A new ultra low-cost airline is coming to Montreal — Here's everything you need to know
Get ready to say bonjour to cheap flights to Europe, Montreal! A new low-cost airline is about to take off in the city, making direct trips to France more affordable and more accessible.
French bee, a French low-cost, long-haul airline, is officially launching a direct route from Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau to Paris-Orly on April 30, 2025.
So, if you've been dreaming of strolling along the Seine without blowing your entire travel budget, this might just be your chance.
If you're keen to explore outside of France's capital, there are other dreamy French destinations you can explore via French bee, too. Via Paris-Orly, you can hop on the TGV straight to dreamy destinations like Bordeaux or Angers.
The new route is part of the company's plans to grow across North America. According to a recent press release, the airline is "expanding its offer in Canada to meet the growing demand from North American customers for long-haul travel at competitive fares."
Unlike some low-cost carriers, French bee promises "smart-cost" flights — affordable, but still comfy.
Before you book, though, here's everything you need to know about Montreal's newest budget airline, including how much tickets are and, of course, the exact T&Cs of those cheap fares.
Who is French bee?
French bee (yes, with a lowercase "b") is a French low-cost, long-haul airline that specializes in budget-friendly flights to dreamy destinations. Founded in 2016, the airline was originally called French Blue before rebranding to French bee.
Its home base is Paris-Orly Airport, which is closer to the city centre than Charles de Gaulle, so you can get to that baguette and cafe au lait even faster.
The airline operates a fleet of Airbus A350s, which are modern, fuel-efficient planes designed to offer a smoother ride with better cabin pressure, quieter engines, and more space. Basically, it's a budget airline that promises the experience doesn't feel like punishment.
French bee's whole thing is about making long-haul travel more affordable without completely sacrificing comfort. While it follows a pay-for-what-you-need model like other low-cost airlines, it still offers perks like free entertainment, Wi-Fi options, and leather seats.
How much are flights?
As of February 19, here's a snapshot of French bee's pricing for the Montreal to Paris route:
- May 2025: One-way fares start at $337, ideal for travellers planning multi-country European adventures.
- June 2025: Prices increase to around $482 one-way, reflecting peak summer demand.
- October 2025 to January 2026: Fares drop back to around $350 one-way as the peak travel season ends.
Round-trip tickets during the spring and summer months are available for as low as $475, with multiple dates offering these fares.
French bee's website has a user-friendly tool highlighting the most affordable fares on various dates, making it easier for flexible travellers to secure the cheapest fares.
Keep in mind that these figures represent base fares, typical of low-cost carriers. This means the initial price covers the seat and a personal item, with additional services available à la carte.
Services and fares
Like many low-cost carriers, French bee has a tiered fare system, allowing passengers to customize their travel experience based on needs and budget. Here's a breakdown:
Economy class:
- BEE LIGHT:
- Included: Personal item, hand baggage (12 kg).
- Not Included: Checked baggage, meals, standard seat selection.
- Ideal For: Light packers and budget travellers comfortable without extras.
- BEE LIGHT +:
- Included: Personal item, hand baggage (12 kg), meals.
- Not Included: Checked baggage, standard seat selection.
- Ideal For: Travellers who want an included meal but still travel light.
- BEE SMART:
- Included: Personal item, hand baggage (12 kg), one checked bag (23 kg), meals.
- Not Included: Standard seat selection.
- Ideal For: Travellers seeking a balance between cost and convenience.
- BEE FLEX:
- Included: Personal item, hand baggage (12 kg), one checked bag (23 kg), meals, standard seat selection.
- Ideal For: Those who want flexibility and added comfort.
Premium class:
- PREMIUM LIGHT:
- Included: Personal item, hand baggage (12 kg), meals.
- Not Included: Checked baggage, standard seat selection.
- Ideal For: Passengers seeking premium seating without additional frills.
- PREMIUM SMART:
- Included: Personal item, hand baggage (12 kg), two checked bags (23 kg each), meals, standard seat selection.
- Ideal For: Travelers wanting a premium experience with added amenities.
- PREMIUM FLEX:
- Included: Personal item, hand baggage (12 kg), two checked bags (23 kg each), meals, standard seat selection.
- Ideal For: Those requiring maximum flexibility and comfort.
Additional Services:
- Checked baggage (for BEE LIGHT, BEE LIGHT + and PREMIUM LIGHT passengers):
- Booking more than 48 hours before departure: from $70.
- Booking less than 48 hours before departure: from $140.
- Seat Selection:
- Standard seat: from $30.
- Window seat: from $40.
- Maxi Leg seat: from $70.
- Meals (for BEE LIGHT passengers): from $30 CAD.
- Wi-Fi: Starts at $4 for 10MB of access, ranging up to $29 for 200MB.
Unlike some budget airlines, French bee does provide free entertainment for all passengers. Every seat has a HD touchscreen with a selection of movies, TV shows, and music, so you won't have to rely on downloaded Netflix episodes for the entire flight.
Particularly unusual is French bee’s Cozy Cabin, which offers a more private experience with fewer seats at the front of the plane, creating a quieter atmosphere for sleeping or relaxing. Upgrades starting at $55 when booked at least 48 hours in advance.
A full list of available additional services, including priority boarding and lounge access, can be found online.
The future of cheap flights in Montreal
French bee's arrival in Montreal comes as other low-cost airlines are retreating from Canada.
Play Airlines is set to end its Canadian operations in April, leaving budget-conscious travellers with fewer options. Meanwhile, Lynx Airlines shut down last year, and WestJet absorbed budget carrier Swoop Airlines into its main operations in 2023.
Aviation expert John Gradek from McGill University told CTV News in January that Canada hasn't exactly been a welcoming market for ultra low-cost carriers like French bee. Rising costs, inflation, and fierce competition from larger airlines have made it tough for these budget carriers to survive.
Whether French bee can buck the trend remains to be seen — but for now, Montrealers have a new way to fly to Paris without breaking the bank!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.
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