This free option on Air France flights will soon be chargeable for some passengers
It is one of several moves by the airline to change its model
Certain members of the airline’s frequent flyer club will not be impacted
Ronen Fefer/Shutterstock
Certain Economy-class passengers on Air France flights will soon need to pay an additional fee to choose their seat, the airline has announced.
Passengers buying the lowest level of ticket (Economy Light) are currently able to pay a fee to choose their seat before check-in, or once it has opened – around 36 hours before scheduled departure time – choose one for free among the remaining available seats.
From February 11 however, they will automatically be allocated a seat when checking in – and be required to pay if they wish to change it – the airline announced in a press release.
Standard and Flex ticket holders will not be affected by the change, nor will those who have a Flying Blue frequent flyer membership with Ultimate, Platinum, Gold or Silver status.
Corporate passengers, large group bookings (10+) and disabled passengers will also not be impacted.
It is one of a number of recent moves by the airline to make previously free and as-standard conditions optionable and chargeable
For example, passengers must now pay if they want a meal for certain short and medium haul flights.
Read more: Air France to test charging for meals on some flights
Passengers with a ‘Light’ fare in business class have also seen restrictions since April 2023, including no longer being able to access airport lounges and having a reduced baggage allowance.
