Claim Compensation from Air France

Getting your documents in order before you contact Air France is critical. Don't give them an easy excuse to dismiss your claim.

• Gather Your Flight Details: Find your 6-character booking reference (PNR) and your 13-digit e-ticket number. Have the flight number, date, and original departure/arrival times ready.
• Document Everything: Write down a clear, chronological timeline of what happened. Note when you were notified of the delay or cancellation, who you spoke to, and what they said. Screen shots are your best friend.
• Keep All Receipts: If you had to buy food, book a hotel, or take a taxi because of the disruption, keep every single receipt. You can't claim expenses without proof.
• Know Your Rights: Briefly research your situation under US Department of Transportation (DOT) rules or EU Regulation 261. Mentioning the specific regulation in your claim shows you've done your homework.
• State Your Desired Outcome: Be clear about what you want. Are you asking for a full refund, reimbursement for expenses, or fixed compensation under EU261? Specify the exact dollar or euro amount.

For flights within or to/from the United States, your rights are primarily governed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Unfortunately, U.S. regulations don't require airlines to compensate passengers for delays or cancellations. Compensation is handled on a case-by-case basis according to the airline's own policies. However, you are entitled to compensation for involuntary bumping (denied boarding) and reimbursement for reasonable expenses for lost or damaged baggage.

The game-changer is EU Regulation 261. Because Air France is an EU carrier, this powerful consumer law often applies. You are likely covered if:

• Your flight departed from an EU airport (regardless of destination).
• Your flight arrived at an EU airport from outside the EU (on an EU airline like Air France).

Under EU261, you could be eligible for €250 to €600 in cash compensation for delays over 3 hours, cancellations, or denied boarding, depending on the flight distance. This is in addition to reimbursement for expenses. Always check if your itinerary qualifies under EU261 rules before filing.

Subject: Compensation Claim for Disrupted Flight AFXXX - [Your Name] - Booking Ref: [Your Booking Reference]

Dear Air France Customer Relations,

I am writing to formally request compensation for the significant disruption to my travel on [Date of flight].

My booking reference is [Your Booking Reference] and my ticket number is [Your e-ticket number]. I was scheduled to travel on flight AFXXX from [Departure Airport] to [Arrival Airport].

My flight was [select one: cancelled / delayed by X hours / I was involuntarily denied boarding]. This disruption was not caused by extraordinary circumstances.

As my flight itinerary falls under the jurisdiction of EU Regulation 261, I am entitled to fixed compensation. Given the flight distance of [approximate distance in km], this amounts to €[enter 250, 400, or 600].

Additionally, I incurred the following expenses due to this disruption:

• Hotel: $[Amount] (receipt attached)
• Meals: $[Amount] (receipt attached)
• Transportation: $[Amount] (receipt attached)

My total claim is for €[Amount from EU261] plus $[Total expenses].

I expect this claim to be processed within 30 days. Please find all relevant documents, including my ticket confirmation and receipts, attached to this email.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address]

If Air France denies your valid claim or simply ignores you, don't give up. You have several powerful options to escalate the issue.

• File a Complaint with a Regulator: This should be your first move. If your claim falls under EU261, file a complaint with the National Enforcement Body (NEB) in the EU country where the incident occurred. For all other flights touching the US, file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Regulators track these complaints, and airlines hate getting on their bad side.
• Initiate a Credit Card Chargeback: If you paid for your ticket with a credit card and the airline failed to provide the service (e.g., your flight was cancelled and you weren't rebooked), you can dispute the charge with your bank. Provide them with all your documentation.
• Go to Small Claims Court: For many, this is a last resort, but it can be very effective. The process is designed for individuals without lawyers. Check the monetary limits and filing procedures for your local court.
• Make Noise on Social Media: A polite but firm public post on X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook detailing your issue can sometimes get a faster response from a social media team empowered to resolve problems. Tag Air France's official accounts.

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The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.