French Bee
Up To 40% Off - Seasonal Flight Deals
20% Off - Coupon Code - Sitewide
30% Off - International Flights
25% Off - USA to Paris Flights
20% Off - Paris to New York Flights
20% Off - Miami to Paris Flights
10% Off - Newsletter Signup
Long-haul international travel is often associated with high ticket prices, but in recent years, a new category of airlines has reshaped the market: low-cost long-haul carriers. One of the most notable players in this space is French bee, a French airline offering affordable flights between Europe, the United States, and select leisure destinations.
Known for its budget-friendly fares, modern aircraft, and “pay-for-what-you-use” model, French bee has become a popular choice for travelers who prioritize price over traditional full-service comfort.
This guide explores French bee’s history, routes, baggage rules, onboard experience, pricing structure, pros and cons, and what travelers should expect before booking.
What Is French bee?
French bee is a French low-cost, long-haul airline based at Paris Orly Airport (ORY). It operates scheduled flights between France and international leisure destinations including the United States, the Caribbean, and the Indian Ocean. (Wikipedia)
The airline is part of the Groupe Dubreuil and operates an all–Airbus A350 fleet, which is designed for fuel efficiency and long-distance travel comfort. (Wikipedia)
Unlike traditional airlines, French bee follows an “unbundled fare model”, meaning the base ticket price is low, but extras like baggage, meals, and seat selection often cost additional fees.
History & Background
French bee launched in 2016 (originally as French Blue) and was rebranded later as French bee. It was created to compete in the growing market for affordable long-haul travel.
Key developments:
-
Founded as a budget long-haul carrier focused on leisure routes
-
Expanded transatlantic operations (France ↔ USA)
-
Introduced routes to destinations like Tahiti and Réunion
-
Built an all–Airbus A350 fleet for efficiency and range (Wikipedia)
Today, French bee positions itself as a value-focused alternative to traditional airlines, especially for travelers who are flexible and want lower fares.
Destinations & Routes
French bee primarily connects France with long-haul leisure destinations.
Major regions include:
United States
-
New York (Newark)
-
San Francisco
-
Los Angeles (seasonal/varies)
French Overseas Territories
-
Tahiti (Papeete)
-
Réunion Island
Other destinations (seasonal/expanding)
-
Caribbean routes and select leisure hubs
The airline focuses heavily on point-to-point routes, avoiding complex hub connections.
Fleet: Airbus A350 Operations
French bee operates a modern fleet made entirely of Airbus A350 aircraft, known for:
-
Lower fuel consumption
-
Quieter cabins
-
Improved long-haul efficiency
-
Advanced air circulation systems
The A350 is generally considered one of the most comfortable aircraft types in the world for long-distance travel, although seat comfort still depends heavily on the airline’s cabin configuration.
Fare System: How French bee Pricing Works
French bee uses a tiered pricing model, where your experience depends heavily on the fare type selected.
Typical fare structure includes:
1. Basic / Entry Fare
-
Lowest ticket price
-
No checked baggage included
-
Seat selection usually extra
-
Meals not included
2. Smart Fare
-
Includes 1 checked bag
-
More flexibility with changes
-
Option to add services at lower cost
3. Premium Fare
-
More baggage allowance
-
Priority services
-
Wider seats / more comfort
-
Better onboard experience
This system allows travelers to customize their trip—but costs can increase quickly if extras are added late.
Baggage Policy (Important for Travelers)
French bee is known for strict and clearly defined baggage rules.
Cabin baggage:
-
1 carry-on + 1 personal item allowed (size/weight limits apply)
Checked baggage:
-
Not included in basic fares
-
Must be purchased separately unless included in Smart/Premium fares
-
Fees increase if purchased at airport vs online (Going)
Key takeaway:
Booking baggage early is significantly cheaper than paying at the airport.
Many travelers note that last-minute baggage fees can be expensive, so planning ahead is essential.
Seat Selection & Fees
Unlike traditional airlines, seat selection is generally not free in economy:
-
Seat choice usually costs extra
-
Better seats (extra legroom or preferred locations) cost more
-
Seats can be assigned randomly if not selected in advance
This is typical of low-cost long-haul carriers and helps keep base fares lower.
Onboard Experience
French bee is best described as a “no-frills but modern” airline.
What passengers can expect:
Seating
-
Economy seats are compact (typical of budget long-haul carriers)
-
Premium cabins offer more space and comfort
Entertainment
-
Personal screens on most aircraft
-
Movie and TV selection included (varies by route)
Food & Drinks
-
Not included in basic fares
-
Available for purchase onboard or pre-order
Service
-
Mixed reviews from passengers:
-
Some report friendly, efficient crews
-
Others mention inconsistent service quality (Monde du Voyage)
-
Wi-Fi & Connectivity
Wi-Fi availability varies and may come at an additional cost depending on aircraft and route. French bee prioritizes affordability over full-service inclusions.
Pros of Flying French bee
Many travelers choose French bee for strong value advantages:
✔ Very low base fares
Often significantly cheaper than traditional airlines on long-haul routes.
✔ Modern aircraft
All-Airbus A350 fleet improves fuel efficiency and cabin environment.
✔ Direct long-haul routes
Nonstop flights between France and major global destinations.
✔ Flexible customization
You only pay for what you need (bags, meals, seat choice).
Cons of Flying French bee
However, the low-cost model comes with trade-offs:
✘ Extra fees add up quickly
Baggage, seats, and meals can significantly increase total cost.
✘ Limited legroom in economy
Standard for budget long-haul carriers.
✘ Variable customer experience
Service consistency may differ depending on crew and route.
✘ Strict baggage enforcement
Fees can be high if rules are not followed carefully.
Who Should Fly French bee?
French bee is ideal for:
-
Budget-conscious long-haul travelers
-
Flexible passengers who travel light
-
Tourists visiting France, USA, or Tahiti
-
People who prioritize price over premium comfort
It may not be ideal for:
-
Travelers needing full-service inclusions
-
Passengers with lots of luggage
-
Business travelers expecting premium service
Tips for Flying French bee
To get the best experience:
-
Book baggage online early (cheaper than airport fees)
-
Pack light to avoid extra charges
-
Pre-book seats if you want specific seating
-
Bring your own snacks for long flights
-
Check baggage rules carefully before departure
Final Thoughts
French bee has carved out a clear identity in the aviation market as a low-cost long-haul airline focused on affordability and efficiency. Its modern Airbus A350 fleet and competitive pricing make it an appealing choice for travelers who want to cross the Atlantic or reach destinations like Tahiti without paying premium airline prices.
However, the trade-off is a pay-as-you-go experience, where comfort and convenience depend on how many extras you purchase.
For travelers who understand the model and plan ahead, French bee can offer excellent value. For those expecting traditional full-service airline comfort, it may feel more limited.
Either way, it remains one of the most interesting players in the growing world of long-haul budget travel.