Air France/KLM

http://www.airfrance.us

Types of Travelers

Business Travlers

5/5

World-wide reach, good business class reputation, offers premium economy class

Family Traveler

3/5

Standard family-friendly services

Backpacker
Adventure Traveler

4/5

Good reach to adventure destinations from Europe.

Student
Budget Traveler

3/5

Decent fares, but there are often cheaper options

Elderly
Disabled Traveler

4/5

Standard accessibility

Long Term Traveler

4/5

Global reach

Novice Traveler

3/5

Mildly user-friendly

Introduction

Air France is one of Europe’s most recognizable airlines. It was founded in the 1930s after a merger of many of France’s fledgling airlines. The airline was one of the world’s most far-reaching, connecting France and Europe with France’s colonies throughout the world. It began trans-Atlantic service (Paris to New York) in 1946. It continued to grow through the years; not only being one of the first to offer trans-Atlantic flights, but being one of the first airlines to enter the jet age. In 2003, Air France merged with Dutch national carrier KLM. The airline also has a 25% stake in Alitalia, Italy’s largest carrier.

Most flights operate out of Paris (both De Gaulle and Orly). Air France is one of the world’s farthest reaching airlines, serving nearly 160 international destinations in 88 countries.

Ratings

Important Factors 3/5

Average Delay

22%

Cancelled Flights
(average per month)

1%, 3% on domestic routes, 5% on Paris to Marseilles route.

Customer Satisfaction Rating

4/5 from skytrax

Types of Aircraft

Airbus A318, A319, A320, A321, A330, A340, A380; Boeing 747, 777.

General 4/5

Number of Domestic Flights (Daily)

Number of International Flights (Daily)

188

Size of Fleet

250 (plus new orders)

Major Airports and Destinations Served

Paris Charles de Gaulle,

Location of Hub

Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, Lyon Saint Exupery

Countries Served

88 countries

Number of Routes

Most Popular Routes

Paris to Marseilles, Paris to London, Paris to Geneva, Paris to Nice, Paris to Madrid

In-Flight 4/5

Which Routes offer Meal Service?

Meals served on longer flights

Food Quality

Excellent

In-flight Menu

French cuisine

Average Leg Room

31-33 inches

Types of In-flight Entertainment

Movies, music, in-flight magazine

Baggage 4/5

Baggage Fees

None

Number of Bags Allowed

Weight Limits and Restrictions

50 lbs each

Web Site 4/5

Online Check-in

Yes

Web Site Usability

4/5

Special Needs 3/5

Handicap Accessibility

Standard Accessibility

Pets

Yes, with expensive tariffs

Special Offers /Partners 4/5

Airline Alliance Membership

SkyTeam

Hotel Partners

Flying Blue

Competing Airlines

British Airways, American, Delta, United, Lufthansa

Strengths

Huge reach
Regular service to popular destinations in Europe
Good trans-Atlantic service

Weaknesses

Delay prone on some flights, especially domestic ones
Not as cheap as low-cost-carriers in European market

Frequent Flier Program and Airport Lounges

Air France’s loyalty program is called Flying Blue. Miles can be earned on Air France and KLM flights and also on flights operated by other members of the SkyTeam alliance, as well as other airlines that are part of the Flying Blue program, including Air Europa. Miles also count towards frequent flier status. Air France operates lounges at its major destinations and allows passengers to enter other SkyTeam lounges when an Air Fracen lounge is not available. Fliers with high loyalty status can enter the lounges without premium class tickets.

Conclusion

Air France is a major airline in Europe and throughout the world. After merging with KLM, it has nearly global reach. This often makes it the airline of choice by default. For those flying to France (the world’s most popular tourist destination), it is the obvious choice. Its multiple classes (including premium economy) make it the best choice for fliers who are looking for a little something extra out of their in-flight experiences. For fliers headed to other members of the Francophonie, Air France is also one of the better choices.