Your Air France flight is delayed. You see the flight status online.
Imagine preparing for your Air France flight, only to discover it has been delayed. Should you head to the airport or wait at home? The duration of the delay can range from minutes to hours, leaving you uncertain about the best course of action. So, the question is, should you leave for the airport or not? It depends… But mostly the answer is quite simple.
In this blog post, we’ll explore key considerations for dealing with a delayed Air France flight.
Should You Wait or Proceed as Planned?
Where are you right now? At your home? Or at the airport?
1. You Are at the Gate, Waiting for Flight
If you find yourself at the gate, eagerly awaiting your flight, and receive the news that your departure has been delayed, the best course of action is to stay put. Remain at the gate, as updates regarding your flight status will be provided shortly
2. You Haven’t Gone Through Airport Security
If you’re still waiting to go through airport security and learn that your flight has been delayed, it’s best to stay where you are. Before proceeding through the security, make sure you check for any updates regarding the revised check-in time for your flight. If the check-in time has been delayed, it’s advisable to hold off on going through security for now.
Wait until there are additional updates before proceeding through security.
Have you checked in online? Even if you have completed online check-in, it’s recommended to wait. Refrain from proceeding until the designated check-in time begins.
3. You Are at Home or Hotel
What if you receive news of your flight delay while still at home or in your hotel?
First, check if the check-in time has been postponed. You can do this by contacting Air France or consulting the airport information desk. This step is crucial because if the check-in time has also been delayed, there is no need to rush to the airport immediately. However, if the check-in time remains unchanged, it is advisable to stick to your original schedule and proceed to the airport as planned, especially if you have to complete airport check-in and have checked baggage.
If the check-in is delayed, it’s best to stay at home or in your hotel.
If the check-in is not delayed, you should head to the airport according to your original plan.
How to Check Air France Flight Status Online?
If you’re wondering how to check your flight status online, here are a few methods you can use:
- Visit the website of the airport from where your flight is departing.
- Access the official website of Air France.
- Use flight trackers like Flightradar24.
It’s highly recommended to check your flight status before heading to the airport, especially for early morning flights. You don’t want to arrive at the airport at 5 am only to wait for several hours due to delays or cancellations. It’s better to get some rest at home.
Additionally, it’s important to check again just before leaving your home or hotel to ensure there are no unexpected changes.
Passengers typically become aware of flight delays through various channels, such as receiving SMS or email notifications, checking the flight status online, or being informed upon arrival at the airport or even at the gate.
What If You Are Going to Miss Connecting Flight?
If you have an Air France connecting flight, there’s no need to worry about missing your connection because you are protected.
In the event that you miss your connecting flight, Air France will arrange a new flight for you free of charge. You don’t have to search for a new flight on your own. Simply seek assistance from Air France staff at the airport, and they will help you with the necessary arrangements.
However, if you have a self-transfer flight, it becomes your responsibility to catch the connecting flight. If you happen to miss it, you will have to purchase a new flight at your own expense. However, depending on the circumstances, you may still be eligible for Air France flight delay compensation or flight cancellation compensation.
Right to Care at the Airport
As a passenger experiencing a flight delay or cancellation, you have specific entitlements to care benefits from Air France.
In accordance with regulations, if the delay lasts for a minimum of 3 hours during daytime hours, Air France is obligated to provide you with complimentary food and beverages. Additionally, they must offer two means of communication, such as phone calls, emails, or faxes, typically facilitated through vouchers.
If the delay extends into the next day, Air France is also required to provide free hotel accommodation, transportation to and from the airport, and one or two complimentary meals.
If you have not yet received these care benefits, be sure to contact Air France for immediate assistance.
Could You Be Entitled to Air France Flight Delay Compensation?
Indeed, you might be eligible for Air France flight delay compensation.
If your flight has experienced a delay exceeding three hours, or if it has been cancelled without at least 14 days’ prior notice, you could be entitled to compensation of up to 600 euros under EU law. This is unless the delay or cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances.
This right is applicable regardless of the ticket’s price or your nationality.
Remember to retain your boarding pass and other travel documents as you might need them when filing for compensation. If you require help with the claim process, there are services that can aid you in claiming your compensation from Air France – we can connect you with experts (you can use our compensation claim form to make a claim).
Can You Get Flight Delay Compensation in Case of an Air France Strike?
If your Air France flight is delayed or cancelled due to a strike, there are two scenarios – it’s either a strike by Air France’s staff or a different type of strike.
Generally, if the strike is initiated by airport staff, air traffic control, or it’s a labour strike that does not directly involve Air France, you will not be eligible for compensation. This is considered an extraordinary circumstance, and airlines are not usually held liable.
However, if the strike involves Air France’s own employees, the airline will most likely be obliged to compensate passengers. Always verify the specific circumstances surrounding your delay or cancellation, and cross-check what you are informed by the airline.
Read more: Air France Strike Compensation
Can You Get Delay Compensation in Case of Technical Problems with the Airplane?
Yes, if your Air France flight is delayed due to technical issues with the airplane, you may be entitled to flight delay compensation.
Typically, these issues are not seen as extraordinary circumstances.
However, there may be exceptions in certain cases, such as if the technical problems were caused by concealed manufacturing defects.
What is your experience with Air France flight delays? Have you ever experienced a flight delay with Air France? How did the airline resolve the situation?
Featured photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels