Air France, the flight plus train offer: here's how it works

As of the next December 15 Air France will initiate a partnership with the national rail network SNCF. An important step in terms of the business plan "Train + Air" of the French company. Looking especially at the line connecting Bordeaux Saint-Jean and the airport of Paris Orly.

More services offered to customers and, at the same time, a further step toward achieving the commitment made earlier by Air France, as outlined by Vincent Etchebehere, head of the French company's sustainability area.

Air France intends to respect the agreements made by proceeding in a clear direction in degrees of cut CO2 emissions in half produced on domestic routes. All by 2024. A very clear idea that forces the cutting of some connections by air, starting with Orly, considering the possibility of a viable rail alternative, arriving in less than two and a half hours.

Train + Air, how it works

A partnership that certainly did not take its first steps at this time, that between Air France and SNCF. Services of this kind have been offered to passengers for 25 years now. A system that facilitates the travel of more than 160 thousand people each year, offering connections between 14 different stations and Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly airports.

Passengers will be given ways to take advantage of the rail network to make transfers from Bordeaux to Massy TGV. Where train cars do not arrive, cabs step in. With a well-designed service, it is therefore possible to make the transfer to Paris Orly. A few extra passes required of passengers, in the name of an emissions upgrading plan that is in everyone's interest. It will be possible to organize as best as possible: there are planned five departures every day from Bordeaux Saint-Jean and four from Massy TGV.

Train + Air, what it includes

The combination of train and airplane operated by Air France aims to equalize the two means as far as short-haul travel is concerned. It therefore proceeds to consider one flight segment as a rail segment.

This brings a number of advantages designed to simplify passengers' movements, prompting them to opt for a more environmentally friendly solution. Indeed, there is no need to change your ticket, which can be used from transport to transport.

Air France guarantees a fixed cost for the entire route, without having to make additional payments along the way. Being able to enjoy a single ticket carries specific weight especially in the event of a missed connection. There will be no need to redo any procedures, simply wait for the next train arriving at the station.

Anyone holding a Business or La Première airline ticket will be entitled to a reserved seat in first class once you board the TGV. The entire trip will also take into account the accumulated miles, as well as of the points XP Flying. This means that the calculation will continue even after the interruption of the flight path.