If you’re using Flying Blue miles for a business-class seat home from Paris this winter, the meal may be getting an upgrade. On October 1, 2026, Air France announced new long-haul menus created by six names in French gastronomy, rolling out over the coming months on flights departing Paris. Here’s what’s changing, and how it fits with Flying Blue’s newer award fare types.
What happened
According to Air France’s press release, the new menus cover three long-haul cabins:
| Cabin | Who’s behind it | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| La Première | Arnaud Lallement (three-Michelin-starred L’Assiette Champenoise, Reims); desserts by Claire Heitzler | 30+ seasonal starters and mains, with vegetarian, fish, red meat and poultry options |
| Business | Mathieu Viannay (two-Michelin-starred La Mère Brazier, Lyon) for hot dishes; François Adamski for breakfast and brunch; desserts by Nina Métayer | 20+ hot dishes; morning menu on Paris departures scheduled no later than 9:30 a.m. |
| Premium | Frédéric Simonin (one-Michelin-starred restaurant) | Choice of two regularly updated hot dishes, one vegetarian |
A few other details from the release: business passengers can pre-select their hot meal up to 24 hours before departure, which Air France says is meant to reduce food waste. Meat, poultry, dairy and eggs are exclusively French-sourced, and a vegetarian option is always available. APEX’s October 9 coverage matches these details. Neither source gives an exact start date beyond “over the coming months.”
Who it affects
The menus are described only for departures from Paris. For a U.S. traveler on a round trip, that means the flight home, not the flight out. Economy isn’t mentioned in the release. If you’re flying out of a U.S. gateway, don’t count on seeing the new dishes on that leg.
What it means for Flying Blue miles
Better food doesn’t change award prices. What does matter is the fare type you book. The Points Guy and Milesopedia reported that, starting September 8, 2026, new Flying Blue awards on Air France- and KLM-operated flights come in three versions: Light, Standard and Flex. We couldn’t confirm the details directly on Flying Blue’s website, so treat the following as reported, as of October 2026:
- Business Light: one checked bag, no lounge access, and no changes or refunds (Platinum and above excepted).
- Business Standard: two bags and lounge access, with changes or refunds for €70.
- Business Flex: changes, refunds, advance seat selection and lounge access included.
In one example Flying Blue gave The Points Guy, a U.S.–Europe business award priced at 60,000 miles plus $608 for Light, 75,000 miles plus $608 for Standard, and 110,000 miles plus $302 for Flex. Prices vary by date, sometimes widely. Elite status still brings its own perks, such as lounge access for Gold members, on any fare type, according to Milesopedia.
Practical tips
- Read the fare type before you click. A Light business award may cost fewer miles, but you lose the lounge before a long flight home.
- Look for a meal pre-selection option. Air France says business passengers can choose their hot meal up to 24 hours ahead. The release doesn’t say how this works for award tickets, so check your booking.
- Watch Promo Rewards. Frequent Miler reports October’s Promo Rewards include 25% off select routes, such as premium economy between Chicago and Europe, for booking through October 31 and travel through March 31, 2027. Milesopedia says early information suggests Promo Rewards are issued as Light fares. Confirm the terms on Flying Blue’s site.
- Transfer only after you find space. Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers to Flying Blue at 1:1 (per AwardWallet, as of October 2026).
Planning further ahead? Air France is also adding new U.S. routes for summer 2027; see our Nashville and San Diego post.
Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer 1:1 to Air France-KLM Flying Blue. You can compare current offers and apply with our Chase referral link.
Disclosure: This is our personal Chase referral link. If you’re approved through it, we may earn a referral bonus, at no extra cost to you. You can always apply directly on Chase’s website. See our Advertising & Referral Disclosure.
Our take
New chef menus are a nice extra, not a reason to book. This refresh only applies on Paris departures, and the start date is still vague. The decision that actually affects your trip is which award fare you book. For a long flight home, we’d usually pay the extra miles for Standard to keep the lounge and the €70 change option, unless you have elite status that already covers those perks.
Sources
- Air France: New long-haul menus with six French gastronomy names (Oct. 1, 2026)
- APEX: Air France unveils new long-haul menus from six French chefs
- The Points Guy: Flying Blue adds Light, Standard and Flex award fares
- Milesopedia: Flying Blue Light, Standard and Flex reward tickets
- Frequent Miler: Flying Blue Promo Rewards for October 2026
- AwardWallet: Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners
Programs, prices and terms change often; confirm details with the airline or rental company before you book. Points Capital is not a financial advisor.
