James_Lyons flew Air France Premium Economy, on a A380 (four class) (01/04/2013 07:37)

It is 100x better than economy. But it is not comparable to business, however the price is no-where close to business, therefore it is a pretty good deal. The seat is very superior to any economy seat. The fixed shell is a great plus and it definitely feels very spacious. The only backdraw is the poor recline. The seat is not so comfortable for sleeping as it doesn't recline, however there's a lot of space underneath the seat in front so you can sleep with the leggrest extended and on your side with your head on the armrest, as weird as it might sound.

The service on the other hand is not as good as it should. Yes you get priority services and all that stuff, but once onboard there's not much attention. They treat you as an economy passenger and the crew is not present during the flight. Another bad thing about Premium Economy is that it shares bathrooms, galley, etc. with economy.

BreckenLeeWatson flew Air France Premium Economy (14/03/2013 15:11)

777/300 series 1 (4 class). 18AB&KL are the first row of premium ecy on this version. There is now window. Great for legroom, but bring a rigid case to put your feet on to make it a more comfortable journey. In addition, it gets very cold around the door area which is where these seats are.

klausmennekes flew Air France Premium Economy, on a A380 (four class) (07/12/2012 20:17)

Terrible seats. Very limited and uncomfortable recline with leg rest absolutely useless no toilets in premium economy, mediocre food. Flew recently DL Premium Economy ATL - DUS exit row aisle and will do so in the future.
The price for Air France Premium Economy not worth the difference. The complimentary glass of bubbly and chocolates can't make up the weakness of this "upgraded economy"

bbritt2440 flew Air France Premium Economy, on a A330-200 (15/10/2012 17:07)

First time flying Air France and their premium economy product. I've flow international first, business, premium economy and economy on several airlines to Europe. I think the Air France premium economy is a great choice.

Boarding in Chicago was efficient despite the full flight. Onboard service was quite nice. Food was good (it is after all an airplane, not a restaurant). The seat was comfortable. I can sleep in the flatbed seats, but really couldn't sleep in this seat. But it was certainly better than a regular economy seat! For the price I think Air France's premium economy is a very good value.

James_Lyons flew Air France Premium Economy, on a B777-200ER (Config. 1) (17/08/2012 03:42)

Seat perfect (considering is a premium economy seat) service is exactly the same as economy, food is supposed to be better than economy but I found it to be the same!

cwmfelin flew Air France Premium Economy, on a A340-300 (11/07/2012 11:23)

First impressions: I arrived at Delhi IGI Terminal 3 at 2245 for my 0035 flight AF225 to Paris CDG.

The new terminal just gets better each time I use it. I was able to use the business class check-in as a Premium Voyageur passenger because SKY PRIORITY was printed on my ticket, however, I hold a Flying Blue Gold Card. The only benefit with the Gold Card was lounge access which is not guaranteed at non-French, Dutch and other SkyTeam terminals.

I could not use the business security line or the business immigration line, though neither were busy for a change. In Paris, SKY PRIORITY is recognised and you can use the Access nr 1 security line.

The aircraft Air France is unusual in that it offers a three-class product on this flight – Voyageur (economy), Premium Voyageur (premium economy) and Affaires (business). There would be no room for First class, but I feel this semi-long flight deserves it.

The aircraft was an A340-300 with six rows of business, three rows of Premium Voyageur and 30 rows of economy.

Note that Premium Voyageur has to use the economy toilets, avoid the ones at the edge of the cabin, use the ones in the centre, they are much larger.

I sat in seat 16J in Premium Voyageur – The seat is a shell type, three rows of two-three-two and it was full, unlike business and economy.

I got the feeling that a number of families were using airmiles to get to Paris as they were all fighting over seat changes to be able to sit next to each other.

Being in the last row, I was next to the first row of economy and two babies that screamed a lot. Noise cancelling earphones did the trick and I wasn’t really bothered by them the whole flight.

The seat You are told you get 40% more room than in economy this is calculated by 20% more legroom and 20% more seat width. Still better than economy and as the seat is in a shell, you don’t bother the passenger in front. You can slide the seat down, a bit like a cradle efffect and then put your feet entirely under the seat in front. I chose to use the foot rest and had a kind of slouch position which was fairly comfortable.

Where to sit? With only three rows in the Premium Voyageur class on this flight, there wasn't much to choose between them, although personally I would always go for an aisle seat, followed by the window, avoiding the middle whenever possible as you inevitably end up with encroaching elbows on both sides when the flight is full. Also, I would suggest avoiding row 16 (or the last row as per the aircraft) in Premium Voyageur as mentioned previously with the baby seats.

The flight: Despite the promotion that as of July 1st, a completely different meal service would be offered to all Premium Voyageur cabin equipped aircraft, drinks were NOT served before take-off or as soon as the seatbelt signs were turned off, and the meal was exactly the same as economy - a meal consisting of a spicy chickpea roll, a pot of yoghurt, another roll, butter and jam, and a carton of water. I was expecting a hot dinner.

The economy drinks trolley passed us once and I was lucky to get a warm plastic bottle of white wine. The trolley wasn’t seen again. No other alcoholic drinks other than a beer was offered. No post-meal liquers were offered and no french chocolates as promised in the promotional material.

After the meal service was over, the lights were shut off immediately and most poeple slept. I managed a few hours (I’m used to business so struggled to get comfortable enough to sleep) and then watched some films on my iPad as the AF selection was poor.

Then came the hot meal for breakfast - quiche without pastry and burned potatoes, croissant, butter, jam, another roll, tea or coffee. I was glad I’d brought a protein bar as I was really hungry by then.

Arrival: We arrived so early - about 5.35am that there was no congestion and we were in the 2E terminal - ready for onward non-Schengen flights within the blink of an eye.

Verdict: Average to poor service, although I’m not sure the crew knew they needed to differentiate Voyageur from Premium Voyageur despite it being an 8h15m flight.

Contact airfrance.co.uk

Chris Nial

Vertrek flew Air France Premium Economy, on a A380 (four class) (02/07/2012 10:41)

LHR-CDG (A320)

Check-in: Hassle-free, did it through the app and printed my boarding pass through the self-check in machine.
My luggage was labeled "priority".

Boarding: Was chaotic, everyone ignore the "SkyPriority" (SP) sign, in fact, everyone were q-ing in the SP line.

Flight and Seat: was a very smooth one, as a PE passenger, I was seated in the business-class section of the cabin, but without the middle seat being reserved. however, I got the whole row to my self as it was only 30% full in J and PE.

Cabin crew, beside of this one lady who was a little bit arrogant, were really friendly. A stewards quickly moved as he saw me coming through a galley to give me way and hit his head to the overhead locker, before smiling and said "sorry for blocking the alley".

Meals: It was served in the famous AF white lunch box. consisted of stuffs I couldn't mention, but it include an appetiser, 3 pieces of main, a dessert and a box of chocolate. The quantity is perfect! and so far, for all of my 2012 flight, the taste is second to none! I would rate 9/10 for this short haul PE catering.

We arrived in CDG on time, if not early (can't really remember, but heard the captain said early) and had a 6 hours layover. CDG was gorgeous, beautiful design and I navigated easily through out despite of not speaking any French but the basic.

Went to the transfer desk and asked to pay for upgrade on CDG-SIN flight, and the lady couldn't be friendlier. was served with a smile and she even apologised with the sorry facial expression because of the full flight. Replied with "Merci beacoup" and was responded with a surprise and even a bigger smile, before pointed out my AF256 gate and are. went there in no time and decided to use the lounge.

As a PE passenger travelling intercontinentally I need to pay EUR25 (this access is free for EU flight) however, as the nice gentlemen in the lounge were unable to call the person who is in charge for taking payment, they all decided to gave me a free entrance and make me as their "guest"! shook their hand and thanked them for the kindness.

Enjoy the spacious empty lounge overlooking the taxi way and the terminal entrance and used the shower facility with L'occitane amenities prepared in a toiletry bag. The staffs in the lounge were all smiling and friendly even though they don't speak english (which is not a problem at all).

CDG-SIN (A380)

Boarding: SkyPriority line does make a different and a nice lady guarded the line to make sure only F, J, PE and ST Elite and Elite + were given the access!

Flight/Seat/Meal/IFE: Love the PE seat as it was spacious and offered a lot of leg room, cushion were nice and a water bottle was provided. Flight Attendants were less smiley but professional and chatty.

There were a self service bar at the back of the galley and 2 cabin crews were always there attending it. And drinks + snacks always available. Spend about 30 to 45 mins chatting with the crew quietly and the crew offered almost every passengers that come to a galley a snack (hot snack such as "porridge" and so on), which were really professional and courteous considering the last time I asked for a hot chocolate in QF I was answered with a sour face and a "sigh".

Dinner service was quick and offered a EU or Asian options. opted the asian one. It was enough and tasty. Drink service was followed afterward. Breakfast was nice can't quiet recall what it was but I remember the apples, yoghourt and rice pudding, this was followed with a drink service as well.

IFE was not as huge as SQ or CX but consist of the latest. Would love to see the IFE improves as it was very redundant due to either subtitle or overdubbed movies.

Arrival: Landed on time, and as usual, SIN is flawless. Bag was among the first.

Flight Changed: As I changed my flight a week earlier, I did the changed through AF Twitter and it was done in a matter of hours without wasting any money to call or the annoying "holding" song; paid my penalty in the airport.

All in all, love and enjoyed my journey with AF. Can't really fault them and CDG both the airport and the lounge were gorgeous. Looking forwards for my next one! Another happy customer with AF for sure!

Safe Travel.

joannasf flew Air France Premium Economy, on a B777-200ER (Config. 2) (06/04/2012 00:21)

This was my second attempt at Premium Economy on Air France. The first time I thought it was just ok, but this time it was simply the worst.

I had such a horrible flight. I went from San Francisco to Paris, Paris to Amsterdam, Amsterdam to Paris and Paris to San Francisco. The flights from Paris to Amsterdam and back had no accomodation for Premium Economy passengers, so I sat cramped up in Economy. Poor....Retruning to San Francisco, the following happened:

1. When asking for champagne I was told that the passengers in Economy had drumk it all. I asked the flight attendant if there was any available anywhere on the plane and she huffed and puffed and went to Business Class to get some.

2. The flight attendant neglected to close the curtains between Economy and our cabin hence allowing all those passengers to tromp through to use our bathroom making it impossible for us to get to use it.

3. My screen wasn't working so there was no movie for me....eleven hours without any entertainment. When I asked the flight attendant if there was another seat with a working screen he told me that the only ones available were in Business Class and he wasn't allowed to move me. That's rubbish. I used to be a flight attendant and you can move anyone anywhere you think best.

I became quite angry and vocal and he simply shrugged his shoulders and said that there was nothing he could do. I was livid.

4. There was NO service. I rang for the flight attendant four times and FINALLY someone showed up. We were fed lunch at 11:30 and dinner at 6:30 with NO service in between.

Our menu told us that snacks and ice cream would be available but no one told us when it was served or where to find it.

5. The food was literally ineatable. Simply horrible. They offered some chicken and noodle thing that was unrecognizable....YUK...This was the same food that was served in Economy.

6. The seats are hard as rocks. Very uncomfortable and that stupid little foot rest is nothing more than annoying.

I will NEVER fly Air France again. I was so angry that I actually wrote them a letter. Steer clear of this airlines. SImply horrible....

Vertrek flew Air France Premium Economy, on a A380 (four class) (27/03/2012 04:53)

LHR-CDG-JFK AF006 Premium Economy.

Check-in: LHR T4, collected my boarding pass in the kiosk and drop my bag in the counter, as a Premium Voyaguer passenger, my bag was labeled "Priority".

Boarding: LHR-CDG: It was fast and efficient and was greeted politely with a smile, CDG-JFK: SkyPriority has been implemented in CDG and Premium Voyaguer is on the list along with La Premier, Affaire, SkyTeam Elite+ and Elite therefore, my boarding process was seamless and Q-less.

Cabin and Seat:

LHR-CDG:

European Premium Y is located in the same cabin as European J. but without the middle seat being reserved. The meal was given out in a form of AF plastic box which was collected at the end of the flight. The food, despite of being small, it was one of the best and smartly presented.

CDG-JFK

Premium cabin is a small cabin in the upper deck between Affaire and Voyaguer. The cabin is cosy, clean with purple mood lightning. The seat itself, despite of being fixed shell, it was really comfortable, the cushion is perfect and leg rooms is plenty for 6ft. The seat slides forward and gives an added comfort when resting.

Service:
Surprisingly friendly and full of smile! The cabin were chatty and show a genuine interest when chatted. The toilet was dirty with tissues on the floor and one of the crew saw it when the door was open, politely apologised to the Q and asked if she could clean it first. Again, just like my last KLM flight, the crew were relaxed and seems to enjoy what they do despite of the cuts that are made by the company.

IFE: Big Screen. easily navigated touch screen IFE. Good resolution with noise cancelling headphone. Quiet disappointed with the selection as it was limited.

Food and Drink:
Nothing special to write about. The selection was Mushroom Risotto or Chicken. The self service bar is a big plus!

Baggage: was waiting on the belt.

Verdict:

Great cabin crew, great premium economy seat, for a reasonable price. I am a one happy passenger. Despite of the bad reviews, AF managed to impress me with both product and services, I'll definitely fly them again! In fact. I am considering flying both AF and KLM for my summer holiday! :)

Also, I wonder why people complaint about CDG, it is a nice airport and I could easily navigate throughout the terminals.

mgerard flew Air France Premium Economy, on a B777-300ER (Config. 3) (10/11/2011 02:47)

JustinSF flew Air France Premium Economy, on a B777-300ER (Config. 3) (09/11/2011 18:04)

I Flew Air France 0083 from SFO to CDG on 6 October in Premium Voyaguer class on a 777.

At the time I purchased my ticket, Premium Voyageur was $400 more for the round trip fare than regular economy. It was definitely worth it. The seat is vastly superior to a standard coach seat. Although the seat itself is only 1 inch wider than a regular economy seat, it is separated by a wide armrest, so that you never have to compete for an armrest or bump your neighbor's elbow... a nice improvement.

The leg room is great; I'm 6' 2" tall and never felt cramped. The two-part table is well thought out. The entertainment system is one of the best I've ever experienced, with a large bright clear screen and plenty of movies and TV options.

The seat is very comfortable for sitting, with good privacy and space, but not so great for sleeping; this isn't business class! Food is same as economy, and is acceptable, but certainly not excellent. The flight attendants were polite and helpful.

Boarding was disorganized, both in San Francisco and on the return flight from Paris. But it didn't matter, as there was plenty of space in the bins overhead. My baggage was delivered right away on both ends of the trip.

Overall, VERY favorably impressed; i would recommend it. Just don't expect business class, and I think you will find it's a good value offering.

GCleary flew Air France Premium Economy (25/03/2011 12:27)

Pretty Dismal. I felt spectacularly ripped off!

I flew from Paris Charles De Gaulle to Hong Kong with my wife in November 2010.

We booked these seats at almost exactly double the cost for a standard economy seat.

On the plus side, the seats are larger than the economy seats and there is more cabin space around you. You also get double the baggage allowance.

However I found the seat to be desperately uncomfortable and almost impossible to sleep in. They slide/recline within the seat shell, and at 5'11" I seemed to be too tall to get comfortable. The seats were dirty and bits had broken off the shell.

The food was exactly the same as economy, and the service was absolutely appalling... we were largely ignored by the staff on the plane. This was in stark contrast to our previous year’s economy class trip on the same route at the same time, with the same carrier.

The return flight was delayed on the ground for 3 hours as the plane was overloaded and could not safely take off. We arrived in CDG to discover that our onward Air France flight had been cancelled. We queued from 9pm until 2.20am before being told that we could not get a hotel room and would be forced to spend the night asleep on chairs in CDG. As "compensation" we were offered a voucher for coffee and a Danish, then told that the cafe wouldn't re-open until 7am.

We travel to Asia each year, and this was without doubt the worst trip we have ever had. I would strongly recommend staying well away from Air France, and the overpriced sloppy rip off that is Premium Voyageur.

Lesabrowning flew Air France Premium Economy, on a B777-300ER (Config. 3) (16/01/2011 01:34)

I flew Air France Premium Economy from Paris to Atlanta in December. I found it to be worth the extra cost. It is a far cry from Business Class, but it is also a fraction of the price. The extra space, early boarding, extra armrest, bottle of water and the other small goodies make a big difference. I think the seats are very comfortable compared to basic economy. I just booked another round trip on Premium economy, this time Los Angeles to Paris. I highly recommend it!

Richard_Krueger flew Air France Premium Economy, on a B777-200ER (Config. 1) (25/06/2010 14:31)

Richard_Krueger flew Air France Premium Economy, on a B777-200ER (Config. 1) (25/06/2010 14:31)

petercamfan flew Air France Premium Economy, on a B777-200ER (Config. 1) (12/04/2010 10:05)

Being added in only mid-March we decided to travel in the Premium Economy class from Washington DC to Paris-CDG and back again. The new Premium Voyageur seat is a great improvement over the British Airways Plus seat, since the recline function is within the space allotted, with the bottom of the seat moving forward, rather than backwards into your neighbor. This feature along with the foot rest and leg support did allow me to sleep quite well, especially considering that I have flown a lot, but never been able to sleep in an economy seat. Yeah!

Additional seat design features that were superb is the entertainment unit is built into the seat, so that you have full use of the floor space under the seat in front of you, up to their leg support. Also the double long tray table provides a huge work surface to go along with the 110/220 plug that is available for each seat. It kept all our electronics including DVD players, Iphones and the like charged up for the whole trip. The size of interactive screen was 10 inches, the same as business class and there were a very large selection of movies and shows to catch up on, all on demand which was a big improvement over prior systems.

The blanket and pillow were especially nice, as the pillow is the same as used by the business class. Amenity kit was also the same as used by business with socks, shoe bag, hydrating cream, toothbrush and paste, eye mask, headphone pillows, and comb.

While there was early boarding available, it did not matter as in Premium Voyageur there were ample bins for all. The 2-4-2 seating made for a wider seat at about 19 inches and 38 inch pitch, which while not the same as business, made the seat quite comfortable compared to traditional economy. The boarding process was general mayhem, so if there was an improvement needed for the flight, it was in the announcements for boarding, which were alike to a cattle call.

Contrary to other reviews we found the flight attendants very friendly and attentive. After serving the main meal and several rounds of drinks, the self service stations set up were available and if you needed anything at all, they were glad to help.

With Premium luggage tags in place our luggage was among the first to arrive out, even after a long connection between Sofia and Paris, so we found the luggage service much better than airlines in the States.

The food was the same as coach, but we enjoyed our meals, in addition to the child's meal ordered for my son, which came promptly along with the traditional choice meals. A menu was given to all prior to the meal to refer to as giving selections.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Premium Voyageur class to those that need a little more than economy, but do not have the ability to upgrade or purchase business class. The amenities and service were superb and the new seating was comfortable and provided comfort for upright sleep. At 6'4", the ability to stretch my legs through the foot rest without electronic equipment getting in the way was of special importance.

Air_Lac flew Air France Premium Economy, on a B777-300ER (Config. 3) (03/08/2009 15:30)

Leg room and space in general is much better in Alizé than in Economy. The screens are larger. You can board the plane as one of the first and also leave the plane as one of the first. Food is certainly not the business class food you would expect - mediocre...particularly disappointing was the breakfast.