Air France is one of the largest airlines in the EU, carrying over 100 million passengers in 2018 alone. With main hubs at both Paris-Orly and Paris-De Gaulle airports, Air France serves 195 destinations in 92 countries, including nearly 50 EU cities and 26 cities in North America. Air France operates around 30,000 flights per month, with an on-time performance rate of 78%, slightly above average.
You may have a higher chance of needing an Air France refund for canceled or delayed flights than with other airlines. It's essential to be aware of your rights for Air France compensation and other accommodations under EU 261. The European Union established these regulations in 2004 to protect passengers from long delays, cancellations, and overbookings.
While it's impossible to avoid cancellations and delays completely, EU 261 provides monetary relief to compensate passengers and motivate airlines to improve service. Knowing the Air France refund policy under this law can help you be prepared to make a claim.
Air France is headquartered in the EU, and most of its flights either depart from or land in the EU. This means that if you're seeking Air France compensation, you’ve already met one of the main criteria: whether your flight departs from, lands in, or is within the EU, you’re covered under EU 261.
| Flight Path | Airlines Covered by EU 261 |
|---|---|
| Takes off and lands within the EU | Both EU and non-EU airlines covered |
| Departs from the EU to a non-EU country | Both EU and non-EU airlines covered |
| Lands in the EU from outside the EU | Only EU airlines covered |
Additionally, your claim must meet the following criteria, whether for Air France delay compensation or a canceled flight:
You will also need to confirm that there were no 'extraordinary circumstances.' Airlines are not required to pay compensation for cancellations or delays caused by factors outside their control, such as:
However, there are many situations where you are entitled to an Air France refund and compensation under EU 261, including:
The idea behind EU 261 is to improve the flying experience in Europe by holding airlines accountable for avoidable delays and cancellations. If your flight delay or cancellation was preventable, you may be able to file an Air France compensation claim. Read on.
If your flight is delayed by three or more hours, you are eligible for Air France refunds under EU 261. The compensation amount depends on the length of your flight and the delay duration.
| Delay Length | Flight Length | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 3 hours or more | Less than 1,500 km | €250 |
| 3 hours or more | Between 1,500 km and 3,500 km | €400 |
| 3-4 hours | More than 3,500 km, between an EU and non-EU airport | €300 |
| 4 hours or more | More than 3,500 km, between an EU and non-EU airport | €600 |
Air France flight cancellation compensation is straightforward. If your flight was canceled with less than 14 days' notice for reasons within the airline’s control, you're eligible for compensation. The amount depends on the flight length:
| Flight Length | Amount Owed |
|---|---|
| More than 3,500 km | €600 |
| 1,500 km–3,500 km | €400 |
| Less than 1,500 km | €250 |
Regardless of the cancellation reason, passengers are always entitled to an Air France refund for the ticket price. You can also file for separate compensation if eligible under EU 261.
Overbooking occurs when airlines sell more tickets than available seats, expecting some passengers to not show up. If you’re bumped from a flight due to overbooking, you are entitled to compensation under EU 261.
However, if you're denied boarding for reasons like intoxication, illness, or lack of proper documents, you won’t be eligible for compensation.
Under EU 261, passengers have additional rights. For delays longer than five hours, you can opt for a refund instead of waiting for the next flight. If you wait for the next available flight, the airline must provide care (e.g., meals, accommodations). If you’re staying overnight, the airline must arrange a hotel and transport.
To file an Air France compensation claim, keep documentation of the delay or cancellation, such as your boarding pass and booking confirmation. Always ask for the reason for the delay in writing, and don’t assume the reason falls under extraordinary circumstances.
With TravelRefund, filing a claim is simple. Just make a claim on our website, and we’ll review it and get in touch within a few days.
To get compensation for a delayed flight, file a claim with TravelRefund on our website. We'll review your claim and get back to you in a few days.
Yes, Air France flights are covered under EU 261 if they depart from or land in the EU. Additional criteria may apply, such as the flight being delayed or canceled with less than 14 days' notice.
Compensation from Air France can range from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance and delay duration.