With a new flight plus hotel proposal, Air France is launching a fresh venture in the travel agency market. Working alongside its long-standing travel partner PerfectStays, with which the airline has previously collaborated on special offers and newsletters under the “Collection Air France” banner, the French flag carrier has now officially announced the creation of a new entity: Air France holidays.
Over 400 destinations
Described as “an offer marketed by PerfectStays” and already trialled in summer 2024, the new package provider is now rolling out in full, with what it has trailed as “Comprehensive and flexible holidays to over 400 destinations at attractive prices”. These range from custom tours to relaxing getaways as far and wide as Mauritius, Egypt, and New York. Quality is a priority with all selected hotels rated at three stars and above.
All these offers are available to everyone on the new website, which includes an exclusive “trip design” feature that invites guests to tailor the trip with their own choice of gigs and sporting events.
Up to 70% off for members
Press materials point out that by registering for free on the Air France holidays website, each visitor can become a member and enjoy exclusive benefits – yet another step for weary online consumers to perform, yet perhaps one that’s worth it, with up to 70% reductions for Air France holidays members. What’s more, until 31 January 2025, members will “receive 100 euros in credits deductible from their purchases to save even more. Ideal for a fresh start after the festive season!” the company promises.
Members of Flying Blue, the Air France-KLM group’s loyalty programme will not miss out. They can also earn Miles every time they book a holiday, including flights, hotels and activities.
Heavy promotion amid potential backlash
The latest Air France and PerfectStays venture is being heavily promoted across a range of channels, including TV sponsorship deals, billboard advertising in major cities, and digital promotions via platforms such as Le Monde online. It’s an advertising spend designed, according to L’Echo Tourisitique, to counteract negative sentiment from existing travel operators.
It’s also an advertising bill that PerfectStays, which is targeting five-fold growth over three years, from a base of “around 200 million euros in 2024” in the words of Raphael Zier, cofounder, will be keen to recoup. It does not have all its eggs in the Air France holidays basket though, having also forged partnerships with Transavia, Emirates, and Veepee, according to L’Echo.
