Air France, the national airline and flag carrier of France, was established on August 30, 1933. It continues its operations with a center located around Charles de Gaulle Airport in Tremblay-en-France, north of Paris. Its main hubs are Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport, from which international and domestic flights are operated. Air France is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance and merged with the Dutch airline KLM in 2004 to form the Air France-KLM group.
Air France is a full-service airline offering premium services, not low-cost. The fleet size varies between approximately 250-300 aircraft, consisting of wide-body Boeing 777 and Airbus A350, as well as narrow-body Airbus A320 family aircraft. In 2019, it operated flights to 201 destinations in 78 countries and carried 46.8 million passengers. Post-pandemic, the annual passenger number is approximately 40-50 million.
Throughout its history, the airline has had significant milestones such as Concorde supersonic flights and relocation to Casablanca during World War II. Air France appointed its first cabin crew in 1946 and moved to Charles de Gaulle Airport in 1974. Today, it continues to expand its global network as one of Europe's largest airlines with a legacy of over 90 years. This rich history and innovative service approach are among the elements that make Air France unique.
Air France has a wide network of destinations worldwide, operating flights to 201 destinations in 78 countries. Its main service areas include domestic flights within France, an extensive network in Europe, and intercontinental routes. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport serves as Air France's main international hub, while Orly Airport stands out as an important hub for domestic flights.
Among Air France's most popular routes are intercontinental flights such as Paris-New York, Paris-Tokyo, and Paris-Los Angeles. Within Europe, there are high-demand routes such as Paris-London and Paris-Amsterdam. As part of the SkyTeam alliance, Air France has codeshare partnerships with major airlines like Delta Air Lines, KLM, and Alitalia. These partnerships provide passengers with access to more destinations worldwide and easy transfer opportunities.
The airline also operates flights to popular seasonal tourist destinations, allowing passengers to explore different holiday options. Thus, Air France offers a wide and flexible flight network for both business and leisure travelers.
Air France - Baggage Policy
Hand Baggage / Cabin Baggage: Economy class passengers on Air France can carry 1 piece of cabin baggage (55x35x25 cm) and 1 personal item (40x30x15 cm), with a total weight limit of 12 kg. Premium Economy, Business, and La Première passengers can carry 2 pieces of cabin baggage (55x35x25 cm) and 1 personal item, with a total weight limit of 18 kg.Checked Baggage: There is no checked baggage allowance in Economy Light/Basic fares. In Standard Economy class, there is an allowance for 1 piece of baggage, each weighing 23 kg and with a total dimension of 158 cm. Premium Economy passengers have an allowance for 2 pieces of baggage, each weighing 23 kg. Business and La Première passengers can benefit from 2 to 3 pieces of baggage, each weighing 32 kg. Additional baggage can be purchased online starting from €25 and at the airport from €40.Special Baggage: Air France offers specific rules for special baggage such as sports equipment and musical instruments. Golf sets and ski equipment are generally accepted within standard baggage allowances, while larger equipment like bicycles and surfboards may incur additional fees. Baby strollers and car seats can usually be carried for free, but size and weight restrictions may apply. There are also special arrangements for medical equipment like wheelchairs, which should be notified in advance.
Air France - Check-in & Seat Selection
When traveling with Air France, you can complete your check-in process flexibly and easily. Online check-in can be done 30 hours before your flight via Air France's official website or the Air France Play mobile app. This way, you can receive your mobile boarding pass as a QR code and save time at the airport. You can also check-in at the airport using kiosks and counters. For short-haul flights, counter check-in closes 30 minutes before departure, and for long-haul flights, it closes 60 minutes before. You can receive your boarding pass either as a mobile or printed version.
Regarding seat selection, Air France offers various options. In the basic fare, seat selection can be made for free during check-in, while in the standard fare, early seat selection is free. For a more comfortable flight experience, premium seats offering extra legroom or options like emergency exit rows are available. These premium seats can be chosen for a fee ranging from 15-50 Euros on short-haul flights and 50-150 Euros on long-haul flights. Seats offering extra legroom are free for Gold+ members. Premium seats with lounge access are provided by default for business class passengers.
Air France - Meal Service
Air France stands out with its meal service offered to passengers. In economy class, cold sandwiches, desserts, and beverages are usually offered for free on short-haul flights, while hot meals, salads, cheese, and beverages like wine are provided for free on long-haul flights. In business class, chef-signed multi-course French cuisine menus, champagne, and wines are available on long-haul flights. Light meals are offered on short-haul flights.
For passengers with special dietary preferences, there are more than 20 options such as vegetarian, vegan, halal, and kosher, and these meals can be ordered at least 24 hours before the flight. Additional meals are offered for a fee on short-haul flights, while they are free on long-haul flights. Although there is no café service on Air France aircraft, self-service bars are available for passengers.
Air France - Loyalty Program
Flying Blue is the loyalty program jointly offered by Air France and KLM, with over 30 million members worldwide. Earning miles in this program is quite easy. You earn miles based on your spending on flights: 4 miles per euro spent at the Explorer level, 6 miles at the Silver level, 7 miles at the Gold level, and 8 miles at the Platinum level. Additionally, members of the program can level up with XP points. To reach Silver level, 100 XP is required, 180 XP for Gold, and 300 XP for Platinum.
Each level has its unique advantages. Silver members have an extra baggage allowance (18 kg), while Gold members can benefit from lounge access. Platinum members enjoy privileges such as priority boarding and a second baggage allowance. You can spend your miles on ticket reservations, flight upgrades, hotel stays, and car rentals. Partner airlines include KLM and Delta, and you can earn miles on premium journeys with services like Uber in France. Additionally, with Flying Blue credit cards, you can earn both miles and XP.
Air France - Travel Classes
La Première: Air France's most luxurious class, La Première, transforms your journey into an extraordinary experience. You can relax in fully flat suites and enjoy special meals prepared by chefs and champagne service. La Première passengers are offered priority check-in and baggage services. Seat selection, ticket changes, and refunds are provided free of charge. It is an excellent choice for long-haul flights.Business: In Business class, which offers comfort and luxury together for your business trips, reclining bed seats and the flavors of French cuisine await you. Wine selection, lounge access, and 2x32 kg baggage allowance are among the privileges offered. Flexibility for changes and refunds is provided, although it may be chargeable in some cases. Seat selection is free.Premium Economy: Offering a comfortable journey with wide seats, Premium Economy provides meal service in three different styles. It includes 2x23 kg baggage allowance and free seat selection. Flexibility for changes is limited in the Classic package, but the Flex package offers a full refund option.Economy Light: The most basic package, Economy Light, offers a 10 kg hand baggage allowance. Seat selection is chargeable, and meal service is not included. Changes and refunds are either not available or come with high fees. The 1x23 kg baggage allowance is not included in this package.Economy Classic: Offering a standard travel experience, Economy Classic includes a 1x23 kg baggage allowance, standard meal service, and seat selection. Changes are chargeable and not free 48 hours prior.Economy Flex: Providing full flexibility, Economy Flex allows you to make changes and refunds free of charge. It includes a 1x23 kg baggage allowance, meal service, and seat selection.
Air France - Cancellation & Changes
Cancellation Conditions
Cancellation conditions at Air France vary depending on the selected ticket type. In flexible fares, cancellations can generally be made free of charge, while a penalty fee may apply for basic fares. This penalty usually ranges from 100 to 300 Euros and may vary depending on the route. For flights originating from the USA, there is a right to cancel for free within 24 hours after ticket purchase.
Change Rules
The possibility of making date changes with Air France depends on the flexibility of the ticket. In flexible tickets, date changes are generally free, but in other ticket types, a fee of 50 to 200 Euros may be charged. Route changes have limited possibilities, and name changes are rarely allowed, with additional fees applied in such cases.
Refund Process
The ticket refund process is carried out through Air France's online "My Trip" service and takes approximately 7-14 days. Refunds can be made to the original payment method or as a voucher. In case of no-show, the ticket value is lost, and no refund is given. Compensation can be claimed for canceled flights under EU 261/2004, except in extraordinary circumstances.
Air France - Seat Comfort & Entertainment
Seat Comfort and Legroom: Air France prioritizes comfort throughout your journey. In economy class, seat pitch varies between 76-81 cm, width between 43-48 cm, and recline angle between 13-18 cm. Premium Economy class offers a 97 cm pitch and 48-50 cm width for a more spacious area. In business class, seats convert to fully flat beds with a length of 152 cm and a width of 60+ cm, providing significant comfort on long flights. In La Première, full bed comfort and more privacy are provided. Seats are generally made from high-quality fabric materials, offering extra comfort during long sittings.In-Flight Entertainment: Air France's in-flight entertainment system is equipped with personal screens for each passenger. In economy class, screens are 10-11 inches, while in business class, they are 15-18 inches. Thousands of movies, series, music, and game options are offered. Wi-Fi access is available on long-haul flights and is charged between 5-30€ per hour; some classes offer free messaging. All seats have USB and A/C outlets, allowing you to charge your devices comfortably. With the "Air France Play" app, you can download your content in advance and enjoy watching it on the plane. Entertainment options are more limited on short-haul flights, but a comprehensive system and Wi-Fi are standard on long-haul flights.
Air France - Special Services
Unaccompanied Minor Service
Air France offers a special unaccompanied minor (UMNR) service for children aged 5-14 traveling alone. For children aged 2-4, this service is optional. During the reservation of this service, it ensures that children are safely met before and after the flight and are supervised throughout the flight. Fees range from 50-150€ per flight.
Pregnant Passenger Policy
Pregnant passengers can travel on Air France flights up to the 36th week. However, from the 28th week of pregnancy, a doctor's note must be presented. This note should state that the passenger is fit to travel.
Assistance for Disabled Passengers
Wheelchair and other mobility assistance are provided free of charge for disabled passengers. It is important to notify in advance to benefit from these services. A wide range of assistance is offered, and all coordination is provided at the airport.
Other Services
For infants, bassinet service is provided free of charge on long-haul economy and business class flights with prior reservation. Air France offers priority boarding to business and La Première passengers, Flying Blue Elite, and CIP/VIP members. CIP/VIP lounge access and fast track are exclusive to Elite Plus members and can also be offered with paid options. Group reservations and meet-and-greet services are among other special services offered by Air France.
Air France - Pet Transport Policy
Cabin Pet Transport: When traveling with Air France, the pets you can carry in the cabin are short-haired cats and dogs. The total weight, including the carrier, should not exceed 8 kg. The dimensions of the carrier should not exceed 45x35x25 cm, and a reservation is required.Cargo/Baggage Compartment Transport: Larger pets can be transported in the cargo compartment. This is chargeable and requires a special transport crate. Brachycephalic breeds like flat-nosed dogs and cats, as well as dangerous breeds, cannot be transported by cargo.Required Documents and Rules: When traveling with your pet, documents such as a health certificate, rabies vaccination record (done at least 21 days prior), and microchip are required. If traveling from outside the EU, a rabies antibody test may also be required. Service animals can be transported in the cabin for free with the necessary documents; these animals must be trained and a reservation is required. It is recommended to prepare in advance for your pet to have a comfortable journey.
Air France - Travel Tips
When traveling with Air France, you can take advantage of favorable prices by purchasing your ticket as early as possible. If you can provide flexibility in your travel dates, you can find more affordable prices by choosing weekdays. When selecting a seat, if you are looking for more legroom, you can opt for the emergency exit rows. If you want to disembark quickly, choosing seats in the front rows can be beneficial.
At Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Terminals 2E and 2F are generally used. If you have a long waiting period, you can enjoy a comfortable experience by taking advantage of the lounge services offered by Air France. To avoid losing time during your connecting flights, you can track your flight information and gate changes instantly by using the Air France mobile app. This app also allows you to easily complete your check-in process.
The information on this page about Air France is for general informational purposes only. Airlines may change their baggage rules, travel classes, cancellation/change policies and other services without prior notice. For the most current and accurate information, please visit the official Air France website. Tripuck cannot be held responsible for any changes to this information.
Hand Baggage / Cabin Baggage: Economy class passengers on Air France can carry 1 piece of cabin baggage (55x35x25 cm) and 1 personal item (40x30x15 cm), with a total weight limit of 12 kg. Premium Economy, Business, and La Première passengers can carry 2 pieces of cabin baggage (55x35x25 cm) and 1 personal item, with a total weight limit of 18 kg.
When traveling with Air France, you can complete your check-in process flexibly and easily. Online check-in can be done 30 hours before your flight via Air France's official website or the Air France Play mobile app.
Air France operates flights to 259 cities in 119 countries. France, United States, United Kingdom are among its most popular destinations.
Air France ticket prices vary by route and date. The current lowest fare starts from £73. Use the search box above for the latest prices.
Air France stands out with its meal service offered to passengers. In economy class, cold sandwiches, desserts, and beverages are usually offered for free on short-haul flights, while hot meals, salads, cheese, and beverages like wine are provided for free on long-haul flights.
Flying Blue is the loyalty program jointly offered by Air France and KLM, with over 30 million members worldwide. Earning miles in this program is quite easy.
Cancellation Conditions Cancellation conditions at Air France vary depending on the selected ticket type. In flexible fares, cancellations can generally be made free of charge, while a penalty fee may apply for basic fares.
Cabin Pet Transport: When traveling with Air France, the pets you can carry in the cabin are short-haired cats and dogs. The total weight, including the carrier, should not exceed 8 kg.