Overview
Air France, a leading global airline and member of SkyTeam, offers a flexible flight change policy to accommodate passengers needing to modify their travel plans. Changes can be made online, via the mobile app, through the Customer Service Center, or at airport ticket counters, subject to fare conditions and availability.
Key Policy Highlights
- Risk-Free Period: Changes or cancellations are free within 24 hours of booking for tickets purchased directly through Air France’s website, mobile app, or Customer Service Center, provided the booking is made at least seven days before departure. This applies to flights operated by Air France, KLM, or Delta Air Lines, but not to tickets purchased with Flying Blue miles, group fares, or certain promotional offers.
- Eligible Tickets: Most fare types, including Economy Light, Standard, Flex, Premium Economy, Business, and La Première, allow changes, except for certain promotional or non-refundable fares. Economy Light fares have stricter restrictions, while Flex and fully flexible fares offer greater flexibility.
- Fare Difference: If the new flight is more expensive, passengers must pay the fare difference. If the new flight is cheaper, a refundable voucher may be issued for the difference, depending on the fare type.
- Change Fees: Fees vary by fare type, route, and travel class. Economy Light and Standard fares may incur a fee, while Flex, Business, and La Première fares often allow fee-free changes. Additional service fees may apply for changes not made online. For flights within Europe, a fixed surcharge applies for non-compliant use (e.g., skipping segments). For intercontinental flights, higher surcharges apply in Economy, Premium, Business, and La Première cabins.
- Same-Day Changes: Same-day changes to an earlier or later flight are available for Flex, Premium Economy, Business, or La Première fares, subject to availability. A fee applies for lower fare classes, and the change must be made before departure.
- Name Changes: Full name changes or ticket transfers are not permitted. Minor corrections (up to three characters) for spelling errors or legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage or divorce) are allowed with supporting documentation, often free if requested within 24 hours of booking.
- Third-Party Bookings: Tickets booked through travel agencies or third-party platforms must be changed through the original booking source, and Air France’s policy may not fully apply.
- Time Restrictions: Changes must be made at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure, with the new itinerary maintaining the same origin and destination. Sequential use of flight segments is required; skipping a segment may result in additional fees or cancellation of remaining segments.
- Volunteer Flight Changes: Air France may offer passengers the option to change flights voluntarily to optimize schedules, providing refundable or non-refundable vouchers as incentives.
How to Change Your Flight
Online:
- Visit the Air France website or mobile app and navigate to the “My Bookings” section.
- Enter your booking reference and last name to retrieve your reservation.
- Select the flight to modify, choose a new flight, and review any fees or fare differences.
- Complete the payment process, if applicable, and receive confirmation via email.
Offline:
- Contact Air France’s Customer Service Center via phone or online for assistance.
- Visit an Air France ticket office or airport counter for in-person changes.
Special Circumstances
- Airline-Initiated Changes: If Air France cancels or delays a flight by three hours or more, passengers can rebook on another flight without fees or request a refund for unused segments. For EU/UK departures, EC 261/2004 regulations may provide additional compensation for delays or cancellations within the airline’s control, such as mechanical issues, unless caused by extraordinary circumstances like weather.
- Force Majeure: In cases of force majeure (e.g., serious illness or death), passengers may receive a credit note valid for one year for non-changeable tickets, provided they notify Air France promptly with proof.
- Medical or Bereavement: Fee waivers or refunds may be granted for medical emergencies or bereavement with appropriate documentation, subject to approval.
Additional Notes
- Non-Transferable Services: Extras like seat selection or baggage allowances may transfer to the new flight, but if unavailable, a refund may be requested.
- International Flights: Changes to international flights may involve additional taxes or restrictions based on destination-specific regulations.
- Flying Blue Award Tickets: Changes to award tickets incur a fee, except for top-tier Flying Blue members, and must be processed through customer service.
- Partner Airlines: For codeshare flights with partners like KLM or Delta, changes may need coordination with the operating carrier.
