As travel demand continues to rise, more and more passengers are seeking budget-friendly options that don’t compromise on comfort—especially for long-haul flights. French Bee, a relatively new player in the airline industry, is quickly making a name for itself as a game-changer. This French low-cost, long-haul airline is redefining the way people fly between Europe, the Americas, and the Pacific, combining affordability with a fresh and stylish in-flight experience.
Who Is French Bee?
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Paris, French Bee (formerly French Blue) is the first French airline to operate entirely as a low-cost, long-haul carrier. It is a subsidiary of the Dubreuil Group, which also owns the full-service airline Air Caraïbes.
French Bee’s mission is simple: make international travel more accessible by offering competitive fares, modern aircraft, and flexible service tiers for travelers who want choice without paying full-service prices.
Destinations and Network
French Bee’s network includes a small but strategic selection of popular long-haul destinations. Operating primarily out of Paris Orly Airport (ORY), the airline offers flights to:
- New York (Newark Liberty International)
- San Francisco
- Miami
- Los Angeles
- Papeete (Tahiti)
- Saint-Denis (Réunion Island)
These routes connect France to major North American and island destinations, with a focus on leisure travelers looking for a lower-cost transatlantic or transpacific experience.
The Fleet: All-A350, All the Time
French Bee operates a fleet composed entirely of Airbus A350 aircraft—specifically the A350-900 and A350-1000 models. These aircraft are known for their fuel efficiency, reduced noise, and passenger-friendly cabin pressure and humidity levels, which help combat jet lag on long-haul routes.
The A350s are equipped with modern interiors, mood lighting, and USB/power outlets at every seat, creating a pleasant and tech-friendly environment for all classes of service.
Fare Classes for Every Traveler
French Bee uses a three-tier fare structure that allows passengers to choose the level of service and flexibility that suits them best:
- Basic (Smart): The most economical option, ideal for light travelers. Includes the flight and one under-seat item. Checked baggage and meals can be added for a fee.
- Basic+ (Smart Plus): Includes one checked bag, one meal, and more flexibility with changes.
- Premium (Premium Blue): Offers a more traditional business-class experience, with wider seats, extra legroom, priority boarding, two checked bags, and two meals included.
This à la carte model ensures that passengers only pay for what they need—an increasingly appealing approach for budget-savvy travelers.
In-Flight Comfort and Entertainment
Despite its low-cost label, French Bee doesn’t skimp on comfort. Seats in economy class offer standard 32-inch pitch, with options to upgrade for more legroom. The Premium Blue cabin offers a 36-inch pitch and 2-3-2 seating, providing a more spacious, quiet experience for those willing to spend a little extra.
All passengers have access to in-flight entertainment via individual touch screens, featuring a range of movies, TV shows, music, and games. Wi-Fi is available for purchase, with various packages based on data usage.
Meals are available for purchase on most flights in economy class and are complimentary in Premium Blue. Expect a mix of French and international cuisine, with pre-order options for dietary preferences.
Baggage and Add-Ons
French Bee’s flexibility extends to baggage. Travelers can choose to fly ultra-light or add bags and services as needed. From extra luggage to seat selection, lounge access, and onboard comfort kits, everything is modular.
This structure works particularly well for students, digital nomads, and leisure travelers who want to customize their flying experience.
Sustainability and Innovation
French Bee is part of a new wave of airlines that prioritize sustainable aviation practices. Its all-A350 fleet is not just fuel-efficient but also quieter and less polluting. The airline has also adopted a paperless check-in process, reduced onboard plastic usage, and optimized flight paths to minimize environmental impact.
Final Thoughts
French Bee offers a fresh alternative to traditional long-haul carriers. It combines affordable pricing, new aircraft, and modern service options—all wrapped in a sleek, French-inspired brand. Whether you’re flying to the sun-drenched shores of Tahiti or heading to the skyscrapers of New York, French Bee delivers style and comfort without the sky-high prices.
For travelers who want the essentials of a great flight and the option to personalize the rest, French Bee is proving that low-cost doesn’t have to mean low-quality.
