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Air France issues €1.1bn in refunds

Air France has processed two million requests for refunds and vouchers since January worth €1.1 billion.

Almost 700 staff are handling refund and credit voucher requests.

Air France is extending its travel insurance offering with Allianz Travel, to provide cover should they fall ill or be required to quarantine due to an epidemic or pandemic disease such as Covid-19.

The airline, which is currently operating flights to close to 170 destinations including over 70 cities in Europe, is adapting its commercial measures to enable customers to book trips in “complete confidence”.

If passengers want to cancel their trip, tickets can now be changed at no extra cost and without proof, on the date and to the destination* of their choice or they can request a refundable credit voucher.

The measures, designed to provide “optimal flexibility”, apply to all trips until March 31, 2021.

If their flight is cancelled by the airline, customers can choose to postpone their trip to the date and destination of their choice, request a full ticket refund or receive a credit voucher, which is also refundable if not used.

Members of the Flying Blue loyalty programme will have their miles and experience points doubled for all flights until the end of the year.

“Since the start of this unprecedented crisis, Air France has significantly strengthened its sales teams dedicated to supporting its customers,” the airline said.

Meanwhile, sister carrier KLM says customers can request a refundable voucher for all tickets with a planned departure up and until March 31.

They then have the choice of buying a new ticket with the voucher or requesting a refund.

Customer experience executive vice president Boet Kreiken said: “We’ve noticed that a lot of people want to travel, but are hesitant to book because of uncertainty and constantly changing travel warnings.

“We understand their predicament and are therefore offering customers this flexible measure, which is also valid for all customers who already have a KLM ticket or travel voucher.

“We expect that greater certainty and flexibility will reassure customers, prompting them to book and fly with KLM once more.”

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