Book cheap flights with Air France

Tickets / About the Airline

Air France is one of Europe's largest and oldest airlines, founded in 1933 and now the flagship carrier of France. Based in Paris with major hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris-Orly, Air France operates an extensive network spanning over 200 destinations across six continents. The airline maintains a modern fleet of approximately 200 aircraft, including Boeing 777s and 787 Dreamliners for long-haul flights, and Airbus A220s and A320 family jets for European and medium-range routes. As a full-service carrier, Air France offers multiple fare classes with comprehensive amenities, ranging from Economy to Business Class, and is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance.

Air France is renowned for connecting Europe with destinations throughout Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and North America, with particularly strong service to former French territories and major business hubs like Tokyo, New York, and Shanghai. The airline emphasizes premium service on long-haul routes and maintains competitive schedules on European city pairs. Whether you're traveling for leisure or business, Air France combines traditional French hospitality with modern aircraft and established loyalty programs through its Flying Blue frequent-flyer scheme.

Check-in

Air France offers flexible check-in options to suit your travel needs. Passengers can check in online 24 hours before departure via the Air France website or mobile app, which is the fastest way to secure your boarding pass. For those preferring airport check-in, counters open typically 2-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before European flights. The airline also provides self-service kiosks at major airports where you can print your boarding pass and check baggage without queuing at traditional counters, streamlining the process during busy travel periods.

Mobile boarding passes are accepted on all Air France flights, and passengers with only carry-on luggage can proceed directly to the gate after security screening. For frequent travelers and premium passengers, Air France offers dedicated check-in counters and priority lanes at Paris hubs and other major airports. It's recommended to check in at least 3 hours before long-haul departures to ensure smooth processing, especially during peak travel seasons.

Seats

Air France allows all passengers to select seats during booking or check-in at no extra charge for standard economy seats. However, preferred seats—such as extra-legroom economy, front-cabin locations, or seats with better amenities—are available for an additional fee, typically ranging from €10 to €50 depending on the route and seat position. Families traveling with children can often select seats together at no charge when booking, and Air France provides free seat reservations for passengers with reduced mobility and their companions.

On long-haul flights, Business Class passengers enjoy direct aisle access, lie-flat beds, and premium seating zones. Air France's seat maps are accessible online, allowing you to preview cabin layouts before purchase and make informed selections. Passengers in premium cabins receive priority seat selection, while SkyTeam elite members enjoy additional seat upgrade benefits and access to preferred seating depending on their membership tier.

Fares & Baggage

Air France offers three main economy fare types: Basic Economy (most budget-friendly, limited changes), Flex (allows free changes and cancellations), and Premium Economy (enhanced comfort with extra legroom). Each tier includes different baggage allowances and amenities. In Basic Economy, passengers receive one carry-on bag and personal item; checked baggage incurs a fee. Flex and higher fares typically include one free checked bag (23 kg / 50 lbs) for European routes and two free checked bags (23 kg each) for intercontinental flights.

Business Class passengers enjoy generous allowances: two checked bags of 32 kg each (70 lbs) plus unlimited carry-on privileges. Hand baggage on all flights is limited to 55 x 35 x 25 cm (dimensions vary slightly by cabin). Excess baggage fees apply beyond included allowances, typically €20-50 per additional bag depending on route. Special items such as sports equipment, musical instruments, and mobility devices may have specific requirements—it's advisable to declare these during booking. Frequent flyers with SkyTeam elite status or Flying Blue premium members may receive complimentary baggage upgrades and fee waivers.