Want to sit by the window, stay with your family, or avoid getting stuck in a middle seat? Air France seat selection lets eligible travelers choose a preferred seat before departure, depending on the fare, cabin, route, and available seats.
The process is straightforward, but the rules can vary. Some seats require an additional charge, while certain passengers may qualify for complimentary seat selection. If you need help understanding your options, you can also contact +1-833-923-5122 before making your selection.
Air France states that advance seat selection is available from booking until check-in begins, generally 30 hours before departure. If you do not select a seat beforehand, Air France can automatically assign one during online check-in.
What Is Air France Seat Selection?
Air France seat selection is the option to choose a specific available seat on your flight rather than waiting for an automatic assignment.
Depending on your flight and cabin, available choices may include standard seats, seats toward the front of Economy, extra-legroom seats, Duo seats, and other seat options.
The exact availability and price can depend on factors such as:
- Your cabin
- Your fare type
- Your destination
- Your travel date
- Aircraft configuration
- Seat location
- Flying Blue status
- Seat availability
Air France says the price for advance seat selection is displayed during booking or through My Bookings, and pricing can vary by destination, travel date, and fare.
Featured Snippet: How Do I Select a Seat on Air France?
To select a seat on Air France, book your flight and choose an available seat during the booking process, or open “My Bookings” after purchasing your ticket. You can also select a seat during online check-in. Air France online check-in generally opens 30 hours before departure. Seat selection may be free or paid depending on your fare, cabin, frequent-flyer status, and seat type.
For travelers who are unsure which option applies to their reservation, +1-833-923-5122 can be used to discuss the available seat-selection process.
How to Select an Air France Seat
You have several opportunities to choose your seat.
1. Select Your Seat During Booking
The simplest method is to select your seat while purchasing the ticket.
After entering your passenger and flight information, Air France can show available seats according to your cabin and fare.
Choose the seat that fits your needs, review any applicable price, and complete the booking.
2. Use My Bookings After Purchasing
Already purchased your ticket?
You can access your reservation through the Air France website or app and open My Bookings.
From there, look for the seat-selection option and review the available seats for your flight.
Air France specifically lists My Bookings as a way to purchase or manage seat options after the ticket has been issued.
3. Choose a Seat During Check-In
Online check-in generally starts 30 hours before departure for Air France-operated flights.
If you have not selected a seat earlier, Air France can assign one automatically during check-in. Depending on your circumstances and fare, you may also be able to change the assigned seat.
If you are close to departure and cannot determine which seat option applies, +1-833-923-5122 can help you understand the next step.
Does Air France Charge for Seat Selection?
Yes, Air France may charge for advance seat selection. The amount is not one universal fee for every passenger.
Air France says seat-selection pricing depends on the destination, travel dates, fare, and selected seat area. The applicable price is displayed when you purchase the seat.
Some travelers may qualify for free seat selection.
According to Air France, complimentary standard, Premium, or Business seat selection can apply to certain passengers, including eligible Flying Blue Silver, Gold, and Platinum members and their companions on the same booking, passengers with reduced mobility, children traveling alone under the applicable service, and passengers traveling on qualifying Flex fares.
Because eligibility can depend on the booking details, check your reservation before assuming that a seat will be free. Read More.
What Seat Options Does Air France Offer?
Air France offers different seat choices depending on the aircraft, route, and cabin.
Standard Seats
Standard Economy seats are the basic seating option. Depending on your fare and eligibility, selecting one in advance may involve a fee.
Extra-Legroom Seats
These seats provide additional legroom compared with standard Economy seating. Air France lists extra-legroom seats among its Economy seat options, although availability can vary by aircraft.
Front-Section Seats
Front-section seats allow passengers to sit closer to the front of the Economy cabin and may help travelers who want to leave the aircraft earlier after landing.
Duo Seats
On applicable long-haul flights, Air France offers Duo seats in a two-seat row within Economy.
Empty Seat Options
Air France also lists an option that can allow passengers to reserve additional empty seats beside them, subject to availability and applicable conditions.
Can You Select a Seat for Your Family?
Yes, family seating has specific provisions.
Air France states that when traveling with a child 11 years old or younger, the airline will reserve seats free of charge around two days before departure, making efforts to seat family members together when everyone is included in the same booking file.
However, this does not necessarily mean you can select any exact seat for free.
If you want a particular seat, such as a window seat or a specific row, advance selection may still involve a charge depending on your booking.
For a family reservation where the seating arrangement is unclear, check My Bookings or call +1-833-923-5122 before purchasing a paid seat.
Can You Change Your Air France Seat?
In many cases, yes.
Your ability to change the seat depends on the ticket, cabin, seat availability, and timing.
If you change your flight or travel date, Air France says a previously selected Standard, Premium, or Business seat may be transferred to the new flight. If the original seat is unavailable on the replacement flight, refund procedures may apply under the relevant conditions.
Air France can also change a reserved seat for operational, safety, or security reasons.
That means a seat selection is not necessarily an absolute guarantee that the same physical seat will remain available throughout the journey.
What Happens If You Don't Select a Seat?
You do not necessarily need to purchase a seat in advance.
For Economy, Premium, and Business passengers, Air France says a seat can be automatically assigned when online check-in begins, generally 30 hours before departure.
This can be useful if you do not care where you sit.
However, travelers who strongly prefer a window, aisle, extra-legroom seat, or a particular location may want to review their options earlier.
How to Choose the Right Air France Seat
Before selecting a seat, consider how you will use the flight.
Want easy access to the aisle? Choose an aisle seat.
Want to look outside and avoid people passing you? Consider a window seat.
Traveling with children? Review the family seating arrangements and make sure everyone is included in the same booking.
Want more space? Check whether an extra-legroom or Economy Comfort option is available for your aircraft.
Want to leave the aircraft sooner? A front-section seat may be worth considering.
The best choice depends on your personal needs rather than simply selecting the first available seat.
Air France Seat Selection: Quick Answers
Is Air France seat selection free?
It can be free for some passengers and fares, while advance selection may be paid for others. The price depends on the reservation, destination, date, fare, cabin, and seat selected.
When can I select my Air France seat?
You can generally select a seat when booking, through My Bookings after purchasing your ticket, or during online check-in. Online check-in generally begins 30 hours before departure.
Can I select a window seat on Air France?
Yes, if a window seat is available for your flight and your fare and booking conditions allow you to select it.
Does Air France automatically assign seats?
Yes. If you do not select a seat beforehand, Air France can automatically assign one during online check-in.
Can families sit together on Air France?
Air France says it will make efforts to seat families together when traveling with a child 11 or younger, provided the family members are included in the same booking file.
Can I change my selected seat?
Seat changes may be possible through My Bookings, subject to availability and the conditions associated with your fare and seat option.
Final Thoughts on Air France Seat Selection
Air France seat selection gives travelers more control over where they sit before departure. You can generally choose a seat while booking, manage the reservation through My Bookings, or review seating during check-in.
The important point is that not every seat is automatically free. Pricing and eligibility can vary according to your fare, cabin, route, travel date, status, and selected seat.
Before paying for a seat, check your reservation carefully and compare the available options. If you need help understanding your booking or the seat choices available to you, +1-833-923-5122 is another way to get assistance with the process.