Air France Cancellation & Change Policy (2026)
For flights to/from the US, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if booked at least 7 days before departure.
Have a question about Air France cancellation policy?
Talk to an ExpertPage updated: August 2026
24-Hour Rule
Yes — free cancellation within 24 hours of booking. For flights to/from the US, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if booked at least 7 days before departure.
Cancellation Fees
| Fare Class | Fee |
|---|---|
| Basic Economy | Non-refundable (Light fare). |
| Main Cabin | Non-refundable or subject to a fee depending on fare conditions (Standard fare). Fully refundable for Flex fares. |
| Premium | Subject to a fee or fully refundable depending on fare conditions. |
| Business | Subject to a fee or fully refundable depending on fare conditions. |
Change Fees
| Fare Class | Fee |
|---|---|
| Basic Economy | Not permitted or subject to high fees depending on route (Light fare). |
| Main Cabin | Changes permitted with a fee (Standard fare) or free (Flex fare), plus fare difference. |
| Premium | Changes permitted with a fee or free depending on fare type, plus fare difference. |
| Business | Changes generally permitted free of charge, plus fare difference. |
Refund Method
Refunds are issued to the original form of payment or as a travel voucher depending on fare rules.
Same-Day Change
Available for certain fares (like Flex) or elite members, subject to availability.
No-Show Policy
If you miss your flight without notifying the airline, your onward or return flights may be cancelled and the ticket loses its value.
If Air France Cancels Your Flight
When an airline cancels or significantly changes your flight, U.S. Department of Transportation regulations require the airline to provide a full refund to the original form of payment — including ticket price, taxes, fees, and any paid extras — regardless of fare type.
Under DOT rules, a "significant change" includes: arrival delayed 3+ hours (domestic) or 6+ hours (international), a change in departure or arrival airport, additional connections, or an involuntary downgrade to a lower class of service.
The refund must be issued automatically within 7 business days for credit card purchases or 20 calendar days for other payment methods. Airlines may offer travel credits or vouchers as an alternative, but must inform you of your right to a cash refund. You are not required to accept a voucher.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Aviation Consumer Protection — Refunds (transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds, last updated November 7, 2025).
How to Cancel
- Log in to your Air France account or go to 'My Bookings'.
- Enter your booking reference and last name.
- Select the flight you wish to cancel.
- Follow the prompts to confirm cancellation and review refund options.
Tips
- Check if your ticket is a Light, Standard, or Flex fare to understand your change and cancellation rights.
- If your flight is cancelled by Air France, you are entitled to a full refund or rebooking.
- Consider purchasing travel insurance for non-refundable tickets.
- Flying Blue elite members may have more flexible change policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Air France cancellation policy?
- Air France offers free cancellation within 24 hours of booking, plus fare-class-based fees after that window closes. Refund method: Refunds are issued to the original form of payment or as a travel voucher depending on fare rules.
- Can I cancel a Air France flight for free?
- Yes — For flights to/from the US, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if booked at least 7 days before departure.
- What is Air France cancellation policy after 24 hours?
- Once the 24-hour window expires, fees apply by fare class. Main Cabin: Non-refundable or subject to a fee depending on fare conditions (Standard fare). Fully refundable for Flex fares.. Basic Economy: Non-refundable (Light fare).. Premium: Subject to a fee or fully refundable depending on fare conditions..
- What is Air France's change fee?
- Main Cabin: Changes permitted with a fee (Standard fare) or free (Flex fare), plus fare difference.. Basic Economy: Not permitted or subject to high fees depending on route (Light fare)..
- How do I get a refund from Air France?
- Refunds are issued to the original form of payment or as a travel voucher depending on fare rules.
- What happens if I no-show on Air France?
- If you miss your flight without notifying the airline, your onward or return flights may be cancelled and the ticket loses its value.