bee’s gourmet meal options, the airline proves that even budget travelers can enjoy a Michelin-starred dining experience while crossing the Atlantic.

Entertainment and Amenities

In terms of in-flight entertainment (IFE), French Bee provides 12-inch HD touchscreens at each seat (except for bulkhead rows, which have retractable screens in the armrests).

The movie and TV show options are diverse, with a focus on French films and a sprinkling of Hollywood titles. If you prefer to bring your own entertainment, each seat is equipped with USB and power outlets to keep your devices charged.

Photo: Courtesy of French Bee

One of the standout features of French Bee’s in-flight experience is the availability of Wi-Fi, allowing passengers to stay connected even while flying over oceans.

French Bee offers a range of Wi-Fi packages through its iZiWifi service, catering to different connectivity needs.

Data packages range from “The Hello Plan,” priced at $4, offering 10MB of data, and is suitable for light users who want to stay connected with friends and family.

“The Social Plan,” priced at $9, provides 50MB of data and is designed for those who enjoy social media and want to stay updated while traveling.

Photo: Courtesy of French Bee

“The Geek Plan,” priced at $17, offers 100MB of data, making it ideal for travelers who need to browse the web or catch up on work tasks.

Finally, the “Addicted Plan,” priced at $29, offers 200MB of data and is perfect for passengers who need to stay online for extended periods and handle more data-intensive tasks.

In addition to seat comfort and dining upgrades, Premium Class passengers enjoy some valuable perks that make the overall experience smoother. These include priority boarding, access to a dedicated check-in line, and an extra checked bag.

The smaller cabin also means quicker service, and passengers receive amenity kits stocked with basics like eye masks, earplugs, and a toothbrush—another thoughtful, though modest, touch.

The Value Proposition: Does It Measure Up?

French Bee’s Premium Class is ultimately about offering comfort and convenience at a reasonable price. If you’re someone who values extra legroom, quieter cabins, and dedicated service but isn’t looking to pay for a full business class experience, Premium Class strikes a balance.

For long-haul flights between Paris and destinations like New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, and Tahiti, French Bee’s Premium Class can be an attractive option for travelers who want more than economy without splurging.

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

However, it’s important to approach the offering with realistic expectations. The seats provide comfort, but they’re far from luxury. The food is good, but not gourmet. And while there are perks, they don’t quite match what you’d find on more traditional premium airlines. But for the price, Premium Class is a smart, budget-friendly alternative.

So, is French Bee Premium Class worth it? For travelers looking to step up from economy on a long-haul flight without diving into the expense of business class, it’s an option that provides comfort, convenience, and value. If you manage expectations and appreciate the balance of service and cost, it’s a solid middle-ground for making your long-haul journey more enjoyable.