Flying Air France Boeing 777s? These Economy Seats Offer More Comfort & Legroom


Air France’s long-haul fleet is primarily made up of Boeing 777s, offering passengers a range of seating options across Economy, premium economy, Business, and first class (La Première). While standard economy class is designed to provide a comfortable journey, some seats stand out by offering extra legroom, better positioning, or increased privacy.

If you’re flying on an Air France Boeing 777 and looking for the most comfortable economy experience without upgrading to the front of cabin, here are the best seats to choose.

Air France’s Boeing 777 fleet

Air France operates one of the largest Boeing 777 fleets in the world, using the aircraft for long-haul routes across North America, South America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The airline operates two main variants, namely, the 777-200ER and 777-300ER.

F-GSQI Air France Boeing 777-328(ER) (2)

Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

According to aeroLOPA, the variants are configured with the following layouts:

Variant

First Class Seats

Business Class Seats

Premium Economy Seats

Economy Seats

Boeing 777-200ER

0

28

32

268

Boeing 777-300ER

4

58

28

206

Boeing 777-300ER

4

60

44

204

Boeing 777-300ER

0

48

48

273

Boeing 777-300ER

0

14

28

430

Seats with extra legroom: bulkhead and exit row seats

For passengers who value more legroom, bulkhead and exit row seats are the best choices. These seats offer additional space in front, making long-haul flights significantly more comfortable. Bulkhead seats are located at the front of each economy cabin section, directly behind the partition separating economy from premium economy or business class.

Air France Boeing 777 economy bulkhead seats

The key benefits of these seats include:

  • No reclining seat in front, ensuring unobstructed legroom.
  • Easier access to stretch out or move around during the flight.
  • Priority meal service, as flight attendants usually start serving from the front.

However, there are a few trade-offs:

  • The entertainment screen and tray table are stored in the armrest, making the seat slightly narrower.
  • No under-seat storage in front of you, meaning all personal items must be placed in the overhead bins during takeoff and landing.
  • These seats are sometimes reserved for passengers with infants, as bassinets can be mounted on the bulkhead wall.
Air France Boeing 777 economy exit row seats

Exit row seats are located near the emergency exits, offering the most generous legroom in economy class. The advantages include:

  • Substantially more space to stretch your legs.
  • A quieter experience, as these seats are usually limited in number and located away from the busiest sections of the cabin.
  • Quick and easy access to the aisle, making it easier to get up during the flight.

However, passengers in these seats must meet specific safety requirements and cannot store belongings on the floor during takeoff and landing. The seats in front do not recline, which could make them less ideal for those who want to lean back and rest.

Twin seats: a more private economy experience

While legroom is essential, seat location and privacy also play a significant role in comfort. On Air France’s Boeing 777s, twin seats—located at the rear of the aircraft—are a great alternative for passengers traveling in pairs or those who prefer to avoid the middle seat.

Air France Boeing 777 economy twin seats

On the different variant configurations, twin seats can be found in the following rows:

Variant

Twin Seats

Number of Twin Seats

Boeing 777-200ER

Rows 46 – 48

12

Boeing 777-300ER

Rows 49 – 52

16

Boeing 777-300ER

Rows 54 – 56

12

Why twin seats are a good choice:

  • No middle seat – Instead of the typical 3-4-3 configuration found in most Economy rows, the last few rows near the rear of the aircraft have a 2-4-2 layout. This means window-side passengers only have one neighbor instead of two, reducing the likelihood of feeling cramped.
  • More space to the side – Since these seats are located where the fuselage starts to narrow, there is often extra room between the seat and the cabin wall.
  • Better for couples – Twin seats allow pairs of travelers to sit together without being squeezed next to a stranger.

Potential downsides:

  • Closer to the galley and lavatories – Being at the back of the aircraft means these seats may experience more foot traffic and noise from the crew and passengers.
  • Last to be served – Meal service typically starts from the front of the Economy cabin, so passengers seated in twin rows might have fewer meal choices by the time the service reaches them.
  • Possible limited recline – Some of the last row seats may have restricted recline due to the wall behind them.

How to secure the best seats

Finding the most comfortable economy seat on an Air France Boeing 777 requires advance planning. Here are some tips:

  • Book early – Extra-legroom seats and twin seats are limited and highly sought after. Booking in advance increases your chances of securing one.
  • Check the seat map – Use Air France’s seat selection tool to pick the best available option. Websites like SeatGuru also provide detailed seat maps with pros and cons for each seat.
  • Consider paying for seat selection – If you have a preferred seat, it might be worth paying extra to guarantee a more comfortable experience.
  • Arrive early for check-in – If you couldn’t pre-select your seat, arriving early may increase your chances of getting a good seat at the airport.
(3) Economy 777-300 48J ©Air France

Photo: Air France

If you’re flying alone, the right seat choice can make a big difference in your comfort level. Consider these options:

Type of Seat

Advantages

Aisle seats in twin rows

Less disturbance from seatmates and easier access to move around.

Bulkhead window seats

Extra legroom without the constant movement of an aisle seat.

Seats near the front of the economy cabin

Quicker disembarkation and meal service.

For those who don’t mind paying extra, premium economy or extra-legroom seats are the best ways to enjoy a quieter, more spacious journey.

Should you upgrade to premium economy – or even business class?

For those willing to pay a bit more but not quite ready to jump to business class, Air France’s premium economy on the Boeing 777 is a fantastic middle-ground option. It offers significantly more comfort compared to standard economy, with several key perks:

Premium Economy cabin Air France

Photo: Air France

Key features of premium economy:

  • Wider seats (19 inches) compared to Economy (17 inches).
  • More legroom – The seat pitch is 38 inches (compared to 31 inches in Economy), allowing for a much more relaxed seating position.
  • Better recline – Seats in Premium Economy recline further than standard Economy seats, making it easier to rest on long flights.
  • Footrests and leg rests – Built-in leg and footrests provide additional support, reducing fatigue during extended journeys.
  • Enhanced meal service – Passengers receive a better meal selection, often served with upgraded tableware.
  • Dedicated cabin – Premium economy is located in a separate, smaller cabin, reducing noise and foot traffic compared to Economy.
  • The main downside of premium economy is the higher price tag, but for travelers who prioritize comfort—especially on long-haul flights—it’s a worthwhile investment.

While Air France’s Economy and premium economy offer solid comfort, business class provides an entirely different level of luxury. On the Boeing 777, Air France’s business class cabins feature fully flat beds, direct aisle access, and a much more spacious seat layout. If you’re flying long-haul and looking for the ultimate comfort, it might be worth considering an upgrade using cash or frequent flyer miles.

A word on La Première

While first class is a huge jump from economy, you might be interested to know about Air France’s latest premium offering, La Première, which offers the world’s longest first class suites. For those seeking the ultimate luxury while flying on the airline’s Boeing 777s, La Première offers an exceptional first-class experience. Available exclusively on select Boeing 777-300ER aircraft (at the moment), this cabin is designed to provide privacy, comfort, and world-class service for Air France’s most discerning passengers.

La Première_ détente ©Air France

Photo: Air France

Each La Première suite is designed as a private sanctuary in the sky, featuring:

  • A fully enclosed suite with floor-to-ceiling curtains for maximum privacy.
  • A wide seat that transforms into a fully flat bed, measuring over two meters in length, with a separate chaise lounge for relaxing.
  • Two large personal entertainment screens offering a premium selection of movies, TV shows, and music.
  • Personalized service from dedicated flight attendants, ensuring every need is met.

Related


5 Fast Facts About Air France’s Luxurious ‘La Première’ First Class Cabin

The La Première cabin is considered to be one of the best in the skies.

La Première passengers enjoy a three-Michelin-starred dining experience, with menus crafted by renowned French chefs. Meals are served à la carte, with fine wines and champagne handpicked by Air France’s expert sommeliers. Each passenger is also provided with luxury amenity kits, featuring high-end skincare products, noise-canceling headphones, and plush loungewear for a more comfortable flight.

Air France La Premiere 1

Photo: Air France

While La Première is only available on select Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, it remains one of the most prestigious first-class offerings in the world, setting Air France apart as a leader in luxury air travel.

Final thoughts

Air France’s Boeing 777 economy class can be a comfortable experience if you choose your seat wisely. Whether you prefer extra legroom, more privacy, or an overall quieter flight, options like bulkhead seats, exit row seats, and twin seats offer a better experience than standard rows.

Head-on photo of Air France 472-seat Boeing 777-300ER

For those willing to spend a little more, premium economy provides a substantial comfort upgrade, while business class offers an entirely different level of luxury. No matter your budget, knowing the best seats in advance will help ensure a more enjoyable journey on your next Air France flight.

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