The biggest misconception is that seat selection is always free. It is not. However, there are situations where Air France seat selection free options are available. Seat selection is free when: You book Premium Economy, Business, or La Première You book a Flex fare You have Flying Blue Silver, Gold, or Platinum You check in 24 hours before departure on most Economy tickets This is why I often wait for Air France free seat selection at check-in instead of paying early. It works well when I’m not picky about the exact row.
How to Choose the Best Seat on Air France?
The first time I flew with Air France from the U.S. to Europe, I didn’t think much about seats. I assumed I would pick something decent during check-in and everything would fall into place. I was wrong. That flight taught me how much comfort—and preparation—matters. Since then, every trip has been a lesson in Air France seat selection, understanding the fees, and learning how to pick the best seat without overpaying.
This is the real story of how I learned to select seats Air France offers the smart way.
How I Discovered the Importance of Air France Seating Selection
It started with a late-night booking session. I was planning a last-minute trip from New York to Paris and I noticed the seat map. Half the plane was blocked unless I paid extra. I didn’t know that air france seat selection fee existed for many economy fares. I thought it was free for everyone.
Curiosity made me dig deeper. I wanted to understand the entire air france seating selection system, not just pick a random seat. That night, I learned that the airline offered different seat types—standard, front-section, extra legroom, Premium Economy, and Business. Every seat had a different story, a different price, and honestly, a different level of comfort.
What Air France Seat Selection Really Includes
When you book Air France, you can choose your seat:
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During booking
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After booking via “My Bookings”
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At online check-in
Seat types include:
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Standard Economy
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Front-Section Economy
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Extra Legroom
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Premium Economy
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Business Class
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La Première
Each type comes with its own comfort level and price range.
When I needed help comparing seat options fast, FlyFlightBooking stepped in, and their team (reachable at 1-833-444-7613) explained which seats offered the best value for my route.
How Air France Seating Selection Has Changed Over Time
Seat selection looked very different years ago. Air France used to offer more free choices at booking, even in regular Economy. As demand increased, the airline updated its policy.
Here is what has changed:
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Paid selection applies to many Economy fares
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Extra Legroom prices increased
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More seat types were introduced for personalization
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Free seat selection now depends on your fare class or booking time
These changes match the global shift toward customizable travel.
Air France Seat Selection Fee: What It Costs Today
Many travelers ask about the Air France seat selection fee and Air France seat selection cost. The price depends on your flight distance, fare, and seat category.
Typical fees:
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Standard seat: $20–$60
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Front-section economy: $30–$70
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Extra legroom: $70–$150
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Premium Economy: Free
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Business Class: Free
When I booked last summer, extra legroom on a JFK–CDG flight cost me about $110. That price used to be lower in the past, but like most airlines, Air France adjusted fees to match demand and operating costs.
Is Air France Seat Selection Free?
The biggest misconception is that seat selection is always free. It is not. However, there are situations where Air France seat selection free options are available.
Seat selection is free when:
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You book Premium Economy, Business, or La Première
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You book a Flex fare
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You have Flying Blue Silver, Gold, or Platinum
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You check in 24 hours before departure on most Economy tickets
This is why I often wait for Air France free seat selection at check-in instead of paying early. It works well when I’m not picky about the exact row.
How I Select Seats on Air France (Step-by-Step)
Here is the exact process I follow:
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Go to the Air France website
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Click “My Bookings”
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Enter my last name and booking code
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Select “Choose Your Seat”
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View seat map and options
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Pay any applicable seat fees
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Save the updated itinerary
When I booked through FlyFlightBooking, I simply shared my booking details, and they walked me through the best seat choices and pricing. Their support team at 1-833-444-7613 made it simple.
Which Air France Seats Are Worth Paying For?
After comparing all seat options on several flights, here is what I found:
Standard Seats
Good for short flights or budget trips. Not worth paying early unless you need to sit with family.
Front-Section Economy
Great for fast exit and smoother boarding. Worth the price during tight connections.
Extra Legroom
Best for tall travelers or long overnight flights. This option always improved my comfort.
Premium Economy
A major upgrade without Business Class prices. Wider seats and better recline.
Business Class
Maximum comfort and privacy. Seat selection is always free.
The best choice depends on your budget and personal comfort needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right seat can change your entire travel experience, especially on long Air France flights. Understanding the Air France seats selection system helps you avoid unnecessary fees and unlock the best value. Whether you pay during booking or wait for free seat selection at check-in, the process is simple once you know how it works.
Platforms like FlyFlightBooking help compare prices and seat types quickly. If you ever need live support while booking, their team is available at 1-833-444-7613 to guide you through the entire Air France seat selection process.