First-Class for Less: Flying Premium on Breeze Airways and French Bee
How do low-cost carriers Breeze Airways and French Bee stack up in premium class? A head-to-head review of comfort, value, and the inflight experience.
Is First Class on Low-Cost Airlines Worth It? A Review of Breeze Airways and French Bee Premium Experiences
For many travelers, flying first or premium class is synonymous with luxury—and a high price tag. In recent years, however, a new wave of budget airlines has introduced premium cabins that promise added comfort at a fraction of the cost found on legacy carriers. Two standout names in this trend are Breeze Airways, a U.S.-based startup, and French Bee, a French low-cost long-haul carrier. But how do their top-tier seats stack up? We put their premium products to the test and breakdown what you can really expect from a first or premium class ticket on these airlines, including comfort, amenities, food, value, and the unique quirks of each carrier.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Breeze Airways and French Bee
- Booking and Fares: What You Pay (and What You Get)
- The Breeze Airways “Nicest” Experience
- French Bee Premium: More Than Just a Bargain Fare?
- Seat Comfort and Cabin Features Compared
- Meals and Inflight Service
- Entertainment, Connectivity, and Amenities
- Is It Worth the Price?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Introduction to Breeze Airways and French Bee
If you’ve shopped for cheap, long-haul flights recently, chances are you’ve seen Breeze Airways and French Bee pop up alongside the major airlines. Both aim to fill a sweet spot: affordable fares, but with the option to upgrade to a more spacious, premium seat for travelers seeking extra comfort without breaking the bank.
- Breeze Airways was founded in 2018 by David Neeleman (the founder of JetBlue). It primarily operates within the U.S. using Airbus A220 aircraft, offering three service levels: Nice (economy), Nicer (premium economy), and Nicest (first class).
- French Bee is a French long-haul, low-cost carrier established in 2016, flying primarily between Paris Orly and select U.S. destinations (like San Francisco and Newark), as well as French Polynesia. Its top-tier is Premium class, a product between economy and business class in terms of comfort and price.
Booking and Fares: What You Pay (and What You Get)
When comparing low-cost premium seats, value matters as much as comfort. Here’s what the typical booking and inclusions look like:
| Airline | Class | Sample Fare (One Way) | Standard Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breeze Airways | Nicest (First Class) | $350–$450 | 2 checked bags, priority boarding, widest seat |
| French Bee | Premium | $600–$1000 | 2 checked bags, meals, alcohol, priority services |
- Breeze Nicest can sometimes be as cheap or cheaper than economy fares on legacy carriers—and comes with more perks.
- French Bee Premium fares are typically less than half the cost of traditional business class and can be booked one-way at roughly half the roundtrip price, offering notable flexibility for trip planning.
The Breeze Airways “Nicest” Experience
Breeze Airways has disrupted the U.S. domestic market with new planes, modern cabins, and an innovative take on service levels.
Check-In and Boarding
- Priority boarding for “Nicest” ticket holders.
- Casual, friendly staff and a relaxed yet efficient boarding process.
Cabin Environment
- Breeze flies brand-new Airbus A220 jets.
- The first-class section (“Nicest”) features a 2-2 seating configuration at the front of the cabin, with extra-wide leather seats and plenty of legroom.
- No wall dividers between classes, but different headrest colors (red for “Nicer,” yellow for “Nice”).
- Mood lighting cycles for a fun ambiance before takeoff.
Seats and Space
- Modern, plush seats with ample width and a generous recline compared to standard economy.
- Each seat is equipped with power outlets and USB-C ports.
- Seats do not lie flat but are highly comfortable for flights up to 7 hours.
- No blankets or pillows provided.
French Bee Premium: More Than Just a Bargain Fare?
French Bee’s Premium cabin lands somewhere between economy and business class, at a decidedly budget-friendly price point for transatlantic and transpacific flights.
Check-In, Boarding, and Baggage
- Priority check-in lanes and expedited security for Premium passengers.
- Two free checked bags per traveler (up to 50 lbs each) included in the fare.
- Priority luggage delivery upon arrival.
Cabin Features
- A private-feeling Premium cabin positioned at the front of the plane, separated from economy.
- 35 leather seats arranged 2-3-2 per row on the wide-body Airbus A350.
- Reclining seats with 36-inch pitch, leg and foot rests, and extra width compared to economy. Seats do not fully lie flat.
- Plenty of pillows, blankets, and a travel kit provided (including headphones, socks, eyeshade, and toothbrush).
Seat Comfort and Cabin Features Compared
| Breeze Airways Nicest (First) | French Bee Premium | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Configuration | 2-2 | 2-3-2 |
| Seat Pitch (Legroom) | Generous, much more than economy | 36 inches |
| Seat Recline | Significant recline, not lie-flat | Reclining, not lie-flat |
| Extra Amenities | Power outlets, USB-C, mood lighting | Travel kit, pillows, blankets, priority boarding |
| Privacy | No divider between cabins | Separate Premium cabin |
Meals and Inflight Service
Breeze Airways
- No pre-departure drinks or meal service, keeping with the airline’s low-cost model.
- No complimentary blankets, pillows, or bottled water.
- Flight attendants are friendly and professional, often adding a touch of fun (such as mood lighting during boarding).
French Bee Premium
- Bienvenue! Premium passengers are welcomed with complimentary Champagne on board.
- Beverages, including wine, beer, and spirits, are free throughout the flight, with attentive crew regularly offering refills.
- Meal service includes two options for each main meal (for example, chicken or pasta for dinner, and French toast or omelet for breakfast).
- Snacks, such as a midnight hot dog, are offered on overnight flights.
- Two full meals and all nonalcoholic drinks are included in the fare.
Entertainment, Connectivity, and Amenities
Breeze Airways
- No built-in entertainment systems yet; passengers are advised to download content to their own devices before takeoff.
- No in-flight Wi-Fi (as of press time).
- All seats are equipped with power and USB charging, perfect for keeping devices running.
French Bee Premium
- Each seat features a personal inflight entertainment system.
- Premium passengers receive an iPad Mini loaded with a selection of French and English movies, magazines, and newspapers.
- Travel amenity kit provided for enhanced comfort.
Is It Worth the Price?
The main draw for both Breeze Airways and French Bee’s premium cabins is value. You’ll trade some trappings of luxury—no lie-flat beds, designer amenity kits, or lounge access—for significant savings. Here’s what to consider:
- Breeze Airways Nicest is perfect for domestic travelers who want more space and upgraded service at a price often lower than coach fares on legacy airlines.
- French Bee Premium stands out for long-haul routes, offering a comfortable seat, priority services, and included meals at a far lower price than nearly any competitor’s premium economy or business class.
- If you value space, priority perks, and overall comfort—but not full luxury—both airlines deliver substantial bang for your buck, especially compared to packed economy cabins.
Those seeking true luxury (lie-flat beds, exclusive lounges, top-tier dining) will want to look elsewhere. However, for value-conscious travelers, these premium seats offer major upgrades over the back of the plane and are ideal for transcontinental or transoceanic trips.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are Breeze Airways and French Bee’s premium cabins considered true first or business class?
A: No. Breeze Airways’ “Nicest” is a premium first-class product for U.S. domestic flights and offers more space and perks than economy, but is below traditional international business class. French Bee Premium is a step above most premium economy offerings but not a full business class, focusing on comfort rather than full luxury.
Q: What luggage allowance comes with Breeze Nicest and French Bee Premium?
A: Breeze Nicest includes two checked bags per person. French Bee Premium includes two 50-pound checked bags, plus priority boarding and baggage delivery.
Q: Do these airlines have inflight Wi-Fi or entertainment?
A: Breeze Airways does not yet offer inflight Wi-Fi or built-in entertainment, but provides power outlets at every seat. French Bee Premium features a personal entertainment system and iPad Minis loaded with content for premium passengers.
Q: Is the extra cost for premium class on these airlines worth it?
A: For travelers who want more comfort and amenities without paying traditional business class prices, both Breeze Nicest and French Bee Premium present excellent value—especially for long flights or when traveling with checked bags.
Q: What is the onboard service like in Breeze Nicest and French Bee Premium?
A: Breeze’s onboard service is casual, friendly, and functional but minimal in amenities. French Bee Premium offers attentive, frequent service with complimentary drinks and upgraded meal service.
Final Thoughts
Flying premium on low-cost carriers like Breeze Airways and French Bee blurs the lines between bare-bones economy and the rarefied air of traditional first or business class. While neither offers lie-flat seats or opulent amenities, both deliver tangible improvements in comfort, speed, and service compared to economy at a price point that’s difficult to match. For value-driven travelers willing to temper expectations, premium class on Breeze and French Bee provides a modern, smart way to travel in comfort—especially on those long-haul journeys where every extra inch, amenity, and perk makes a difference.
