The seat you choose will have a significant impact on how comfortable and enjoyable your trip is, whether you’re traveling for business or leisure. Air France recognizes that every passenger prefers a different type of seat selection, which is why they offer a range of seating options across their classes of travel. Air France aims to enable its passengers to tailor their flying experience to suit their preferences and budgets, offering a range of options from standard economy seating configurations to extra legroom and premium comfort.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the Air France seat selection process step by step. The guidelines will discuss the types of seats available in each cabin class, the associated costs, how to select and reserve your seat and provide some expert tips to help you find your preferred and optimal space on board. No matter your end goal—the chance to relax, remain productive, or simply admire the scenery—this guide will help you to make the best choice for a comfortable and straightforward journey.
How to Select a Seat on Air France: Step-by-Step Guide
Air France provides multiple opportunities for you to select or change your seat both before and after purchasing your ticket. The process works like this:
- During Booking: You can select your seat at the earliest time (and usually the best time) when you choose your fare and provide your passenger details during reservation on the Air France website, mobile app, or travel agency. If you’ve selected fares with options to redeem or request pre-selection, this is the earliest opportunity to reserve your preferred seats, such as a window seat, aisle seat, or extra-legroom seat near the exit row.
- After Booking: If you did not select a seat when booking your flight, you can select a seat later by entering your booking reference and last name and going to the ‘My Bookings’ section of the Air France website or app. Once you have accessed your booking, you can view real-time seat availability.
- During Online Check-In: Online check-in opens 30 hours before departure or 24 hours for flights to or from the United States. You will have even more of an opportunity to choose a seat and/or verify a seat you chose outside of that window. It is essential to act quickly as if you have not selected a seat up to this point, one may be automatically assigned to you.
- At the Airport: On departure day, you can ask for a seat at the check-in desk. But at this time, there may not be an awful lot of options, especially popular seats. If you have seat preferences, it is strongly recommended to survey seating as soon as possible.
Seat Selection Policy: What You Need to Know
The airfare class or ticket price, as well as your current Flying Blue reward status, will determine, in part, the Air France seating policy.
- When booking a ticket, when purchasing a Business Class, Premium Economy, or Economy Flex category flexible ticket, passengers will typically also be able to select a basic seat for free.
- Again, while in less affordable fare category tickets, you may have free access to a greater variety of preferred seating options with improved capabilities for you as a Flying Blue elite member (Silver, Gold, or Platinum). This could be seating in the front section or offering additional legroom, depending on flights and seat availability.
- If you are traveling on the Economy Light pricing scheme, as Economy Light has a less affordable option to select a seat, typically, it may be impossible for the passenger to pay for selecting the best available.
- Air France does offer some limited free seating selection opportunities. If you are a family with one or more young children or a person with limited mobility, you may traditionally receive a free seat for safety, comfort, or practical reasons.
- Passengers in these cases may be fobbed off as seats as we experience with dining frequented by families with kids and those who may not want, pardon the pun, the limited mobility. Be considered below and select your best choice of seating.
Finally, if you do not select a seat, you will automatically be assigned one by Air France at check-in; however, it will not necessarily be the one you want, so the best way to ensure you get your preferred seat is to book early.
Types of Seats Available on Air France Flights
Air France offers diverse seat types across its cabin classes in order to suit the surrounding requirements and budget of its passengers:
Standard Seats
Standard seats are Economy Class seats. They are suited best for economy travel on short-haul flights or passengers looking for the cheapest option possible due to limited budgets because they do not provide a lot of legroom.
Preferred Seats
Preferred Seats allow for quicker boarding and disembarkment as they are at the front of the economy cabin, which is helpful for time constraints and quick connections.
Extra Legroom Seats
Extra Legroom Seats are located by the exit rows and allow for much more room for leg stretching and comfort. They are ideal for tall passengers and those on long flights who need extra comfort.
Duo Seats
Duo seats, located in rows of two on certain aircraft and on long-haul flights, provide more isolation and a more serene flying experience, especially for couples or lone travelers.
Premium Economy Seats
Premium Economy seats provide broader seats, more legroom, and a farther recline than Economy. They receive better dinner service and alternate boarding priority.
Business Class Seats
On long-haul routes, the business class seat lies flat into a bed. Also, you have direct assistance from the cabin crew, aisle access, and privacy screens.
La Première (First Class) Suites
La Première suites are ultra-luxurious, with private space, exquisite dining, and specialized concierge-like service; they are only available on select long-haul routings.
From budget to luxury, each seat type enhances an aspect of the flying experience.
Is Air France Seat Selection Free or Paid?
Depending on Fare Type, Seat Preference, and Passenger Status, Air France has both free and paid seat selection possibilities. Below is an overview of a combined list.
Free Seat Selection
Free Seat Selection is available for:
- Business and Premium Economy (and all other fares)
- Economy Flex fares
- Flying Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum members may also check out seats with more desirable locations without a fee.
- Passengers needing Special Assistance (travelers with reduced mobility and families traveling with infants)
Paid Seat Selection
If your fare or seat preference does not qualify for free seat selection, a fee will apply:
- Economy Light and Economy Standard fare passengers generally pay fees for seat selection in advance.
- Fees or charges will apply to passengers for extra legroom (if legitimately requested), front-row, or Duo seats, regardless of the fare basis.
- Seat fees are based on the Air France route, aircraft type, and seat type.
In most cases, seat selection prices will average between €10.00 – €70.00 per flight segment. Seat types, with Premium seat types and long-haul international flights, are generally the most expensive.
Air France Seat Map: Choosing the Best Seat for Your Flight
Every Air France aircraft has a unique seat map. During the booking process, or via the so-called “My Bookings” tab, you will see what seats are available and what type they are.
What the Seat Map Should Show You:
- Exit Row: More legroom; however, these seats may not recline.
- Front Row: Quick to board and disembark.
- Overwing Seats: Reasonable proximity between comfort and stability.
- Seats Near Lavatories: It may be noisy with more traffic.
- Window or Aisle: Depending on personal preference.
Tips for Getting the Best Seat on Air France
To ensure a comfortable seat, a little planning will help you out. The following insider tips will help you choose your Air France seat in the best way possible:
- Book early
The earlier you book your flight, the more choices you will have for seats. Good seats, such as those by the window, with more legroom and in a quieter area, tend to get booked quickly.
- Use Your Flying Blue Status
Take advantage of your Flying Blue Silver, Gold, or Platinum membership. You can often use your higher status to get premium seats that otherwise have an additional charge for free.
- Consider Paying for Upgrades
Paying a little more for seats that are more spacious or in a better location—like front-section seats or more legroom—can greatly increase your level of comfort on longer trips.
- Steer clear of seats close to restrooms or galleys.
These locations are frequently busy, noisier, and less private. Avoid it if you value silence and tranquility.
- Travel During Off-Peak Times
You have a better chance of finding a seat, or even an empty seat next to you, on less packed flights (midweek or midday, for instance).
- Make Seat Alerts
Utilize tools or websites from third parties to monitor seat availability. Some platforms notify you when preferred seats become open, giving you a chance to grab them before others do.
Air France Business Class vs Economy Seat Selection
Business Class-
Air France’s Business Class is equipped with superior seating designed exclusively for comfort and accessibility.
- There is no additional cost for seat selection, so you are welcome to select one of the available seats for free.
- The lie-flat seats on long overnight flights would be ideal for someone who needed to rest, work, or simply sleep comfortably.
- The cabin layouts of most Air France Business Class are guaranteed to provide peace and privacy with direct aisle access.
- By design, the cabin is for guests who desire a stress-free trip, with an experience that includes relaxation, efficiency, and a great meal while in the air.
Business Class is an absolutely reasonable choice for an enjoyable and more elegant travel experience, whether you are traveling for work or pleasure or simply want to treat yourself.
Economy Class-
Air France’s Economy Class has a happy medium between price comfort and adaptability.
- Depending on the type of fare type you buy (e.g., Flex fares), you may have the option to choose your seat as usual.
- If you want to sit closer to the front of the cabin, seat with extra legroom, or Duo seats – which are sat for two people sitting together – you would have to pay more.
- For passengers not specifically seeking luxury or would be on short-haul flights where the premium luxury may not be necessary, economy seating is ideal.
Can You Change Your Seat After Booking with Air France?
Yes, depending on availability, customers can change their seating preferences after they already made a reservation with Air France and even after they check in.
- Via “My Bookings” online: Modify your seat by logging in with your reservation code.
- Via Customer Support: Should you have issues online, you can call Air France or send them a message.
- You can modify your seat until the moment of boarding during check-in.
Air France can help locate you a similar seat if they change your flight plan, or if it is not available, you can usually reselect or be refunded for the seat you paid for.
Seat Selection During Online Check-In with Air France
Thirty hours before the flight (24 hours for U.S. itineraries), passengers have the option to check-in online. This is a time-sensitive opportunity to:
– Confirm the seat that you have reserved
– Change seats at the last minute
– Avoid random seat assignments
When checking in, you can see the live availability of every available seat. This is your opportunity to pick the best choice available if you have not already.
Air France Preferred Seating: Benefits and Costs Explained
The term “preferred seating” on Air France refers to a selection of Economy cabin premium upgrade options providing either extra comfort, convenience, or privacy beyond the regular seat. These options are ideal for passengers requiring an enhancement of their travel experience without necessarily moving to a higher service class. The following options are available:
- Extra Legroom Seats
Extra legroom seats are located near an emergency row and have a literal extra foot of legroom. These seats are great for tall passengers or passengers traveling a great distance because they allow them to stretch out their legs.
- Duo seats
Some of the Air France airplanes have duo seats, which are located in pairs on either side of the cabin. Couples or lone travelers who want some extra privacy to avoid extra neighbors will especially appreciate these seats.
- Front Cabin Location
Front cabin location allows quicker and easier boarding; arriving at the front of the Economy section is advantageous for quickly boarding and exiting upon arrival for connection flights or just to allow you to travel more swiftly.
All of these seats come at a cost, with variations from the aircraft type and itinerary. Getting preferred seating is easy to enhance a flight and enhance your travel experience without having to pay for a new ticket.
Conclusion
Your whole experience can depend on the seat you purchase on your Air France flight. With available options from window view to legroom to boarding orders, Air France offers multiple seat choices and purchasing options depending on your needs. By knowing the policy of the airline and understanding your fare rules, you can enjoy a more customized and comfortable experience by knowing certain insider information.
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