Air France

Air France is the sort of airline people use when they want a full-service European carrier with long-haul reach, a normal airport network, and the usual mix of economy, premium economy, business, and first class on some routes. By our assessment, it is strongest where the big legacy airlines tend to be strongest: connections through Paris, a broad route map, and a product that feels established rather than improvised. The downside is also familiar: fares and baggage rules can be less simple than low-cost rivals, and the experience depends a lot on the route and cabin. In practice it is a check-in, security, boarding, and miles-and-connections kind of airline, not a flashy one, and that suits travelers who care more about network and continuity than cheap point-to-point fares. It sits above budget carriers and beside other flag carriers, with France in the name and Paris at the center of the operation.