Air France Hop

Air France Hop is not just a regional carrier, but a reliable bridge connecting the cozy provinces of France and dynamic European metropolises with a global route network. As a subsidiary of the legendary Air France, this company ensures travelers find the perfect balance between the accessibility of local destinations and high international service standards. Every "Hop" flight is a promise of punctuality, comfort, and French elegance, allowing passengers to easily travel from a small regional airport to any point in the world.

History and Mission

The carrier's history began in 2013 when the Air France group merged three of its regional airlines—Brit Air, Regional, and Airlinair—under the single brand HOP!. Later, the name was transformed into Air France Hop to emphasize the inseparable link with the parent company. The carrier's main mission is to ensure mobility within France and neighboring countries, as well as to transport passengers to long-haul flights at major hubs.

Flight Geography and Key Destinations

The airline's route network is centered around hub airports, the main one being Paris (Charles de Gaulle). From here, Air France Hop aircraft regularly depart for business and cultural centers across Europe. For example, travelers often choose flights to Germany to visit Düsseldorf, the lively Frankfurt am Main, or the country's capital—Berlin.

Additionally, the airline actively connects French regions. Popular routes include those connecting major cities, such as the flight from Lyon to the capital. The southern direction is represented by flights connecting France with neighbors, for example, flights from Madrid. such a wide network allows tourists to plan complex itineraries with convenient connections.

Fleet and Onboard Comfort

The Air France Hop fleet consists primarily of modern regional jet aircraft manufactured by Embraer (models E170 and E190). These liners are valued by passengers for their comfortable "2+2" seating layout, which means there is no awkward "middle" seat. Despite the short duration of flights, onboard service standards correspond to the high level of Air France.

Safety and Privileges

Flight safety is the absolute priority for Air France Hop. The airline strictly follows European EASA regulations and maintains the technical condition of its fleet at an impeccable level. Passengers also benefit from participating in the Flying Blue loyalty program, accumulating miles even on short flights, which can then be used for travel around the world.

Contacting Air France Hop representatives is extremely simple, as customer service is fully integrated into the global network of the parent company, Air France. To resolve any issues—from purchasing tickets to checking in for a flight—passengers can use unified communication channels, guaranteeing high support standards at any stage of the journey.

Official Website

All current information on flights, carriage rules, and booking management is available on the official portal:

• Website: www.airfrance.com (language and region selection available).

Customer Support and Booking

Since Air France Hop is a regional division, support is provided through Air France call centers. Please note that phone numbers may differ depending on the country of your stay.

• International Support Service (France): +33 (0)9 69 39 36 54 (service in English and French, daily from 8:00 to 20:00 Paris time).
• Ticket Booking: It is recommended to use the "Contact Us" function on the official website to find a local phone number in your region.
• Mobile App: Air France (available on App Store and Google Play). Through the app, you can manage Hop flights, check in, and track baggage.

Social Media

The fastest way to get an answer to an urgent question or find out airline news is to contact them through official social media accounts. Support usually responds very promptly.

• X (Twitter): @AirFrance (24/7 support).
• Facebook: facebook.com/airfrance.
• Instagram: @airfrance.
• Messenger: Available through the official Facebook page for chat support.

Offices and Representatives

Physical offices and Air France Hop service counters are located at key hub airports of the route network.

• Base Airport: Air France counters at Paris — Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris-Orly (ORY).
• Regional Hub: Service counters at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS).
• In other cities: Look for branded Air France/KLM counters in departure zones.

Emergency Support

In case of flight cancellation, missed connection, or lost baggage, the most effective way to communicate is:

• Approaching staff at the Air France Transfer Desk at the transfer airport.
• Using the chat in the Air France mobile app.
• Calling the Flying Blue loyalty program hotline (for program members): +33 1 58 68 68 68.

Please note: contact details, phone numbers, and support service hours may change. We strongly recommend checking current information in the "Contact Us" section on the airline's official website before traveling.

Proper baggage preparation is the key to a stress-free start to your journey. Since Air France Hop is a subsidiary of the national carrier, baggage rules here are unified with the high standards of Air France. This means passengers receive clear and transparent conditions, regardless of whether you are flying from the hub at Paris airport or taking a regional flight.

Cabin Baggage: Essentials with You

Cabin baggage allowances on Air France Hop depend on the travel class but always allow you to take the most important items with you. Standard rules include:

• Economy Class: Allowed to bring 1 piece of cabin baggage and 1 personal accessory (for example, a handbag, briefcase, or laptop bag). The total weight of all items must not exceed 12 kg.
• Business Class: Passengers can take 2 pieces of cabin baggage and 1 personal accessory. The total weight is increased to 18 kg.

The maximum dimensions of the main cabin bag are 55 x 35 x 25 cm (including pockets, wheels, and handles), and the accessory — 40 x 30 x 15 cm. If you are flying on a small Embraer aircraft, often used by Hop, be prepared that on crowded flights, large cabin baggage may be placed in the hold at the aircraft steps free of charge for your convenience.

Checked Baggage

The quantity and weight of baggage that can be checked in at the counter are determined by your fare and status in the Flying Blue loyalty program.

• Light Fare: The most budget-friendly option, often chosen for short trips, for example, from the city of Lyon, usually does not include checked baggage. It can be purchased separately.
• Standard Fare: Includes 1 piece of baggage weighing up to 23 kg.
• Business Class: Allows carrying 2 pieces of baggage weighing up to 32 kg each.

The size of each suitcase based on the sum of three dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 158 cm. If your suitcase is larger or heavier than the norm, you will have to pay extra for overweight or oversized items.

Excess Baggage and Rates

If you do not fit within the allocated limits (for example, bringing many gifts from a trip to Madrid), it is most profitable to pay for additional baggage online in advance. Payment at the airport before departure typically costs significantly more. Flying Blue members (Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels) often have the privilege of an additional piece of baggage for free.

Special Baggage: Sports and Music

Air France Hop is accommodating regarding the transport of non-standard items but requires compliance with certain rules:

• Sports Equipment: Skis, snowboards, golf bags, or bicycles can be transported as part of the baggage allowance (if weight permits) or for an additional fee. Bicycles and other large equipment require prior coordination with the airline (usually 48 hours before departure).
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments (violin, flute) can be taken into the cabin as hand luggage if they fit within the dimensions. For a cello or guitar, purchasing an extra seat in the cabin may be required. Large instruments are checked into baggage in hard cases.

Prohibited Items and Restrictions

For safety reasons, it is strictly forbidden to transport explosives, flammable liquids, fireworks, and toxic substances in any type of baggage. Pay special attention to:

• Lithium Batteries and Power Banks: They can be transported only in cabin baggage. Checking them into the hold is prohibited.
• Liquids in the Cabin: In cabin baggage, liquids, gels, and aerosols are allowed only in containers up to 100 ml, packed in one transparent resealable bag with a volume of no more than 1 liter.

Packing Tips for Hop Passengers

Planning a visit to Düsseldorf or another European city, follow these simple recommendations to avoid stress at the airport:

1. Always weigh your suitcases at home before leaving.
2. Be sure to attach a tag with your name and contacts on the outside and place a duplicate inside the suitcase.
3. Always keep valuables, documents, medicines, and keys in your hand luggage.
4. If you have a connecting flight, ensure your baggage is checked through to the final destination (this is usually done automatically with a single booking).

Traveling with pets on Air France Hop flights is a streamlined and comfortable process, as the airline understands the importance of family trips. The carrier offers flexible conditions for transporting cats and dogs both within France and on European routes, paying special attention to the safety of four-legged passengers.

In the Cabin (Hand Luggage)

• Carrier Dimensions: A soft bag must be no larger than 46 x 28 x 24 cm to fit easily under the seat.
• Maximum Weight: Up to 8 kg (total weight of the animal together with the bag).
• Allowed Animals: Cats and small dog breeds.
• Age: The animal must be older than 10 weeks (on some routes — from 15 weeks).
• Limit: One pet in one carrier per passenger.

In the Cargo Hold (Checked Baggage)

• Container Requirements: Only a rigid container (plastic or fiberglass) approved by IATA, with metal bolts and a secure lock.
• Weight Limits: For animals weighing from 8 to 75 kg (including the cage).
• Conditions: The baggage compartment is heated, ventilated, and pressurized, ensuring a comfortable temperature.
• Flight Documents: Before departure, you must sign a liability form for the transport of the animal.

As Cargo (For Large Animals)

• When Required: If the weight of the animal with the cage exceeds 75 kg, the cage does not meet baggage standards, or the animal is flying unaccompanied.
• Special Requirements: Transport is carried out through Air France-KLM Cargo service.
• Procedure: Booking through the cargo terminal is necessary; rules may differ from passenger travel.

Necessary Documents

• Valid veterinary passport.
• Health certificate for the animal (issued by a veterinarian within the required timeframe).
• Current rabies vaccination (validity depends on the destination country).
• Microchip for identification (mandatory for travel within Europe).

Service Costs

• Transport in Cabin: Approximately from 55 EUR (domestic flights) to 125 EUR (Europe).
• Transport in Cargo Hold: Approximately from 75 EUR to 200 EUR.
• Prices vary depending on the route and flight zone.

Preparation Tips

• Acclimatization: Introduce your pet to the carrier a few days before the flight to reduce stress.
• Feeding: Do not feed the animal 4–6 hours before the flight, but ensure access to water (you can put ice in the drinker).
• Comfort: Place an absorbent pad on the bottom of the container and put an item with the owner's scent inside.

Restrictions

• Brachycephalic Breeds: Dogs and cats with snub noses (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers) are prohibited from transport in the cargo hold due to the risk of respiratory problems (only cabin or cargo).
• Prohibited Breeds: Category 1 dogs (attack dogs) are not accepted for transport.
• Exceptions: Service dogs and guide dogs are transported in the cabin free of charge, regardless of weight and dimensions.

Rules and rates may change, so we strongly recommend contacting the airline directly or checking current information on the official website when booking tickets.

Passengers of Air France Hop automatically become members of the global Flying Blue loyalty program, shared by the Air France-KLM group. This is one of the most popular bonus systems in Europe, allowing travelers to accumulate miles not only for flights but also for using the services of numerous partners around the world.

Membership Levels and Privileges

Status in the program depends on the number of Experience Points (XP) earned over the year. The higher the level, the more comfortable each journey becomes:

• Explorer: Entry level, giving 4 miles for every Euro spent and a 10% discount on the first piece of baggage.
• Silver: Accrual of 6 miles per Euro, priority check-in and boarding, free selection of a standard seat in the cabin.
• Gold: 7 miles per Euro, access to business lounges at airports worldwide, SkyPriority services, and an additional piece of baggage.
• Platinum: Elite level with accrual of 8 miles per Euro, a dedicated Platinum Service Line, and the highest priority on the waiting list.

How to Earn Miles

The accumulation system is simple and transparent: the more often you fly and use partner services, the faster your balance grows.

• Flights: Miles are accrued for every Euro spent on Air France, Hop, and KLM tickets (excluding taxes and fees).
• Partner Airlines: On flights of other carriers, miles are accrued depending on the distance and booking class.
• Hotels and Cars: Bonuses for stays at Accor, Marriott chains, or car rentals at Hertz and Avis.
• Finance: Using co-branded credit cards for daily purchases significantly accelerates accumulation.

How to Use Miles

Flying Blue offers flexible options for spending accumulated bonuses, making travel more accessible and enjoyable.

• Award Tickets: Full or partial coverage of flight costs on flights of any partner airline.
• Class Upgrade: Opportunity to fly in Business Class by paying for the upgrade with miles.
• Additional Options: Payment for excess baggage, special meals, or seats with extra legroom.
• Flying Blue Store: Purchase of goods, travel accessories, and electronics in the program's online store.

Alliance Membership

Thanks to the parent company's membership in the SkyTeam alliance, program benefits extend far beyond the Hop route network.

• Global Reach: Miles can be earned and spent on flights of Delta, Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines, and other members.
• Seamless Privileges: Elite Flying Blue statuses are recognized by all alliance airlines (SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus status).

How to Join

Joining Flying Blue is absolutely free. To do this, simply fill out a simple registration form on the official Air France website or in the mobile app before purchasing a ticket, and you will immediately start receiving points for your trips.

Traveling on Air France Hop flights is an opportunity to appreciate high standards of French hospitality even during short regional flights. The airline strives to make time in transit as pleasant as possible, offering service comparable to the mainline flights of the parent company Air France, but adapted for the format of short-haul liners.

Cabin Configuration and Comfort

One of the main advantages of flying with Hop is the fleet consisting of Embraer liners. Thanks to the "2 by 2" seating layout, there is completely no "middle" seat in the cabin. This guarantees that every passenger will sit either by the window or by the aisle. Ergonomic leather seats with adjustable headrests (on most aircraft) provide sufficient legroom, allowing you to relax even during a one-hour flight.

Travel Classes

On Air France Hop flights departing from the hub at Paris airport or other cities, two main classes of service are available to passengers. First Class (La Première) is not provided on regional vessels; it is available only on long-haul Air France flights.

• Economy Class (Economy): The ideal balance of price and quality. Passengers receive a comfortable seat, beverages, and a light snack. Depending on the fare (Light or Standard), the ticket may or may not include checked baggage and the option to select a seat in advance.
• Business Class (Business): Offers a premium level of comfort from the moment of arrival at the airport. The SkyPriority service ensures priority check-in, security screening, and boarding. On board, Business Class passengers are seated in the front part of the cabin. Although the physical seats are often identical to Economy, passengers are guaranteed more personal space and quiet, as well as special service.

Dining and Beverages

The airline preserves the traditions of French gastronomy. Unlike many low-cost carriers, Air France Hop offers complimentary catering on all flights, regardless of duration.

• In Economy Class: You will be offered hot drinks (coffee, tea) or refreshing beverages (juices, water), as well as a "sweet or savory snack"—famous biscuits, a muffin, or a sandwich, depending on the time of day.
• In Business Class: Service includes a full cold platter with appetizers, cheeses, and dessert ("Gourmet snack"). Food is served on porcelain tableware. The beverage selection includes premium options selected by sommeliers (such as Paolo Basso), allowing you to begin your acquaintance with French culture while still in the sky.

Entertainment and Connectivity

Regional aircraft do not have built-in screens in seatbacks, but you won't be bored. Passengers have access to the Air France Play app, which can be downloaded for free on a smartphone or tablet before departure. It opens access to a wide selection of fresh press (newspapers and magazines in various languages), as well as podcasts and music. It is recommended to download content before takeoff, as Wi-Fi is not available on all aircraft in the Hop fleet.

Traveling with Children

Air France Hop treats young travelers with special attention. Activity kits with coloring books and games are provided for children to keep them occupied during the flight.

• Kids Solo Service: If a child (from 4 to 17 years old) is traveling without parents, for example, to relatives in Lyon, the airline provides an escort service. Staff will look after the young passenger from the moment of check-in until handover to the meeting party at the arrival airport. On connecting flights in Paris, children stay in special colorful lounges with games and a library.

Passengers with Reduced Mobility

The Saphir service is designed to assist passengers with reduced mobility. A request for assistance must be made at least 48 hours before departure. Staff will ensure accompaniment at all stages: from check-in and boarding the plane to baggage claim. Flight attendants are trained to assist with seating and safety briefings so that the flight passes as comfortably and safely as possible.

The Air France Hop route network is built to ensure maximum mobility between French regions and key European cities. The airline's main hub is Paris (Charles de Gaulle Airport), through which the majority of the carrier's connecting and direct flights pass.

Traveling with a regional carrier has its nuances, knowledge of which will make your trip not only comfortable but also cost-effective. Since Air France Hop is integrated into the national carrier's system, passengers can use all advanced digital services while enjoying the intimate atmosphere of smaller aircraft.

When to Book Tickets for Best Value

To find the lowest fares (usually the "Light" category), it is recommended to plan your trip in advance. The optimal time to buy tickets for popular destinations, such as Paris or Düsseldorf, is 6–8 weeks before departure. If you are not tied to specific dates, use the monthly price view function: often a flight in the middle of the week (Tuesday or Wednesday) costs 15–20% less than flights on Friday or Sunday.

How to Find Discounts and Special Offers

The airline regularly holds sales known as "Oh La La Deals". To ensure you don't miss them:

• Subscribe to the Air France newsletter — subscribers are the first to know about price drops.
• For young people (under 24), there are special Youth Pass fares offering significant discounts and flexible ticket exchange conditions.
• Watch for "Flight + Hotel" package deals if you plan a weekend, for example, in Frankfurt am Main.

Secrets of Online Check-in

Online check-in for Air France Hop flights opens 30 hours before departure. We strongly recommend completing it as early as possible via the website or mobile app. This will not only allow you to choose the best seat for free (if provided by the fare) but also save time at the airport. If you are flying with hand luggage only, you can proceed directly to security screening, bypassing check-in counters.

Seat Selection: Strategy for Comfort

The Hop fleet consists primarily of Embraer aircraft with a "2+2" seating layout. This means there are no uncomfortable middle seats here. However, there are nuances:

• For Short Connections: If your itinerary involves a transfer at a major hub to a flight to Berlin or another city, try to choose seats in the first rows (up to row 6). This will allow you to leave the cabin first and get to the next gate faster.
• For Quietness: Seats in the front part of the cabin are usually quieter, as the engines are located behind (on some models) or the noise from them is less audible.

Mobile App — Your Main Assistant

Download the official Air France app before your trip. It is especially useful for Hop passengers, as regional flights may change boarding gates. The app sends push notifications about gate changes, flight delays, or the start of boarding in real-time. Additionally, it is convenient for storing your boarding pass and tracking your baggage status.

Travel Insurance

When booking, the airline offers an insurance option from Allianz Travel. For international trips (even within Europe, for example, from France to Spain), it is recommended to take out insurance covering not only medical expenses but also risks of trip cancellation or lost baggage. If you buy non-refundable tickets, cancellation insurance will be your guarantee of financial security.

The history of Air France Hop is a chronicle of the pursuit of excellence and optimization, aimed at making travel across Europe simpler and more accessible. Although the airline has been known under the modern brand relatively recently, its roots go deep into the traditions of French aviation, combining the experience of several regional carriers into a single powerful structure.

Foundation and Consolidation (2013)

The official starting point in the company's history is considered to be 2013. Striving to strengthen its position in the short-haul market and create worthy competition for low-cost carriers, the Air France group made a strategic decision to merge three of its subsidiary regional airlines: Brit Air, Régional, and Airlinair. The new structure received the energetic name HOP!. This step allowed for simplifying the commercial offer: a single ticket, clear fares, and an optimized route network covering all of France and nearby European countries.

Rebranding and Change of Course (2019)

An important milestone in development was 2019, when management decided to rename the carrier to Air France Hop. This was not just a cosmetic change, but a strategic step designed to emphasize the inseparable link of the subsidiary structure with the parent company. The goal of the rebranding was to assure passengers that by choosing a regional flight, they receive the same high level of safety and service as on Air France transatlantic flights.

Fleet Evolution: Course for Comfort

In the early years of its existence, the company's fleet was quite diverse, including ATR turboprops and Bombardier CRJ jets inherited from the merged companies. However, the development strategy implied unification. Gradually, Air France Hop began to decommission old aircraft types, betting on modern and efficient liners of the Embraer family (E170 and E190). This decision allowed for improving flight punctuality and offering passengers a higher level of comfort thanks to the absence of a middle seat in the cabin.

Route Network Development

Since its foundation, the airline's key task has been ensuring convenient connections. The main hub became Paris (Charles de Gaulle Airport), transforming into a "gateway to the world" for residents of the regions. The route network was restructured to most efficiently transport passengers to long-haul flights.

Today, the airline not only connects French cities, such as Lyon, with the capital, but also actively develops international destinations. The launch of regular and frequent flights to key business centers in Germany, such as Düsseldorf and Frankfurt am Main, allowed for strengthening economic ties between regions. Also of great importance are tourist routes connecting northern Europe with southern destinations, for example, flights linking Madrid with French hub airports.

Modern Stage and Innovations

Currently, Air France Hop continues to integrate digital technologies to improve the passenger experience. The implementation of unified mobile apps and baggage tracking systems has made transfers seamless. Furthermore, the company pays great attention to the environmental agenda: updating the fleet with more fuel-efficient engines and optimizing flight paths allows for significantly reducing CO2 emissions, which corresponds to the global sustainable development strategy of the Air France-KLM group.