As part of the gradual reopening of French borders and the lifting of certain travel restrictions, airlines are mobilized to allow customers to join their loved ones or go on vacation.
And if the Covid crisis has put transport on land, it has also profoundly changed the habits of passengers.
These now require flexibility and being able to book at the last minute.
While some companies get bogged down in their ways, others embrace change.
And it's not the low-cost who are leading the way!
Extended geographical scope, one rate and one piece of checked baggage
Air France for example, drawing lessons from this crisis, has just completely modified its three reduction cards: “Young”, “Senior” and “Weekend”. The French company wanted to make them easier to use. Until then, each card had its attributes, rules and prices. From now on, they will all be sold at a price of 49 € and will all give the right to free checked baggage of 23 kg.
Once the current period of leniency has ended (probably at the end of December 2021) when all Air France tickets are changeable and refundable without charge - which has gained market share for the national company against its competitors - the tickets purchased with one of the three cards will be refundable with a penalty of € 20 and modifiable with a penalty of € 10.
Another novelty is that the geographical scope of these three cards has been extended since it now applies to flights from France (and certain neighboring airports such as Geneva) to all the countries of the European Union, Armenia, Georgia, Russia, Turkey and North Africa.
Read also: Summer holidays: Air France launches a major offensive towards Spain and Portugal
A reduction of up to “up to 30%”
In terms of reduction, Air France says "
it can go up to 30%
".
Regis Duvignau / REUTERS
In addition, they allow you to accumulate
miles
based on the purchase price in euros, as well as XP for Flying Blue status: 5 for Europe and 2 for the mainland per trip.
In terms of reduction, Air France says "
it can go up to 30%
" explains Laurent Perrier, the sales director for France.
By our calculations, it is most often 25% of the standard fare, but can sometimes reach 35% on some mid-day flights.
A downside, however: the website of the company requires a real gymkhana to buy his ticket with a card ... And more aberrant, the process is not the same depending on whether you have a "Young", "Senior" or "Card". Weekend".
Finally, if your Flying Blue status is Silver, Gold or Platinum, these cards will only become really interesting from January 2020, (when the current period of leniency with all Air France tickets which are exchangeable and refundable) you will then be able to add up the advantages of their flexibility and those of your status.
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