French Bee

The airline French Bee (formerly known as French Blue) is a modern example of the successful development of the low-cost long-haul segment. This French carrier specializes in long-distance flights, offering passengers the opportunity to cross the ocean at very affordable prices. The airline's main base and primary hub is Orly International Airport in Paris, making it a convenient choice for travelers looking to reach exotic corners of the world from Europe.

One of the key features of French Bee is its commitment to innovation and eco-friendliness. The company became the world's first carrier whose fleet consists entirely of Airbus A350 aircraft—some of the most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient liners today. This not only reduces environmental impact but also provides passengers with enhanced comfort thanks to lower noise levels and an improved air conditioning system.

Onboard service is based on the "A la Carte" principle, allowing everyone to customize their own service package. Travelers can choose between a basic no-frills fare or more comfortable options that include meals and baggage. This flexible approach has made French Bee popular among young people, couples, and those who value the ability to pay only for what they actually use.

Despite its budget model, the airline pays great attention to interior design and seat comfort. In the 2020s, the carrier repeatedly received positive reviews for the quality of service in its Premium class, which offers service comparable to the business classes of traditional airlines but at a significantly more attractive price. French Bee is actively developing its route network, connecting France with the USA and overseas territories in the Pacific Ocean.

You can contact French Bee representatives to clarify flight details or resolve booking issues in several ways. Please note that support is primarily provided in French and English.

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• Official website: www.frenchbee.com
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• Hotline: 1-833-376-7158 (toll-free from the USA) or +33 825 205 205 (for international calls, costs depend on operator rates).
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• Customer Support Email: contact@frenchbee.com
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• Social Media: Official French Bee accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
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• Mobile App: Available for download on the App Store and Google Play.
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• Emergency Support: For issues regarding delayed baggage, it is recommended to contact the "Baggage Service" desk staff directly at the arrival airport.
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For the most up-to-date information on rules and possible schedule changes, we recommend regularly checking the current data in the help section of the airline's official website.

Baggage rules at French Bee depend directly on your chosen fare plan: Basic, Smart, or Premium. Carefully studying the norms before your flight will help you avoid extra costs at the airport, as purchasing additional pieces online is always significantly cheaper.

Strict standards are set for hand luggage: each passenger can take one item into the cabin weighing up to 12 kg with dimensions not exceeding 55x40x20 cm. Additionally, one small personal item (handbag, laptop case, or backpack) is allowed, which must fit easily under the seat in front of you. It is important to remember that liquids in hand luggage must be packed in containers of up to 100 ml each.

Checked baggage allowances vary: baggage is not included in the Basic fare, Smart allows for one piece weighing up to 23 kg, and Premium class passengers can count on two suitcases of 23 kg each. The sum of the three dimensions of one piece must not exceed 158 cm. If your suitcase weighs more than 23 kg (but no more than 32 kg), a heavy baggage fee will apply.

Separate rules apply for the transportation of special items such as surfboards, bicycles, or musical instruments. Sports equipment often requires prior booking and payment of a special fee. Strollers and car seats for infants are usually carried free of charge in addition to the established baggage allowance, which is convenient for family travelers.

Explosives, flammable liquids, high-power lithium batteries, and other dangerous goods are strictly prohibited for carriage. Expert tip: Always mark your luggage with a tag containing your contact details and try to use bright design elements to find your suitcase faster on the baggage carousel at your destination.

French Bee understands how important it is to travel with your beloved pets and offers clear rules for their safe transportation. It's worth remembering that the number of spaces for animals on each flight is limited, so you need to book transportation in advance through the call center.

In-Cabin Transportation

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• Permitted Animals: Dogs and cats only.
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• Weight: The maximum weight of the animal together with the carrier must not exceed 8 kg.
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• Container Dimensions: The carrier must be soft, waterproof, and have dimensions of no more than 43x35x20 cm to fit easily under the seat.
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• Age: The animal must be older than 15 weeks.
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Transportation in the Baggage Hold

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• Weight and Size: If the pet's weight with the container exceeds 8 kg (but no more than 75 kg), it must fly in the heated baggage compartment.
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• Container Requirements: Only rigid IATA standard crates with a secure lock and ventilation on four sides are used. There must be a water bowl inside.
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• Restrictions: One passenger may transport no more than 3 animals.
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Required Documents and Preparation

An international veterinary passport with records of microchipping and current vaccinations (primarily against rabies) is mandatory for the flight. Specific certificates may also be required depending on the destination country—for example, strict quarantine rules apply for flights to the USA or Tahiti.

Important Restrictions

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• Brachycephalic Breeds: Due to the risk of breathing problems during pressure changes, French Bee may restrict the transportation of flat-faced dogs and cats (pugs, bulldogs, Persian cats) in the baggage hold.
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• Temperature Conditions: In case of extreme heat or cold at the departure/arrival airports, transportation in the baggage hold may be suspended.
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The cost of the service varies depending on the weight of the animal and the route. It is recommended to contact the airline's support at least 72 hours before departure to confirm the possibility of transporting your pet.

My Bee Loyalty Program

Unlike classic aviation alliances, French Bee offers its passengers a simple and straightforward reward system through a personal My Bee account. This program is aimed at those who frequently fly between France and the USA or overseas territories and appreciate a personalized approach to organizing their travel.

Key Benefits and Features

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• Fast Booking: Storing personal data and preferences allows you to book tickets in seconds.
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• Service Management: Members can easily add baggage, choose meals, or change seats online through their personal account.
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• Bee No Limit: A special service package offering flexibility when changing flight dates, which is especially relevant for business trips.
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• Exclusive Offers: Registered users are the first to get access to private sales and promo codes.
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How to Earn and Use Bonuses

While French Bee does not have traditional "miles" in the usual sense, the company often offers package discounts and bonus points when booking through partners. Additionally, the airline actively cooperates with the Dubreuil group, which allows for the integration of certain services with the partner airline Air Caraïbes.

Joining the program is completely free on the official website. Registration takes a couple of minutes and provides access to all digital trip management tools. We recommend logging into the system before every ticket purchase so that your flight history is saved and the service becomes more personalized.

The airline French Bee offers a well-thought-out system of service classes that allows travelers to balance savings and comfort. The main cabin is Eco Blue, featuring modern ergonomic seats with adjustable headrests. For those seeking more privileges, there is the Premium Blue class. Here, passengers can expect wider seats with an increased recline angle, priority boarding, and an upgraded menu.

Regardless of the class, all A350 aircraft are equipped with individual high-definition touchscreens. The entertainment system includes a wide selection of movies, music, and video games. A unique feature of the airline is the iBee service—onboard Wi-Fi with several tariff plans, allowing you to stay connected even at an altitude of 10,000 meters over the ocean. USB ports for charging gadgets are also provided in the seatbacks.

Dining on board BF is a separate gastronomic adventure. Hot lunches are already included in the Smart and Premium fares, while Basic fare passengers can order dishes from the Blue Bistro menu for an additional fee. Many special meal options are available: vegetarian, gluten-free, children's, as well as halal and kosher menus. Special meal orders must be placed at least 48 hours before departure.

For passengers with children, French Bee provides bassinets (for infants up to 10 kg), and flight attendants are always ready to help with warming up baby food. Travelers with disabilities are offered a full range of assistance services at the airport and on board, including the provision of special wheelchairs. An unaccompanied minor service is also available for children traveling without parents.

The French Bee route network (IATA code: BF) focuses on connecting the French capital with key US cities and picturesque overseas territories. The main link for all flights is Paris, from where modern liners depart across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

The airline offers convenient flights to major North American metropolises, including New York, San Francisco, and sunny Miami Beach. For fans of exotic vacations, there are regular flights to Reunion Island to the city of Saint-Denis, as well as to the capital of French Polynesia—Papeete. In addition, the list of popular destinations includes Montreal in Canada and the popular Dominican resort of Punta Cana.

To book French Bee tickets at the best rates, experts recommend starting your search 3-4 months before your intended departure date. Since the airline operates on a low-cost model, ticket prices tend to rise quickly as the aircraft fills up. The most attractive offers are often found on flights departing mid-week—on Tuesday or Wednesday.

The airline regularly holds sales, especially during low seasons. The most reliable way not to miss discounts is to subscribe to the newsletter or follow the carrier's official social media pages. Pay attention to the Smart fare: it often turns out to be more economical than buying the cheapest Basic ticket and then adding baggage and meals separately.

Online check-in for BF flights opens 48 hours before departure. We recommend checking in as early as possible to secure the most comfortable seats in the cabin. For those who value extra comfort, paid options are available for selecting Extra Legroom seats or seats in the front of the aircraft for a quick exit upon arrival.

When booking, it's worth considering travel insurance. The carrier offers its own insurance policy options that cover trip cancellation or medical expenses. It is also convenient to use the airline's official mobile app: you can not only buy a ticket but also store boarding passes and receive real-time notifications about your flight status.

The history of French Bee began quite recently, yet it has already become a vivid example of dynamic development in the aviation industry. The airline was founded in 2016 by the Dubreuil Group (which also owns Air Caraïbes) under the original name French Blue. The main goal of the founders was to offer the market a high-quality but affordable product for ultra-long-distance flights.

The first commercial flight took place in the summer of that same year on a route from Paris to Punta Cana. However, already in 2018, due to legal disputes over the name with American carrier JetBlue, the company rebranded and received its current name—French Bee. This period was marked by active expansion: the launch of flights to Papeete via San Francisco was a real breakthrough, making Tahiti more accessible to European tourists.

A landmark milestone for the company was the formation of its fleet. French Bee made a bold bet on the new generation Airbus A350-900 aircraft, and later added the higher-capacity A350-1000 to its fleet. This allowed the airline to become one of the youngest and most eco-friendly operators in the world, significantly reducing fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions per passenger.

In recent years, French Bee has continued to strengthen its position in the transatlantic market. The opening of flights to New York (Newark Airport) in 2021 and the launch of the Los Angeles route confirmed the company's ambitions to become a leading low-cost carrier on routes between Europe and the USA. Today, the airline continues to implement digital innovations and develop sustainability programs, staying true to its mission—making the world closer and more accessible.