Air France Check-in: Your Complete Handbook

Written By Amy Lancelotte

Last Updated: December 13, 2024

You can’t fly without first checking in. So, the Air France check-in process is an essential component of any flight, and missing deadlines or failing to get your boarding pass will have consequences.

Air France offers a few different check-in options, some at the airport and some online. This is what you need to know to be fully prepared for check-in for your next flight.

Why is Air France Check-in Important?

Simply put, checking in tells Air France that you will be taking the flight and that all your travel details are correct. Without it, flying is not possible.

Boarding Passes

Source: airfrance.fr

The most essential part of the Air France check-in process is the issuance of your boarding pass. This paper or electronic document is needed throughout the airport, like at bag drop and security, and must be scanned at the boarding gate. After you’ve checked in, the system will issue your pass, which you need to keep handy.

Seat Selection/Seat Assignment

Depending on the route and the type of fare you purchased, your seat selection may be chargeable when you do it in advance. If you wait until check-in, if there is availability, you can select your seat free of charge or one will be automatically assigned to you. This applies to both online and airport Air France check-in.

Checked Luggage

If you did not specify the appropriate number of checked bags for your trip when you booked, Air France also allows you to add hold luggage at check-in. If you exceed the luggage allowance for your fare, you will be charged extra.

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Air France Check-in Policy

How early can passengers check-in for an Air France flight? The earliest time is 30 hours ahead of departure using Air France online check-in. Some of the upsides to completing online check-in ASAP include: 

• Increased selection of seats.
• Avoid long airport check-in lines.
• Better potential for last-minute (paid) upgrades.
• Lessen the risk of being bumped because you’ve already confirmed you’re traveling.

Air France Check-in Regulations at a Glance

1. Photo ID: For domestic flights, Air France accepts a passport, a France National ID card, a French residence card, or a French driver’s license. For international routes, you’ll need a passport and any applicable visa or other travel documents like an ESTA (USA) or eTA (Canada). 
2. Checking in: For airport check-in with Air France, the deadlines fluctuate based on your departure point and route. The cut-off for Air France check-in varies between 30 and 120 minutes.
3. Bag drop-off: The checked luggage drop-off deadline is the same as the check-in deadline for your flight.
4. Gates: The Air France gates close 15-20 minutes before departure, depending on your route. 

Air France Check-in Time Limits

To make sure you don’t get denied boarding, adhere to the following Air France deadlines:

Note that certain exceptions apply, which we will delve into later.

Air France Flight Check-in

This is a summary of when you can check in for Air France flights:

• Online: Available from 30 hours up until 30-120 minutes before your flight. The cut-off time depends entirely on your route. For Air France flights from Atlanta and Detroit, online check-in only opens 24 hours before departure.
• Kiosk check-in: Available 24/7 but the same limits as Air France online check-in apply.
• In-person airport check-in: Available at least 3 hours ahead of departure at the Air France airport counters; also subject to the same cut-off times in the chart above.

Bag Check-in

To keep things simple, the bag drop times for Air France are the same as the check-in deadlines, so you’ll need to have your luggage checked anywhere from 30 to 120 minutes before your flight departs.

To make things even easier when you need to check bags on an outgoing flight, Air France has partnered with Alltheway, a luggage delivery company, since 2023. Instead of dragging your bags with you to the airport, there are various locations throughout the Paris region where you can drop off your bags in advance.

This service makes your trip to Paris Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airport a lot easier! The service can also be used to deliver your bags upon arrival. In a press release from Air France, the company stated:

For almost a year, Air France customers have been able to drop off and check in their baggage at locations in Paris and the Paris region, prior to arriving at the airport. Now, the company is also offering a new baggage delivery service to an address in the greater Paris region on arrival of their flight.

These optional services are provided in partnership with Alltheway, which provides a secure baggage storage and transfer service to and from the airport. Before or after their trip, the company’s customers are able to travel light and with greater peace of mind, without having to worry about their bags.

This added convenience costs €25 per bag for the first bag and €15 for each additional one. You can use the service between 30 and 5 hours before scheduled departure. It’s offered on all Air France flights from CDG and Orly except ones to Tel Aviv.

Boarding Gates

In general, the Air France boarding gates close 20 minutes before the flight is scheduled to depart. After this point, no additional passengers will be permitted onboard. 

The only exception is for flights between Metropolitan France and Paris Orly Airport, where the deadline for gate boarding is 15 minutes before departure.

Your Air France Check-in Options

Air France offers 4 total check-in methods. Two of them are in-person at the airport and the others can be done online from anywhere:

Air France Online Check-in

Nowadays, online check-in is used frequently and Air France’s process is similar to all major airlines. 

First, to check in, you’ll need to find your booking. Do this by either logging in to an existing account or by entering your booking information. The main check-in page can be reached from the website’s main menu, the 3 lines to the left of the Air France logo:

Once you’ve found the correct trip, click check-in and the system will take you through various questions related to banned and hazardous items, seat selection, checked luggage, travel documents for international flights, and possible upgrades.

Provided everything is answered correctly and any additional services are paid for, you will then receive your electronic boarding pass. You can email it to yourself or download it, depending on your preference.

Air France App Check-in

Passengers can check in on the Air France app much like they would when using the website. It’s also available 30 hours before the flight’s departure. Some of the benefits are that you’ll already be logged in, and if you’ve traveled before, the system should remember your travel document information.

So, find your trip, follow the same prompts, and once complete, the mobile boarding pass will be readily available right in the app.

Source: App Store

What Happens When Online Check-in Doesn’t Work?

In rare cases, your fare may not be eligible for Air France online check-in. Or, you may run into technical difficulties with the app or website. In either case, try checking in with the alternate online option. For example, if the app doesn’t work, try the website and vice versa.

If you’re still unable to get your boarding pass, you’ll need to check in at the airport.

Air France Check-in at the Airport

If Air France check-in online isn’t for you or it doesn’t work, you have an alternative - checking in at the airport. This can be done at the Air France counters or using the kiosks. Before waiting in long lines for the agent-manned counters, start with the self-service check-in machines.

Self Service Kiosks

The interactive machines are useful to check in and get your boarding pass and also print your luggage tags if you have any checked baggage. The check-in process is straightforward and takes passengers through the same questions about seats, bags, etc. 

With this, you’ll get a paper boarding pass instead of a digital one.

Airport Check-in Counters

Luckily, if all else fails, you can check in at the airport with Air France. This option is typically used only when the other check options won’t (or don’t) work for you. In general, you’ll need to get your boarding pass in person if you’re traveling with pets, as an unaccompanied minor, or have special assistance requests.

Expect this option to take much longer than the others due to potential long lines, especially at busy airports like Charles de Gaulle and Orly. 

The exception is if you happen to be traveling in the La Premiere class from CDG Airport. There is a new check-in lobby at the airport where the lines will be minimal and the surroundings lavish. Air France explains:

Upon arrival at the airport, every La Première guest is warmly welcomed by a dedicated concierge who promptly attends to their luggage. Guests are then guided to a newly established exclusive check-in lobby, marking the initial step in their personalized journey through the airport.

So if you’re lucky to have a La Première fare at CDG, you can take advantage of this exclusive check-in area.

How to Manage Air France Bookings

You can manage your Air France booking easily through the app. You can also log in to your account or find your flight using your reservation number. There are lots of things you can add or change about the trip that will save you time by not contacting customer service or waiting in line at the airport. These include:

• Seat changes and initial seat selection.
• Add or remove checked luggage.
• Purchase wi-fi or onboard meals.
• Purchase lounge access.

The app and website are easy to use in this regard with intuitive icons for each option. Complete payments right on the platform.

Timing Your Airport Arrival For Your Next Air France Trip

To make sure you have plenty of time to check in at the airport, drop off bags, and get through security, let’s review how early you need to be at the airport for Air France flights. It’s recommended that you arrive:

• 2 hours ahead of domestic routes.
• 3 hours ahead of international routes.

These timeframes are for the standard check-in times. If your departure airport’s check-in closes earlier, you should allow extra time. Additionally, during busy periods like summer weekends, holidays, and major events, an extra half an hour is often useful.

On the other hand, if you’ve already done the Air France check-in online and don’t have bags to check, you can likely get to the airport a little later. 

Special Cases - Airports with Different Check-in Deadlines

Aside from the check-in times we’ve already covered, these departure points have different requirements:

Consequences of Late Check-in for Your Air France Flight

Air France doesn’t just impose check-in deadlines for the sake of it. The times are calculated to make sure that you have enough time after dropping bags and getting your boarding pass to navigate security and customs/immigration and get to the gate. In large airports, it can take up to 15 to 20 minutes just to walk to the departure gate.

So, if you’re not on time, you run the risk of not being permitted to fly at all. Without timely check-in, it’s also possible that your seat has already been given away.

If you miss the Air France check-in deadline and are already at the airport, you should always try anyway. Ask at the desk or use one of the kiosks if they allow. Flight delays can happen at any time, so you may still have enough time to get to the gate.

Expert Hints to Streamline the Air France Check-in Process

1. Check-in promptly: Begin your check-in as soon as the online option becomes available - 30 hours prior to departure. Early check-in helps you choose your desired seat and address potential issues well in advance.
2. Ensure visa readiness: Understand the entry requirements for your destination and secure the necessary visas or permits before checking in and traveling.
3. Download the Air France app: This app simplifies travel by letting you check in, modify seat selections, and access your boarding pass digitally. It also keeps you informed with real-time updates on flight status and gate changes.
4. Pack wisely: Familiarize yourself with Air France’s baggage policies to avoid exceeding size or weight limits for both carry-on and checked luggage, preventing delays or extra fees.
5. Double-check travel documents: Verify that your passport, visa (if applicable), and ID are valid and meet your destination’s requirements. Keep them secure but easily accessible.
6. Monitor flight updates: Stay informed using the Air France app or website for any changes to schedules, gates, or delays.
7. Be punctual at the gate: Arrive early, allowing time to relax, grab a snack, or attend to last-minute needs. You’ll also ensure you’re ready for announcements or additional document checks.

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