Flights to Paris for a Song 

By Norman Sklarewitz

While airfares between the U.S. west coast and Europe have been rising, a low-cost long haul carrier suddenly pops up to lure the budget-conscious flyers with an aching to see Paris. It’s the whimsically named French bee, an airline subsidiary of a French family-owned holding company that recently launched Los Angeles to Orly Paris service in April.

French bee currently has a fleet of five Airbus A350s, one of which is the 1000 (XWB) Extra Wide Body model accommodating 480 in two class configuration – Premium and Economy. “We may be low fare, but our technology is the latest,” says Kateryna Naumenko, USA Sales Manager. One-way starting fares for LAX-Orly (ORY) are $321. 

Cabin configuration for the Airbus 350-900 offers 35 Premium Economy class seats with 2-3-2  distribution, 50 seats in a  3-4-3 configuration in the Cosy category and 376 seats in the Eco Blue section with 3-4-3 economy seating.

When it comes to its marketing strategy, French bee is realistic. Lacking a Business Class product it doesn’t expect many bookings from corporate executives on more generous expense accounts. But for dollar-watching start-ups and entrepreneurs seeking to reach prospective clients and suppliers in Europe, Thomas Renault, U.S. sales, says French bee’s rates are attractive.

However, as with most budget carriers these days, a ride on French bee comes with a bewildering list of charged extras. The airline prefers to call this their a la carte service and whatever it’s called, there is a charge for each checked bag, another for a seat with added leg room, one for “expedited check in”, a charge for inflight meals, of course, a fee for seat selection. 

Then, there are special categories of packaged fares to navigate. Basic fare is $189 and that allows only one carry one bag. Smart fares at $238 permit one cabin bag, one 50-pound checked bag and one “standard” meal. A Premium Economy package at $969 includes one cabin bag, two 50-lb checked bags, seat choice and two meals with beverages. There are charges, too, for WiFi and Internet service that range from $4 to $29.  Inflight entertainment is free, but the amenity kit will cost you $12.

The airline likes to frame these fares as customer customization. And they can personalize their experience by choosing from amenities available at any ticket level with some 20 services and products:

·      Maxi Leg seats for additional space and maximum comfort | From $45

·      Priority Luggage Delivery, ideal for those in a hurry | From $20 online and $25 on day of departure

·      Additional Luggage first checked bag | From $45 online to $95 on day of departure, with second checked

·      bag | From $90 online to $130 on day of departure

·      À la carte meals, featuring chef-prepared meals such as The French bee “bistro chic” meal designed by Jean-Michel Lorain, a double Michelin-starred chef, with dishes based around the specialties of France’s main regions ($55); basic meal ($25), fish-based meal ($35), vegetarian ($35), teen meal ($35), halal meal and kosher meal ($35); for those celebrating together, the Instant Duo ($40) meal offers an Aperitif served before the meal, including two bottles of Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne (7 oz) and two plates of  warm and crisp canapés (spring roll, beggar’s purse and vegetable samosa). 

Meals are included in the Smart and Premium pricing.

Initially, French bee will operate service out of Los Angeles International (LAX) to Paris Orly on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays but will go daily, except Tuesday, starting in July. And for $37, pax returning to the U.S., travelers can have access to French bee’s lounge at Orly-4.

Bee passengers departing Los Angeles will check-in at The Bradly International Terminal (TBIT) but then will board their departing aircraft in one of the new West Gates. However, that will require connecting between the terminals via a long moving walkway or riding one of the available free carts.

In addition to the new service from Los Angeles, French bee also operates out of San Francisco (SFO) to Orly three times a week and daily from Newark International (EWR). Other destinations on the roster include French Polynesia, Reunion Island and Domincan Replublic. 

French bee has developed an interline partnership with Alaska Airlines. Passengers may purchase a single ticket and have access to easier travel to and from many destinations throughout the U.S.