You have a right to a new flight if Air France cancels your flight.
We’ve all been there. You’re at the airport, filled with anticipation for your journey, and suddenly, the dreaded announcement comes — your Air France flight has been cancelled. The ensuing chaos is often marked by confusion and irritation, particularly when the airline fails to provide alternative travel options.
Or if the offer or communication isn’t entirely clear.
But don’t lose hope. In this guide, we’ll assist you with the steps you can take if you find yourself in such a situation.
What Are Your Rights With Air France?
First and foremost, it’s important to be aware of your rights as a traveller.
In Europe, there is a Regulation EU261/2004. It protects passengers in instances of flight cancellations, delays, and denied boarding. If your flight is cancelled, Air France is legally required to provide you with an alternative flight to your final destination or a full refund.
But what happens if they fail to do either?
This is when you need to take control.
What to Do When Air France Cancels a Flight? Step by Step
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if your flight is cancelled.
Document Everything (Step 1)
When you experience a cancellation, it’s crucial to keep a record of all important details.
This documentation will assist you later in the process of seeking flight cancellation compensation.
Retain your boarding pass, along with any messages or emails related to the flight, and capture screenshots of the cancellation notice. All of this will act as proof in case you need to submit a claim.
Request Alternative Travel Options, i.e., a New Flight (Step 2)
Approach the Air France customer service desk promptly.
Politely yet assertively request that they book you on the next available flight, even if it means using a different airline. It is their responsibility to ensure you reach your destination as quickly as possible.
Remember that you also have a right to care while you are waiting for your flight at the airport. Airlines are obligated to provide care for passengers, which includes meals, refreshments, and accommodations (if necessary) until they can transport you to your destination.
This step is crucial. You must make an effort to have Air France find a resolution.
Only if this does not succeed should you move on to step 3.
Certainly, in all circumstances, it can be easier to “simply purchase a new flight.”
However – getting money from Air France later may prove to be far more challenging than negotiating for a better flight at the moment of the issue.
Book a New Flight Yourself (Step 3)
If all else fails – purchase a new flight yourself and then submit a claim to the airline.
If you have travel insurance that covers cancellations and changes, you can receive a refund from your travel insurance provider. Additionally, you may obtain a refund for flight cancellation from Air France, and in some cases, also a flight cancellation compensation (if the cancellation was due to the airline’s mistake and it occurred less than 14 days before departure).
Don’t forget – save all your receipts!
Seek Flight Compensation From Air France
Regardless of whether Air France provides a replacement flight or not, you may still be entitled to flight cancellation compensation – if the cancellation occurred less than 14 days before departure and was attributable to Air France’s fault.
Under the EU261/2004 regulation, you could claim as much as €600.
Steps to Claim Cancellation Compensation:
- Submit a complaint to Air France. Begin by filing a formal complaint with Air France’s customer service. Clearly outline your flight information and the events that transpired. Make sure to include all necessary documentation, like your boarding pass and a copy of your passport or ID.
- Engage with a flight compensation agency. If Air France is unresponsive or rejects your claim without a valid reason, consider partnering with a flight compensation service. These companies focus on resolving such disputes and can greatly enhance your chances of receiving compensation. Use our form, and we will direct your claim to one of the top agencies in this field.
- Take the next steps. If the airline continues to deny you compensation, proceed to escalate the issue to the National Enforcement Body (NEB) which supervises airline regulations in the nation where the flight disruption took place.
While a flight cancellation is understandably a frustrating situation, understanding your rights and the appropriate measures to take can help you. Air France, like all carriers, has responsibilities towards its customers. If they do not fulfil these responsibilities, you are fully entitled to seek assistance.
The more passengers stand up for their rights, the better and easier it will become for everyone in the future – we hold the power to ensure that airlines adhere to the regulations.
Read more: Will Air France Provide Alternative Travel Options If They Cancel a Flight?