About Air France Hop
Air France Hop, formerly branded as HOP!, is a French regional airline operating scheduled passenger services on behalf of its parent company, Air France. The airline holds IATA code A5 and ICAO code HOP. Headquartered at Nantes Atlantique Airport in France, Air France Hop was established on 21 December 2012 following the merger of three legacy regional carriers: Airlinair, Brit Air, and Regional. The airline commenced operations on 31 March 2013 and has since become a vital component of the Air France-KLM Group, connecting regional and secondary airports across France and Europe to key hubs such as Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Lyon-Saint Exupery (LYS).
As a member of the SkyTeam alliance, Air France Hop provides seamless connectivity for passengers travelling between regional French cities and international destinations worldwide. Passengers earn and redeem miles through the Flying Blue loyalty programme, the shared frequent flyer programme of Air France, KLM, and partner airlines. Whether you are flying within France for business or connecting through Paris to reach Southeast Asia, Air France Hop offers reliable regional services backed by the operational standards of the Air France-KLM Group.
Airline Overview and History
Air France Hop has a rich history rooted in three pioneering French regional airlines. The merger that created the brand brought together decades of combined aviation experience, forming one of Europe's largest regional carriers at its inception. Below is a timeline of key milestones in the airline's history:
- 1973 – Brit Air was established in Morlaix, Brittany, originally serving business executives travelling from western France. Scheduled operations began on 30 June 1975.
- 1998 – Airlinair was founded in Paris, commencing operations in May 1999 as a domestic regional carrier focusing on French routes and select European services.
- 2001 – Regional, formerly known as Flandre Air, became a wholly owned subsidiary of Air France, operating regional turboprop and jet services.
- 21 December 2012 – HOP! was officially founded following the merger of Airlinair, Brit Air, and Regional under a single unified brand.
- 31 March 2013 – HOP! commenced operations with 530 daily flights and a modern fleet of 98 aircraft, each seating between 48 and 100 passengers.
- September 2019 – The airline was rebranded from HOP! to Air France Hop, strengthening its alignment with the parent company. All flights began operating under the Air France brand and flight code.
The creation of HOP! was a strategic response by Air France to compete more effectively against low-cost carriers that had captured a significant share of domestic and intra-European routes. Today, Air France Hop continues to serve as the regional arm of Air France, with its largest operational base located in Lyon and its headquarters in Nantes.
Fleet and Aircraft
Air France Hop operates a streamlined, all-Embraer fleet designed for regional and short-haul European routes. The airline has progressively phased out its earlier Bombardier CRJ regional jets and ATR turboprops to standardise on Embraer aircraft for greater operational efficiency. The current fleet consists of:
- Embraer E170 – A regional jet seating approximately 76 passengers in a comfortable 2-2 configuration. The E170 is deployed on shorter domestic routes within France.
- Embraer E190 – A larger regional jet accommodating up to 100 passengers, also in a 2-2 layout. The E190 is used on busier domestic and intra-European routes, including connections from Lyon and Paris to destinations across France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
Both aircraft types are known for their fuel efficiency, low noise levels, and passenger comfort. The 2-2 seating arrangement means there is no middle seat, providing every passenger with either a window or aisle position. Air France Hop has also begun equipping its Embraer E190 fleet with Starlink satellite-based in-flight Wi-Fi, offering passengers complimentary high-speed internet connectivity during their flights.
Air France Hop adheres to the rigorous safety and maintenance standards set by the Air France-KLM Group, ensuring all aircraft undergo regular inspections and overhauls in compliance with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations.
Top Flight Routes
Air France Hop primarily operates within France and across Europe, connecting regional cities to major hubs. The airline's network spans domestic French routes as well as international services to neighbouring European countries. Key routes include:
- Lyon to Paris (CDG) – One of the busiest domestic routes, connecting France's second-largest city to the capital's main international hub.
- Nantes to Lyon – A popular inter-regional route linking the airline's headquarters city to its largest operational base.
- Bordeaux to Paris (CDG) – Serving business and leisure travellers between the wine capital and Paris.
- Marseille to Paris (CDG) – Connecting the Mediterranean port city to the Ile-de-France region.
- Toulouse to Lyon – A key link between two of France's major economic centres.
- Lyon to Amsterdam – An international route connecting Lyon to the KLM hub at Amsterdam Schiphol.
- Bordeaux to London City – A year-round European service popular with business travellers.
- Marseille to Ajaccio (Corsica) – A seasonal route serving tourism demand to the French island of Corsica.
For Malaysian travellers, Air France Hop's regional network becomes especially useful when connecting through Paris CDG to reach destinations across France and Europe. You can book connecting itineraries through Traveloka that combine a long-haul flight to Paris with an Air France Hop regional connection. Popular routes from Malaysia available on Traveloka include:
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Air France Hop follows the baggage policies of Air France, with allowances varying by fare type and cabin class. Below is a summary of the key baggage rules:
Cabin Baggage:
- Economy Class – One cabin bag (55 x 35 x 25 cm) plus one personal item (40 x 30 x 15 cm), with a combined maximum weight of 12 kg.
- Business Class – Two cabin bags (55 x 35 x 25 cm each) plus one personal item, with a combined maximum weight of 18 kg.
Checked Baggage:
- Light and Economy Standard fares – No checked baggage included. Passengers can purchase checked baggage starting from approximately EUR 25 online or EUR 40 at the airport.
- Economy Flex fares – One checked bag up to 23 kg included.
- Premium Economy – Two checked bags up to 23 kg each included.
- Business Class – Two checked bags up to 32 kg each included.
Each checked bag must not exceed 158 cm in total linear dimensions (length + width + height). Excess baggage can be purchased in advance through the Air France website or at the airport, though booking online typically offers lower rates.
Prohibited Items:
- Flammable liquids, gases, and explosives
- Sharp objects and weapons in cabin baggage
- Lithium batteries exceeding 160 Wh in checked baggage
- E-cigarettes and vaping devices in checked baggage (must be carried in cabin)
Check-in Guide
Air France Hop offers multiple check-in options to help passengers prepare for their flights smoothly and efficiently.
Online Check-in:
- Available from 30 hours to 1 hour before departure.
- Access online check-in through the Air France website or the Air France mobile app.
- Select your seat, download your boarding pass, and proceed directly to the boarding gate if you have no checked luggage.
Airport Counter Check-in:
- Domestic flights within France – Check-in counters generally open 2 hours before departure and close 45 minutes before departure.
- International European flights – Counters open 2 to 3 hours before departure and close 60 minutes before departure.
- Passengers with checked baggage should arrive at the airport early enough to drop off their bags at the designated counters.
Self-Service Kiosks:
- Available at major airports including Paris CDG, Lyon, Nantes, and Bordeaux.
- Print your boarding pass and baggage tags quickly using the automated kiosks.
You can also check the real-time status of your Air France Hop flight using the Traveloka Flight Status page before heading to the airport.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Air France Hop offers two cabin classes on its Embraer regional jets: Economy and Business.
Economy Class:
- Comfortable seating in a 2-2 configuration with no middle seats.
- Adequate legroom with the traditional thick-cushion seats favoured by passengers on shorter routes.
- Complimentary tea, coffee, water, and a small snack (such as a cookie) are offered on most flights. For longer European routes, passengers may purchase food and beverages through the Buy on Board menu.
Business Class:
- Located in the first few rows of the cabin, Business Class seats offer additional legroom.
- Priority boarding, priority baggage handling, and access to Air France lounges at eligible airports.
- Gourmet snack boxes on short-haul flights and chef-prepared meals on medium-haul European services.
- Complimentary beverages, including wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks.
In-flight entertainment on Air France Hop is available through the Air France Play app, which passengers can download to their personal devices before their flight. The app offers a selection of movies, TV series, music, podcasts, and magazines. On E190 aircraft equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi, passengers can browse the internet, stream content, and stay connected during the flight at no extra cost.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Air France Hop accommodates a wide range of passenger needs through dedicated policies and support services.
Children and Infants:
- Infants (under 2 years) – Travel on an adult's lap at a reduced fare. A bassinet may be available on select aircraft, subject to availability and request.
- Children (2 to 11 years) – Must occupy their own seat. Child fares may be available depending on the route and fare type.
- Air France does not recommend travel for infants in the first 7 days after birth.
Unaccompanied Minors (Kids Solo Service):
- Available for children aged 4 to 14 years on domestic flights and 5 to 14 years on international flights.
- Children aged 15 to 17 may choose to travel as unaccompanied minors or as regular adult passengers.
- The Kids Solo service includes supervision by cabin crew, dedicated ground staff assistance, and handover to a designated adult at the arrival airport.
Pregnant Passengers:
- Air France recommends avoiding air travel from week 37 of pregnancy onwards and during the 7 days following childbirth.
- No medical certificate is required to fly, but consulting your doctor before travel is strongly advised.
- Comfort tips include wearing compression stockings, choosing an aisle seat, staying hydrated, and walking periodically during the flight.
Passengers with Disabilities and Reduced Mobility:
- Wheelchair assistance is available upon request. Notify the airline at least 48 hours before departure, specifying your wheelchair type, dimensions, and weight.
- Personal wheelchairs are transported free of charge in the hold. Manual wheelchairs may be kept until boarding and returned upon arrival.
- All Air France aircraft are equipped with an onboard wheelchair for use during the flight.
- The Saphir service provides a dedicated assistance hotline for passengers with disabilities.
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
Air France Hop tickets are subject to the fare conditions of Air France. Understanding the reschedule, cancellation, and refund policies can help you manage unexpected changes to your travel plans.
Rescheduling:
- Flexible fare tickets (Economy Flex, Business Flex) allow date and time changes with minimal or no fees.
- Standard and Light fare tickets may incur a change fee plus any fare difference.
- Changes can be made through the Air France website, mobile app, or by contacting customer service.
Cancellation:
- Passengers who book directly may cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund, provided the booking was made at least 7 days before departure.
- Refundable fare tickets can be cancelled for a full monetary refund at any time.
- Non-refundable tickets generally only refund applicable taxes and airport fees.
Airline-Initiated Cancellations:
- If Air France Hop cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full refund or rebooking on an alternative flight at no additional cost.
- Under EU Regulation 261/2004, compensation of EUR 250 to EUR 600 may apply for cancellations within 14 days of departure, depending on the flight distance.
Refund Processing via Traveloka:
- If you booked your Air France Hop ticket through Traveloka, you can submit a refund or reschedule request through the Traveloka app or website under My Booking.
- Traveloka's customer support team will liaise with the airline on your behalf. Refund processing typically takes 7 to 30 business days depending on the payment method used.
Why Book Air France Hop Flights on Traveloka
Traveloka makes it easy and affordable for Malaysian travellers to book Air France Hop flights to France and Europe. Here are the key benefits of booking through Traveloka:
- Competitive Prices – Compare fares from multiple airlines on a single platform and find the best deal for your Air France Hop flight.
- Flexible Payment Options – Pay using your preferred method, including credit and debit cards, online banking, and popular Malaysian e-wallets such as Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, and ShopeePay.
- Instalment Plans – Spread the cost of your flight ticket with Traveloka PayLater, making long-haul European travel more accessible.
- Instant E-Ticket – Receive your electronic ticket and booking confirmation immediately after payment.
- 24/7 Customer Support – Get assistance at any time through the Traveloka app, website, or customer hotline.
- Price Alerts – Set up notifications to track price changes on your preferred routes and book when fares drop.
- All-in-One Platform – Book flights, hotels, airport transfers, and travel insurance in a single transaction for a seamless travel experience.
Tips for Finding Cheap Air France Hop Flights on Traveloka
Getting the best fares on Air France Hop flights to France and Europe requires a bit of planning. Here are some practical tips to help you secure affordable tickets:
- Book Early – Flight prices generally increase as the departure date approaches. Aim to book your Air France Hop ticket at least 4 to 8 weeks in advance for the best rates.
- Fly Midweek – Flights departing on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday tend to be cheaper than weekend departures. Consider flexible travel dates to save on fares.
- Use Traveloka Price Alerts – Activate the Price Alert feature on Traveloka to receive notifications when fares drop on your preferred route.
- Travel During Off-Peak Seasons – Avoid peak European travel periods such as June to August and the Christmas holiday season. Shoulder seasons like March to May and September to November often offer lower fares.
- Compare Connecting Routes – If direct flights to Paris are expensive, consider alternative routing through cities like Singapore, Dubai, or Istanbul and connect to Air France Hop services within Europe.
- Check Promo Pages – Visit the Traveloka Promos page regularly for flash sales, exclusive vouchers, and limited-time airline deals.
- Bundle Your Trip – Save money by booking your flight and hotel together on Traveloka. Bundled packages often come with additional discounts.
- Consider Light Fares – If you are travelling with minimal luggage, Air France Hop's Light fare option excludes checked baggage but offers a lower base fare.
How to Book Air France Hop Flight Tickets on Traveloka
Booking your Air France Hop flight on Traveloka is quick and straightforward. Follow these steps to secure your ticket:
- Open the Traveloka app or visit www.traveloka.com on your browser.
- Select Flights from the main menu and enter your departure city (e.g., Kuala Lumpur), destination (e.g., Paris), travel dates, number of passengers, and preferred cabin class.
- Tap Search to view available flight options. Use the airline filter to select Air France Hop or Air France to narrow your results.
- Compare fares, flight durations, and layover details. Select the Air France Hop flight that best suits your schedule and budget.
- Review the flight details, baggage allowance, and fare conditions on the booking summary page.
- Fill in the required passenger details, including full name (as per passport), date of birth, nationality, and passport number for international flights.
- Choose your preferred payment method — credit or debit card, online banking, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, or Traveloka PayLater.
- Complete the payment and receive your e-ticket and booking confirmation via email and the Traveloka app.
- Use your e-ticket to check in online via the Air France website or app starting 30 hours before departure.