New Tools and Policies Target Smoother Journeys for Air France Customers
Air France has rolled out several new services intended to streamline the travel experience for passengers at major airports. One significant change is the launch of the "Short Connection Pass" at Paris-Charles de Gaulle in August 2025, created in collaboration with Groupe ADP. Travellers with limited connection times are automatically recognized by the system and given priority access at security and border control. Notifications are delivered via SMS and email, with plans to extend them to the airline’s app and WhatsApp.
In addition, the airline has been testing a WhatsApp assistance service since February 2025 at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol airports. Passengers who opt in during check-in receive personalized guidance for their connections, including boarding gate numbers, estimated transfer times, and navigation instructions. Air France has launched a procedure for passengers using manual wheelchairs, enabling them to keep their chair until boarding and collect it right after landing. By the end of the year, passengers using electric wheelchairs will also be able to use this service.
These changes aim to make tight connections less stressful and help passengers save time. Automated priority clearance can help travellers move through airport checkpoints faster, while step-by-step WhatsApp updates provide clearer wayfinding in large terminals. The wheelchair policy changes mean greater independence for passengers with reduced mobility, reducing the need to rely on temporary airport-provided equipment during transfers.
The airline has also simplified document submission during online check-in. Rather than typing in passport or ID details, travellers can scan their documents with a smartphone, and the system adds the information directly to the reservation. Since March 2025, over three million documents have gone through this process. iOS users also benefit from real-time flight tracking displayed on their lock screen or Apple Watch from four hours before departure until one hour after arrival, even without internet access.
These developments indicate a shift toward more integrated and responsive travel services. Air France is introducing priority access, real-time information, and enhanced accessibility features to help passengers move more smoothly through the busiest points of their journey. For passengers, the new measures may lead to more dependable transfers, reduced risk of missed connections, and enhanced assistance for those with mobility challenges, improving the overall airport experience.
