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Air France Overview & Policy Summary
Air France is the French flag carrier and, with KLM, forms one of Europe's largest airline groups. It operates a transatlantic joint venture with Delta and Virgin Atlantic, which means Delta SkyMiles members earn and redeem across the whole network and connect seamlessly at Paris CDG to Europe, Africa and the Indian Ocean.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
- Carry-on: One cabin bag plus one accessory, combined weight up to 12 kg (26 lbs) in Economy and 18 kg (39 lbs) in Business..
- First checked bag: Included on Standard and above for transatlantic; charged on Light fares..
- Changes: Light fares are non-changeable.
- Check-in: 30 hours before departure — the earliest window of any major carrier, and worth using because free seat selection opens at the same moment..
Air France help topics
Detailed answers on the ten things travellers ask most after booking.
Air France at a glance
Baggage
One cabin bag plus one accessory, combined weight up to 12 kg (26 lbs) in Economy and 18 kg (39 lbs) in Business.
Full baggage rulesChanges
Light fares are non-changeable. Standard and Flex fares change for a fee or free respectively, plus fare difference.
How to change a flightCheck-in
30 hours before departure — the earliest window of any major carrier, and worth using because free seat selection opens at the same moment. 30 minutes before departure within France.
Check-in and boarding cutoffsFlying Blue
Miles expire after 24 months of inactivity; any earning activity resets it.
Loyalty programme guideAir France fare types
| Fare | Includes | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Cabin bag only. | No checked bag, no changes, no refund. |
| Standard | One checked bag and seat selection from 30 hours out. | Changes carry a fee. |
| Business | Lie-flat seat with direct aisle access on most aircraft, two checked bags, lounge access. | La Première is a separate and much smaller First cabin available on limited routes. |
Hubs
- Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
- Paris Orly (ORY)
Airbus A350 and A330 and Boeing 777 and 787 widebodies, with the A220 replacing older narrowbodies on European routes.
Popular routes
- New York (JFK) → Paris (CDG)
- Los Angeles (LAX) → Paris (CDG)
- Atlanta (ATL) → Paris (CDG)
- Miami (MIA) → Paris (CDG)
Air France frequently asked questions
When can I check in for Air France?
30 hours before departure — the earliest window of any major carrier. Free seat selection opens at the same moment, so setting a reminder is worthwhile if you have not paid for a seat.
What are Flying Blue Promo Rewards?
A monthly rotating set of routes discounted 25–50% on award pricing. For US–Europe travel they are consistently among the best mileage values available, and they refresh at the start of each month.
Do I earn Delta SkyMiles on Air France?
Yes. Delta, Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic operate a transatlantic joint venture, so SkyMiles earning, redemption and elite benefits carry across the network.
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