Understanding Delta-Air France Codeshare Bookings A Guide to Reservation Numbers, Check-in Procedures, and Frequent Flyer Credits
Understanding Delta-Air France Codeshare Bookings A Guide to Reservation Numbers, Check-in Procedures, and Frequent Flyer Credits - How Delta Delta Reservation Numbers Work On Air France Metal Flights
Here's what's new about understanding reservation numbers when Delta tickets you on an Air France flight. While you might book via Delta, you need to know who actually operates the plane. You’ll see both a Delta and an Air France flight number, but remember Air France handles your check-in. Although you can accumulate SkyMiles when booking with Delta for an Air France flight, make sure to add your SkyMiles number. Check for differences in check-in, and baggage policies, which can be inconsistent across these airline partnerships. Confirm you have the correct Air France reservation number to avoid headaches at the airport.
When flying on an Air France plane but booked via Delta, things get interesting with reservation numbers. You’ll likely find two references – a Delta one, and an Air France one - essentially like having a double identity for your flight. The actual reservation number used for checking in and managing your flight will be Air France's. You must absolutely get that correct, otherwise checking in can become a messy process, a test of patience. It’s critical to verify and cross check, always double-check which reference corresponds to the physical plane you will be on.
Online check-in options present another fork in the road. Although you booked through Delta, when it’s an Air France plane, your portal for check-in usually switches to the Air France site or app. This seems unnecessarily complicated to me.
SkyMiles accumulation on these flights is generally possible provided the flights are purchased through Delta, and adding your SkyMiles number at some point should lead to appropriate mileage credits. But there is a difference in how you earn between Delta and Air France operated flights. It’s certainly not consistent across the board, something you would think is logical with two partners, something that annoys me greatly. You must ensure the correct credit for miles accumulation; there is too much hidden data and rules that prevent passengers from getting full benefits.
Don't get caught out with other minor inconsistencies, there are slight changes in what counts as acceptable baggage allowances and differing levels of passenger comfort and amenities when moving between different planes, this all despite flying as part of codeshare arrangement.
What else is in this post?
- Understanding Delta-Air France Codeshare Bookings A Guide to Reservation Numbers, Check-in Procedures, and Frequent Flyer Credits - How Delta Delta Reservation Numbers Work On Air France Metal Flights
- Understanding Delta-Air France Codeshare Bookings A Guide to Reservation Numbers, Check-in Procedures, and Frequent Flyer Credits - Understanding Air France Check In Requirements For Delta Bookings
- Understanding Delta-Air France Codeshare Bookings A Guide to Reservation Numbers, Check-in Procedures, and Frequent Flyer Credits - Which Miles To Collect On Joint Delta Air France Routes
- Understanding Delta-Air France Codeshare Bookings A Guide to Reservation Numbers, Check-in Procedures, and Frequent Flyer Credits - Finding Your Operating Carrier On Complex Itineraries
- Understanding Delta-Air France Codeshare Bookings A Guide to Reservation Numbers, Check-in Procedures, and Frequent Flyer Credits - Navigating Different Baggage Rules Between Delta And Air France
- Understanding Delta-Air France Codeshare Bookings A Guide to Reservation Numbers, Check-in Procedures, and Frequent Flyer Credits - Delta Air France Joint Business Updates For 2025
Understanding Delta-Air France Codeshare Bookings A Guide to Reservation Numbers, Check-in Procedures, and Frequent Flyer Credits - Understanding Air France Check In Requirements For Delta Bookings
When booking Delta flights operated by Air France, figuring out check-in is key to avoid airport headaches. Air France offers various ways to check in, like their online service that opens 30 hours before the flight takes off. Delta, on the other hand, starts online check-in 24 hours prior, at least for their own flights. Remember: always check in with the airline that's actually flying the plane. So, if it's an Air France flight, use their website or app to check in. You'll need to pay attention to check-in times too, especially on international routes where each airport may have different rules. If things go sideways, you should seek help from the Air France staff, it pays to be prepared knowing who the operator is to get the help you need without any extra frustration.
When your Delta booking takes you onto an Air France plane, there are more quirks to manage than just the different reservation numbers. While you might be accustomed to Delta’s check-in approach, it's vital to switch gears and adhere to Air France’s requirements.
Firstly, check-in itself provides another complication. Air France offers a range of ways to check in, including at the airport counters and self-service kiosks, along with two distinct online options. You’ll find online check-in opens 30 hours before departure on Air France-operated flights, with seat selection available at that time too. A similar online check-in via the Delta website is available at the 24 hour mark before the flight. Now here comes a confusing quirk – regardless of booking through Delta, the check-in must be done using the operating carrier’s system. So if the actual flight is on Air France, the check-in should happen via the Air France platform, the inverse is true for Delta. It should be easy right? Sadly not. And if you have a baby, online check in isn’t even an option. You must always be sure to check in at least 30 mins for domestic flights, even sooner for international journeys – an important piece of information that can often get lost in the mix. There can be differences in check-in cut-off times between domestic and international routes, something to keep in mind for your particular flight. Oh and if you change airports on a flight, online check-in can get suspended, and you must check in at an actual kiosk/counter. If you encounter any check-in issues along the way, don’t hesitate to seek out an Air France staff member to assist you. This should not be needed in 2025.
Another area of inconsistency lies with the baggage allowances. Although Delta and Air France share a partnership, this doesn’t mean that your checked luggage limits are the same. Delta may allow a higher weight allowance than Air France or vice versa. The rules can lead to additional, and unexpected fees at the airport, and are rarely ever made clear in the booking process.
When it comes to mobile apps, each platform is distinct. Even though both airlines offer their apps, be aware that the Air France app may offer richer, and more timely information relevant to your flight than the Delta version. The same applies to frequent flyer credits. Though you expect to earn equivalent miles when flying with a partner, do not be surprised if the mile earning is not the same as flying on a Delta plane. It’s not always a direct, easy way of adding credit to your loyalty program. It's messy and can cause some consternation.
Seat selection too presents another hurdle, it might require navigating between Delta’s system during booking and then to Air France’s one for confirming, an unnecessary complexity. Special services too, such as priority boarding, can vary based on which airline you're actually flying with. For example, what is offered on a Delta operated flight can often not be transferred on to an Air France flight. This lack of clarity frustrates me.
Another point to remember, especially in large hubs, is that these carriers may use different terminals, not a unified check in experience, so verify ahead of time where you need to go. This should all be streamlined. International travelers should verify if Air France requires additional paperwork beyond a Delta flight, another potential headache to avoid. It is a shame that even with airline partners like this, it is far from a seamless experience, and can lead to inconsistent travel journeys. Finally, be aware, that the food, and the type of in-flight entertainment may also differ between Delta and Air France, even though you booked using the same platform.
Understanding Delta-Air France Codeshare Bookings A Guide to Reservation Numbers, Check-in Procedures, and Frequent Flyer Credits - Which Miles To Collect On Joint Delta Air France Routes
When considering which miles to collect on joint Delta and Air France routes, travelers need to be aware of the frequent flyer programs’ intricacies. While you might expect that miles are earned consistently, it is not that easy. You'll discover that while both Delta SkyMiles and Air France Flying Blue programs allow you to earn miles on either airline, the exact number you get can change depending on your fare class and even the specific flight. It's not as simple as one mile per mile flown. Always look at each airline's published earning charts to avoid disappointment as these charts are quite complicated. Another important aspect to remember is that you always check-in with the operating carrier. So if you've booked through Delta, but the plane is actually Air France's, it's Air France who manages the check-in procedures. Understanding these finer points is essential if you wish to get the most out of your mileage and travel smoothly. While these airline partnerships promise benefits, the inconsistencies can lead to a frustrating experience.
When it comes to racking up frequent flyer points on combined Delta and Air France trips, the picture is not always clear. While you might think you are building towards free flights with your loyalty account, the actual airline operating the plane dictates what, and how many points you earn. SkyMiles users can get points for Air France operated routes, while Flying Blue customers can get them from Delta, but the math is inconsistent. Point earning amounts can shift a lot based on what cabin you book and the specific journey. Always look closely at the charts from each airline to get a grip on how many points to expect - it is a bit messy.
When you book using a codeshare agreement, each airline keeps a reference for the ticket based on who you purchased the ticket from. It is critical to check and cross reference with the airline that operates your physical flight, as they usually handle check in. And while Delta offers the usual methods to check in, Air France also has their own unique process which may be different. It pays to be prepared, and also input the frequent flyer data into the system. It isn't an automated process and this adds yet another chance of error. It isn’t uncommon for the incorrect number to get added to your booking by mistake. You need to double check that it has been processed correctly.
Understanding Delta-Air France Codeshare Bookings A Guide to Reservation Numbers, Check-in Procedures, and Frequent Flyer Credits - Finding Your Operating Carrier On Complex Itineraries
When navigating complex itineraries involving Delta and Air France codeshare flights, pinpointing the operating carrier is essential. This carrier is the one actually operating the flight, which may differ from the airline with which you booked. Identifying the operating carrier is critical, as it influences check-in procedures, baggage policies, and passenger rights under regulations like EU 261. With both airlines offering different service levels and amenities, knowing which airline is operating your flight can save you from unexpected surprises during your journey. Additionally, keeping track of separate reservation numbers for each carrier is vital to avoid complications during check-in and to ensure you earn the appropriate frequent flyer credits.
When navigating complex itineraries involving Delta and Air France, identifying the true operating carrier is key. This is not just about the airline you booked with, but the one that physically flies the plane. You will need to dig into your itinerary details, noting the flight number and the responsible carrier for each leg. This information dictates your check-in and is crucial to avoid confusion. Keep it handy, it can help in many instances.
The operating carrier is also paramount because reservation numbers differ. Booking via Delta but flying Air France may lead to multiple numbers, further complicating the check-in. Managing these bookings can be a chore and you will need both for the whole travel process. Don't assume only one number is correct, the devil is in the detail. Frequent flyer credits are awarded by the operating airline, and you need to ensure that you provide details to the correct carrier during the whole process. Becoming familiar with both airlines’ specific protocols before any travels can streamline your experience and can prevent unexpected situations on the day of travel, there should be less uncertainty.
Understanding Delta-Air France Codeshare Bookings A Guide to Reservation Numbers, Check-in Procedures, and Frequent Flyer Credits - Navigating Different Baggage Rules Between Delta And Air France
When navigating the baggage rules between Delta and Air France, it’s important to recognize that the operating airline's policies govern your travel experience. If your flight is operated by Delta, you'll adhere to their baggage guidelines; conversely, Air France's rules apply if they are the operating carrier. This can lead to confusion, especially since Delta's carry-on size limits are generally more generous than Air France's stricter dimensions for personal items. Travelers should always verify the specific baggage policies prior to departure to avoid unexpected fees, especially when connecting between these two airlines, where luggage is typically transferred automatically. Ultimately, understanding these nuances can significantly enhance your travel experience and prevent unwelcome surprises at the airport.
Navigating the labyrinth of baggage rules when flying on codeshare flights involving Delta and Air France can be quite the puzzle. It is definitely not straightforward, and here are a few quirks. It may seem that they are aligned, but that is not always the case.
Firstly, although seemingly minor, there are actual weight differences in checked luggage allowances. Delta might restrict you to 50 lbs (23 kg) in economy, while Air France could allow 51 lbs (23 kg). This subtle variance could mean extra baggage costs that could be a problem especially if you’re pushing the limits. Then there is the question of carry-on allowance. Both airlines permit one carry-on plus a personal item, yet the measurements are not identical. Delta's size limits are 22 x 14 x 9 inches, while Air France comes in at 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8 inches. This lack of uniform standards seems illogical to me, why do we need to have different measurements between two airline partners?
Beyond standard luggage, special baggage rules are even more confusing. Delta may provide one free checked bag on international routes, yet Air France could charge you depending on your fare. These variations can cause major budget problems if they're not considered beforehand, and who ever does that? Overweight luggage fees are yet another pitfall. The costs are far from standard and you can expect to pay extra when flying with different partners. Delta may charge $100 for bags over 70 lbs (32 kg), and Air France could come up with their own calculations and set even higher fees.
Sports equipment and musical instruments add another layer of complexity. Delta can sometimes allow certain sporting equipment at no extra cost, while Air France often treats such items as regular luggage. And if you wish to carry a musical instrument as carry on, Delta lets you provided the instrument is small enough to fit in the overhead bin, but Air France often wants it to be checked, which could be a problem.
Both airlines use baggage tracking systems, but it is questionable that they will share the same data. Therefore, monitoring your bags using each respective airline's app is essential. And infant baggage rules also vary. Air France may allow up to 22 lbs (10 kg) of luggage in addition to the standard allowance, while Delta integrates this into the adult’s quota. Baggage transfers can sometimes be different and you may have to check in bags at connections again, even if the final destination is marked on the bag itself. Finally policies for unaccompanied children vary wildly, it seems there is less transparency, and far more complexity when booking such travel on combined partner flights. It seems that there is a lack of consistency and a general absence of any proper standardization.
Understanding Delta-Air France Codeshare Bookings A Guide to Reservation Numbers, Check-in Procedures, and Frequent Flyer Credits - Delta Air France Joint Business Updates For 2025
Delta Air Lines and Air France are pushing their collaboration further into 2025, with a clear focus on improving transatlantic travel and growing their route map. This expanded partnership, also involving KLM and Virgin Atlantic, aims for smoother coordinated flight schedules for travelers moving between the US and Europe. The idea is to make travel more unified, not just in the air, but also on the ground, and ensure that all frequent flyer members are able to use their miles across the board. While the airlines are working on new technologies and making their services more efficient, passengers might still find some snags when dealing with differences in check-in, luggage rules, and mileage credits. This lack of consistency, despite the promises of this partnership, can still make travel a bit less easy than it could be.
In 2025, the partnership between Delta and Air France has led to a notable increase in transatlantic flights, providing travelers with a wider range of options and potentially lower fares due to increased competition. The number of routes has increased to over 300, indicating a significant expansion in service between the US and Europe, this seems like good news.
An interesting, yet complex element in 2025 is the increased opportunities to earn frequent flyer miles on these codeshare flights. It has been observed that passengers can sometimes gain more miles, up to 50% on certain tickets, when combining flights from Delta and Air France rather than flying direct with either airline, rewarding travelers who are adept at maximizing benefits. This adds another level of complexity for those seeking to optimize their travel rewards, but is also a chance to get an advantage.
The technology used to track these flights, while recently updated, has not been perfect. Some inconsistencies still remain, leading to possible discrepancies in mileage awards, which appears to be problematic. This means that some travelers might not get the full points they expect, particularly if they don’t meticulously check each flight's terms – highlighting that this system remains flawed. This lack of seamless integration continues to cause concern and must be reviewed.
Baggage handling, another point of contention, seems to be more problematic on Air France operated flights when booked through Delta. Reports suggest a 30% higher rate of baggage problems compared to solely Delta flights. This indicates that even within a partnership, baggage management may not be as standardized as one would hope. Such discrepancies reinforce the need to examine carefully the operating airline's specific rules to avoid additional costs and hassles, which are all too common in 2025.
Regarding pets, both carriers have now started to permit in cabin travel, but the rules are not identical. Delta's limit is 20 lbs (9 kg), while Air France has a lower limit of 17.6 lbs (8 kg). Such minor differences can mean pet owners must plan very carefully, or they risk their furry friends being denied cabin access. This lack of consistency should have been resolved by 2025.
Real-time flight updates are also available on each airline's respective apps. However, the information displayed does not always line up exactly, and passengers are advised to cross-check their flight status, as conflicting notifications can lead to unnecessary panic or even missed flights. The lack of synchronicity raises questions on data integration between the partners.
In early 2025, Delta SkyMiles and Air France Flying Blue have made some adjustments to their frequent flyer programs. The rates now differ by route and fare type. Travelers must thus review the full terms and conditions for every journey, to confirm the number of points they will be collecting, as this is no longer a standard calculation. This also adds unnecessary complexity.
Passengers on codeshare flights will experience differences with the in-flight entertainment options. While Delta appears to offer a wider array of shows and movies, Air France might have less, meaning a change in traveler experience, specifically for long-distance trips. This suggests, perhaps, the airlines haven't fully synchronized all their offerings, this too is not ideal.
Airport terminals in large hubs can also pose problems. The airlines often operate out of different areas of an airport like in Paris or New York, meaning connecting passengers might face unexpected and inconvenient terminal changes. Passengers now have to ensure they have carefully planned their journey to prevent any extra time and stress at the airport. The need to be extra prepared seems unnecessary and adds extra layers of complexity to an already cumbersome travel experience.
Lastly, the meal experience may differ significantly between the two partners. Those flying on an Air France flight can expect French cuisine, while Delta’s food leans towards American standards, meaning those traveling across different carriers will have varied dining options, which may or may not be to their liking.