Upgrading your Air France flight can transform your travel experience. Whether you’re hoping to relax in business class with luxurious seating, enjoy priority boarding, or benefit from exclusive lounge access, Air France offers several upgrade options. But how exactly can you secure that coveted upgrade? In this guide, we’ll show you how to upgrade your Air France flight—whether you’re booking ahead, using Flying Blue miles, or hoping for a last-minute upgrade. Let’s dive in!
Air France Upgrade Options
Air France offers a variety of options for passengers looking to upgrade their flights. Whether you’re interested in premium economy or aiming for business class, the airline provides several avenues to elevate your flight experience. Here are the key upgrade options available:
- Business Class: Upgrading to business class offers a premium experience with comfortable seats that recline fully, exclusive dining, priority boarding, and access to lounges. It’s a popular choice for those looking for extra comfort.
- Premium Economy: For travelers seeking a more comfortable flight but not wanting to pay for business class, premium economy provides more space, better seats, and enhanced services at a lower cost.
- Flying Blue Upgrade: Air France’s frequent flyer program, Flying Blue, allows members to use their accrued miles for upgrades. If you travel often with Air France or its partner airlines, you can use your miles to move up to business class or premium economy.
- Last-Minute Upgrades: If you’ve already booked a ticket, Air France occasionally offers last-minute upgrades, usually when the flight is not full or during check-in.
How to Upgrade to Business Class on Air France
Upgrading to business class on Air France is a great way to enjoy a luxurious experience with perks such as:
- Priority boarding
- Access to airport lounges
- Enhanced meal options
- Spacious seating with more legroom and full recline
Here’s how you can upgrade your Air France flight to business class:
- During Booking: When booking your ticket, Air France sometimes offers an upgrade option to business class. Look for an “upgrade” prompt during the flight booking process.
- After Booking: If you’ve already booked your ticket, you can still upgrade by:
- Logging into your Air France account and selecting the “Upgrade” option.
- Contacting Air France customer service directly at 1-888-843-7554 to inquire about available upgrades.
- Using your Flying Blue points (if you are a member) for an upgrade.
- Logging into your Air France account and selecting the “Upgrade” option.
Air France Seat Upgrade Costs (2025)
Upgrading to a more luxurious seat on Air France can vary significantly depending on several factors such as the route, time of booking, and class of service. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Economy to Premium Economy: If you’re looking to upgrade to premium economy, expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500, depending on the route and seat availability.
- Economy to Business Class: For long-haul flights, an upgrade to business class can range from $1,000 to $2,500. However, these prices may change based on demand and the time of booking.
- Using Miles for Upgrades: Flying Blue members can use accumulated miles for upgrades, reducing the cost significantly. For instance, a business class upgrade from economy to Paris-New York could require around 15,000 miles, depending on availability.
Last-Minute Upgrade on Air France
Last-minute upgrades are possible, but they are not guaranteed. Here’s how to increase your chances of securing a last-minute upgrade:
- Check-in Early: Air France sometimes offers last-minute upgrades during the check-in process.
- At the Airport: Speak with the gate agent politely to ask about available upgrade options.
- Upgrade Offers: Occasionally, Air France will send upgrade offers via email after you’ve booked your flight, especially if the flight is not full.
While last-minute upgrades are often available at a discounted rate, the availability of these offers depends on the airline’s capacity and demand for the flight.
Air France Flying Blue Upgrade
Flying Blue is Air France’s frequent flyer program, and one of its major benefits is the ability to use accrued miles for flight upgrades. Here’s how to leverage Flying Blue for an upgrade:
- How to Earn Miles: You earn Flying Blue miles by flying with Air France or one of its partner airlines, such as KLM or Delta. You can also earn miles through partner services like hotels and car rentals.
- Using Miles for Upgrades: Once you have enough miles, you can redeem them for upgrades to premium economy or business class. The number of miles required depends on your route and class of service.
Example: A business class upgrade from economy to Paris-New York may require around 15,000 Flying Blue miles, depending on availability.
How to Get a Free Upgrade on Air France
Although free upgrades aren’t guaranteed, there are several ways you can improve your chances of receiving one:
- Join Flying Blue: Becoming a member of Air France’s frequent flyer program gives you a better chance for a complimentary upgrade, especially if you have accumulated many miles or are a frequent flyer.
- Book Directly with Air France: Booking directly through the Air France website often increases your chances of receiving an upgrade compared to booking through third-party websites.
- Travel During Off-Peak Seasons: Flying during less busy travel periods can increase your chances of being considered for a free upgrade, as there is more availability in higher classes.
- Polite Requests: When speaking to check-in staff or gate agents, being polite and courteous may improve your chances of getting a free upgrade, especially if business class seats are available.
Upgrade Air France Ticket After Booking
If you’ve already booked an economy ticket, you can still upgrade your seat with these steps:
- Online Upgrade: Visit the Air France website and check if an upgrade is available by logging into your account. Look for the “Upgrade” option under your booking details.
- By Phone or Customer Service: You can call Air France customer service at 1-888-843-7554 and ask if there are any upgrade options available for your flight.
- Upgrade at Check-In: Sometimes, you can opt for an upgrade when checking in online or at the airport, depending on availability.
FAQs
1. How can I upgrade to business class on Air France?
To upgrade to business class on Air France, you can either select the upgrade option during booking, request it after booking through your Air France account, or use Flying Blue miles for an upgrade. You can also inquire about last-minute upgrade offers at check-in by calling 1-888-843-7554.
2. How much does it cost to upgrade to business class on Air France?
The cost of upgrading to business class varies by route, time of booking, and availability. On average, upgrades can range from $1,000 to $2,500 for long-haul flights.
3. Can I get a free upgrade on Air France?
Free upgrades are rare but possible, especially for Flying Blue members with significant miles. You can also increase your chances by traveling during off-peak seasons, booking directly with Air France, and making polite requests at check-in.
4. How do I use Flying Blue miles for an upgrade?
To use Flying Blue miles for an upgrade, log into your Flying Blue account, check if an upgrade is available for your flight, and redeem your miles. The number of miles required will depend on your route and class of service.
5. Can I upgrade my Air France ticket after booking?
Yes, you can upgrade your Air France ticket after booking through the Air France website, by contacting customer service at 1-888-843-7554, or by inquiring about upgrades at check-in. Availability will depend on your ticket type and the route.
Conclusion
Upgrading your Air France flight is a great way to enjoy a more comfortable travel experience. Whether you are looking to upgrade to business class, explore the possibility of a last-minute upgrade, or redeem Flying Blue miles, there are plenty of options available to elevate your journey. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of securing an upgrade and making the most of your Air France flight.
Also read: How to Change Flight with Air France