Does Air France Compensate for Delayed Flights?

Flight delays are frustrating, for starters! Missed connections. Wasted time at the airport & unexpected hotel stays! It can throw off your entire schedule. If you have of late experienced a delay with Air France, you’re probably wondering about your rights. This page by SkyTravelFly breaks down how Air France flight delay compensation works. And what steps you should take to claim it.

How much is Air France Compensation?

The amount Air France owes you relies on the distance of your flight and the total delay time at arrival. For flights delayed by more than three hours, you get something. This is what you would be entitled to under the EU Regulation 261/2004:

• €250 (around $270) for flights under 1,500 km
• €400 (around $430) for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km
• €600 (around $650) for flights over 3,500 km (This includes most Air France delay compensation policy international routes)

This rule applies whether you were flying within Europe or from Europe to another country. Or vice versa, as long as Air France operated the flight.

One important note: If the delay was due to “extraordinary circumstances”, Air France may not have to pay. These include: Severe weather, air traffic control issues, or political unrest. However, technical problems & operational issues typically do fall under compensable reasons.

If you’re unsure, the best step is to fill out the Air France delay compensation form online and let them review your case.

How to File the Air France Delay Compensation form online?

Filing your claim is simple but does require attention to detail.

Here’s how most passengers do it:

• Visit Air France’s official website.
• Navigate to their “Claims and Refunds” section.
• Look for the link specifically for Air France flight delay compensation.
• Fill in your flight details: Date, flight number, departure, and arrival airports.
• Provide your booking reference & contact details.
• Briefly describe your delay experience.

Make sure to keep your boarding pass and any email confirmations handy. You’ll also need to include your bank details if they approve your claim.

Many passengers recommend taking screenshots of flight tracking apps showing the delay duration. This can help strengthen your case.

What if the Delay was on an International Air France Route?

When your flight covers international destinations, Air France delay compensation policy international kicks in just like for domestic EU flights.

Here’s how it applies:

• Flights departing from the EU (regardless of destination): Covered.
• Flights arriving in the EU on an EU-based airline like Air France: Covered.

Example:

• Paris to New York: Eligible
• New York to Paris (on Air France): Eligible
• New York to Paris (on Delta, even if codeshared with Air France): Not covered under Air France’s responsibility

If your delay fits these conditions and lasted over three hours, you should definitely submit the Air France delay compensation form online.

How long does Air France take to Process Delay Compensation?

On average, it takes between 30 to 60 days for Air France to review and respond to your claim.

If you don’t hear back, reach them. Follow up via their customer service channels. Some travelers report faster resolutions when reaching out through social media platforms like Twitter.

What happens if Air France Rejects my Claim?

If Air France denies your request but you believe you’re eligible, you have two options:

• Reapply with more supporting documents.
• Contact a third-party claims agency that specializes in EU flight compensation cases.

There are several reputable agencies that work on a “no win, no fee” basis.

How much will Air France reimburse for delayed luggage?

Luggage delays WILL cause just as much inconvenience as flight delays! Under the Montreal Convention, Air France must compensate passengers for delayed baggage. This is up to a certain limit. This is how it works:

• Maximum reimbursement: Around €1,500 (approx $1,600) per passenger. It is for essentials like clothes, toiletries, & necessary purchases until your bag arrives.
• You will have to submit original receipts for anything you buy. As you are waiting for your luggage.
• To start the process, fill out the baggage claim form at the airport. It should be right after realizing your bag is missing.

Keep all communication from the airline. If your bag takes more than a few days to arrive, follow up with their baggage services team.

Tips for Quicker Air France Compensation

If you want to avoid delays in receiving your money:

• File the Air France delay compensation form online as soon as possible.
• Attach all documents: boarding passes, booking confirmation, and proof of delay.
• Keep records of all communications with Air France.

Also, double-check if your travel insurance offers extra coverage for delays. Some policies offer fixed payouts even if the airline also compensates you.

Final thoughts on Air France Flight Delay Compensation

Air France does compensate for delayed flights. But, as long as your case meets the official guidelines. Know your rights, track your delay time carefully & submit your claim without waiting too long.

For both flight delays and delayed luggage, there are set rules under EU law and international agreements. Filing the Air France delay compensation form online is the first step.

For more tips and updates on air travel rights, keep following SkyTravelFly.