Air Austral

Air Austral is the flag carrier of Reunion, the French island in the Indian Ocean, and it builds its network around the long haul between Reunion and mainland France plus regional routes to Mauritius, Mayotte, Madagascar and beyond. Because those flights range from short island hops to overnight long-haul sectors, the cabin products vary a lot by aircraft.

The fleet mixes the Airbus A220-300 for regional and medium routes with two long-haul widebodies, the Boeing 777-300ER and 787-8 Dreamliner. On the widebodies you are choosing between real, distinct cabins rather than positions within one economy deck.

The A220-300 covers regional and shorter routes with a two-cabin layout, a small forward Business section and a larger economy cabin behind it. The 777-300ER is the flagship for the busiest long-haul flying and carries three cabins: Business, Premium Economy and economy, giving the widest range of choices in the fleet.

The 787-8 Dreamliner runs long-haul routes with a two-cabin fit, lie-flat-style Business up front and economy behind. Its lower cabin altitude and larger windows make it a comfortable choice for the longest sectors.

On the widebodies the cabin you book changes the flight completely. Business gives you the most space and recline for overnight sectors, Premium Economy on the 777-300ER adds pitch and width over standard economy, and the main economy cabin is where seat position does the heavy lifting.

In economy the usual long-haul rules apply: bulkhead and exit rows carry more legroom, the rows near galleys and lavatories at the cabin breaks see more traffic, and window alignment is worth checking on a few rows. The 787-8 runs a quieter, better-pressurised cabin that helps on the long flights to France.

If you are flying long-haul and can stretch to it, Premium Economy on the 777-300ER or Business on either widebody is worth it for overnight sectors. In economy, target the bulkhead and exit rows for legroom, and avoid the rows immediately beside the galleys and lavatories if you want to sleep.

On the A220-300 the forward economy rows sit closer to the front for a faster exit, while the rear rows can be quieter mid-flight. Check window alignment on the widebodies before choosing a window seat, since a small number of rows sit off the glass.