Review: French bee Airbus A350 Economy Class (ORY-YUL)
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Since April 30, 2025, travel between Paris and Montreal has never been so affordable, thanks to French bee. This low-cost airline offers an economical and attractive option for students, families and young professionals. Here’s a detailed feedback on my round-trip flight between Orly (ORY) and Montreal-Trudeau (YUL).
French bee – Booking
Booking a ticket with French bee is a breeze. Their website is user-friendly, making it easy to compare fares and available options. I chose the BEE LIGHT fare, the most affordable option, which includes the ticket and a carry-on bag, but does not cover in-flight meals.
French bee – Check-In
Check-in with French bee can be done online or in person, depending on your preference. However, online check-in is highly recommended to avoid long lines at the airport.
For those who prefer the traditional method, you can check in directly at the airport counter. Keep in mind that in-person check-in closes 1 hour and 30 minutes before your flight departs, so it’s recommended to arrive early to avoid any unnecessary stress.
For travellers in a hurry or those who want to avoid waiting in line, French bee offers the “Line-Jump” service. This paid package allows you to get through security checks more quickly and access priority boarding, providing a smoother and more enjoyable experience. It can be especially beneficial for those who are pressed for time or want to maximize their comfort before the flight.
In addition, French bee offers Express and Serenity packs which include extra services such as priority boarding, access to the airport lounge and even premium upgrades. These flexible and practical options allow you to personalize your travel experience according to the fare you choose.
French bee – Baggage
Because each airline has its own rules, it’s essential to read baggage policies carefully to avoid any surprises at the airport.
Preferring to travel light, I chose the BEE LIGHT fare, which includes one main carry-on bag (maximum dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm) as well as a personal item such as a purse, laptop bag, or camera bag (maximum dimensions: 40 x 30 x 15 cm). Keep in mind that the combined weight of these two items must not exceed 12 kg. Be sure to double-check the size and weight limits before your trip to avoid any surprises at the airport.
For checked baggage, each piece must not exceed 23 kg, and you can check multiple bags for an additional fee. Note that the weight allowance does not combine between bags; each bag must meet the individual weight limit. French bee also offers extra services for baggage, such as the option to add more checked bags or increase your checked baggage weight allowance for an extra charge, which can be convenient if you need to bring more items.
French bee – Getting to Paris-Orly Airport
There are several convenient and fast ways to get to Paris-Orly Airport.
Metro Line 14, extended for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, now connects the city centre directly to the airport, offering a smooth and fast journey in under 30 minutes. This option is especially convenient for avoiding Paris traffic.
After exiting the metro, allow at least 20 minutes to walk to the first security checkpoint, in addition to the recommended 60 to 90 minutes for passing through the various security procedures and getting to your boarding gate.
Alternatively, if you prefer to drive, access to Orly is clearly marked and there are several parking lots available near the terminal for convenient parking.
These options allow you to choose the one that best fits your schedule and personal comfort.
French bee – Economy Class
French bee stands out with a fleet made up exclusively of Airbus A350 XWB aircraft, making it a first among airlines. These planes are designed to maximize passenger comfort while being environmentally friendly.
French bee’s Economy cabin is modern and clean, providing a comfortable environment for travellers. The seats in the Economy Blue section are suitable for long-haul flights, but legroom may feel limited, which is common with low-cost airlines.
At 1.65 m tall, I was relatively comfortable, although my feet didn’t quite touch the floor, which can be uncomfortable over long periods. My neighbor sitting in the middle section, measuring 1.85 m, was visibly more cramped, with his knees pressed against the back of the seat in front of him. Note that for those looking for more comfort, French bee offers seats with more space at an additional cost.
French bee – Meals and Drinks
At French bee, meals are included for all passengers, with the exception of those who have chosen the BEE LIGHT package, as was my case. Passengers in this category can board with their meal, or purchase snacks on board, according to their preferences. The snacks on offer are varied, covering a variety of diets, although the portions are relatively modest. Water is offered free of charge to all passengers, but all other beverages and meals are excluded.
For other travellers in Economy Class, the cabin crew provides a travel kit containing basic essentials such as a mask, earbud headphones, and a sanitizing wipe. This kit also includes a meal voucher, which must be redeemed for your meal that should be pre-ordered before departure, usually during check-in.
To satisfy any in-flight cravings, all passengers, regardless of their fare, can purchase à la carte snacks, a typical feature of budget airlines.
French bee – Service
French bee’s staff provide a warm welcome and professional service, ensuring a pleasant flight for all passengers. Communications and services are offered in both French and English, making it easy for most travellers to understand instructions and enjoy the onboard amenities.
However, it’s important to note that passengers who choose the BEE LIGHT fare may notice a difference in service compared to other fare options.
As is often the case with budget airlines, French bee tends to offer a range of add-ons and upgrades for various services, which some travellers may find frequent or even a bit pushy. However, overall service remains efficient, even if it has some limitations compared to traditional airlines.
French bee – In-Flight Entertainment
French bee’s in-flight entertainment is satisfactory, featuring a selection of movies and TV series that are recent enough to appeal to a wide range of tastes. Navigating the entertainment system is intuitive and user-friendly, providing a pleasant experience for travellers.
While headphones are provided onboard (except for BEE LIGHT fare passengers, who must purchase them), I recommend bringing your own higher-quality headphones. As is often the case with airline-provided equipment, sound quality and comfort may be lacking. It’s also a good idea to bring a headphone jack adapter for the outlet located under the entertainment screen.
A USB port is available under the screen for recharging your electronic devices, which is very practical during the flight. However, for laptop users, it is advisable to carry an external battery, as electrical outlets are not always available or accessible.
Overall, the in-flight entertainment experience on French bee is positive and well designed to meet passengers’ needs, while also offering flexibility for those who prefer to use their own electronic devices.
The in-flight entertainment selection is decent, with a range of movies, TV shows, and music available. However, I recommend bringing your own headphones and possibly a personal device with downloaded content for more options.
French bee – Expert Advice
To enhance your flight experience with French bee, consider bringing a reusable water bottle so you don’t have to rely on cabin crew for hydration or get up frequently. For added comfort, don’t forget a sleep mask and a neck pillow. If you’re sensitive to cold, it’s a good idea to pack a blanket or a warm sweater, as the air conditioning can be uncomfortable for some passengers.
To minimize noise pollution, earplugs can be very useful, especially when some passengers listen to their films or music at high volume with the headphones supplied by French bee, whose sound quality sometimes leaves something to be desired. Last but not least, take along your own snacks, as in-flight purchases can be costly, and having snacks on hand will enable you to satisfy your hunger without spending too much money.
Check out our article on Milesopedia Team’s Favourite Travel Accessories to see what we bring on our trips.
French bee – Saving with points
You’ve probably chosen French Bee for its low cost, but why not take advantage of travel rewards to pay off your plane ticket in full? It’s possible thanks to credit card points, including these :
- National Bank World Elite Mastercard
- CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card
- TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card
- American Express Cobalt® Card
We teach you how it works in our guide to saving on plane tickets with points.
Bottom Line
Flying with French bee between Paris and Montreal is an attractive budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on basic comfort. However, as is often the case with budget airlines, you’ll encounter frequent upsell offers throughout the process. From booking your ticket to check-in and even onboard, you’ll receive multiple communications encouraging you to choose upgrades, which can become annoying over time.
It’s crucial to carefully examine the various packages on offer to identify the one that best suits your travel needs and aspirations. For example, on my business trip, given that the flight fell between two meals, I opted not to pay for a meal on board and instead planned for snacks. This allowed me to manage my budget, especially knowing that a dinner with friends was waiting for me on arrival.
Despite the fact that French bee is increasing air traffic between Paris-Orly and Montreal, I appreciate their commitment to investing in a fleet of Airbus A350 XWB aircraft, which reduce fuel consumption and lower the carbon footprint per passenger, making this a more sustainable choice for air travel.
In conclusion, flying with French bee between Paris and Montreal is an economical option that doesn’t sacrifice basic comfort and, for the expat in me, makes it easier to visit my family in Montreal. For budget-conscious travellers, it’s a great alternative. With early booking and rewards programs, you can optimize your trip even further. Enjoy your flight!
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