Air France flight change for Skyteam member
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 3
Air France flight change for Skyteam member
Hi,
I have a flight booked with Air France from Cairo to Paris and then Paris to Newark, NJ that I would like to move up by a few days. I called and they said there was a $200 change fee, which would be charged regardless of whether I did it in advance or just tried my luck by showing up at the airport the day of the earlier flight and seeing if there were empty seats I could get on. (i have done this in the past for an international flight with American Airlines, and I wasn't charged anything). Is what Air France is saying actually correct- that they will charge me $200 to get on that earlier flight even if there is space?
Also....please note I have delta silver medallion status...does that help at all?
I have a flight booked with Air France from Cairo to Paris and then Paris to Newark, NJ that I would like to move up by a few days. I called and they said there was a $200 change fee, which would be charged regardless of whether I did it in advance or just tried my luck by showing up at the airport the day of the earlier flight and seeing if there were empty seats I could get on. (i have done this in the past for an international flight with American Airlines, and I wasn't charged anything). Is what Air France is saying actually correct- that they will charge me $200 to get on that earlier flight even if there is space?
Also....please note I have delta silver medallion status...does that help at all?
#2
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: AMS
Programs: A number, but no status no more
Posts: 3,049
Hi Jenni,
Yes, the European airlines tend to be very protective of their revenue, and thus do not allow for same day standby, unless you are on a full flex fare and are not subject to a change fee.
I've tried this on AF and Swiss, with no luck whatsoever. And your status doesn't make a difference, as I tried it with AF while being a Flying Blue Platinum.
So I fear that you will either have to make do with your current plans, or pay the change fee.
Cheers,
Yes, the European airlines tend to be very protective of their revenue, and thus do not allow for same day standby, unless you are on a full flex fare and are not subject to a change fee.
I've tried this on AF and Swiss, with no luck whatsoever. And your status doesn't make a difference, as I tried it with AF while being a Flying Blue Platinum.
So I fear that you will either have to make do with your current plans, or pay the change fee.
Cheers,
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
It isn't just European carriers - all airlines are protective of their revenue and are loathe to allow free changes on discounted fares. That's the trade-off you make when you buy a cheap fare. The flexible fares that allow such changes are generally much more expensive.
In addition to the change fee you might also be subject to any fare difference. So if the flight on the new date costs $1000 and you only paid $800 for yours, you'd have to pay the $200 change fee plus the $200 fare difference.
In addition to the change fee you might also be subject to any fare difference. So if the flight on the new date costs $1000 and you only paid $800 for yours, you'd have to pay the $200 change fee plus the $200 fare difference.
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,026
this is cross-posted in the AF forum. Cross-posting is a FT TOC violation.
#5
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,742
Hi Jennif102. We're happy that you have found FlyerTalk. We ask that members post their questions in one forum. Many of us read a wide range of forums, so you get our attention with just one post. Since your Air France post has gotten some good attention, I am going to lock this thread. Anyone who has information to add, please do so here.
SanDiego1K
Senior Moderator
SanDiego1K
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