I am a UK/EU passport holder and have lived in LOS for 10 years on Retirement Extensions. I have a daughter and French son-in-law whom I visit bi-annually, and wish to take my Thai G/F with me for 2 weeks in June next year. Notwithstanding the Brexit EU referendum this June, I need some advice on the following :-

1. Are there any benefits in the application process because of my UK/EU status, or is she treated as an 'independent' applicant?

2. Most of the cheapest Airfrance/KLM flights are usually available more than 6 months before departure date, yet I understand the visa application cannot be made more than 90 days before this date. How can I get the best/cheapest flight option, without having to pay for tickets before making the visa application?

3. If a visa is granted to my G/F is there a specific timescale when the visa must be used (start/expiry date)?

Having read some of the Schengen Visa threads on TVF I am rather apprehensive, as I do not wish to go through a tortuous process, only to have to disappoint my partner in the end. Any help and advice will be greatly appreciated.

Sorry, I forgot to say that my daughter and son-in-law have been married for 15 years and have a house in France.

1) the free, minimum requirement, fast visa processing only would apply to you if your partner would be married to you (see sticky for details about EU nationals and freedom of movement). As a Briton traveling to France with 'just' a G/F even in a relation akin to marriage there are no benefits. Only the Dutch and British authorities do accept such applications with a relation akin to marriage under these more relaxed requirements.

2) I don't know, don't think so. Indeed you can only apply 3 months in advance.

3) they will ask about her intended day of arrival and departure. The visa will usually start on the day of arrival (matching the flight reservation papers too!) and the expire date 15 days after the departure date. Giving you 15 days to manouvre. For instance the application is for a 1 month stay (30 days). You arrive on the april 1 and depart on april 31. The visa will start on april 1, be balid for 30 days and expire on may 15. Giving you a two week window to move your 30 day holiday. You could depart to France one week later and depart back home again one week later aswell.

Note that the Thai national is the applicant, any partner is usually not allowed to enter the embassy. So she will have to know what to do, you may assist her but make sure she knows exactly what the plan is.