globaltrotter

I am Platinum elite on CO, but will be flying AF later this month in tempo/economy class. I was wondering, as a elite plus, if I am able to use the AF international FIRST CLASS (l´Espace Première) checkin desk at CDG as well? Do they just send us over to the business class checkin or will I be able to use the First class section without any problems? thanks!

airchristophe

Hi globaltrotter,

Premiere is for First Class passengers only and believe me the staff stick to the rules.

As Sky Team Elite Plus, the "espace affaires" zone is available.

globaltrotter

Oh. I thought skyteam elites could checkin in the First Class Area based on what it says on the skyteam.com benefits page. Is the skyteam website referring only to domestic flights and not international flights? It appears that the traveller would have the option, if one read the skyteam website.



Priority Check-in
Check in faster. You can check in at priority positions at most airports simply by showing your SkyTeam Elite or Elite Plus Frequent Flyer membership card. Priority check-in positions include:

Aeroflot — Business Class counters
Aeromexico — Clase Premier counters
Air France — First Class / Business Class counters
Alitalia — Magnifica / Prima Class counters
China Southern Airlines — Business Class Counters
Continental Airlines — First Class / EliteAccess / OnePass Elite counters
CSA Czech Airlines — Business Class counters
Delta Air Lines — First Class / Medallion counters
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines — Business Class counters
Korean Air— First Class / Business Class counters for Elite Plus members / Morning Calm counters for Elite members
Northwest Airlines — First Class / World Business Class™ counters

Gorrack

I think that refers to certain airports where they have merged the First/Business class counters together. If there are separate queues for First, Business, and Coach class passengers, then that changes things.

Checking in at business w/ a coach ticket is already a priority check in. Even a Silver Elite can access the priority check-in at a business class counter.

Enjoy the flight!

brunos

It is funny to see how different AF websites give different info. The US website (and a couple of other english_version countries) states that Plat can check in at First counters, while the French website (in French) states only Business class counters.

Braniff

Could also be because of domestic US code shares on Delta and Northwest where there is no business class counter - only first class. So using business class counters at AF gateways and first class ones if the flight started with a code-share partner.

brunos

The Hong Kong site does say AF First class counter. Probably the same text as all english-speaking sites. Also the english version states "First Class / Business Class counters for Elite Plus members / Morning Calm counters for Elite members", while the French version only mentions the Morning Calm counters even for Plats. Actually, there many discrepancies between the english and French versions of the AF & FB sites. AF should be a bit more carefull.

robin.goodman

AF is very very strict about first class lines and counters. At CDG, there is zero chance you will allowed to use l'espace premiere facilities... but don't work, if you are going from 2E, I have never waited in line at the business class check in counter. There are usually 5 or more positions open and only a few other passengers, just ask your taxi to drop you at the end of 2E to avoid having to walk....the security queue is another issue...

In 2E specifically, it always annoys me because one waits 15 mins in access N°1 (elite line) security queue, while the espace premier queue rarely has a single passenger, but maintains a dedicated xray machine and metal detector.

globaltrotter

AF definately needs to "correct" the wording on the skyteam/AF USA site, because it leaves the door open for different interpretations.....when I first read it on the skyteam website, I got excited for a quick second! oh well......

Braniff

Agreed !!!!

Gnopps

A month ago my friend and I had less than 20 minutes before our AF CDG-ATL flight was to depart and the security lines were much longer than so. Luckily our check-in agent escorted us to security and argued a lot with the first class security line guard, flashing my gold card. After many "no no no" we were finally let through, though the staff clearly showed their disregard for us even when we tried to thank them (trip report here).

Klm is Dead - Long Live KLM

Even if you on a First Class ticket departing CDG when you arrive at CDG you will have to fight and argue with ground staff to be able to use the First Class lines at security for example. Really pathetic.

Zembla

And Y class passengers get annoyed because the J class line takes 15 minutes and their line takes 45 minutes, right?