Air France Launches Direct Los Angeles and New York Flights to Nice for Cannes Festivals 2026

Air France – La Première
To the point Air France launches direct LAX-Nice and JFK-Nice flights for Cannes 2026 festivals. Features new La Première first class cabin with private suites, 4K screens, 2-meter beds. Festival timing.

Air France is expanding its seasonal service to the French Riviera with special direct flights from Los Angeles and New York to Nice for the 2026 Cannes Film Festival and Cannes Lions Festival. These exclusive routes will feature the airline’s new La Première cabin, offering travelers an ultra-luxury experience to one of Europe’s most glamorous destinations.

As a 46-year partner of the Cannes Film Festival, Air France continues its commitment to connecting Hollywood and the international creative community with the French Riviera during the festival season.

Flight Schedules and Routes

Los Angeles to Nice (Cannes Film Festival)

Air France will operate special flights coinciding with the 79th Cannes Film Festival (May 12-23, 2026):

DateFlightRouteDepartureArrival
May 11, 2026AF041LAX → NCE2:00 PM10:35 AM +1
May 25, 2026AF040NCE → LAX1:15 PM4:30 PM

Flight cost from Los Angeles to Nice with Flying Blue Miles:

  • Economy: 86,500 Miles
  • Premium: 295,000 Miles
  • Business: 627,000 Miles
Screenshot

Flight cost from Los Angeles to Nice with Flying Blue Miles:

  • Economy: 87,000 Miles
  • Premium: 296,500 Miles
  • Business: 630,500 Miles
Screenshot

New York to Nice (Cannes Lions Festival)

For the Cannes Lions Festival (June 22-26, 2026), Air France will operate flights from New York-JFK:

DateFlightRouteDepartureArrival
June 20, 2026AF043JFK → NCE4:30 PM10:35 AM +1
June 21, 2026AF043JFK → NCE4:30 PM10:35 AM +1
June 25, 2026AF042NCE → JFK12:00 PM3:00 PM
June 26, 2026AF042NCE → JFK12:00 PM3:00 PM
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Aircraft and Cabin Features

All special flights will be operated using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft equipped with Air France’s revolutionary new La Première cabin, representing the pinnacle of luxury air travel.

La Première: Air France’s New Ultra-Luxury Suite

The new La Première cabin represents a complete reimagining of first-class travel:

  • Private suite design: Fully enclosed cabin with five windows and floor-to-ceiling curtain
  • Flexible seating: Modular concept with seat, day bed, and 2-meter fully flat bed
  • Premium entertainment: Two 32-inch 4K screens plus touchscreen tablet
  • Modern connectivity: Universal sockets and wireless charging capabilities
  • Complete privacy: Individual cocoon design for maximum comfort and exclusivity
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La Première Network Expansion

Starting summer 2026, the new La Première cabin will be available on flights from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to an extensive network of destinations:

La Première Destinations from Paris-CDG

  • North America: Atlanta, Boston, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, San Francisco, Washington D.C.
  • South America: São Paulo
  • Asia-Pacific: Singapore, Tokyo-Haneda
  • Middle East: Dubai, Tel Aviv
  • Africa: Abidjan

Rollout Timeline

  • July 2026: All flights to New York-JFK and Los Angeles will feature new La Première suites
  • End of 2026: Complete La Première network will be equipped with new cabins
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Air France’s Cinema Heritage

Air France‘s partnership with the Cannes Film Festival spans 46 years, making it one of the longest-running airline partnerships in the entertainment industry. The airline’s connection to cinema runs deep, dating back to 1951 when the first movie, “An American in Paris,” was shown aboard a Constellation aircraft flying from New York to Paris.

In-Flight Entertainment Excellence

Air France‘s commitment to cinema extends throughout its fleet:

  • Extensive library: 1,500 hours of in-flight entertainment
  • French cinema focus: Wide selection of French films and Cannes Film Festival award winners
  • Premium partnerships: Content partnerships with Canal+ and Apple TV
  • Original versions: Films available in their original language
  • Cultural diversity: Content adapted to international passenger preferences

Strategic Significance for Air France

These special festival flights represent more than seasonal service—they showcase Air France‘s positioning as the luxury carrier of choice for high-profile international events:

  • Premium market positioning: Targeting entertainment industry professionals and luxury travelers
  • La Première showcase: Demonstrating new first-class product on high-visibility routes
  • Cultural connection: Reinforcing French cultural ties with international creative communities
  • Network expansion: Testing demand for direct US-Nice service

Travel Implications for Passengers

Benefits of Direct Service

  • Time savings: Eliminates connection time through Paris-CDG
  • Convenience: Direct access to French Riviera without European connections
  • Luxury experience: Access to new La Première cabin on festival routes
  • Festival timing: Perfectly timed arrivals and departures for both events

Booking Considerations

  • Limited availability: Special flights operate only during festival periods
  • Premium pricing expected: La Première service likely commands high fares
  • High demand: Entertainment industry travel creates competition for seats
  • Advance booking recommended: Limited flight frequency requires early planning

Impact on French Riviera Tourism

These direct flights provide significant benefits for French Riviera tourism:

  • Increased accessibility: Direct US connections make the region more attractive to American travelers
  • Extended season: May and June flights extend the traditional summer season
  • Premium positioning: La Première service attracts high-spending luxury travelers
  • Event synergy: Combines transportation with world-renowned cultural events

Maximize Your Cannes Travel with the Air France KLM Credit Card

These special festival flights present an excellent opportunity to maximize value with the recently enhanced Air France KLM Visa Signature Card. The card’s improvements make it particularly valuable for travelers planning luxury trips to events like the Cannes festivals.

Enhanced Card Benefits for Premium Travel

The Air France KLM Visa Signature Card’s recent enhancements align perfectly with luxury festival travel:

  • Welcome bonus: 70,000 Flying Blue miles + 100 XPs after $3,000 spend in 90 days
  • Enhanced earning: 3x miles on Air France flights and dining (perfect for Cannes restaurants)
  • Status acceleration: Up to 160 XPs annually through card spending
  • No foreign fees: Ideal for European spending during festival trips
  • $89 annual fee: Easily offset by 5,000 annual bonus miles

Strategic Value for Festival Travel

The card’s benefits provide particular value for high-end festival travel:

  • Premium cabin access: Flying Blue Platinum status (achievable through card XPs) required for Air France First Class award availability
  • Lounge benefits: Elite status provides access to Air France lounges in LAX, JFK, and Nice
  • Award redemptions: Miles can offset the high cost of premium cabin tickets during festival periods
  • Dining rewards: 3x miles on Cannes’ renowned restaurant scene

Bottom Line

Air France‘s special festival flights to Nice represent a perfect convergence of luxury travel, cultural celebration, and premium service. The introduction of La Première cabin on these routes provides travelers with an unprecedented level of comfort and privacy while connecting major US cities directly to the French Riviera during its most exciting cultural events.

For travelers planning to attend either the Cannes Film Festival or Cannes Lions Festival, these flights offer not just transportation but an integral part of the luxury experience. The timing aligns perfectly with both events, while the new La Première cabin ensures the journey matches the glamour of the destination.

The enhanced Air France KLM Visa Signature Card adds another layer of value, providing opportunities to earn miles on festival spending, accelerate elite status, and potentially access premium cabin awards. With its improved XP earning structure and dining bonus category, the card complements the luxury travel experience these special flights represent.

As Air France continues its 46-year partnership with Cannes and expands its La Première network throughout 2026, these special flights mark an important milestone in luxury aviation and cultural tourism, offering US travelers an unparalleled gateway to the French Riviera’s most prestigious events.

Air France Cannes Festival Flights: Frequently Asked Questions

Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien Voisine is the President and Founder of Milesopedia and a leading expert in rewards programs, credit cards, and travel across Canada, France, and the U.S.A. Now 40 years old and a father of two, he has explored more than 100 countries—many of them alongside his wife Audrey and their children. Specializing in loyalty programs such as Aeroplan, Flying Blue, American Express Membership Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, Jean-Maximilien helps travellers unlock the full potential of their points and benefits. His mission: empower others to travel better and smarter across North America and Europe.
All posts by Jean-Maximilien Voisine

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