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Air France Reviews

miami United States of America
Lost luggage and then denied expenses incurred
May 15, 2011 05:52 AM 15038 Views

Air France has terrible customer service in every department of their business. The check-in attendant wouldn't allow me to take my second suitcase as a carry on because she said it was too big, although she allowed the customer just before me to carry on a suitcase larger than mine. As it was the second bag checked, I had to pay a $55 fee.


When I arrived in Paris, I learned that they lost the bag that I paid $55 that I had been forced to check. As my warm clothes were all in that suitcase, (and it was below freezing when I arrived in Paris), the lost-baggage attendant explained that Air France would reimburse me 100 euros for any immediate expenses incurred as a result of my lost baggage.


She gave me all the information to file the reimbursement claim including the phone number, the address, and the forms to fill out. She specifically said that I had to file in the U.S. since my flight originated in the U.S., and that I could do this when I arrived back in the States in three and a half weeks. Air France phoned later that day to say they found my luggage (they simply did not load it onto my flight) and that I could collect it at the CDG airport at 10:30 AM the following day.


That evening, I purchased a jacket and some gloves for the cold. The next morning at 10:30 AM, I reported as I was instructed to a specific security door and use a telephone located outside the door to gain access to the baggage claim area; however, no one answered the telephone. I spent an hour and a half walking around the airport trying to find someone from Air France who could help, but every Air France employee said they did not know how to help. I returned to the phone, and called incessantly for about 3 minutes, at which time someone answered and opened the door. When I finally got in to the lost luggage claim area, I approached the clerk at the desk. As I was in a desperate rush to collect my baggage before I missed my train, I got straight to the point and told him why I was there. He stared at me and did not respond. I asked him if there was a problem, and he said he was not going to help me until I said "Hello" to him. I told him I was not trying to be rude, I was just in a very big hurry to get my luggage that they had lost and get to my train that was about to leave in fifteen minutes (a 75 euro non-refundable ticket). He folded his hands and said he would not help me until I said "Hello". As I did not have time to play games, I left the counter and went to where I saw several bags sitting to see if mine was there. It was, so I collected it, and left running to catch my train.


When I arrived back in the states, I phoned the costumer service number to ask questions about the items I had to submit, but the phone number was completely automated. There was an option to press zero to speak to a representative, but when you pressed zero, the phone call ended. I tried calling several times. Unable to get ahold of anyone, I mailed Air France the paperwork I thought was necessary. After waiting 9 weeks, I received a letter from Air France saying they cannot reimburse me because I did not file my paperwork within 21 days of them losing my luggage. Absolutely no where on the paperwork given to me by the baggage claim attendant did it have specified that I had only 21 days to file, and the attendant specifically said I could do it when I returned to the States in three and a half weeks. I even called the customer service line, and no where on there does it state a time limit. Air France does mention this 21-day rule on their website, but I didn't check their website to see if the information given to me on the paperwork, on the customer service line, and by the flight attendant was correct.


Air France is a company with no regard for the customer. They feel it necessary to create loop holes for themselves so they can evade their responsibilities of the reimbursing customers for AF mistakes.


Mumbai India
Discourteous Services of Air France flight from Ba
Oct 20, 2010 06:13 PM 16679 Views

*Ref: e-Ticket Receipt – 0571602894932


Air France confirmation No. ZFJ2NR


Flt from Barcelona- CDG Paris- Mumbai



*Date of Journey – 10/10/2010



*Sub: Discourteous Services of Air France flight from Barcelona – Paris - Mumbai



I was traveling by Air France flight as per the above given details and there were 3 other Indian passengers on the same flight, with the same connection from Barcelona to Mumbai.


We traveled from Barcelona to CDG Paris by flight AF 2149 dep from Barcelona at 0740 and arrival at 0935 CDG. As per the timings given by the Air France ground staff( so called Customer Service) the flight landed at 0926 hrs. The flight had landed at a remote parking bay and we were taken to the terminal 2 F by bus.


From terminal 2 F, we had to go to terminal 2 C for boarding our connecting flight AF 218. We had reported to the immigration(passport) and Security queue at 0946 hrs. The time was again confirmed by the ground staff as has been recorded in their computer system.


We repeatedly requested the security to take us ahead of the long queue as we may miss boarding but were asked to remain in the queue. The security told us since we have boarding pass the airline will take us. I understand that the Airlines have their own personnel at the security who take the passengers out of turn and ensure that they board the flight. Our names were also not announced by the Air France ground staff for the Final boarding call. There are some 6 -8 flights from terminal 2C during the period of 0940 to 1100 hrs. The queue was long and only 1 counter for ALL passports and 1 counter for EU special etc. was open. After clearing the immigration, we reached the boarding gate C 87 at 1048 hrs and the flight was there and a old lady passenger was even walking towards the Air craft for boarding.( Flight time is 1050 hrs)


We were pushed away from the gate 2C and were escorted to the customer service stating that we were late and will now be boarded in the next available flight. We were told to cooperate and our baggage will be removed from the flight etc. We even requested that it will take more time to identify and remove our bags and they should rather board us. All our requests were in vain. The customer service officer was very rude and arrogant to us for no fault of ours and were told that Barcelona flight landed on time and two passengers have checked in(must be surely holding a EU or Special passport where queue was not so long). As we were late, the Air France Airline is obliging us by putting us on the next available flight, since we were VOYAGER(Economy) ticket holders.


We even asked for a certificate that they are not boarding us in the flight for no fault of ours, but it was denied and were warned to keep quiet or they will not even oblige us by giving the next day’s flight. We asked him to put us on the Emirates flight where 6 tickets were available but he bluntly refused to do so. We requested him to allow us to meet the manager, but were told he was not available at the moment and we should wait for him. After doing a lot of Drama, he gave us our boarding passes for the flight on the Next day 11/10/2010. We then requested him for the food etc coupons, but were bluntly refused, again stating for VOYAGER passengers, he is obliging by giving next day’s tickets and to go and spend the day at the terminal 2C near the gates.


In the afternoon when the manager came in we requested him to help us by sending us by Emirates flight but he was even more arrogant and rude than earlier officer and refused. We asked him to at least accommodate us in the Air France lounge since we were holding a single entry Visa and could not go out. He bluntly refused for that too. We checked with the Emirates ground staff where tickets were available and she would arrange for payment, boarding pass and check in if Air France gave our luggage to them.


We again requested the Air France manager to get our bags and hand over the same to Emirates, but he refused to do so. He said we have to go and get our bags ourselves and his staff cannot do so. We told him that we are paying for the Emirates ticket and he should at least hand over our bags to them and help us since we cannot go out of this area(Visa Restrictions). He had some how made up his mind to harass us INDIANS. and was not ready to co-operate in anyway what so ever.


Why does Air France issue such connections tickets which a Voyager(economy) passenger from India cannot catch the connecting flight? Is it not the responsibility of the Airline to ensure that the passengers catch the connecting flight for which they have issued the ticket?


What are our rights as an economy passenger?


Does the Airline offer food, stay, etc. to such passenger?


What is the Airline supposed to do in such cases and what the passenger should do?



Why were we(Indians) ill-treated by the ground staff of Air France?



I have lodged a complaint with AirFrance on their web site the only reply I got till date is they are investigating and will reply shortly. I do not know when is shortly .



Mumbai India
In Affaires
Mar 13, 2010 05:13 PM 17764 Views

Earlier this month I flew AirFrance from BOM to CDG. I arrived at midnight for a 0240 flight. The Affaires line at checkin was nearly empty - One passenger at the counter. The check-in was simple and quick, as I had selected my seat in advance, and had no baggage to check. It took about another 30 minutes for immigration and security check. I seated myself at the Clipper Lounge, poured myself a large drink, and sampled the last of my Indian snacks a.k.a samosas, alu tikkis, and pudina+butter sandwiches.


At 2 AM, AF ground crew came to the lounge and announced the boarding for AF217. It was an Airbus today; I settled in my window seat, the flight attendant came and took my coat. Next came Fuchon cheese cracker and choice of Champagne, mimosa or juice. The Affair-es class was sparse, which is not too surprising given the global economy is still bad.


I got my hot towelette, and a refill of my drink. The flight took off 4 minutes before schedule as all passengers were on board. By the time it was at the cruising altitude of 10, 000 ft it was nearly 3 AM. Not in a mood for any thing heavy for meal, I ordered fruit and cheese plate, and a glass of port. After I finished the port, I hit the sleep button, stretch my seat to 165 angle and off to sleep.


I got about 5-5-1/2 hours of snooze, woke up, and was served hot towelette. Brushed my teeth, shaved  and freshened up. Breakfast was croissant, fruits, I opted for cereals instead of eggs. Juice and coffee.


The flight landed 10 minutes early and was at the gate by 745AM. CDG is a garangutan airport. Since I had no checked baggage, made my way to the immigrations, the lady behind the glass was half-awake, took one look at the passport and returned it back.


With 4 minutes to spare, I ran to take the AF bus to Arch de Triomphe. Bad traffic snared us outside Périphérique on A1.


Stepped out on a cold morning with sub-freezing temperatures and rushed  down to the metro.


YOUR RATING ON

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Manchester United Kingdom
Lost our bags and very poor service
Dec 31, 2009 04:01 AM 12939 Views

We flew from Manchester to Bordeaux via Paris CDG on 26th December. On arrival at Manchester Airport we checked in through the automated check-in terminals but then we had to queue for 1hour 30 mins just to drop off our luggage at the self drop off desk. Half way through our wait, We were told by a member of staff that we could use the luggage drop off desk for internet check-in, so we left the queue to do so...


Then later we had our doubts we weren't queueing in the right place and we checked again with the same Air France member of staff who then confirmed that we were in the wrong queue - despite telling us that we could use that lane moments earlier! So we had to rejoin the original queue. At the baggage dropoff there were only 2 members of desk staff for 100s of passengers.


We arrived in Bordeaux at 11.40am on 26th Dec to find that one suitcase was still in Paris and the the other was lost . We were told that once the lost case had been located it would be delivered to our destination address along with the delayed case. Later that day (26th) we awaited a phone call to update us... And waited...and waited. NOTHING


Today is the 27th and we had to phone them this morning to find out why we had still not received the delayed bag and to see if they had located the lost one. The woman said that there was good news ! and promptly told my wife that one bag was delayed but found and the other was still lost??? "I know that this is the situation already" said my wife. "Oh ?" said the Air France woman.

"Will the located bag be delivered today ?" "No, Tomorrow" was the reply...The delayed suitcase is set to be delivered on the 28th Dec in the morning (some 48hrs late). We have had to buy underwear, a replacement shaver, and personal hygene products and are still wearing the same clothes as we flew in ! Air France have said that we are entitled to €100 per person for necessary items which we thought was generous initially, but we soon found out that we quickly reached that amount by only buying essential items to make it to the next day (contact lense solution is €13). Also we have spent our own money so far and have yet to have the claim approved/ verified, so it could be a long wait.

The other case is still lost and it contains(ed) Christmas Presents for our friends and family in France who we only see twice a year. The lost case also contained my wifes brand new trainers bought for her as a Christmas present from me All my Wifes makeup and clothes, most of the clothes were new and received as presents for Christmas! 

For a flight costing £278 per person, this is not the level of service expected.


Overall, I would never ever fly with Air France if given the choice, but unfortunately, they are the only option to visit our family in Bordeaux at Christmas time, as the other BETTER airlines do not fly at this time of year.


AIR FRANCE ARE POORLY ORGANISED, INEFFICIENT, RUDE and DONT CO-OPERATE PROPERLY WHEN PROBLEMS ARISE.

UPDATE 1


Received our delayed bag on 28th at 11.30am (48 hours after our arrival in France). We checked the AF site online today (30th) and found that our lost bag had been found but we never got a call to tell us ? We called Air France and they said that Air France apparently phoned us this morning ????? at 8.50 am ??? We got no missed calls on either of our mobiles and the house phone DID NOT ring. This morning as there were 3 of us in the house. They were clearly lying. We fly home to the UK tomorrow 31st Dec (with Air France) and they told us they would deliver the luggage that day... But we fly home at 4 pm we said, so we risk to have our luggage delivered once we ave reached the airport. The man on the phone was extremely arrogant (no surprise there, being French and working for AF !) and said that it was our fault for not answering "the call" this morning ! - repeatedly calling my Wife (who is frenchand not arrogant) Madam but in a "I am in control of the situation and you are nothing" kinda way.


After much gabbling, they informed us that the driver was going to ring us before 10pm to let us know whether the bag would be delivered tonight before 10pm or whether they would keep the luggage at the airport tomorrow for us to collect. Guess what, we didn't get a call from the driver yet so we are none the wiser. I don't dare ring the bagage services again as they told me, when I last ring to ask why I had received no call ye, that it was now nothing to do with them anymore. They had passed the info to the driver and that was their job. They was nothing more they could do. But as a client, I consider the luggage service and the drivers are all working for Air France and that they shoulld work together better.

UPDATE 2

Well Surprise Surprise.... Its Almost 10 pm 30th Dec and No luggage has arrived. No Phone call from anyone at Air France.

No Contact whatsoever. I emailed the customer service department 3 days ago and they have not replied to me either.


AIR FRANCE ARE TOTALLY INCOMPETENT WITH NO CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS WHATSOEVER.


We Fly home tomorrow with one case and then need to fly out to Italy 2 days later... When are we going to see our missing suitcase again ?


AIR FRANCE ARE USELESS BEYOND COMPREHENSION


Racial, abusive and extremly rude - Air France Way
Dec 29, 2009 07:02 PM 14915 Views

Started a new blog, inspired by an unfortunate incident on a recent Air France flight. https://proud2bebrown. blogspot.com/ .


A simple meal mess up inspite of it being a part of my booking got me a shocking response and drove home the reality that Air France crew don’t care about politeness / courtesy when it comes to Indian / Asian / Brown customers - even when they are flying them HOME!


I was refused bread on the first meal service on a 10 HR flight, they fist missed my meal request and a request for some bread and butter got their staff telling me that - "I had been served what I deserved".   The staff on AF are one of the rudest crew I have encountered in my 30 years of flying! Never again will I step foot into an AF flight! This was my fourth flight on AF/KLM in Dec 09.(FLIGHT AF 192, Paris - Bangalore, Dec 24th)


Most horrible experience that I can never forget
Nov 23, 2009 12:35 AM 15271 Views

I must first apologize before writing anything about this airliner. Because it is late. Almost 18 months late. I am responding late, because I am not very IT savvy and not aware of a forum where I can share my experience, to save others from such consequences. I travel minimum four to five times a year on short trips to US for various business activities.


And I travel most aggressively with in United States, as long as I stay there. I travelled almost all transatlantic airlines including Lufthansa, KLM, British Airways, Air India, Emirates, Northwest from India. Flying by Air France was purely my fault. For once, I thought I should once use online booking to check cheapest fares and avoid going thru the travel agent. That is how, I found Air France. Booking in Air France from Bangalore to Atlanta is the worst thing I have ever done. I wish to narrate the actual experience.


On my return to Bangalore from Atlanta, our flight to Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport was delayed exactly for 7 (Seven) minutes. It is absolutely negligible for all practical purposes. I had presence of mind to inform the in-flight crew that, we have only 75 minutes to change planes and requested for all Indians flying to Bangalore to be shifted in separate vehicle instead of using the regular bus. After multiple requests for confirmation of such option, in-flight crew confirmed that, we will be assisted to change flights without any problem. When we landed, we had no such facility. We had to get into the bus along with other travelers. We have to catch our connecting flight from terminal one. It is an atrocious experience to find that, driver of the bus gets down after driving from terminal four to three and gets out declaring that his shift is over. We have to wait for more than 10 minutes for other driver. And when we reached terminal one, despite of request to the security staff that, we are getting delayed, they had no mercy in expediting clearing our security procedure. Worst thing is that, other western passport holders who are flying in the same flight had different treatment to get cleared security procedures immediately. Finally, when we reached the gate, we are denied boarding. Simple reason, we are late and gate will be closed 30 minutes before. No arguments and discussions are entertained.


We are eight Indians. Among us we had one elderly lady who was 68 year old. We desperately wanted some help. One staff member of Air France walks to us with lot of commitment to help us. She offers us to resolve the issue in the Air France customer support. She manages to take us out of international terminal one to outside customer support center with promise to organize transit visa and a lounge to stay. Despite of the fact that, we all had feel of being cheated and frustrated with the way things were happening, we blindly walked behind the staff member who offered “Help”. When we reached counter and waited in the queue for more than hour, customer center offered us boarding pass for next day flight and denied to offer support to get transit visa. We were asked to follow security personal who were asked to show us a place to stay for next 24 hours. Security personal make us walk for close to a kilometer. We were left  in one of the old terminals (which is not operational either for domestic or international flights). We were all with very little hand baggage without necessary clothing to resist cold temperature. It is middle of February. Unlike terminal one that had carpet, place where we stayed had granite flooring and no heating. Eight of us, without having a clue how to spend next 24 hours without even having proper lighting, food and drinking water from the wash basin in the rest room had to keep praying God. I am the only guy to have international roaming. Everybody was dependent on me to inform their families back home. Frustration was so much that I was continuously calling Air France customer care India and US and my friends to find out if I can get in touch with Indian Consulate. Nothing helped us to get minimum possible support. Air France did not even treated us like dogs. Insult is that every hour cops with Sniffer dogs come to check our documents, open our baggage and dogs sniff all our belongings. We have to answer the cops why we have to stay in that terminal. They treated us like illegal immigrants from Somalia or Congo.


This was truly and clearly a racial abuse. No other westerner, who also missed the flight was subjected to this harassment. I really wanted to fight. Next day, I have given written complaint to Airport Authorities. I demanded acknowledgement. I made all the eight of us to sign the strong protest letter with the addresses. I got the acknowledgement of my written complaint. When we landed in Bangalore Airport, our baggage never made it. We got our baggage after three days.


My nightmare was still not over. I have used all my contacts to reach media. I personally met reporters of Times of India and Deccan Herald so that I can bring coverage to such inhuman and racial practices. I was shocked when Times of India reporter told me that, they will not publish our experience despite of producing the acknowledgement of our complaint to Air France and statement from eight of us. Reason, they lose heavy advertisement revenue. It is an eye opener to see how rude and money minded so called responsible media and press. Whatever I read about spineless Indian Media during Emergency period, I could understand there is no exaggeration. I have not forgotten till date the worst nightmare of my life time. We are not only racially discriminated, abused, harassed but we are denied justice from our own Indian Government and media. I completely stopped flying any European airliners from that day.


Decent experience with Air France
May 31, 2009 07:59 PM 13822 Views

Booking, Boarding etc. - We used Air France for travel to Europe from Bangalore (Economy Class) . Main reason we chose Air France was due to fare being quite competitive ( http://www.airfrance.com) . Checkin process was quick at Bangalore airport . Boarding process was also managed well with kids, old folks getting a chance to board before others.


This is typically rare at most Indian airports Journey, On board service -- . Food quality wasn't too bad, but it was not comparable to Singapore airlines . Flight attendants were quite polite and cordial . In flight entertainment system had average Movie selection . Very few Hindi movies were available . Flight arrival in Paris was a bit late .


It took long time to clear immigration before we could board connecting flight. Attitude of immigration officers was also quite rude and they seemed to behave worse with non Euro travellers. However this was perhaps something for which I would not blame Air France. Overall experience - . Overall Air France managed to exceed expectations I had from a Europian airline . I would rate it higher than British Airlines and perhaps on the same level as Lufthansa Airlines . I would recommend air france to anyone who needs to travel to destinations in Europe but not for onward journet to US


Air France Experience
May 29, 2009 08:30 PM 12484 Views

I was a AF Flying Blue Silver last year; That means I flied atleast 15 flights with them in a year. But I should say there were some not so tolerable shortcomings. Food is good-enough. Am ok with Inflight attendants; Am also ok with Check-in experience. I should say that baggage handling definitely needs improvement. My luggages were delayed couple of times.


But they eventualy will be hand delivered even if you live far from international airport. The most intolerable area is the airport - CDG; You cannot escale special treatment at CDG if you fly Air France. From a facility point of view or congestion point of view, there are no issues. The issue comes when you have to deal with ground staff; They just dont like Asians, if not Indians. Pretend they dont know English. And the tone of their language, even if they reply in French, lets you know that they dont like answering. Or in worst case gives you an impresssion that they are swearing.


They are not easy to deal with. And for them, we are a burden. Unlike Air France which likes to have your business, the airport authority doesnt care for your visit, it seems. They need to improve on their punctualness; I am benchmarking AF with Lufthansa, and am now a StarAlliance silver as of now, but working to become a Gold soon. Lufthansa is punctual, and also I have not had a bad experience in Frankfurt or Munich yet. The real color shows up when you have a crisis. And I guess I have not faced a problem in Germany so far during transits. Maybe they will be rude as well. But they let problems arise very rarely.


But Air France are not so careful. Methinks there are always some shortcomings or atleast perceived shortcomings with every airlines. Reports of recent incident on May 25 in CDG and on 12th May just confirms my view on Air France. In a crisis, their attitude just gets magnified. How can they dare keep 10s and 10s of people waiting in waiting areas for like 10-12 hours? Why cant they have a policy to give temporary transit visas and put them in a hotel at AF's expense. Why cant they, when other foreigners are offered better treatment. Can they subject a American or Canadian this way? In the worst case, they should have dormitories or rooms in restricted areas in the airport like the one in Zurich, Switzerland. Or convert a plane to a sort of dormitory and let people sleep there, like in Stockholm, Sweden. They need to make sure there are no more negative publicity or in these times of economic crisis, AF may be wiped off from the mind of Indian consumers. I, for one, has moved out already. And am flying Lufthansa these days!!


My experience with Air France in Dec 2008
Dec 07, 2008 11:40 AM 13088 Views

I recently travelled from Mumbai-Paris-San Francisco via Air France. My overall experience has been very good compared to the last couple on Air India or Northwest or even BA, for that matter. I cannot comment on the booking ease since my agent did it but the online checkin was quite messy with their asking for different information that was not, at first sight, easily locatable on the ticket.


We were a little delayed in Mumbai and the Air France gate is unfortunately one shared by multiple airlines. Thus there were no staff to inform us of the delay at Gate 4. But when they eventually did arrive, they took absolute control and kept us informed that the flight was about half hour late.


Boarding was quite comfortable but perhaps so because the flight was not 100% full. They announced a particular sequence but abandoned it as soon as they had boarded the first few passengers!


Overhead cabin space was good and the in-flight staff was very helpful in getting everyone settle their baggage in. Infact, the staff was perhaps the best part of the flight - very helpful despite their limited control over English, very prompt and orderly. After all had been seated and we took off, the first thing they did was to tag seats with a sort-of lable that I later realized was indicative of who had asked for special meals. This simple activity made it easier for them to serve the right stuff.


Food was good - especially getting good Veg on the Paris-Frisco leg was not expected. But it was better than that served by Air India.


All in all, a great experience and will look at flying back on this airline.


Bengaluru India
Online e ticketing Issues
Jun 02, 2008 03:27 PM 12558 Views

http://www.airfrance.in site really sucks, I call it sucks bcoz of the items below.




  1. It does not allow u to buy tickets using two credit cards. So do check ur Credit Card Limit b4 u go ahead filling in all long forms.




  2. This sites really doesnt works if using IF-7 . The problem I faced is while booking tickets for two is it doesn't not allow me to choose the seats for two of them , this a bug in IE-7 , differenr seats






selection  is not possing and if u choose for one and dont for another it gives error.


3.After booking any changes u want to make for ur return or forward journey they charge u a penality of 3000 Rs INR(15-20% of Basic Flight charges) . what so ever .




  1. There is a provision for u to change the flight timings online on the site but that is really of no use. Trust me, after even u update the new flight details it shows the old one.




  2. Never ever book the tickets on week ends because the Customer care is open only from 9.00-6.00 Monday- Friday.




  3. U also cannot use the credit cards issued in US in this site. I dont know why is this if I am a traveller from US and plan to purchase a ticket in India.




New York United States of America
Nightmare experience
Dec 14, 2007 10:21 PM 15154 Views

This was quite honestly the worst experience I've ever had flying international.  Last summer, I booked Air France on the JFK-Paris-Mumbai route(roundtrip) as some friends had recommended it.  What a mistake!  To start, check-in was fine.  The problems began when the aircraft was ready to leave JFK.  We sat on the runway for 2 1/2 hours due to "weather problems in the New York area".  Surprisingly, this did not appear to impact Lufthansa, Virgin and American flights - all of which pushed back from their parking bays and took off in front of us!  Makes you wonder as to the competence/incompetence of the Air France pilots, huh?  Then we were told that due to the late departure, those of us with connecting flights in Paris would miss all our connections.  You can imagine how we felt!  Landing in Paris, I was relieved to find that the Mumbai flight had not yet left, only to be less relieved on hearing the aircraft was delayed for "technical reasons!"  Outside the departure gate, the arrangements were terrible, not enough seating(it was a full flight) and no food or water provided for passengers despite this being a much delayed flight.  Finally, we took off more than 4 hours late and reached Mumbai 4 hours late.  My journey's end is Mumbai but I felt sorry for the passengers who had onward connections as most if not all of them missed the connections.


Coming back, it gets worse.  On the night I was leaving(Saturday), I checked online for the status of the incoming flight from Paris(it turns around and goes back from Mumbai) and became alarmed when it kept showing "aircraft delayed due to technical reasons" - sound familiar?  I tried calling AIr France's numbers, but no one answered.  Finally, after 2 hours, I got through to their airport number(by that I mean that someone actually answered!) and was told that the incoming flight had departed Paris for Mumbai but was then sent back to Paris for "technical reasons".  So that night's Mumbai-Paris flight was cancelled, and no, they could not help me get a booking on tomorrow night's flight, that would be handled by reservations!  Only one problem - the next day was Sunday and the reservations department in Mumbai was shut!  Early Sunday morning, I called Air France in Paris and thankfully got through to someone who helped me get a confirmed booking on Sunday night's flight.  Of course, I had to call work and leave messages as to why I could not return to the office on Monday as scheduled but would have to delay to Tuesday.


To come to Sunday night's flight - that was miserable as well.  Not only was it full(overflow from Saturday night) but also left Mumbai 2 hours late due to "technical reasons", I am not kidding!  The attitude of the Air France personnel in Mumbai leaves a lot to be desired - very unhelpful and behaving in general as if any problems are the fault of the passengers.  Reaching Paris late, I made the JFK flight with all of 10 minutes to spare.  Of course, on landing at JFK, I was told that my bags did not make it - perfect!  I was told to go home and they would arrive on a later flight that day and would be sent home.  I was also told that since I use TSA-approved locks, no damage would be done to the bags when they were opened by customs(standard procedure for unaccompanied baggage).  Well, the bags finally reached home at midnight, and although no damage was done to the bags, I was dismayed to see that my locks were all missing!  That just capped off a truly miserable experience all around.


I was so upset by the whole experience that for the first time in my life, I sent a letter of complaint to Air France in both New York and Mumbai.  I got a letter a month later apologizing for the experience with a$100 voucher for future Air France travel(needless to say, that got tossed!)  I would honestly say to avoid this airline, they appear to have aging aircraft with a lot of technical hassles, and very poor customer service in Mumbai(no one to answer the phone, no effort to re-book passengers, and snotty attitude to boot).  You are better off going with other airlines, this was just the experience from hell.


Stay Away! You have been warned...
Dec 10, 2007 12:39 PM 9623 Views

My mother traveled from MAA (Chennai, India) to WAW (Warsaw, Poland) on July 27, 2006 via CDG (Paris, France). She flew Delta Airlines (on code share with Air France)


from MAA to CDG. From CDG she was to take AF 2346 (departing at


12:35PM); however, that flight was cancelled and she was re-routed on


AF 1246 (departing at 06:40PM) - delaying her by 6 hours and 5 minutes.


She was given a voucher for food and drink, and NOTHING ELSE!!!


No compensation for her having to spend 6 hours in a foreign airport terminal, in the hands of what appears to be a callous and uncaring airline, in an atmosphere of uncertainty.


I would urge would be travelers to steer clear of his airline. I have been in regular touch with the airline and have corresponded with their Warsaw and India offices) complained to the French Director General of Avaiation and the Air Transport Users Council with little luck so far. However I havent given up yet.


Safe & Excellent Service Oriented Airline
Oct 12, 2007 10:39 PM 9003 Views

Last November, I had three available airline options, British Airways, Air India and Air France. I selected Air France, and I am glad that is was not a mistake! And this was going to be my first international flight to US.


Mumbai - Paris - Houston (Texas, USA) flight (the new AIRBUS)with a 3 hrs stoppage in Paris. The Air Hostesses are extremely sweet and courteous in providing service. The only problem is language (since all the staff is French, at times they find a bit difficult to understand English). Otherwise, I think its good from all perspective. One more thing to add on is if you are a Vegeterian, they will take care of serving you with some traditional Indian Vegeterian dishes. But it is always good to have some surplus Indian vegetarian packed food with you, especially if you are Indian and that too a vegetarian!


The three hours break in Paris Airport is also very soothing and the transportation from one terminal to another is provided efficiently.


I would recommend anyone who is travelling from Mumbai to Houston (Texas, USA), to select this India-Paris-Houston (Texas, USA) flight.


Have a good day, and take care!


Funny experience
Aug 14, 2007 10:19 AM 6737 Views

I had traveled via Air France from New Delhi to Paris, my first international flight back in Aug 1998 and I had the most outrageous funny experience. The flight was bearable but since this was my first long distance flight I had no idea what to expect and had no yardstick to compare its service, affordability, cleanliness, courtesy and promptness of the staff with any other airline.


After everyone was seated comfortably, as is customary the time for refreshments to be served had come. A pretty airhostess with drop dead gorgeous looks, a rarity nowadays on airlines, greeted me and asked me "Sir, what do you like to have". I said "Mam, can I have some milk". She said with a mix of disbelief  "milk"?.


I replied Yes with a mix of consternation. You would have to see her face to believe it. She had the most  unbelievably stunned face and then she looked herself down and gazed at her breasts. I was shocked myself and did not know what to say. Then she composed herself, smiled and said "Sir, you can have it". She went back to the storage area and poured a glass of cold milk and gave it to me.


The entire flight whenever refreshments were served, she would glance at me and serve only milk without me asking, now thats called Top Class service, a forgotten art nowadays. To this day, French women have never ceased to amaze me with their funny take on life.


On the same flight, I had 2 guys sitting besides me in a 2 seater. When the refreshments time came they ordered beer. The air hostess would provide them a bottle and move on. Within a short period of time they would again ask for beer and the girl would duly oblige them. I was curious to know what do they do with these drinks.


I realized that both the guys would drop the bottles into their respective bags. I was astonished. Those days you could ask for any number of refreshments and the air hostesses would oblige but nowadays fat chance. Anyway these guys accumulated 8-10 bottles on the flight.


When the aircraft landed at Paris I got down and was going to my forward destination, so I stopped by a restaurant to eat something and guess what I found those 2 fellow passengers sitting diagonally opposite to me in another restaurant at a short distance, happily talking and giggling hard.


Curiosity got the better of me, so I looked to see whatever happened to those accumulated beer bottles in the aircraft and to my amazement I saw both of them taking out one bottle at a time drinking it merrily. OMG, Crazy folks..


San Francisco United States of America
Horrible customer service
Jul 27, 2007 11:44 PM 3521 Views

The customer service at Air France is appauling.  The representatives were incapapble and incredibly rude. They could not even reach their own customer service by phone from the airport! You can not reach their customer relations line by phone either.  There is only a tape playing which hangs up on you if you make the choice to speak with a live customer service representative! I simply can not believe how they can continue operating with the dis-service that they provide.


They charged us additional$200 for changing our ticket when they had told us it would cost you$30. They knew that customers do not have an option just before boarding and that they can get away with theft! I would never use this airline again! Even if you find a live representative, they will tell you that they do not have the authority to do anything about your problem after you have spent half an hour talking to them. I guess that explains why it is so difficult to get a hold of a representative. The airline feels that they simply do not need them!


Travel Air France and invite the trouble
Dec 15, 2006 10:23 AM 5387 Views

I travelled by Air France (hereinafter referred as AF). All was not as pleasant as advertised widely. On my way Delhi-Paris-Boston and back, I did not find even a single flight on time (total four flights). The food was hopeless. When I asked for non-veg food instead, I was told that they have already arranged veg food and now non-veg food can not be arranged. Ground staff at Delhi airport is very rude and non-coperative. The TV screens on the seats were inoperative, except for video games. The cabin crew is grossly reluctant to speak in English. Even at Paris CDG airport, we were provided with breakfast coupons, but the restaurant staff would not speak english and charged extra for breakfast. A helpful co-passanger told me that the counter clerk says that the article chosen by me were not included in the coupon breakfast. In that case somebody should take care to provide the passangers with custom breakfast.


To add salt to injury, my baggage got mishandled on return journey at Paris. I could see from my aircraft when it was taken back, without being loaded by AF staff in the aircraft, but I could do nothing and found it missing on arrival to Delhi. Nearly fifteen passangers had their baggage misplaced. One co-passanger told me that it was a regular feature with AF. After four days, when I received my baggage back, after a lot of hassels from customs, that too by AF staff's irresponsible actions, I found my suitcase broken on reaching home. When I contacted back AF people, I was told that the personal affects allownce paid on mishandled baggage was the all we are entitled. In fact the amount paid was quite meagre and did not cover any costs.


All I could do was to swear that I won't travel by AF again. So should others. Its a horrible experience!


Bangalore Karnataka
My Worst experience with Air France
Nov 23, 2006 07:18 PM 4906 Views

Four months back I traveled in Air France from Birmingham to Bangalore and had to go though some bitter experience. Thought of sharing the incident with you


I traveled back from Birmingham to Bangalore. Air France staff issued me the boarding pass to at Birmingham to Paris and connecting boarding pass from Paris to Bangalore. I reached Paris, went through security check and everything and just waiting for the flight. Suddenly some thing happens and these Air France guys ask me to travel next day flight without any further clarifications while boarding. When asked for clarification there was racial discrimination behavior from Air France and did not even proper me a hotel to stay and next day when again asked for clarification, Air France official told everything was fine from my side and they do not know what was the problem


After coming back to Bangalore (after spending a disastrous night in the Paris airport by sitting on steel chair) I sent the details to Air France guys and they offered me freebies, which were rejected asking for proper apology and. After that there is no response from Air France however times I sent them the reminders.


Some how I feel that this is a clear case of racial discrimination and also by giving me freebies as compensation Air France is further trying to push me aside as a Cheap Indian without having a real humanitarian concern. Also my other Sasken colleagues have undergone similar kind of treatment (like Flight delays, No proper response and treatments after flight delay)


Till date I have not got any proper apology or relief from Air France.


If I was not Indian / Asian (I was European or American) ,I would have got good response and relief from Air France :(


PS - My personal suggestion is please do not by Air France :( if you are Indian/asians


Norfolk United States
Its an ok airline. Why do french hate us though?
Oct 14, 2006 10:59 PM 5258 Views

About my experiences on the flight I took with Air France flight from Atlanta - Paris - Bombay and back. I would suggest that you try to avoid this flight if you dont like your baggage being delayed. They seriously need to stop the discrimination. They treat Indians like garbage, this is just my opinion. Please read further:


I am not usually a complainer but my experience on this flight was not up to the mark. The inflight services were not bad. I have no complaints about that. The most complaint I had was about how they treated indians at the airport and their baggage handling abilities.




  1. Discrimination of Indians: I usually understand some kinda discrimination as we are from an outside country. That is understandable but outright discrimination is what I cannot stand. Charle de Gaulle airport is the most pathetic airport on the face of this planet. Its even worse than the Mumbai Airport. This is coming from an Indian.




The french staff at the airport treats Indians like shit. They somehow dont like us, I dont know why? I and my other fellow Indian travellers were seriously discriminated. When we were boarding the plane from paris to atlanta, at the flight deck they had a security check. Which is not normal first of all, I understand with all the hijacking thing going on. But what go to me was they were not checking all the caucasian people boarding the aircraft and only dark skinned people where checked. Including the ladies. When I asked the security guard that why those people did not have to go through security check he was like they are being checked. I was like they are in a line boarding the aircraft and we all (mostly indians) have to go through the security check.




  1. Baggage Handling Abilities: My baggage did not arrive until a day later both time when I travelled from paris to mumbai and back to US from paris to atlanta. If I was the only person, that is understandable. I had 10 other people who I could count did not even receive on bag. I have travelled by Air India and even they did not have that problem. All the staff would say is you will receive your baggage by mail. No apologies or nothing. Everybody I knew was complaining about their service.


No Bon Voyage With This One !!!
Aug 09, 2006 01:59 PM 4609 Views

I travelled to UK in early this year by Air France. I would describe its service both on my way to and my way back.



Onwards Journey From Bangalore Airport at 2'clock morning



Let me describe my experience w.r.t to all the facets of the Airlines.



The In-flight entertainment:


Itwas fine .I was happy to see so much on the menu list for entertainment as compared to Domestic. But to my dismay my remote control was stuck into the seat handle and would not come out no matter what. The choice of movie was ok ,some international boring flicks English and French and one flop Indian too. Games takes at least an hour to download. There is forward reverse to the movie only that you can start to watch from the beginning again if you stop mid-way.



On Board Crew Courtesy:



After two hours of take off I woke to go to the bath room .Totally in my sleep I walked towards the backside of the plane assuming there would be one as it usually does. But I did not see any so I asked the in-flight crew for help I don't know what came to their mind they directed me to some other direction which met a dead end when I looked back at them hazily ,they chuckled and directed me to the correct location .I understand they too deserve some entertainment after all the hard work so hard up above the sky for long hours but I was in no mood at that time at least.


After our sleep when we woke around 8 in the morning I had started to feel very hungry. But I thought may be I should wait for the breakfast time. But no one was coming to serve thought I saw few people munching food. About 10'oclock my tummy started rumbling and I went to request to an AIrhostess if I could know when the breakfast will be served .She smiled sweetly and told me in another fifteen minutes but it came only after 45 minutes. The food was not bad. It was a typical continental breakfast.


For other matters though the crew was just fine. They showed the safety operations well and they smiled well.


After around 10 hours or so journey we reached Paris.



The Ground Staff and Airport Facilities:



We had our connecting flight to Birmingham next so we were taken to the terminal where were to check in for our connecting flight. We were simply standing at the airport until our check in for at least one and half hours as the security check-in had not started for our terminal.Ok that it took time but how amazing to know there was not a single chair in sight at an International Airport ????. Aren't we suppose to provide chairs to people if they are waiting???..If you ask the ground staff any question they would either simply reply back in French which you obviously don't understand unless you have takes lessons in that language before or they simply stare at you in such anguish and anger you don't want to look at their faces again. However it was fun watching people from all over the world assembling at that junction and grumbling for being made to stand there for so long in their own language and style.



Onboard Crew Connecting Flight:



Our next flight to UK was again by Air France. The plane had two male flight attendants .When we were two land we were handed some immigration forms in the plane to be filled. My colleague was not his seat when the cards were distributed so he asked for it when he came back, to this the flight attendant replies " I have lot of work to do I cant keep coming back to give you these cards" . I seriously don't know what work he was talking about wasn't that part of his work too.And definitely his tone wasn't right for a flight attendant.


Finally we reached to our destination.



Return Journey:



Clueless and Chaotic Ground Staff :



My return journey was full of surprises. I was travelling alone this time and I thank god for sending a kind Indian family that day who were really very supportive throughout my journey. As soon as we boarded the plane early morning at 6'clock at Birmingham Airport we were asked to get out of the plane as some cargo plane crashed on the runway. So were stranded on the Airport for fours hours with no clue whets going to happen next sometimes we were told we would start in an hour ,sometimes we were told we would be sent to another Air Port by bus and sometimes just a plane we don't know what's happening. There were other Airlines too in the similar situation but no one was as confused and bewildered like Air France. The sad part was in all this madness were standing on our two feet for more than fours hours.



Rude and Insensitive Staff (Albeit few good in many)



By the time we flew to Paris to no surprise our connecting flight to India had left from Paris Airport so we had another challenge waiting for us here again that is standing in long queues waiting for our transit Visa to be processed. Our visa was processed after 5 hours *&"!$$$. During our flight to Paris we were told that we would be taken full care of in case of transit but at the Airport story was different ,the ground staff does not even speak properly forget being polite I guess they don't have the basic training to speak to the passengers .They seriously need some classes in Manners.


There was this poor Indian girl travelling alone with her child (with British passport) each time she enquired about anything she was shrugged off .At last when she raised her voice a little to say Its five hours and we still have not got our transit Visa to a Ground Staff Lady. The lady Reply backs 'SOOO ?? WHAT ???' .And stared at her for 5 mins like a local Bhai???


After we got a Transit Visa one Indian family simply asked them that we had heard that we get a bus service by Air Staff and we are taken for visits across city .To this the only polite person to us so far says 'Thank Air France that they are providing you with Hotel at least' ..?????.



Outside Airport:



We went to a coffee shop to eat. I took a sandwich and began to eat .Just when the girl with the baby was being driven away from the coffee table simply because she had not bought anything from that shop. All that she was trying to do is rest her child for sometime on that table !!!!!!!


Then we had to take the complimentary hotel bus to the Air Port which took us another two hours in the queue and then another 30 mins to the hotel. Thank God the Hotel and its service were good.



Next morning we took our flight to Mumbai ,I was so relieved once I was in the flight.


I don't know if someone would have read the suggestion form I filled up at the France Airport.


Broken Bag:



This was icing on cake to my already existing fury with the Airlines.


When I reached Mumbai I found that my bag lock was merrily broken. How wonderful I had heard earlier that there are many theft incidents and baggage loss and mishandling on Air France but experienced this too. Along with me there were at least 10 other people complaining for their baggage loss and damaged bags !!!!!!



But from that Incident I have made sure that If I have other options available I will never take Air France and so my next time I tried Emirates ,Its much better I must say.



Toronto Canada
Strollers not allowed!!
Apr 04, 2005 12:45 AM 5468 Views

Air France will NOT gate check a stroller and even if it will fit in the overhead bin, our Peg Pilko did and they let the bin fly empty rather than let our stroller use it. They will remove a stroller brought onto the plane, check it and force you to pick it up in baggage claim, unless it is a very small umbrella stroller.


So, on our flight from Cairo to Toronto which left Cairo at 3am and had a 2 hours delay (total of 4 hour layover in Paris), 23 hours total, NO stroller.


There was another couple that had a 1.5 year old and the mom was very pregnant. They had to carry their 1.5 year old and carry on baggage through the Paris airport because Air France refused to gate check their stroller. The staff at Air France are totally unsympathetic. They say they have never heard of gate checking strollers.


I find this unusual, as last June/July, we flew from Toronto through Amsterdam to Copenhagen, drove through Europe and then flew back from Rome through Amsterdam to Toronto with the same Peg stroller and there was no problem with KLM gate checking the stroller.


In June 2000, we flew to Paris and then to Spain and back with a larger Graco stroller (including snap in car seat) and had no problem gate checking the whole thing.


We felt that Air France did not understand customer service at all.


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