FRENCH BEE A350 Premium Economy🇫🇷⇢🇺🇸【4K Trip Report Paris to New York】SO Cheap! C'est Chic?

[@bubba1984]

So basically the century old rule: you get what you pay for. So glad I saw your review - thank you; there's no way I would ever fly a cheap French airline but it was a good reminder because one eventually doubts oneself if all outcomes are consistent and if I ever did that; I don't want to be stuck for 10 hours in these seats (west coast, 6'2") - Thank you again!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@JasirGressmann]

As soon as you started talking I subscribed. Flight review videos with no narration or monotone narrations need to die out.

[@tfft]

Haha Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@himanshgaming]

I just love your content . I truly appreciate your effort in making such videos 😊

[@tfft]

Very much appreciate the kind words 🙏🏻

[@kikibzh4262]

Thank you for the video. Air Caraibes and French Bee is the same group, Dubreui Group, a family business based in Vendee (west of France). Air Caraibes operates to West Indies, french territories and leisures destinations. Their A350 have also a 3-4-3 Y-class, a premium but also a business class. It seems they have a slow development but they looks successful in their strategy. Congratulations to them, even if I’m not a low cost fan.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@texas2cv]

I flew this last week. PPT-SFO. Premium Economy, Seat 9A. A350-900. In a five flight two week vacation, this particular leg was the most comfortable seat I had. I know people complain about this airline (mostly the cattle class comfort, and the lack of amenities, and cost of add-on). I get it. But if you plan ahead, and purchase what you and/or your family needs, this flight may surprise and even please you. The food was quite palatable (for current spec airline food) and the seats were comfortable. I am a big man, and the pitch and width of the seat were not problematic at all. The 2-3-2 of premium economy is akin to the best of premium economy of most major US airlines, and in some aspects (footrest, inflight entertainment, A350 newness and quietness) better. I would fly them again. This was a family of four on vacation/holidays.

[@tfft]

Nothing wrong with a good value Premium Eco in my book.

[@trojanmoondoggie4582]

A very authentic review. And good how you keep it anonymous. Like you said, with these "famous" content people everyone will be on their best behavior so you're not getting the real deal. A lot of those guys and gals have taken to their "fame" and love the attention. And no doubt they appreciate the extra perks they get for who they are. But not always a completely comprehensive review. Well done. I also like the retro feel of Orly. It is an airport that goes way back so it works.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@ChrisHockman]

Feel grateful that I booked this. I’m not expecting the highest standard so pretty happy that I got a premium for less than the non low cost carriers wanted for basic. With the bags and seat selection included (and it seems premium ground service like bag tagging and security) it was a no brainer. Although I’m doing this the opposite way

[@tfft]

Yupp and now that Norse just began their CDG-JFK service, I suspect these prices will remain low, perhaps even go down a bit. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@ChrisHockman]

@@tfft yep, although we looked at Norse for the same date and to get the same inclusions it’s a lot more

[@AmolNimbalkar]

Thank you for another great review! Please keep them coming. I can strongly recommend these reviews and taking your recommendations for my own travel. Appreciate all the work that you put in!

[@tfft]

Appreciate that!

[@jimhearsonwriter]

I'm not sure how I feel about the FAs wearing denim shirts... bet it's tough to stay freshly scented in them! I did love the alternating white and red lights of the headlamps/taillamps on the one-way streets as you passed Manhattan, though. If you're looking to go transatlantic again any time soon, I'd definitely say give Norse Atlantic a go - I flew from London to LA in their premium economy and for one thing, leg room would NOT be an issue - I'm 6'4", and my legs were almost straight before they came close to the seat in front of me. Very friendly inflight service, although they did move my outward flight 24 hours earlier - they didn't fight my compensation claim for the extra time I needed to spend in LA, but I only got the money back this week after flying in November.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@trietngo1743]

We just finished an Orly- LAX trip yesterday on the French Bee A350. This is my 1st comment on the any airline. The typical economy seat arrangement for both A350 and B878 of other airlines is 3-3-3. French Bee seat arrangement is 3-4-3. The difference is noticeable. I never felt cramped and almost suffocated before. I agree that the cost is low. However, I rather spend some more money and get a decent seat. I am 5'-5" tall weigh 155 lbs.

[@tfft]

Yes, this is exactly what I said in the video lol.

[@bubba1984]

So true, I'm 6"2' and on the same coast as you (SFO home airport) - will pass; if I was 22 again I probably would book such trip but no way today...

[@travelingczar1704]

I agree.Just came back from France via Bee

[@MultiSUPERLATIVO]

@trietngo1743 Hello. You wrote B878. It is, actually, a Boeing 787. 😉

[@18751]

So relieved that we didn't book our flights to Paris through French Bee. We, two middle-aged people, didn't believe we'd make it through the long flight (SFO to Orly), even in Premium Economy. Your review validates our findings.

[@tfft]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@yoloman9998]

As someone who just did this flight, you did right. French Bee might be good for shorter distances. Not intercontinental.

[@kenv3179]

Thanks for your review; I almost bought a ticket on them, so I'm glad I saw your review first. In particular, thanks for the shot of the floor space for the middle and aisle seats. On long flights, I only like to sit in an aisle seat and having as much legroom as possible [without obstructions] is very important to me. I would fly them, but, I can see the water bottle holder between the seats obstructs leg room in all seats, except the window seats.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@patriciafuchs5970]

I appreciate your videos and their honest assessment of the entire experience.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@davenorth2903]

Just one more comment if I might. The fact you keep your face out of your reviews ensures anonymous reviews. Thanks. Guys like “nonstop Dan” and Sam Chui think they are major celebrities.

[@tfft]

Yupp. Nothing against Nonstop Dan though, I have loads of respect for his channel. But correct, it’s nearly impossible for him to fly without being recognized at this point.

[@superlogistics1]

@@tfftno respect for him from me. Trash reviews . But yours are great 👍

[@kev2020]

Very true. I really enjoy the faceless reviews. Cahill semi-recently had it brought to his attention that an airline had known that he was coming and the flight was flawless. Normal pax said it was definitely not the norm and he did a second review and the experience was the polar opposite.

[@Ch-E952]

Great review with good details!! Nothing against Sam Chui , who was one of the first doing this !

[@chunchoi4434]

I think sam chui is getting a little too proud

[@dawntwocool]

Thank you for being anonymous with your review. I subscribed!

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@MultiSUPERLATIVO]

3:14 The color purple is a very exclusive one (used to be in the past) as the pigment was as expensive as gold. It originally came from Tire (Lebanon). Only royals could buy it in order to produce garments and clothes. It was a color linked to wealth and nobility. Even today it is possible to see royalty wearing purple clothes.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@GenkisTravels]

Good video. I'm flying them to Papeete in October, good to see what I'll experience. :)

[@tfft]

Hope you enjoy it, I’m trying to get to Tahiti next year myself. Btw, just saw your AA video, I applaud your panning speed, much harder than it looks!

[@GenkisTravels]

@@tfft Thank you! :)

[@jimluciano803]

I flew this airline last year NY to Paris- always fly United but United has gone crazy expensive so flew the FB premium - I did not notice the size of the seats - there were a total of 8 passengers in premium and I had all three seats in the row to myself no one in front or behind. The service was acceptable. Flying to Europe and sleeping most of the way this airline was fine. Will try again in a month when heading back to Europe. Pick your seat when booking vs. an assigned seat. Also check the seating when you arrive at the airport - you can move your seat to a more open space if needed.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@1pasupaty]

Most cramped airline but still clean and affordable.really it's a killer deal for that price

[@tfft]

Agree! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@bwpospolyta]

Thanks so much been getting advertising from them for cheap flight to Paris

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@brian402]

Awesome trip report there Kevin,excellent work on the camera footage too i might add👍.,that dinner menu on French Bee A350 flight did look rather not so a good look as far as presentation is concerned.I see they were rather skimpy on the seating comfort and seating size,i dare imagine what the food was like in the economy class cabin?.Thanks for your upfront & honest flight report.

[@tfft]

Food in economy is all buy on board. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@stephen_l1474]

5:55 Airlines operating A350 with 7 abreast Premium Economy cabin are Lufthansa (new and old cabin, excluding second hand ones from Philippine, and sorry to say this name to you), Swiss (soon to be) China Airlines (excluding second hand ones from SAS), Air Caraïbes (-1000 only, not on -900) and of course French Bee on their -900 only (not on -1000). I think 2-3-2 is the correct PE config for A350s, the body of A350 is more akin to 787s than to 777s so I think they should follow the 787. Having most of my (limited) experience on A350s being on Premium Economy (3 out of 4, and remaining 1 on Economy), I would say considering the wider center console/arm rest vs economy, the seat itself isn’t really noticeably wider (vs the standard 3-3-3 of course). And unlike in your experience on a 2-3-2 , the seat gap between the wall and seat is tiny, I really wanted to put a pillow there but I can’t even slip a thin blanket in.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@fdanieln8759]

Great video Kevin! Really love the stats you're throwing in too, and your footage is great. With limited service and none to Canada, we probably won't be on French Bee anytime soon but if it comes up on our itinerary in the future it will definitely be in premium lol.

[@tfft]

Thanks! Seems like Montreal would be a logical destination for them, perhaps there’s a FrenchBee in your future after all! Haha.

[@fdanieln8759]

@The Flip Flop Traveller would totally try them if they did do Montreal! Considering AC is expanding service to France I think it would be a no brainer

[@paulkazzer]

Beautiful shots of NYC at night. I think it is Hudson Yards that shines brightly in the middle of Manhattan. Another great report. Many thanks.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@kaustavkb]

Your review are very well articulated, keep travelling safe journey 🎉

[@tfft]

Thank you 🙏🏻 Will do!

[@jamesellis4214]

I would NEVER!!! fly this airline, the seat is to narrow and zero leg room!! Nice job on your report!!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@dpvisser]

Another great report. I'm amazed how cramped those seats are, even in premium economy. I'd almost feel claustrophobic with seats that recline almost in your face and almost trap you. And yes, that catering was rather "interesting"!

[@tfft]

Yupp. I was very happy to have the seat next to me empty. To get out when the pax in front was reclined I needed to essentially sit on the armrests, then sit in the other seat then get up. Fun stuff lol.

[@OnePunchManFan233]

You have us double thinking about flying this airline from SFO to PPT

[@tfft]

In Premium Economy?

[@OnePunchManFan233]

@@tfft Yes

[@goodthoughts7]

Hi anyone here able to help me with urgent 100$😢 hospital emergency,if u have gpay option pls help

[@msiverson05]

Great vid. Just booked with them for June and got an exit row seat, wondering if you think the extra legroom will help with the discomfort?

[@tfft]

In economy? If it’s an absolute necessity to fly French Bee, then yes an exit row will help, but I would simply never fly an A350 with 3-4-3 configuration under any circumstances. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@macrossluv]

You need to sit behind the bulkheads to be comfortable.

[@tfft]

Sure, but they were I believe $180 more lol

[@charliebrown5]

Thank You✈️

[@tfft]

No problem 👍

[@advaiththeking]

1st And nice video

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@advaiththeking]

@@tfft No problem

Seen better days is understatement! I hope the plane is held up by duct tape also. I flew once on vietjet. If you though the seats couldn't be any more cramped they got french bee beat.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@sarathchandran7570]

Hi Kevin, Recently i travelled from Zurich to Mumbai in Swiss airways in A330. It just have 30 inches of legroom. Fed up with that ride. Have you ever experienced such hectic journey

[@tfft]

Sure, I’ve had as little as 28/29” which is standard for many SE Asian LCCs. While that’s not comfortable and I wouldn’t do it for a long flight, I can tolerate reduced pitch (30” is almost standard these days…). It’s the width (especially at the shoulders) that would be my problem in FrenchBee’s Economy. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@maitreyabhattacharya]

I really like the way you make the videos in this channel especially the flip flop score at the end. One small notice - you forgot to write that you will post your Austrian Airlines business class review on Sat, 1st April in the description. Thank you for sharing so much good content with us!!

[@tfft]

Ah nice catch! Fixed it. Thanks 🙏🏻

[@Ananth8193]

Hey Kevin good to see you on this beautiful review video of Frenchbee airline review.. But to my luck i have booked them in economy class from Paris Orly to Miami next month 😒😒😒.. I am 6 feet 3 inches will it be a comfortable journey for me

[@tfft]

As long as you are exceedingly slim without broad shoulders lol. For the height you’ll be ok because the legroom is near normal. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@gregorybaker330]

Agree on the comments re not being the story like other celebs. I have seen other utubers at airports but 2 unpleasant interactions with Chui in lounges and Thai F class. He thinks he is the only traveller on the planet and knows some airlines are afraid of him but pleases Australian tax office will start chasing him for revenue. He reads all comments from all reviews and emails people if he disagrees. Keep up the most objective reviews along with Paul Lucas.

[@tfft]

My videos will always be about the product/flight/property at hand, never me! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@dodibanzon]

Philippine Airlines will be running a 3-4-3 in the A350-1000. Guess I’m switching to Star Alliance

[@tfft]

I’m no defender of PR or denser cabins, but keep in mind these will be on the new A350 variants with wider interiors which will allow for the same seats as 787s. Expect to see many/most carriers option for 3-4-3 on future deliveries.

[@johnschalk1271]

Premium economy class is my preferred way to get to Europe from Chicago. Enough seat & leg room for an 8ish hour flight at half the price or less of business class. Your $475 fair was super cheap. I can’t believe the PE cabin wasn’t full at that price. And yeah, I’ve noticed the tight squeeze to get out when a seat is fully reclined on other airlines too. LOT for instance. Did they only feed you once? I usually get two meals when I fly PE class.

[@tfft]

The 2nd meal was available for purchase. And yeah, very cheap but there’s lots of competition. Norse is also consistently under $600/way in their Premium Eco on all of their European routes. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@affhb8205]

Do you need to purchase the jump the line option with premium economy ticket?

[@tfft]

Jump line meaning… Priority checkin line? No it’s included.

[@affhb8205]

@@tfft thanks! What I mean was for the security check, which I see a blogger mentioned in his experience with French bee economy flight. It’s in orly airport and he said it took an hour for the flight.

[@tfft]

Ah, yes the priority security was also included automatically. If I remember correctly I didn’t add anything onto my fare.

[@affhb8205]

@@tfft great to know. Thanks

[@stevensmith2078]

Another great video. What a wonderful life of travel you have! My comments are nits about pronunciation. Air Ca- ra- eebs, not Ca-ri- bed; B O A C, not Bowac, and plan-tin, not plan- rain.

[@tfft]

Air Caraibes and BOAC, sure. But no, I grew up with plan-tains and never once heard it called plan-tins until I posted whichever video had them in it lol. Let’s settle on plátanos 😉

[@katewhite2465]

Sadly, French Vee looks better than many U.S. carriers

[@tfft]

You wouldn't say that if you were sitting in their economy haha. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@well-blazeredman6187]

Great review - with bonus points for covering an airline that I hadn't heard of before. Orly? I prefer it to CDG.

[@tfft]

Happy to spread a bit of discovery! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@Dhrruvv]

Hello Kevin, love from India 🇮🇳

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@denisesommer-roque3169]

Thanks

[@stevene465]

Great video again . I think for the fare paid it’s worth it but I’d not like that cabin to be full and trying to man-oeuvre my way past the aisle pax is not good - an aisle thanks

[@tfft]

Yeah if I wasn’t filming I’d also go for the aisle. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@cnncenter]

China Airlines has 2-3-2 in Premium. I think they’re the only ones aside from BF.

[@tfft]

I don’t know how I forgot about them! I’ve flown in that exact seat before! Haha

[@abdulshakoor8267]

Nice trip enjoyed a lot. Very Beautiful views specially night lights at NY.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@Bobrogers99]

I'm a small guy, but I'd find those economy seats pretty confining! The tasteless chicken might have been an effort to make it as inoffensive as possible, but they should have offered a choice of spice packets to sprinkle on it!

[@tfft]

I’d agree if it wasn’t for the big chunk of blue cheese on my tray 😅

[@ChrisHockman]

Narrower than Singapore but you’re not getting Singapore premium economy for this cheap

[@tfft]

The comparison wasn’t about price ☺️ Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@petek5523]

That’s unbelievably cheap for “premium economy “

[@tfft]

Agreed!

[@rogerreverchon-ow8xg]

Hello Kevin, do you know if French bee checks the health passes (proof of vaccination against COVID 19) when boarding for french people ? if so, have you witnessed denied boarding 😢 ? thank you for your answer

[@tfft]

Flying to the US? Yes full vax is required for all non-citizens to fly into the US.

[@rogerreverchon-ow8xg]

@@tfft yes I know it is required. but I would like to know if French bee is watching this? the measurement ends in a month and I'm missing a dose and I'm leaving on Saturday from Orly

[@tfft]

You’re essentially asking if FrenchBee will break the law on your behalf and I highly doubt the answer is yes. You should contact them directly.

[@Locspocs2]

Great video, as always! You mentioned that you don't see the need for a wider aisle. I am a 6'6" disabled guy, and I'm hauled to my seat on an aisle-wheelchair. Believe me, my shoulders and knees would really appreciate a wider aisle. I used to love flying when I was able-bodied, but since the experience has soured quite a bit. By the way, I noticed in some of your resort and hotel videos that you did call out features that are not very accessible. Thank you for that too! Your content is niché in this regard.

[@tfft]

Fair point indeed, will consider it in the future when I notice such things in flight. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@rajugoswami3663]

Wonderful video ❤❤❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@sang-cheolkim5149]

Premium Economy seats look somewhat similar to those of Lufthansa Premium Economy.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@davenorth2903]

Yet another great report. Just a tip……seems that Saudia and Etihad are giving great business class fares from Europe to the Philippines now. Around $1400 now for round trip. Might want to check it out!

[@tfft]

I’m currently booking for Spring 2024 😅… 2023 is all wrapped up haha.

[@sflash45zest68]

cette compagnie low cost abandonne ces clients quand ils ont des problèmes aucune communication... il vaut mieux Payer plus pour la qualité du service clientèle en cas de soucis.... Voler avec air France ou Air Tahiti nui qui travaille avec du personnel local

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@christianbayerstein5243]

An Airbus A350 with 10 seats in a row in economy is torture, Amnesty international, please help!😂😂

[@tfft]

And yet, still better than an A330 with 3-3-3 😅

[@christianbayerstein5243]

@@tfft 3-3-3 in an Airbus A330, who committed this crime?🥲

[@thehungnguyen2186]

@@christianbayerstein5243 Cebu Pacific

[@brilliantbutblue]

I do think there is a place in the market for budget airlines (reference to your quote at the beginning), as long as they are reliable and have good connectivity on routes. In my opinion, "budget and reliable" are two words never to be used in the same sentence with our most popular low-cost carrier in Australia. Is IFE available in Economy? (apologies if l missed you mentioning it), and is it complimentary? Also, as lm clearly not from US, why the heck are 386 people travelling from France to Newark? The cutlery was "French petite" 😉👍

[@tfft]

Yeah economy has free IFE. Newark is just one of the three NYC airports (and actually my preferred airport of the three)- I’d bet many people on that flight didn’t know they were flying to New Jersey. There are around 15 daily flights between Paris and “New York”, I believe four of them goto Newark.

[@brilliantbutblue]

@@tfft : 👍👍

[@thomasmooreCQ]

As tempted as I may be to try them between SFO and Tahiti, I think I'll pass. Maybe worth trying air caraibes and corsair for comparison.

[@tfft]

In economy and premium economy Air Caraibes is actually the same or worse. On their A350-900s their PE is in a 3-3-3 😅.

[@thomasmooreCQ]

@@tfft ouch🤯👎

[@Dare-ik_Ryze]

I think that fairness is subjective. Im just speaking generally.

[@tfft]

Depends on the context. In the case of this channel, I’ll state, for example, if a hotel room is to my personal taste, but either way the score wont be effected. My scores are relative to the price, the competition, reasonable expectations and the viewpoint of what I consider to be the target customer. I’d say that’s pretty objectively fair lol.

[@GenAvAviation]

That jetBlue thing sounds stupid, there is zero similarity in anything they do except a word in their name, and who’s going to confuse “French” with “jet”?

[@tfft]

🤷🏼‍♂️ I’m not entirely sure of the change was ordered or if FrenchB… just did it to expedite their US flying rights.

[@spinalcrackerbox]

The silverware is "fun sized" to make the seats in economy seem wider. Seriously, people are getting bigger & airlines keep reducing the space assigned to passengers. This can't go on forever.

[@tfft]

😅 Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@Corrosionchemist]

Dazzling Newark?! 😂

[@tfft]

Best Pasteis de Nata in Jersey!

[@brilliantbutblue]

Those crucial "who packed your bags questions" l need to know has ANYONE ever admitted that an unknown male in Colombia 🇨🇴 did 😆

[@tfft]

After a trip to Iran some years ago I was subject to secondary screening each time I reentered the US for a couple years. I won’t repeat what questions they asked but they were so… extraordinary in nature that I almost laughed by accident the first time I was asked. I’m sure they look for a lot more than just the answer itself, but yeah… can’t imagine what they’d consider actionable.

[@Eldeibi84]

The worst airline! I fucking hated it, I rather pay full price with a regular airline. I’m 34 waist 5’-10” we were on the medium tier and the seats are unbearable tight. It was 8 hours of torture. Never again. The service was atrocious. The food was atrocious. The WiFi didn’t work. The TV programming was garbage, and every seat had different tv offerings. We had the front Aisle with extra leg room, I preferred seating on the floor.

[@tfft]

This falls squarely into, you get what you pay for.

[@neilcharles2520]

This airline is not cheap when you compare what you get,i put in for leaving from, EWR to ORY and return flight on July 4th returning on July 19th..in Premium cost was little over $1,600...I have a flight booked traveling from MCO-IAD-CDG also return flight on same dates,United Polaris,price...$3,200.....I think it's worth paying double,since i will have to buy tickets to and from EWR...Polaris lounge are rated Number one and all my flights are first class(domestic) and Polaris class....

[@tfft]

Kinda comparing apples to oranges there- certainly it will be more expensive during peak travel season and I would definitely hope United Business Class would be better than a Low Cost Premium Economy lol.