Air France - Fly to every corner of the world
France's former national airline merged with Dutch national airline KLM in May 2004 and is now part of the Air France-KLM group, the world's largest airline in revenue terms. In spite of rising fuel costs, the successful merger saw a rise in passenger numbers in 2005 and an increase in profits.
The company's main business is passenger transport, but also includes airline catering, cargo and aircraft maintenance.
Air France and KLM combine many of their routes to create a massive flight network, selling nearly 250 worldwide destinations to around 70 million passengers a year.
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Air France Routes and Destinations
Air France runs frequent scheduled flights to France from 9 UK airports: London Heathrow, London City, London Gatwick, Southampton, Aberdeen, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester, Newcastle, and from Dublin airport in Ireland.
Air France's main base is at Charles de Gaulle Airport north of Paris, Europe's 3rd busiest airport. This airport handles a huge range of connecting flights to Europe and the rest of the world. Other Air France hubs are Paris Orly (for domestic flights, holiday flights to Caribbean, Indian Ocean) and Lyon Saint-Exupéry airport.
Air France and KLM combine fares and coordinate their flight schedules in order to increase passenger choice, convenience and value.
AirFrance fares to USA start from £275 return including taxes see...
Flights to Boston from London, Birmingham and Manchester cost from £275.
Chicago Flights start at £335 from Manchester and London.
Air France Flights to Latin America start at £400 to most destinations.
Air France flies to Asia from London to Beijing and Delhi from £314.
Other Useful Information
| Booking |
There are 5 different travel classes. First Class (L'Espace Premiere) has the most perks, then Business Class (L'Espace Affairs). The 3 different Economy classes are: Tempo Economy (cheapest fares, most restrictions); Tempo Challenge (unrestricted, better meals, more legroom, 10 kg extra baggage); Alizé Economy (cheap long-haul Economy class for Caribbean, Indian Ocean). There is also a "Flying Blue" frequent flyer programme for collecting airmiles, various discounts and privileges.
A £1 non-refundable service fee will be added to each ticket purchased on airfrance.co.uk. |
| Flight changes |
Some Air France economy flight tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable, or costs may be linked to changes. The Tempo Economy Class with the lowest fares carries the most restrictions concerning flight changes, refunds, child discounts etc. Check with the Air France UK call centre (0870 142 4343) for more details if in doubt. |
| Transfers |
For long haul flight connections via Paris Carles de Gaulle airport allow a minimum of 2 to 3 hours transfer time for security checks and changing terminals, longer for flights to the USA. Paris CDG has its own TGV train station, with fast connections to many French and European cities.
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| Seats |
Air France economy seat pitch (amount of legroom) is about 31", business class 48". Currently the best seats are in the newer Airbus or Boeing 777 aircraft, but most of Air France's long haul fleet will be refurbished with new cabin interiors early in 2007.
Pre-assigned seats can be chosen via their online check in, or pre-allocated during airport check in, but not at time of online booking.
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| Food |
Meals, snacks and non alcoholic beverages are included in the flight fare. In July 2006 Air France was awarded ISO 22000, the new international food hygiene standard, for their inflight meals. |
| Baggage |
Air France baggage allowances vary according to class and destination, you'd best check Air France website for the latest information when you book.
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| Check-In |
Allow arrival at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure. Air France check in deadlines: Europe 30 minutes, rest of the world 60 minutes. Air France's online check-in facility allows you to choose your own seat.
For connecting flights at Paris-Charles de Gaulle 2 you receive all necessary boarding passes for your final destination when you depart. Baggage is also checked from end to end. |
| Fleet |
(March 2006) Air France has a fleet of 575 aircrafts, including 165 long haul and 222 medium haul aircraft. Regional fleet consists of 188 planes.
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