French Bee flights and airline information

French Bee (IATA code: BF) is an innovative French airline specializing in long-haul low-cost flights. Founded in 2016 under the initial brand French Blue, it quickly carved out a niche for affordable transatlantic and intercontinental travel. The carrier's main base is Orly Airport in Paris, from which regular flights are operated to North America and France's exotic overseas departments.

The core philosophy of French Bee is to provide passengers with the opportunity to customize their own service package without paying for unnecessary options. It is the first airline in France to implement a "smart" low-cost model on long-haul routes, using only the most modern wide-body aircraft. The carrier belongs to the reputable Groupe Dubreuil, which guarantees high standards of operation and safety.

A key advantage of the airline is its fleet, consisting exclusively of Airbus A350 aircraft. These planes are distinguished not only by increased fuel efficiency but also by modern air conditioning systems, low noise levels, and extra cabin space. Passengers are offered a choice between basic economy class and more comfortable premium service, making transoceanic flights accessible to a wide range of travelers.

Despite its budget model, French Bee regularly receives positive reviews for service quality and punctuality. Attention to detail, a modern on-board entertainment system, and the opportunity to enjoy French cuisine (depending on the selected fare) set it apart from other budget carriers. The airline is actively expanding its route network, connecting Europe with popular cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Papeete.

• Official website: frenchbee.com
• Support Helplines: 0825 205 205 (France and Europe, toll call); 1-833-376-7158 (USA, toll-free); +1 833-465-1125 (Canada, toll-free).
• Email for inquiries: reservation-us@frenchbee.com (primarily for the North American market, response time approximately 24 hours).
• Social Media: Official pages are available under the name French Bee on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.
• Mobile App: The airline provides digital services through its official website; check the App Store and Google Play for the availability of the official iOS and Android mobile app.
• Emergency Support and Claims: Claims (e.g., for baggage or delays) are submitted via a specialized online form (Online Claim) on the official website; the processing period is up to 3 weeks.
• Head Office Address: Immeuble Cœur d’Orly, 7 avenue de l’Union, 94310 Orly, France.

It is recommended to always verify current contact information directly on the airline's official website before making calls or sending documents.

At French Bee, baggage rules are strictly segmented according to your chosen fare. Basic packages usually include only carry-on baggage, while more expensive options allow for checked baggage at no extra cost. It is recommended to check current limits and excess baggage fees during the booking process or via the online baggage calculator on the official website.

Carry-on baggage: Passengers are allowed to bring one piece of standard size and weight (usually up to 12 kg, but this may vary) into the cabin. Additionally, a personal item, such as a handbag or laptop, can be carried. It is important to remember that in the low-cost model, carry-on dimensions are checked quite strictly, and items that do not fit the sizer will have to be checked in for an additional fee.

Checked baggage: The allowance for one piece of baggage in premium fares is 23 kg. If your ticket does not include baggage, it can be purchased in advance online. Buying baggage at least 48 hours before departure costs approximately $55 for the first piece, whereas paying at the airport can cost twice as much—around $110. A second bag when paying online costs approximately $80.

Special baggage and prohibited items: Sports equipment, musical instruments, and strollers are transported at separate rates. Overweight items are charged at high rates directly before departure. Dangerous substances, flammable liquids, and other items that threaten flight safety are strictly prohibited. For packing convenience, it is recommended to use hard-shell suitcases and always label them with contact information tags.

Animal Transportation in the Cabin and Cargo Hold

• In the cabin: Small cats and dogs are allowed. The animal must be in a soft or hard ventilated carrier. The total weight of the pet together with the container is usually limited (check the current limit on the website).
• In the cargo hold: Larger animals are transported in a special heated compartment. The container must meet IATA standards, be durable, and have a secure lock.

Required Documents

• Veterinary Passport: An international passport with records of all necessary vaccinations is mandatory.
• Certificates and Microchipping: The animal must be microchipped. Veterinary certificates compliant with the rules of the destination country are required (for example, rules for the USA, France, or Tahiti vary significantly).

Restrictions and Costs

• Brachycephalic breeds: Strict restrictions may apply to the transportation of flat-faced dogs and cats (pugs, bulldogs, Persian cats) due to the risk of breathing problems during flight.
• Cost: Animal transportation service is always paid and is not included in the free baggage allowance. Rates depend on the route and method of transportation.

Transporting a pet requires mandatory prior coordination with the airline at least several days before departure. It is recommended to contact the French Bee support center for written confirmation of transportation availability on a specific flight.

Loyalty Program Features

Currently, French Bee does not have a classic loyalty program in the traditional sense—with status mile accumulation, Silver or Gold cards, and free flights for bonuses. As a low-cost carrier, the airline focuses on providing the lowest possible prices for all passenger categories without building the cost of mileage programs into the ticket price.

Available Options for Passengers

• Partner Offers: From time to time, the airline may run marketing promotions in conjunction with its parent company Air Caraïbes or travel partners.
• Frequent Flyer Programs: Instead of accumulating miles, French Bee offers a transparent fare system where passengers only pay for the services they use.
• Special Offers: Subscribing to the company newsletter allows you to be the first to know about sales and minimum prices for popular destinations.

If you are used to accumulating miles in global alliances like Star Alliance or SkyTeam, please note that French Bee is an independent carrier and does not participate in these associations. Current information on possible bonus programs for corporate clients or groups should be checked on the official website.

French Bee offers its passengers a modern level of service adapted to the needs of budget travelers. The main focus is on the use of the latest Airbus A350 aircraft, the cabin of which is divided into several functional zones. Despite its low-cost status, the airline strives to provide comfort even on the longest routes.

Service classes include basic Economy and Premium. In economy class, passengers can choose between different service packages (Basic, Smart, Full), which determine the inclusion of meals and baggage. Premium class offers wider seats with an increased recline angle, priority boarding, and an expanded menu. In-flight meals for budget fares are a paid option; meals can be pre-ordered from the menu presented on the website, which includes French and international cuisine.

The In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system is available to every passenger through individual high-definition touchscreens. The catalog features movie releases, classic films, music, and games. Wi-Fi is also offered on board most flights. The cost of internet access depends on the selected data package. For families with children, special services are provided, such as a children's menu and baby bassinets (available upon prior request).

Special attention is paid to passengers with reduced mobility. The airline provides airport assistance and boarding help. All additional services, including extra legroom seats or sleep comfort kits, can be purchased during the booking stage or directly during the flight, if available.

French Bee specializes in connecting Europe with key points in North America, the Caribbean, and Oceania. The carrier's main hub is located in Paris (Orly Airport), allowing travelers to conveniently reach the most remote corners of the world at affordable prices.

The flight geography covers US metropolises such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami. Flights are also operated to Montreal (Canada) and to popular resorts—Punta Cana, Saint-Denis on Reunion Island, and even Papeete in Tahiti.

To purchase French Bee tickets at the best prices, it is recommended to start your search at least 3-4 months before the intended departure date, especially for popular destinations in the USA or Tahiti. The airline uses dynamic pricing, so tickets for the middle of the week (Tuesday or Wednesday) are often cheaper than for weekends or holidays.

Online check-in opens 24-48 hours before departure. We strongly recommend checking in in advance through the official website, as this saves time at the airport and sometimes allows you to choose a seat for free if your fare permits. Early check-in is also important for the low-cost model as it helps avoid unnecessary queues at the counters.

When choosing seats, keep in mind that at French Bee, seats with extra legroom (e.g., at emergency exits) are always paid. If you are traveling as a pair, pay attention to the seat configuration in the Airbus A350 to secure the most convenient row. Also, don't forget to arrange travel insurance in advance, as the airline's basic fares are often non-refundable or involve high change fees.

Follow promotions through social media or the airline's newsletter. Advantageous offers often appear during seasonal sales periods. If you plan to take baggage with you, be sure to pay for it online when booking—it is twice as cheap as paying at the airport before departure. Using the mobile version of the site simplifies booking management and allows you to quickly make changes to your order.

The history of French Bee began in 2016 when Groupe Dubreuil (owner of Air Caraïbes) decided to create a new aviation brand. Initially, the company was named French Blue and was positioned as France's first low-cost carrier focused exclusively on long-haul flights. This was a bold step that challenged traditional network airlines on transatlantic routes.

In 2018, a major rebranding took place: due to legal nuances in the US market, the name was changed to French Bee. Despite the name change, the concept remained the same—providing "smart" service on board the most modern aircraft. Paris Orly became the base airport, allowing the airline to effectively compete for passengers seeking comfortable but affordable travel.

An important milestone in its development was the decision to operate a unified fleet of Airbus A350-900 and A350-1000 aircraft. This significantly reduced maintenance and staff training costs, while offering passengers the highest level of cabin comfort. Gradually, the route network expanded from Reunion to New York, San Francisco, and French Polynesia.

Today, French Bee successfully continues its operations, proving the viability of the long-haul low-cost model. The airline actively implements modern technologies to simplify the booking and check-in process and works on sustainability programs, striving to minimize its carbon footprint by using the more eco-friendly and efficient engines of its liners.