Can you imagine the nightmare of doing a long-haul flight on an empty stomach because you didn’t know everything is extra? We broke down French bee’s meal offer to tell you whether it’s worth pulling out your credit card—or packing your own picnic. We’re sharing the must-know tips on booking deadlines and menus so you don’t end up starving at 10,000 meters! ✈️
French bee meals: what’s included in your ticket, explained
After booking your flight, the question of food survival at 10,000 meters quickly becomes a priority for us.
Bee Light, Smart, or Premium: who gets a meal tray?
If you chose the Bee Light fare, know that your tray will be empty by default. It’s the lowest price, so you really need to plan ahead if you want to eat.
Luckily, Bee Smart and Bee Premium packages include a meal tray. Note the exception of the Bee Light+ ticket, which unlocks a simple meal, and Premium also includes a snack as a bonus.
To compare these experiences, take a look at our detailed French Bee Premium Class review: Comfort vs Economy.
À la carte prices to keep your budget under control
The basic meal costs around $25 for most destinations. That’s the standard rate, and the price stays the same no matter when you book.
Prices do vary, however, for flights to Montréal or Papeete. The optional breakfast costs only $9, making it an affordable option for a small hunger pang.
- Standard meal price: $25 (base rate).
- Breakfast price: only $9.
- Specific rate: varies for Montréal and Papeete.
From the Basic tray to Gourmet menus: what do you actually eat?
Once you understand how the ticket works, let’s look at what’s really inside those famous plastic trays.
The Basic meal vs French-style Gourmet options
We tested the Basic tray to see what it’s really like. It generally includes a simple starter, a hot main, a piece of cheese, and a dessert. It’s classic, but it does the job on a long-haul flight.
If you want to upgrade, the French Bouillon menu offers typically Parisian flavors. You’ll find comforting classics, making it a clearly more refined alternative to the usual standard tray.
For more demanding travelers departing from Orly, the Gourmet Meat and Fish options are available. These menus are for those who want to treat themselves to higher-quality ingredients.
Night flights and breakfasts: how does it work?
For late departures after 9 PM, the service is designed to be quick. The meal is served shortly after takeoff, so it doesn’t drag on. It helps everyone fall asleep sooner—a strategy we fully approve of.
As for wake-up time, breakfast arrives about two hours before landing, with a hot drink and a sweet snack. It’s the gentle wake-up you need, even if big appetites might be left wanting more.
If you’re heading for the sunshine, use that moment to read The complete guide to traveling to La Réunion. It’s the best way to prep your arrival while you finish your coffee.
Special diets and kids’ menus
French bee adapts to modern dietary needs with gluten-free or vegan options (VGML). Be careful: you just need to specify it at purchase—otherwise you may end up without a suitable meal once you’re up there.
You’ll also find the Child meal and the Teen Meal for teenagers. Portions and flavors are adapted for younger travelers to avoid waste. Prices are specific and designed with families in mind.
| Menu type | Target audience | Special feature |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan (VGML) | No animal products | Excludes meat, fish, and dairy. |
| Gluten-free (GFML) | Gluten intolerance | No wheat, rye, oats, or barley. |
| Child (CHML) | Young travelers | Family-friendly price at $10 with simple flavors. |
| Teen Meal | Teenagers | Generous portions for big appetites. |
Book your meal in advance: the no-stress how-to
To avoid watching the cart go by without getting anything, you need to follow a fairly strict process.
The golden 48-hour rule so you don’t go hungry
Fair warning: there’s a strict 48-hour deadline before the flight. After that, the kitchens are closed. You can’t add anything online.
Everything is managed via the “Manage my booking” area on their official website. It’s honestly simple and fast. Just keep your booking reference handy to log in.
Also note that these meals are strictly non-refundable. That’s a big detail if you change your mind—so be 100% sure of your choice before you pay.
The Blue Café and the question of free water on board
The Blue Café is the ideal backup option for last-minute purchases. You’ll find snacks and cold drinks there—perfect for covering a last-minute oversight.
A lot of people wonder about water on board. Drinking water is available for free by the glass on request. Sealed bottles, however, are still paid at the bar. It’s an important nuance to know before boarding.
We spotted the Instant Duo option with two small bottles of champagne. A nice little treat to share up in the sky.
Our traveler tips for eating smart without overspending
If your budget is a bit tight, don’t worry: there are smart alternatives to avoid ending the flight with your stomach growling.
Bring your own sandwich or eat before boarding
Good news: you’re absolutely allowed to bring your own picnic into the cabin. Just avoid overly smelly foods for your neighbors. It’s the ultimate money-saving tip to protect your wallet.
Otherwise, we recommend eating a proper meal at Orly or Newark before takeoff. You’ll find the usual fast-food chains there, and it’s often much more filling.
To save even more, check out our complete guide: How to find cheap flights to La Réunion with Skyscanner.
Final verdict: is it really worth it?
For €25, the service is solid compared with the competition. Don’t expect fine dining, of course—but for the price, it does the job.
On an 11-hour flight, it’s almost essential. Comfort starts with your stomach—we can tell you that. We absolutely didn’t regret getting it for this long journey.
For your next vacation, don’t forget to Book your plane ticket at the best price or take advantage of a French Bee deal here.
Even if the à la carte options require a bit of extra budget, we strongly recommend planning ahead to avoid getting hungry mid-flight. Above all, don’t forget to confirm your meal order at least 48 hours before departure. It’s the key to a comfortable flight—and arriving in the sun feeling great! ☀️
Book an activity in Réunion
Compare the best tours, boat trips, guided hikes, and activities in Réunion before booking.
This post is also available in:
Français (French)
Leave a Reply