How to Upgrade on Air France with Miles?

Do you know you can make your journey a whole lot better by upgrading your Air France seat to enjoy premium services? No, we will tell you. Everyone likes more legroom, delicious meals, and the luxury of an airport lounge, right? Air France has several options to give you upgrades. So, let’s explore the best ways to upgrade your seat with Air France.

How to Know Which Cabin Class You Can be Upgraded to?

Air France offers a range of cabins, and your upgrade can depend on which one you’re currently flying. The cabins include:

1. Economy: The standard, most affordable class.
2. Premium Economy: A step up that offers more legroom and better amenities.
3. Business Class: Luxurious with lie-flat seats and priority services.
4. La Première (First Class): Air France’s ultra-exclusive first class. It is available only for select routes and little difficult to upgrade.

If you want to upgrade to Business Class, it would be great! Because Air France provides many ways to upgrade flight class. And, upgrading to La Première is almost impossible unless you're a Platinum member. Business Class upgrades are far more accessible.

How to Upgrade Before Check-In Opens?

To upgrade before check-in— Passenger need to use Flying Blue miles (Air France's loyalty program currency) option to upgrade their seats or Call Air France’s Flying Blue customer service at 800-375-8723.

We have mentioned some key points to keep in mind before check-in:

Note-Upgrades are only payable in Flying Blue miles.
You need to book directly with Air France by phone for these upgrades.
Passenger should request for upgrade before the online check-in window opens (around 30 hours before your flight). If they miss suggest period, it might be denied from airline.
If you have American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards with sufficient miles or points upgrading Air France flight tickets is easy to you. You need to convert those points into Flying Blue miles and upgrade your seat.

How to Upgrade After Check-In Opens?

You get more options to upgrade on Air France after check-in opens:

Online Upgrade: Log in to your Air France or KLM account, go to your booking, and look for the "Upgrade with Miles" option. It’s a fast and easy way to secure a better seat.
At the Airport: You can also upgrade at the check-in counter. Just ask the Air France staff if any upgrades are available, and you can pay with miles or cash.
On Board: Yes, you can even upgrade after boarding! If seats are available, you can speak to a flight attendant and upgrade using miles.
Last-Minute Upgrade: Air France generally opens up unsold seats for upgrades about 56 hours before departure. This last-minute option is often available at a discounted rate, depending on availability.

How You Can Upgrade with Delta SkyMiles?

Yes, you can use your Delta Airlines SkyMiles to upgrade on Air France or Delta flights between the U.S. and Paris. However, we have mentioned some points below:

You can only request a one-cabin upgrade (Economy to Premium Economy, Premium Economy to Business Class).
Your original booking must be in fare classes Y, B, or M.
Upgrades must be requested at least 24 hours before departure.

What is the Cost of Upgrades on Air France (in Miles)?

The cost of an upgrade depends on the flight route and the number of passengers. Here’s a general idea of the fees:

Short-haul flights (under 2 hours): 7,000 Flying Blue miles.
Medium-haul flights (2-4 hours): 15,000 Flying Blue miles.
Long-haul flights (over 4 hours) : 40,000 Flying Blue miles.

Note: These prices change based on the demand and availability of upgradeable seats.

Key Points to Remember While Upgrading

It’s important to remember the following conditions:

Reward tickets are only eligible for upgrades after check-in opens.
La Première upgrades are reserved for Platinum members with Business Class tickets.
Upgrades are subject to availability. And miles are earned based on the original fare class, not the upgraded cabin.

Conclusion: Is Upgrading Worth It?

If you're flying with Air France, you can really enhance your travel experience by upgrading your ticket. It is especially true for long-haul flights. The upgrade process is straightforward once you know the steps.

Just remember that availability can be limited, and booking early increases your chances. So, make sure to check your options and enjoy a more comfortable journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade my Air France flight using miles?

Yes, you can upgrade your Air France flight using Flying Blue miles.
When can I upgrade my Air France ticket?

You can upgrade before check-in opens through customer service or after check-in opens— online, at the airport, or on board.
Which Air France cabins can I upgrade to?

You can upgrade to Premium Economy, Business Class, or La Première (First Class) if eligible.
Can I upgrade with Delta SkyMiles on Air France?

Yes, Delta SkyMiles can be used to upgrade eligible Air France flights. But certain conditions apply.
Can I use cash to upgrade my Air France flight?

Yes, you can also use cash to upgrade after check-in opens, either online or at the airport.
Are reward tickets eligible for upgrades?

Reward tickets are eligible for upgrades only after check-in opens.
Can I upgrade my Air France flight on board?

Yes, you can upgrade on board with miles if there are available seats.
How do I check the number of miles needed for an upgrade?

You can check the required miles for an upgrade by visiting your online booking on the Air France website.