AF VDB Experience
 

Anyone ever have VDB experience with AF? Was offered 150 euro cash or 300 euro AF voucher, but didn't know what booking an DL metal but AF code share would be like. Anyone else?

The last time (PMNW) I was offered a VDB by KLM ... I had to go to the airport to validate and pay for the domestic ticket booked on NWA.

My guess is it is the same process even now if one wants to use a AF/ KLM voucher on a DL flight booking.

Don't know what it is when making reservations through AirFrance.com or klm.com

It's all electronic if you book with AF for DL flights. Can be done via website, phone or in person at an AF staffed airport.

I got $600 VDB ATL-CDG 2 years ago, offered a seat on the same flight next day... Flying Y.

Yes, this is what I was told. But I had a bad suspicion that this process though easy, would not be the same as booking with a DL ECV. Is this true?

For instance, the AF agents said I could book any ST flight (true). But it would be booked by AF. So does that mean they can only access AF codeshare inventory, or could they book EXACTLY as DL would with a DL ECV?

Would there be any risk to MQM issues with codesharing and booking with AF?

Anyway, in the end I took the 150 euro's cash, though I'm wondering if that was the wise decision. I just didn't have enough info and the flight they were putting me on was leaving in 30 min (I still had not cleared security).

I think it was probably the right decision. I had issues with vouchers issued by AF. I had to use them "in person" (I went into an AF agency to do that) and I had all sorts of issues. I could not check in. At the airport I was sent to a ticketing desk as the reservation had mysteriously disappeared. I had similar issues checking in for the return and it took quite a while to get them sorted out in the airport. It was a hassle.

I'm really glad you posted this, as I have been meaning to post this for a long time. . . .

In August, I was flying CDG/DTW/PIT (J award ticket), and I knew CDG/DTW was full at check in, so I asked, and was told - YES, it's overbooked! Now the fun starts . . . .

After a few phone calls, the agent told me that it would be a 500 Euro voucher or 300 cash. I opted for the voucher. I was to be rerouted via JFK, leaving at just about the same time, and getting home about 2 hours later than planned. . . Great - - so I thought . . . .

The check-in agent was on the phone a few times, and a supervisor came over, and there was a lot of French flying around. Now, it's about 45 minutes til flight time, and I'm still not checked in, and my bags were still sitting there! I knew something was wrong!

Suddenly, the supv says to me - - I'm VERY sorry to tell you this, Mr DaveTravels, but we have made a terrible mistake - - we can only offer you a 300 Euro voucher or 150 Euros in cash. Of course, I was fuming! I told them that this was unfair, as I had already accepted their offer, and it was too late to get my original seat back - - I asked for another supv - I tried everything I know, to no avail!

Anyway, I took the name of the agent - the supv wouldn't give me her name. I was going to write a note, but never got around to it. Finally, they checked my bags and got me on my way. I ended up getting in about 20 minutes later than original, as the original DTW/PIT was delayed.

The next day, I called AF to inquire about using the 300 Euro voucher, and was told that it has to be done in person at an AF ticket office. I told them that it was impossible for me to get to an AF ticket office - - is there any way I can use it over the phone? He told me - MAYBE - he could ask a supervisor, if I was ready at that moment to book something - - (which I wasn't) - - but I would have to pay a $25 phone booking fee!!! :mad: Even for STE+!!!

I'm still wishing I took the 150 Euros in cash!!!

I guess it's too late to write in about the 500 vs 300 offer - - I dunno! Also, since you brought up NW, they used to convert KLM vouchers into NW vouchers by mail. I wonder if DL will do that for AF vouchers, since they handle AF "stuff" in the USA?

This would be very useful info so if anyone has the 411, please post!

So, to sum up, you got a 300 euro voucher and your only inconvenience was to arrive twenty minutes later than your originally scheduled flight, and you seem to be out of sorts about this?:confused:

I'm mostly out of sorts, because it's virtually impossible to use this voucher unless you live in a city that has an AF ticket office - - and to be honest, the fact that I only arrived 20 minutes later than planned, due to delayed flights, really has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that I was made an offer - - I accepted it - - then they rescinded the offer after it was too late to say no. Wouldn't you feel a little peeved/cheated?

Plus - the offer was to get home 2 hours later. I only knew it ended up being 20 minutes because I just happened to check on my original flights.

Wow... you COMPLETELY missed the point(s).

davetravels, I guess the lesson here (besides that it helps to speak some French when traveling through CDG) is that AF vouchers can be very tricky and if given the choice cash is probably the better option. It's an option if have the opportunity go into AFKL agencies (e.g. you travel through Europe) and purchase AFKL tickets. (Hint: you can book a trip on DL and put in on hold, then go pay with voucher + CC, and fork up €20 or so for a purchase at an agency.)

My question would be this: is it possible to use AF / KLM VDB vouchers when buying tickets for AF / KLM with Delta (e.g. at the airport ticket counter)???

Northwest used to accept KLM vouchers... not sure what the current state of affairs is.

Good point. I wonder if an email to DL would shed light on this.

Yes, it is possible to use AF / KLM VDB vouchers when buying tickets for AF / KLM/ Delta flights and paying with the AF/ KLM vouchers.

The way to do it is:

Make a reservation ... within 24 hours free cancellation period ...go to a nearby airport with Delta Ticketing and have a ticketing agent reissue the reservation using the AF/ KLM vouchers, and pay the balance if any, with CC/Cash.

Now the hassle of driving 25 miles to MSP Airport + Parking charges, + then spending about 20 minutes to an hour + driving back home 25 miles = needs to be considered whether it is a worthwhile use of one's time.
In my original case was offered Euro 600 voucher or Euro 300 cash.
Took the 600 voucher.

In a 2nd case ... was offered Euro 200 voucher or Euro 100 cash ... ended up taking the cash.

Conclusion: It depends on one's personal situation.

IMO: The OP did right taking the cash!

I concur: the cash is simple. The voucher will be complicated. It will most likely work but be prepared to wait in line, wait on hold, exchange a few e-mails... overall cash is king unless you have time on your hands, basically you will probably have to earn the extra value of the voucher with your time and effort to make it work...