A few notes on flying Air France as a SkyTeam (Alitalia) Elite Plus cardholder on a French domestic flight from Paris CDG:
I had entered my frequent flyer number into the Air France booking on the Air France website, but had to re-attach the number again at the airport as it hadn't 'stuck'.
Even once attached, Air France's computer systems didn't recognise any SkyTeam status. The FF number appeared on the boarding pass, but "SKY PRIORITY" did not, so I had to flash the physical Alitalia Elite Plus card to make use of every benefit (priority check-in, priority security, priority boarding).
Priority baggage tags were not offered. This is a published SkyTeam Elite Plus perk, but I was travelling in a group and was the only person with SkyTeam status, so I didn't bother asking (we'd be waiting for everybody else at the end, anyway).
As was expected, no free lounge access, because this was a domestic flight. (SkyTeam Elite Plus only provides lounge access for international passengers.)
All in all, I got what I expected (except for a priority bag tag), but having to dig out the physical frequent flyer card multiple times between check-in and boarding to prove I was entitled to various benefits wasn't ideal. It would be much better if Air France check-in staff could manually activate a 'SKY PRIORITY' flag on the boarding pass in the event that their computer system doesn't recognise frequent flyer status from a partner airline, which would make the process much smoother.
Not having lounge access prior to domestic flights also isn't great compared to Oneworld and Star Alliance policies (outside of the US), but with a choice between Air France and Easyjet on this particular route, I was still happy to enjoy a few time-saving benefits along the way. :)
Hrmmm.... Alitalia and AF are affiliated by Star Alliance?! Now, quickly - I don't mind having to show my membership card at check-in or boarding etc... Though it should really be on the ticket!
There surely was also the option of the TGV? Unless you are making an international flight connection the high speed railway is the way to move around France, especially for work. That journey to CDG urgh how I loathed it and definitely do not miss it.
There surely was also the option of the TGV? Unless you are making an international flight connection the high speed railway is the way to move around France, especially for work. That journey to CDG urgh how I loathed it and definitely do not miss it.
Correct, was connecting from a (non-SkyTeam) international flight. I've done the TGV before: a great way to get between the centre of cities!
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Experience flying Air France from Paris with SkyTeam Elite Plus status
Chris C.
Chris C.
Member since 24 Apr 2012
Total posts 1,116
A few notes on flying Air France as a SkyTeam (Alitalia) Elite Plus cardholder on a French domestic flight from Paris CDG:
All in all, I got what I expected (except for a priority bag tag), but having to dig out the physical frequent flyer card multiple times between check-in and boarding to prove I was entitled to various benefits wasn't ideal. It would be much better if Air France check-in staff could manually activate a 'SKY PRIORITY' flag on the boarding pass in the event that their computer system doesn't recognise frequent flyer status from a partner airline, which would make the process much smoother.
Not having lounge access prior to domestic flights also isn't great compared to Oneworld and Star Alliance policies (outside of the US), but with a choice between Air France and Easyjet on this particular route, I was still happy to enjoy a few time-saving benefits along the way. :)
MattJelonek
MattJelonek
Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles
Member since 08 Jun 2014
Total posts 91
Hrmmm.... Alitalia and AF are affiliated by Star Alliance?! Now, quickly - I don't mind having to show my membership card at check-in or boarding etc... Though it should really be on the ticket!
Chris C.
Chris C.
Member since 24 Apr 2012
Total posts 1,116
They're both members of SkyTeam, not Star Alliance. ;)
Looking
Looking
Member since 10 Aug 2015
Total posts 29
There surely was also the option of the TGV? Unless you are making an international flight connection the high speed railway is the way to move around France, especially for work. That journey to CDG urgh how I loathed it and definitely do not miss it.
Chris C.
Chris C.
Member since 24 Apr 2012
Total posts 1,116
Correct, was connecting from a (non-SkyTeam) international flight. I've done the TGV before: a great way to get between the centre of cities!