Endless lines at security checks, crowded airports, delayed or even canceled flights… The pandemic has not finished disrupting the aviation industry. Airports, unable to quickly make up for staff shortages cut during the pandemic, have not recovered their cruise speeds. If we add to this the strikes of airport staff and companies, some flights cannot be provided. Passengers already faced with rising ticket prices due to inflation may be forced to change their plans a few days before departure.
Fortunately, the Paris hubs, Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Orly, are performing better than others, with Air France maintaining its level of activity during the Covid crisis. Beware, however, of strikes announced in Paris for July 1st by unionized staff at Paris airports. So it’s best to take precautions before flying this summer.
Getting to the airport (even earlier)
Recruitment difficulties for airlines and airports lead to reduced check-in counters and security control lines. And therefore with a longer waiting time for them. “We can see queues, crowded airports”On July 27, the CEO of Air France, Anne Rigay, gave an interview on Radio Classique. He advises passengers to arrive a little earlier before the flight. “For a long drive, for example, you have to arrive 3 hours in advance and be prepared to wait a little longer. »
Check the cancellation policy
In this context of uncertainty, it is more advisable to choose easily changeable and non-cancellable plane tickets. Even if companies, in most cases, have to compensate their passengers in case of flight cancellation, buying a ticket for a change plane allows you to avoid the unexpected and cancel the ticket yourself. travel.
Cancellation conditions this summer are highly variable depending on which companies have not all taken the post-pandemic turn in the same way. A few companies, such as Air France, maintain very flexible terms. All tickets can be changed free of charge up to the date of departure (but a fare difference may apply). If the passenger wants to cancel his flight, he will receive a non-refundable credit valid for one year.
On the other hand, on the other hand, stricter conditions have returned. This is the case of Transavia, whose tickets cannot be canceled. Any changes are subject to a €50 fee. Similar terms on Easyjet, with change fees ranging from €28 to €45. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the terms of sale when booking your flight and choose changeable and non-cancellable tickets, which are offered by many companies at higher prices.
Revise your budget upwards
Inflation weighing on the economy due to the post-Covid recovery and the war in Ukraine is not sparing the airline sector. In particular, an increase in the price of oil automatically leads to an increase in the price of kerosene. “The cost of fuel is 35-45% of the cost of a long-haul flight ticket, and 25-35% for medium and short distances.”was mentioned last March Figaro Didier Brechemier, Roland Berger Senior Partner, Air Transport Specialist. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in France, in May 2021, the prices of flights departing from the territory for all types of trips increased by 19.4% compared to the same month of 2021. Vacationers have no choice but to increase their transportation budget by cutting spending on vacation activities or choosing a less remote and less expensive destination.
Source: Le Figaro
