Flying internationally with kids can be a challenge, so choosing an airline that makes the journey enjoyable for the whole family can make a big difference. From booking seats together to keeping children fed and entertained on a long-haul flight, there are plenty of things parents need to consider before choosing an airline.
So, is Air France family friendly?
Based on our experience, absolutely! We had a wonderful experience flying Air France with our kids. The staff were friendly and helpful, booking our tickets and seats was straightforward, and we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the onboard food and entertainment. Our kids especially loved the entertainment options, and Air France went a step further by providing them with little in-flight entertainment kits and cool toys, including a wooden model airplane.
It’s those thoughtful touches that can turn a long flight into a more enjoyable part of the family travel experience. While every flight can be different, our experience with Air France left us with a very positive impression.
In this Air France family review, we’ll cover what parents should know about flying with kids, including family seating, infant and bassinet policies, children’s meals, in-flight entertainment, onboard service and the potential downsides. If you’re planning an international trip with your family, here’s what to consider before booking Air France.
Why We Enjoy Flying Air France With Kids
When you’re travelling internationally with children, the little things can make a big difference. A smooth booking process, friendly cabin crew and thoughtful touches for younger passengers can help turn a long flight into a much more enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Our experience flying Air France with kids was wonderful. From booking our tickets and choosing our seats to the service we received onboard, everything felt straightforward and well organized. The staff were friendly and helpful, and we felt that Air France made a genuine effort to make the journey enjoyable for younger travellers.
One of the things that stood out was how well the airline catered to our kids. The in-flight entertainment was excellent, and our children loved having so many options to keep them occupied. Air France also provided children’s entertainment kits and a wooden model airplane, which was a particularly cool surprise.
Those little extras might seem minor, but when you’re facing a long-haul flight with children, they can make the experience feel special rather than simply something to get through.
Easy Booking and Seat Selection
One of our favourite things about our Air France experience was how easy it was to book our tickets and choose our seats. When you’re organizing an international trip for the whole family, being able to sort out these details without unnecessary hassle is a real plus.
Seat selection rules and fees can vary depending on your fare and itinerary, so it’s still worth checking the conditions of your booking. However, we found the process straightforward, which helped make planning our trip that much easier.
Friendly Staff and Thoughtful Touches for Children
The friendly, helpful staff were another highlight of our experience. Travelling with kids involves plenty of small challenges, so having airline staff who make the journey feel welcoming can make a real difference.
We were also impressed by the extras Air France provided for our children. The wooden model airplane and in-flight entertainment kits were thoughtful touches that gave the kids something fun to enjoy during the journey.
Air France also advertises dedicated children’s entertainment and activity kits on many long-haul flights, although the exact items available can vary.
A Great Overall Family Travel Experience
What we appreciated most was how well the different parts of the experience came together. Booking was easy, the staff were friendly, the food was good for airplane meals, and the entertainment kept our kids happy.
No airline can guarantee that every family flight will go perfectly, but our experience with Air France was a very positive one. We’d certainly consider flying with the airline again when planning an international trip with our family.
Our family takeaway: Air France made a great impression on us. The combination of helpful staff, straightforward booking and entertainment that genuinely excited our kids made it a particularly enjoyable experience.
Flying Air France With Babies and Toddlers
Flying with a baby or toddler takes a little extra planning, especially on a long-haul flight. From deciding whether your infant will sit on your lap to arranging a bassinet and packing enough food and supplies, it helps to know what Air France offers families before you book.
Flying Air France With an Infant Under Two
Air France allows infants under two to travel on an accompanying adult’s lap, usually at a reduced fare. If you prefer your baby to have their own seat, you’ll need to book a child fare and use an approved car seat or certified harness. Air France advises contacting the airline to arrange an individual seat for an infant.
If you’re travelling with a baby on your lap, check the baggage allowance for your specific ticket. Air France’s Canadian family-travel guidance lists an allowance for infant hand baggage and, subject to ticket conditions, a checked bag for the infant. It also provides allowances for certain infant equipment, including a stroller or rigid infant carrier and a car seat. Confirm the details before departure, as fare conditions can affect what you can bring.
Air France Bassinet Policy
For parents taking a long-haul flight with a young baby, a bassinet can make the journey more comfortable. Air France offers bassinets on eligible long-haul flights, but availability depends on the aircraft configuration and whether one is still available.
Air France’s published guidance says bassinets are designed for infants weighing less than 10 kg (22 lb) and measuring less than 70 cm (27 in). They must be stowed during turbulence, so they aren’t a guaranteed place for your baby to sleep throughout the flight.
If you want to use a bassinet, arrange it as early as possible and confirm the requirements directly with Air France. The airline notes that purchasing a seat option is the way to guarantee access to a bassinet, subject to availability, so don’t assume that simply adding an infant to your booking secures one.
What Parents Should Know Before Flying
Even when an airline offers family-friendly services, it’s worth preparing for the practical side of travelling with a baby. Check your infant’s ticket and baggage allowance, confirm any bassinet arrangements, and bring enough nappies, wipes, spare clothes, milk or other familiar food for the journey.
Air France also has changing tables available on board, although the exact facilities and layout can vary by aircraft. As with any airline, I’d recommend checking the arrangements for your specific flight rather than relying on a service being available on every plane.
Overall, Air France offers several useful options for families travelling with babies and toddlers. The key is to arrange what you need ahead of time, particularly if you’re hoping to use a bassinet on a long-haul flight.
Air France’s infant policies and onboard facilities can vary by route, fare and aircraft. Check the airline’s official family and children travel guidance before booking.
Air France Family Seating: Can You Sit Together With Kids?
One of the biggest concerns when booking flights with children is making sure everyone can sit together. Paying extra for seat selection can add up quickly when you’re booking tickets for a whole family, so it’s worth understanding the airline’s policy before you commit.
In our experience, booking our Air France tickets and seats was nice and easy. We didn’t find the process stressful, which was a great start to the journey.
Does Air France Seat Families Together?
Air France says children aged 2 to 13 will be seated next to an accompanying adult in a standard seat in the cabin the family has booked. The airline assigns these seats at no additional cost, at the latest on the day of departure. Your family members need to be included in the same booking.
Air France also says it will reserve seats together free of charge for families travelling with a child aged 13 or younger, typically two days before departure. The airline will do its best to seat family members together, although it may not be possible to guarantee your preferred seats or exact cabin location.
That distinction is important: being seated with your children is different from choosing your exact seats in advance. If you want a particular row, window seat or configuration, advance seat selection may come with an additional fee depending on your ticket and cabin.
Is Air France Seat Selection Worth Paying For?
If sitting together is your main concern, Air France’s family seating policy is reassuring. However, if you want to choose specific seats before your flight, check the cost during booking and compare it with the flexibility your fare offers.
For families travelling with younger children, I’d make sure everyone is on the same booking and review the seat assignments as soon as they become available. If you have special seating needs or are travelling with an infant, contact Air France directly to confirm the best arrangement for your flight.
Our Experience Booking Air France With Kids
One thing we appreciated about Air France was how straightforward the booking process felt. Booking our tickets and seats was easy, and that helped make the planning side of our trip less stressful.
Of course, every family’s needs are different, and seat availability can vary depending on the aircraft and route. But between our smooth booking experience and Air France’s published family seating policy, we’d feel comfortable considering the airline again for a family trip.
For parents comparing airlines, Air France is worth a look if you want a clear policy for seating children with an accompanying adult. Just remember that being seated together doesn’t necessarily mean you can select your preferred seats for free.
Air France Kids Meals and Onboard Food
Keeping children fed and happy can make a big difference on a long-haul flight. While airplane food can be hit or miss, we were pleasantly surprised by the food on our Air France flight. We thought it was great for airplane food, and the overall dining experience was another part of the journey that left us with a positive impression.
If you’re considering flying Air France with kids, it’s also worth knowing that the airline offers dedicated children’s meals on long-haul flights.
What Are Air France Kids Meals Like?
Air France offers a children’s menu on long-haul flights for younger travellers. The meals are designed with children in mind, with food presented in a fun way and prepared to be easier for little ones to eat.
According to Air France, children’s meals are automatically arranged for children aged 2 to 6 on eligible long-haul flights. For children aged 7 and older, parents can request a children’s meal in advance. The booking deadline depends on the route, so check your flight details and make the request early.
Air France also provides a children’s activity kit with games and an activity book alongside its dedicated children’s meal service on eligible long-haul flights. That extra touch can help keep young travellers occupied while they eat and during the flight.
Can You Order a Baby Meal on Air France?
If you’re flying with an infant, Air France also offers a specially prepared baby meal on eligible long-haul flights. The airline’s guidance says this can be requested up to 48 hours before departure. The meal includes baby food and other items intended for younger passengers.
I’d still recommend bringing familiar snacks, milk or formula as appropriate for your child, especially if they’re a picky eater or have specific dietary needs. Even when an airline offers children’s meals, having a few reliable options in your carry-on can make the journey less stressful.
If your child has a food allergy or requires a special diet, check Air France’s current special-meal options and restrictions directly with the airline. Don’t assume a children’s meal will automatically meet a particular dietary requirement.
Our Experience With Air France Food
One of the highlights of our Air France experience was the food. We know airline meals don’t always get the best reviews, but we were genuinely happy with what we were served. Combined with the friendly staff and the thoughtful extras provided for our kids, it helped make the flight feel like a positive part of our trip rather than simply a way to get from one destination to another.
Of course, menus and meal services can vary by route, cabin and operating airline, so our experience won’t necessarily reflect every flight. Still, Air France’s dedicated children’s meal options are a useful feature for parents planning a longer journey.
Our tip: If your children need a specific meal, check the options when you book and confirm the request well before departure. It’s also worth packing a few favourite snacks, so you’re prepared if your child doesn’t enjoy everything served on board.
Air France In-Flight Entertainment for Kids
Keeping children entertained is one of the biggest challenges of a long-haul flight. Even if the seats are comfortable and the food is good, a few hours in the air can feel much longer when kids run out of things to do.
Fortunately, Air France in-flight entertainment for kids was one of our favourite parts of the experience. Our kids loved the entertainment options, and the little extras provided on board made the flight feel more enjoyable for them.
What Entertainment Does Air France Offer for Children?
On eligible long-haul flights, Air France offers a dedicated selection of children’s entertainment, including cartoons, family-friendly films, children’s radio and age-appropriate games and colouring activities. The airline’s wider entertainment system also includes films, television shows, music and other on-demand content.
Having a range of options matters when you’re travelling with kids of different ages or interests. One child might happily watch cartoons for most of the flight, while another might prefer a movie or a game. The variety can help break up the journey and give children something to look forward to.
Of course, the exact entertainment selection depends on the flight and aircraft, so it’s worth checking the details for your route. I’d also recommend bringing a tablet loaded with a few favourite shows or games, along with child-friendly headphones, as a backup.
Air France Kids Activity Kits and Toys
One of the nicest surprises on our flight was the little entertainment kits Air France provided for the kids. They also received a wooden model airplane, which was a particularly cool extra and something a little different from the usual in-flight distractions.
These thoughtful touches made a positive impression on us. The kids had something of their own to explore and play with, rather than relying entirely on the seat-back screen to stay entertained.
Air France advertises activity kits and games for children on long-haul flights, although the contents can change over time and may vary by flight. The wooden airplane and kits were part of our experience, so I wouldn’t assume every child on every route will receive exactly the same items.
Our Experience: The Kids Loved the Entertainment
For our family, the entertainment was a real highlight. The kids loved what was available on screen, and the activity kits and wooden airplane were a welcome bonus. These little details helped make the flight feel like a more positive part of the holiday instead of simply a long stretch of time to get through.
Air France’s entertainment offering is one of the reasons we’d be happy to consider flying with the airline again as a family. While no airline can guarantee that every child will be entertained for an entire flight, we found the combination of screen-based entertainment and physical activities particularly useful.
Our tip for parents: Take advantage of the onboard entertainment, but don’t rely on it exclusively. Download a few shows before leaving home, pack headphones that fit your child’s ears, and bring a small activity or favourite toy just in case. With a little preparation and some help from the airline, a long flight can be much easier to manage.
Sign Up for Flying Blue to Access Free Air France Wi-Fi
Here’s another tip for families flying Air France: sign up for the free Flying Blue loyalty programme before your trip. On aircraft equipped with Air France’s new high-speed Wi-Fi, Flying Blue members can access free, unlimited internet during the flight.
That can be particularly useful when travelling with kids. Depending on the service available on your flight, an internet connection can help you stay in touch with family, browse the web or keep older children occupied between movies and games.
Signing up for Flying Blue is free, and you don’t need to be a frequent flyer to join. Air France also says passengers can create an account on board, but I’d recommend registering before departure so you have your login details ready.
To connect on an aircraft with the new Wi-Fi service:
- Turn on airplane mode and select the AirFranceWifi network in your device’s Wi-Fi settings.
- Open the connection portal. If it doesn’t appear automatically, visit wifi.airfrance.com.
- Sign in using your Flying Blue email address or membership number and password.
One thing to know: Air France is still rolling out its high-speed Wi-Fi across its fleet. If your aircraft hasn’t been equipped yet, the available service may be different, such as a free messaging pass and paid options for broader internet access. You can’t currently guarantee the new Wi-Fi service simply by choosing a particular flight.
For families, joining Flying Blue ahead of time is an easy, free step that may unlock another useful way to stay connected in the air.
You can find the details and sign up through Air France’s official Flying Blue information page.
Air France Service and Comfort When Travelling With Kids
When you’re flying with children, good service can make a real difference. A friendly cabin crew, helpful answers and small gestures that make kids feel welcome can turn a stressful journey into a much more enjoyable experience.
One of the things we appreciated most about flying Air France with kids was the service. The staff were friendly and helpful, and our overall experience was wonderful. Combined with the good food, excellent entertainment and thoughtful extras for the children, it made us feel positive about choosing Air France for a family trip.
Friendly and Helpful Air France Staff
Travelling with children often means juggling extra bags, snacks, entertainment and all the little things that keep everyone comfortable. Having approachable staff can make those moments easier, particularly on a long-haul flight when children may be tired or restless.
Our experience with Air France was very positive. The staff were friendly and helpful, and we felt that the overall service contributed to an enjoyable flight. It wasn’t just one feature that stood out; it was how the different parts of the experience came together.
Of course, service can vary between flights and crew members, so one family’s experience can’t guarantee that every journey will be the same. Still, we came away with a very good impression of Air France’s approach to customer service.
Thoughtful Extras That Help Children Feel Welcome
Air France also made a good impression through the little things it provided for our kids. The entertainment kits and wooden model airplane were fun surprises, and the onboard entertainment gave them plenty to enjoy during the flight.
These extras might seem minor, but they can make a difference when you’re travelling as a family. Children have something to look forward to, and parents get a little help keeping them occupied.
Air France also advertises family-focused services on eligible long-haul flights, including children’s entertainment and activity kits. The exact offerings can vary, so it’s best to treat our experience as an example rather than a guarantee of what every child will receive.
Is Air France Comfortable for Families on Long-Haul Flights?
Comfort is about more than the seat itself. For families, it also means having meals available, entertainment to break up the journey, and staff who help create a welcoming atmosphere.
Air France’s long-haul family services include children’s meals, age-appropriate entertainment and activity kits. Families travelling with infants can also request certain services, such as a bassinet, subject to availability and aircraft configuration.
In our experience, the combination of friendly staff, enjoyable food and entertainment made the journey feel much easier. The kids enjoyed the flight, and we were happy with the overall service.
No airline can remove every challenge of travelling with children, especially on a long journey. However, our experience suggests Air France is a strong option for families who value helpful service and thoughtful touches for younger passengers.
For us, the service was one more reason we’d consider flying Air France with kids again.
The Downsides of Flying Air France With Kids
Although we had a wonderful experience flying Air France with our kids, no airline is perfect for every family. Before booking your tickets, there are a few practical considerations worth keeping in mind.
Our own experience was overwhelmingly positive, so these aren’t complaints about things that went wrong on our flight. Instead, they’re points we’d recommend checking when deciding whether Air France is the right choice for your family.
Advance Seat Selection Can Cost Extra
One potential downside is the cost of choosing your seats in advance. Air France charges for advance seat selection on many fares, with prices depending on your route, fare type and cabin.
The good news is that Air France has a policy for families travelling with children aged 13 or younger. The airline says it reserves seats together free of charge, generally two days before departure, provided everyone is included in the same booking. However, you may need to pay if you want to select specific seats ahead of time.
For families who want to choose their exact seats, this is worth factoring into the total cost of the trip. We found booking our Air France tickets and seats straightforward, but it’s still sensible to check the seat-selection terms before paying.
Bassinets and Other Infant Services Aren’t Guaranteed
Air France offers bassinets on eligible long-haul flights, but availability depends on the aircraft configuration and whether a bassinet is available. The airline also has specific size and weight limits for infants using them.
If you’re flying with a baby, don’t assume a bassinet will automatically be available just because you’ve added an infant to your reservation. Contact Air France as early as possible to discuss your options and confirm the arrangements for your flight.
This is particularly important for parents planning an overnight flight and hoping their baby will sleep in a bassinet for at least part of the journey.
Services Can Vary Between Flights
Air France offers children’s meals, dedicated entertainment and activity kits on eligible long-haul flights. However, the exact services available can depend on the route and aircraft.
We were lucky to have a great experience with the entertainment and the little extras provided for our kids, including a wooden model airplane. Those touches helped make the flight memorable, but I wouldn’t book a flight expecting every child to receive exactly the same toys or activities.
It’s also worth checking whether your flight is operated by Air France or a partner airline. Baggage allowances and onboard services may differ between operators, particularly on connecting itineraries.
Check the Full Cost Before Booking
Air France may offer discounted fares for children on eligible routes, but the discount depends on the fare conditions. Optional extras, such as advance seat selection, can also affect the overall price.
When comparing Air France with another airline, look beyond the headline ticket price. Consider the total cost for your family, including seat preferences, baggage, connections and any other extras you may need.
A slightly cheaper fare isn’t necessarily the better deal if it means compromising on the seating arrangements or convenience that matter most to your family.
Our Verdict on the Downsides
We didn’t experience any major problems with Air France. The staff were friendly and helpful, the food was good, and our kids loved the entertainment and thoughtful extras.
The main things we’d tell other parents to watch are advance seat-selection costs, bassinet availability and differences between individual flights. These are manageable considerations rather than reasons to avoid the airline, provided you know what to expect before booking.
Overall, we wouldn’t let these potential downsides put us off flying Air France with kids again. Our experience was excellent, and a little preparation can help families make the most of what the airline offers.
Final Verdict: Is Air France Family Friendly?
So, is Air France family friendly? Based on our experience, absolutely! We had a wonderful time flying Air France with our kids, and it’s an airline we’d happily consider for another family trip.
What stood out most was how well the different parts of the experience came together. Booking our tickets and seats was straightforward; the staff were friendly and helpful, and we thought the food was great for airplane food. Most importantly, our kids loved the in-flight entertainment.
The little extras were another highlight. Air France provided our kids with entertainment kits and a wooden model airplane, which was a fun surprise and helped make the flight feel special. Those thoughtful touches made a positive impression on our whole family.
For parents planning a long-haul trip, Air France also offers practical family services, including children’s meals and age-appropriate entertainment on eligible flights. Families travelling with babies can look into bassinet arrangements, although availability and other conditions apply.
There are a few things to check before booking. Advance seat selection may cost extra, bassinets aren’t available on every flight, and onboard services can vary depending on the aircraft and route. Taking the time to review these details can help you avoid surprises and choose the best option for your family.
Overall, we’d recommend considering Air France if you’re planning to fly internationally with children. Our experience was excellent, and the combination of helpful staff, enjoyable food, great entertainment and thoughtful extras made the journey a positive part of our trip.
If you’re comparing airlines for an upcoming family holiday, it’s worth looking at our review of Japan Airlines (JAL) and whether it’s family friendly alongside Air France, so you can compare your options before booking.
For our family, Air France delivered a great flying experience. And when you’re travelling with kids, an airline that helps make the journey enjoyable, rather than simply getting you to your destination, is well worth considering.
Air France Family-Friendly FAQs
Is Air France a good airline to fly with kids?
Based on our experience, yes! We found Air France’s staff friendly and helpful, the food good, and the in-flight entertainment excellent for our kids. They also received entertainment kits and a wooden model airplane, which were fun extras. Experiences can vary, but we’d happily consider Air France for another family trip.
Does Air France seat children next to their parents?
Air France says children aged 2 to 13 will be seated next to an accompanying adult in a standard seat in the cabin booked, at no additional cost. Seats are assigned no later than the day of departure. If you want to choose specific seats in advance, additional charges may apply depending on your fare and selection.
Does Air France offer children’s meals?
Yes. On eligible long-haul flights, Air France automatically arranges children’s meals for children aged 2 to 6. For children aged 7 and older, parents can request a children’s meal up to 24 hours before departure. Baby meals for infants can be requested up to 48 hours before departure. Check the details for your specific flight before travelling.
Does Air France provide bassinets for babies?
Air France offers bassinets on eligible long-haul flights, subject to availability and aircraft configuration. They are designed for babies weighing less than 10 kg (22 lb) and measuring less than 70 cm (27 in). Contact Air France early to discuss availability and the arrangements for your flight.
Do you get free Wi-Fi on Air France flights?
Air France is gradually introducing free, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi on its aircraft for Flying Blue members. Joining Flying Blue is free, and you can sign up before your trip or on board. However, not every aircraft has the new service yet. On other aircraft, Air France may offer a free messaging pass and paid Wi-Fi options instead.
Does Air France have in-flight entertainment for kids?
Yes. On eligible long-haul flights, children can enjoy age-appropriate entertainment such as cartoons, films, children’s radio, games and colouring activities. In our experience, the entertainment was a highlight for our kids, and the activity kits and wooden model airplane were welcome extras. The exact entertainment and gifts may vary by flight.
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