Air France Preferred seat is a paid option for upgrading seats in the Economy and Premium, and Business cabins. It acts as a comforting alternative for long-haul flights. This is best for travelers who are looking for extra legroom, privacy, a quicker exit, and a strategic seat location. It enhances the overall experience, providing convenience and comfort throughout the journey. Prices for Air France Preferred Seat services vary depending on the type of seat and cabin selection, but generally range from $30 to $120.
What are the Types of Air France Preferred Seats on the Aircraft?
Air France Preferred seat allows passengers to select seats in their desired cabin by paying an additional fee. The seats typically include:
- Front Section Seats: Sitting in these seats provides early access to the exit gates.
- Duo Seats: Travelers can choose a seat in a row of two. They are generally preferred by couples.
- Extra Legroom seats: These seats are designed to provide extra legroom to the flyer. Comparatively comfortable for long route flights.
- Economy Comfort seats: These seats provide a more relaxed and spacious seating experience than the regular Economy cabin seats.
- Empty Seat Option – My Extra Space: Travelers can purchase an empty seat next to them for their comfort and privacy.
- Window/Aisle Choice: These seats are highly preferred, especially during a day flight, for the outside view.
Benefits of choosing a Preferred seat
Selecting a seat always comes with benefits, as it’s your choice. When traveling on overnight or international flights, it becomes important to have a good, comforting seat. By paying some amount, the seat can be upgraded, and premium passengers do not even need to purchase it as it’s included in their ticket. There are multiple benefits of choosing a preferred seat.
- Extra Legroom: It is very helpful for tall passengers, especially on long flights.
- Priority Seating Locations: Some seating locations come with priority, such as front seats. It extends easy boarding and exits.
- Better sleeping potential: Choosing a comfortable seat increases the chances of getting better sleep and rest in quieter areas.
- Privacy and Seating with Partner: These seats provide a separate private space and a chance to sit with your loved one.
These benefits can make a noticeable change in the overall journey, particularly during international flights.
Air France Preferred Seat vs Main Cabin
There are minor differences in the seats of the Main Cabin and the Preferred seats; however, these small changes can impact the overall trip of a flyer.
| Differences | Preferred Seats | Main Cabin |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Located in the front rows of the Economy cabin, offering quicker boarding and exiting. | Generally located in the middle and rear area of Economy class. |
| Features | Standard reclining seats, fold-up armrests, personal entertainment systems, and potentially USB ports for charging, with better services and a good option for those having a connecting flight. | Standard reclining seats, fold-up armrests, personal entertainment systems, and potentially USB ports for charging. |
| Benefits | Extra legroom, fast boarding and exit, multiple seat options available. | No extra charges are applicable. Easy booking, good option for short-haul travel. |
| Drawbacks | Less availability, extra charges are applicable. | Slow boarding and leaving the aircraft, fewer spaces. |
How to book a Preferred Seat?
Book a standard, premium, or business seat with ease.
When purchasing a flight ticket:
- On the Air France website or app.
- At an Air France ticket office or a travel agency.
- By phone with the Airline agents.
After purchasing a ticket and up to 30 hours before departure:
- In the “My Bookings” section.
- At an Air France ticket office or a travel agency.
- By phone with Air France agents.
From the beginning to the end of check-in for Light fare tickets in the Economy cabin:
- During online check-in.
- In the My Bookings section.
- At the check-in counter or kiosk at the airport.
Prices of Air France Preferred Seats
Prices for these tickets are generally varied depending on:
- Route type (Short haul or long haul).
- Class of travel (Economy or Business).
- Fare Category.
- Flying Blue Status or not.
Estimated Costs:
- Short Haul Flights: $30 to $50 USD.
- Long Haul Flights: $60 to $120 USD.
Who can choose the Air France Preferred Seat?
Preferred seats are generally accessible to all passengers traveling in Economy and Premium Economy Class. However, there are special considerations:
- Flying Blue Elite members: These people often get free or discounted access to this service.
- Families with children: Families would want to get a comfortable and convenient journey in preferred seats.
- Travelers with special needs: Disabled or injured passengers can request appropriate seats by enrolling in this facility.
Refund and Change Policies on Air France Preferred Seats
Air France has a clear policy for refunds and changes on the Preferred Seats service:
- Refunds are only provided when the flight is cancelled or the seat is reassigned due to operational disruptions and irregularities, and the passenger did not receive any equivalent replacement.
- The Customer purchased a refundable fare and canceled their entire trip.
- Changes can be made, but may incur additional charges and depend on the seat availability in the aircraft.
Tips for choosing the best Preferred Seat while flying Air France
- Use Seat Maps: Travelers can use the seat maps present on the official website of Air France to make the decision of choosing a seat.
- Choose exit rows for legroom: Exit rows have seats that provide more legroom. Hence, it is certainly advised to choose exit rows.
- Avoid Seats near the lavatories: Passengers sensitive to noise and foot traffic must double-check that their seat is not near the galleys or lavatories.
- Book Early: These seats generally sell out very quickly, so book early to get the maximum benefit, and there are certain discounts for early birds also.
Final Verdict: Is the Air France Preferred seat option worth it?
Air France Preferred seat offers an overall good experience for traveling flying a long-haul flight. It acts as a middle option with premium-like facilities in the economy cabin and at a minimal cost. Passengers can enjoy more space, a better and chosen seat location, quicker boarding, exit, and comfort throughout the journey. For tall travelers who are flying through long routes, it can be a lifesaver and make their trip smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Air France offers a paid seat upgrade option available for economy and premium economy travelers, where they can book a seat of their choice.
These seats provide extra legroom, privacy, and quiet areas for sleeping and relaxing.
There are plenty of seat options available, such as front section seats, aisle seats, duo seats, extra legroom seats, and economy comfort seats.
For short route flights, it approximately costs $30 to $50 per person.
conditions, for which I booked the preferred seat?
Yes, you will get a refund for your cancelled flight as it was due to operational reasons.
After purchasing the ticket, you can choose your preferred seat in the “My bookings” section, but up to 30 hours before the scheduled flight.
Yes, you can buy by doing an online check-in or using self-service kiosks at the airport.