Air France and KLM recently launched their own version of Business Light Fares. These fares come with a reduction in the allowed check-in baggage and no access to the lounge, but SkyPriority services are still included at airports. In contrast to Air France and KLM Business Light fares, other airlines’ versions of these fares usually do not include checked luggage, airport priority services, and often a reduction of elite and award miles earnings.
It’s worth noting that Air France and KLM Flying Blue members with a status that includes lounge access and additional checked luggage allowance still apply.
Comparison of Air France and KLM Business Light Fares
| Benefits | Business Light | Business Standard | Business Flex |
| Hand Baggage | 2 pieces + 1 personal item (18kg total) | 2 pieces + 1 personal item (18kg total) | 2 pieces + 1 personal item (18kg total) |
| Checked Baggage | 1 piece (32kg) | 2 pieces (32kg each) | 2 pieces (32kg each) |
| Seat Selection | No free seat selection before check-in | No free seat selection before check-in | Seat Selection before check-in |
| Lounge Access | Not Included | Included | Included |
| SkyPriority Benefits | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ticket Changes | Penalty + Fare Difference | Fare Difference | Fare Difference |
| Refundable | No | No | Yes, if cancel before the 1st flight of your trip |
Compared to other airlines that have stripped away all the benefits of Business Class, Air France and KLM’s Business Light fares are not completely “light”. They only eliminate lounge access and the ability to check-in a second bag.
Interestingly, when airlines introduce these “economy” business fares, the lowest previous fares suddenly become “light”, and benefits disappear. Elite members are usually protected, as they retain their lounge access based on their status, which has yet to be removed, along with the additional luggage allowance.
