Air Travel Glossary

Most of these terms (or topics) are also covered in detail in the various articles dedicated to air travel.

Subscription: Useful for frequent travellers, especially within France and Europe on one or more routes. Subscriptions can be personal or corporate, in Economy or Business class, on a single route or multiple routes, and airlines readily offer this type of plan.

Travel agency: Different from a tour operator. In air travel, it does not negotiate prices or charter aircraft. It only handles sales and earns a commission from its suppliers... though this is often zero for "flight-only" tickets.

Airline alliances: To better compete and position themselves in the market, airlines form alliances. From Lufthansa with United, British Airways with American Airlines, to Air France-KLM with Delta—just to name the main agreements—there are now over 400 such alliances worldwide, though three of them (One World, Skyteam, Star Alliance) control over 80% of the global market.

Allotment: Number of seats allocated by contract by an airline to a tour operator.

Pets: When they weigh no more than 5 kg, they can usually stay in the cabin in a carrier. Larger pets travel in the hold in conditioned crates. Most of the time, pets are subject to a specific fee. However, they are not always accepted by all carriers.

Flight cancellation: Implied to be by the airline or tour operator. No compensation is due if passengers are informed more than two weeks before the scheduled departure, or if they are rebooked on another flight close to the original time. Otherwise, since 2005, the compensation rules for overbooking apply.

Electronic devices: For safety reasons (interference with navigation systems), the use of music players, computers, etc., is prohibited during take-off and landing. In flight, passengers must follow the cabin crew’s instructions.

Insurance and assistance: Several categories exist, more or less included and more or less mandatory depending on the agency.

1- Baggage insurance: Coverage for loss, theft, or damage.

2- Cancellation/modification insurance: Allows reimbursement (less often a deductible and general fees) in case of trip cancellation or changes to dates, itinerary, and sometimes even name, provided the reason is covered by the contract.

3- Repatriation insurance/assistance: Reimbursement or intervention in case of problems once at the destination.

Very often, such contracts are already included in mutual insurance, credit cards, etc. Contrary to what some tour operators claim, none are legally required when purchasing a flight-only ticket.

ATT: ATT for All-Weather Landing. An aeronautical system allowing automatic landings and take-offs with reduced visibility.

Cabin baggage: Theoretically, only one piece is allowed, with combined dimensions not exceeding 115 cm. Beyond that, the airline may require it to be checked into the hold.

Checked baggage: The normally allowed weight is 20 or 23 kg per person (15 kg on some charters, 30 or 40 kg in Business or First class). For excess weight, the cost per additional kilo is 1.3 to 1.5% of the Economy class fare for the destination or a flat rate per kilo. Infant fares do not include this baggage allowance, unlike child fares (ages 2–12). Note that a different system applies with North American airlines or on transatlantic routes with various other carriers.

Lost baggage: In case of permanent loss (10% of cases), baggage is reimbursed by the carrier at a rate of $20 US/kg (insurance may also apply). It is advisable to attach a label with your contact details on all baggage. In practice, it is essential to report the loss immediately to the airline’s baggage service or the airport to fill out a special form, which will be used for tracing and claims.

Ticket: It constitutes a contract between the carrier and the passenger, even if purchased through a travel agency or online. It is proof of payment for the trip. A ticket is non-transferable.

E-ticket: Also known as an electronic ticket. It has now replaced paper tickets and is linked to the passenger’s ID number.

Open ticket: A ticket for which the return date can be freely set within its validity period.

Open-jaw ticket: Same as "open jaw." Allows arrival in one city and departure from another, not necessarily in the same country.

Lost or stolen ticket: With the advent of e-tickets, the inconvenience of losing or having a ticket stolen is no longer an issue. It is simply a matter of reprinting the ticket (hence the importance of keeping a copy in your email).

Boarding pass: Same as "boarding card."

Flight details: On scheduled flights, any agency can provide flight details (airports, durations, stopovers, etc.) at any time, unlike charters, where sometimes you have to wait until the last moment—though since 2005, tour operators chartering a flight must at least indicate the airline’s name when the ticket is purchased.

Boarding card: Same as "boarding pass." Document issued once check-in is complete. It includes the boarding gate number, the latest boarding time, and the seat number on board.

Catering: An English term used (particularly) in aviation meaning "food service, provisioning."

Charter: An aircraft chartered more or less occasionally by a tour operator, but also, and above all, just a few seats reserved and paid for in advance with a company specialising in this area or sometimes a regular airline. Unlike scheduled flights, (true) charters are not scheduled in advance, which can result in departures at somewhat unusual times. Charter tickets can only be purchased from travel agencies. They are generally subject to often restrictive conditions of use (specific validity, no child discounts, non-changeable dates, etc.). Contrary to what one might think, fares are not always cheaper than on scheduled flights, especially during peak periods or compared to low-cost airlines.

Holiday vouchers: This system of aid for holidays for certain employees can now be used as a means of payment with some French airlines for domestic flights or flights to the French overseas territories.

Classes: Basically, there are three distinct classes on aircraft:

F: First

C: Business

Y: Economy or Tourist

However, depending on the airline, flight, or aircraft, there may be only one class (especially on small-capacity aircraft) or various others, such as the increasingly common "Business First" (Business class at Economy fare). Of course, each corresponds to specific prices and features. Negotiated "public" flights are in Economy, and charters and low-cost flights often have only one class.

Code-share: In French, "code sharing." A commercial practice widely used by airlines (and especially alliances) to better position themselves in the market. This means that two airlines share routes for the same connection (prices are also identical). You may buy a ticket with airline X but actually fly with airline Y, only finding out at boarding. A potential disadvantage for the passenger if the service on board differs between the two carriers.

Coding: An international system that assigns a three-letter code to cities and airports (e.g., ORY for Orly) and a two-letter code to airlines (e.g., AF for Air France). These references appear on tickets, airport information screens, airline timetables, and sometimes agency documents.

Captain: The sole authority on board and has authority over all persons on board. The law allows them to disembark any passenger, animal, or cargo that may pose a danger to safety or order on board.

Airlines: Distinguish between scheduled and non-scheduled airlines. The former operate passenger or freight routes continuously, while the latter work on an "occasional" basis, such as charter airlines or business aviation companies.

Payment terms (in agencies): As a general rule, up to 30 days before departure, a deposit of 25 to 35% of the total trip amount is required, with the full balance due 30 days before departure. For bookings made after this date, the full ticket amount must be paid. Note that for last-minute reservations, a surcharge may sometimes be applied. Finally, 15 or 21 days before departure, many agencies only accept payment by card or cash.

Terms and conditions: Highly variable depending on the airline and tour operator. The most important thing is to carefully check the cancellation and modification conditions of the ticket, as well as everything related to insurance.

Countermark: Document that replaces the ticket for charter flights.

Warsaw and Montreal Conventions: The Montreal Convention of 2003 now replaces the Warsaw Convention established in 1929. It concerns the liability of carriers. It stipulates that an airline is presumed liable in case of damage to transported goods and persons. This liability can only be lifted if it is proven that the airline took all necessary measures to avoid the damage or that it was impossible to do so. However, in case of problems, with the 1992 Law, one can now also directly hold the agency that sold the ticket responsible. In practice, most difficulties are settled amicably. But if legal proceedings are initiated, the purchaser must turn against the point of sale of their purchase, which will then pursue the direct responsible parties to recover any compensation already paid. In all cases, the contract accompanying each sale serves as the reference.

Convocation: Generally, the tour operator or airline summons its customers to the airport three hours before take-off.

Connection: Change of aircraft and sometimes airline (or even airport) in an intermediate city between the departure and arrival points. A connection involves a link under two different flight numbers. As an indication, the time required for transfer between two international flights is generally (and theoretically) estimated at a minimum of two hours.

Couple: For some domestic scheduled routes and more rarely to foreign destinations with a few carriers, there are couple discounts. It is not necessary to be married to benefit from these discounts; cohabitation is also recognised. In all cases, proof of eligibility is required when purchasing the ticket. Other category discounts are offered on the same principle to retirees, families, young people, and students.

Baggage tag: Also called a Tag. A countermark (with barcode) used to track checked baggage throughout its journey. It is also the label given to the passenger at check-in, which will help them make a claim in case of problems with their baggage.

Coupons: Term referring to the segments included in an air package.

Curfew: Some airports may be closed for a few hours each night to preserve the night-time tranquillity of local residents. In case of a flight delay, if the aircraft is due to land during this curfew, it may be diverted to the nearest airport (though this is rare). In this case, the airline must inform those waiting for passengers at the original airport and arrange shuttle service to transport them to the original airport.

Time slot: Take-off or landing time assigned to an airline or flight for a specific period by the airport authority.

Currency: Although the amount of currency that can be taken or brought back from a trip is not limited, French customs require a declaration for any sum equal to or exceeding 7,500 €. As for currency to take, it is advisable to have a mix of credit card, traveller’s cheques, and cash in small denominations. In most countries, it is no longer really necessary to carry US dollars; the euro works just fine.

DGAC: Directorate General for Civil Aviation. A state service responsible for regulating and overseeing air safety, air transport, and civil aviation activities in general.

Travel documents: It is possible to travel within the national territory with just a driving licence or family record book. However, for travel abroad and to the French overseas territories, an ID card or passport is required, along with a visa for some destinations. Vaccinations may also be mandatory for certain countries (yellow fever, hepatitis, etc.); each vaccination is recorded in a vaccination booklet. Any airline has the right to refuse boarding to any passenger not in possession of the appropriate travel documents. Indeed, in addition to being held responsible, the airline would also have to bear the cost of repatriation (which it could seek to recover from the passenger).

Damages: This refers to the improper execution of an element of the transport contract resulting in harm to the user. Most of the time, the matter is settled amicably with the airline or the responsible agency. For serious cases, however, the dispute can often only be resolved through lengthy and costly legal proceedings. In such cases, it is up to the claimant to prove the harm suffered.

Customs

1- European Union: It is possible to bring in or take out goods and merchandise for personal use without quantity or value limits and without specific formalities at intra-Community borders. However, some products are still subject to specific regulations, particularly alcohol and tobacco. In this regard, those over 17 are entitled, without declaration, to 10 L of spirits and 20 L of intermediate products, plus 90 L of wine (and 110 L of beer!). As for cigarettes, by decision of the European Court, since 1 January 2014, each French person can cross European borders with... 10 cartons of cigarettes! Additionally, the entry or exit of sums or valuables exceeding 10,000 € must also be declared to customs.

2- Outside the European Union: For arrivals from elsewhere, all goods are subject to customs duty, though there is an allowance on which nothing is payable. For persons over 17, the following are allowed: 4 L of wine and either 1 L of alcohol over 22 degrees or 2 L of alcohol under 22 degrees; 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 g of tobacco; 50 g of perfume; 1/4 L of toilet water; 500 g of coffee; 100 g of tea. For other goods, there are no duties for a total value of less than 430 € for those over 15 and 150 € for younger travellers. Note that these amounts cannot be combined by several people for a single item.

To avoid problems, it is also best to carry invoices or proof of purchase for photo/video/sound equipment and valuable jewellery. The simplest solution is to have a free circulation card for all items.

Duty-free shops: Airport shops located in the customs area where various tax-free products can be purchased for departures (to foreign countries and the French overseas territories from France). The value varies depending on the airport and country. Two globally recognised duty-free hubs: Amsterdam and especially Dubai. Since 1999, there has been no duty-free allowance for intra-Community flights, though some special pricing may still apply.

E-ticket: Same as electronic ticket.

Boarding: Once check-in formalities with the airline are complete, passengers must proceed to the boarding area. The gate number is indicated on the boarding card issued at check-in. To board, passengers must pass through security and customs checks with this card and the necessary travel documents. For international flights, passengers then have access to the duty-free shopping area. Once in the boarding area, passengers must present their boarding pass to the airline staff before boarding the aircraft and taking their assigned seat.

Children and infants: Infants (under 2 years old) usually do not occupy a seat and most often pay 10% of the adult fare. Children (under 12 years old) usually pay the full fare on charters or receive discounts with some scheduled airlines (but not all in "negotiated" fares). These discounts can reach up to 50%. Between 4 and 12 years old, they can also travel alone (rare on charters) and are looked after by the cabin crew.

Check-in: This is the process of validating your passage and checking in hold baggage at the airline counter upon presenting your ticket and ID. It is also at this time that you choose your seat on the aircraft. Note that it is increasingly common to be able to check in beforehand via the Internet, mobile phone, or self-service kiosks at the airport.

Stopovers: Only non-stop flights have no stopovers. Others, including direct flights, always include technical and/or commercial stopovers. For the latter, the airline boards and disembarks passengers. If the flight is direct (same flight number), there will be no change of airline, though there may sometimes be a change of aircraft. Occasionally, passengers may be required to stay in the airport transit lounge during the stopover (rarely more than two hours).

Schengen Area: Includes the following countries: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland. In practice, within this area, there are no longer any customs checks at borders, including when arriving by plane.

Baggage tags: Necessary to locate your baggage on the conveyor belt or in case of loss. As a precaution, you can use two tags with your contact details (including at your destination), one inside and one outside each piece of baggage. Another tag indicating the airports involved in the trip by codes is also attached by the check-in staff on all hold baggage. It is best to remove tags from previous trips to avoid routing errors.

Package: A set of products sold to a customer by an agency, which may include transport plus various optional services (accommodation, meals, vehicle, visits, etc.).

Baggage allowance: Weight and/or quantity of baggage transported free of charge.

Smoking: All flights worldwide are now non-smoking.

Pregnancy: Each airline has its own regulations on this matter. However, generally, they no longer accept pregnant women on board beyond the seventh month.

Check-in deadline: Highly variable depending on the airport, destination, airline, and type of ticket: generally from 20 minutes to 1 hour before take-off. After this time, the carrier has the right to refuse boarding.

Disabled passengers: Special provisions exist. At the airport, special access and equipment (parking, call points, etc.) are provided, along with free assistance and priority boarding. In some cases, discounts are also available.

Schedules: All departure and arrival times are indicated on the ticket; they are an integral part of the contract between the airline and the passenger. However, timetables published by most carriers, airports, tour operators, or websites are only indicative. In any case, any schedule change occurring after the ticket purchase will (or should) always be communicated by letter, email, or phone by the airline’s reservation service or the travel agency. As a precaution, you can also call to confirm the day before departure.

Hub: Or "hub." An airline’s base, one of whose aims is to gather passengers and ensure their connection to their final destination.

I.A.T.A.: In French, "International Air Transport Association." It brings together and regulates a large number of airlines worldwide (around 230), including all the major ones.

Inclusive Tours: Term referring to the purchase of a flight plus optional services (hotel night, vehicle rental, etc.).

Compensation (from airlines): According to the law, compensation (limited to certain ceilings) can be obtained from your carrier in case of material damage, loss or significant delay of baggage, cancellation, flight delays, and bodily injury to passengers. Taking out additional insurance can increase the amount of these compensations.

Internet: The primary source of information and even now bookings for flight tickets.

Waiting list: Sometimes the airline or travel agency cannot confirm a seat on a flight due to bookings already made by other customers. If you still wish to take this flight, you will be placed on a waiting list and must wait for a seat to become available. If you still cannot board, neither the agency nor the airline is responsible.

Blacklist: The list of carriers banned from flying by the European Union. An agency or tour operator cannot sell a ticket for an airline on this list under penalty of a fine.

Disputes: In case of flight cancellation or delay, lost or damaged baggage, etc., compensation can be obtained. A written claim must then be sent to the airline or the agency that sold the ticket.

Long-haul (also medium or short-haul): Long-distance connection, roughly more than 4 hours of flight (medium-haul from 1 to 4 hours and short-haul less than 1 hour).

Low-cost: These are "low-cost" airlines that, to reduce their expenses and offer the most competitive fares, often use secondary airports near major cities and provide only minimal or paid services on board. The Irish airline Ryanair, with its Beauvais-Dublin route, was the first to introduce this type of carrier in France.

No-show: Refers to a passenger who did not show up for boarding. Without insurance (and for reasons covered by it), cancellation fees often amount to the full price of the ticket.

Non-endorsable, non-reroutable: Terms usually marked on a ticket indicating that it cannot be used on another airline and that no change of itinerary is possible.

Prohibited items

1- In hold and cabin: Cleaning products (detergent, bleach...), solvents, toxic products, acids, explosives or flammable materials, paints, pressurised containers, compressed gases (gas bottles, stoves...), aerosols (except for personal use).

2- In cabin: Sharp or pointed objects (knives, razors, scissors, cutters, knitting needles, screwdrivers...), aerosols over 500 ml, weapons of any kind (or anything that could be considered as such). Also, with some carriers, lighters or any liquid over 100 ml. In all cases, it is best to put all these items in your hold baggage.

Valuables: To be kept with you in the cabin, as the carrier’s liability is very limited in case of loss. If the usual insurance contract does not cover the loss or theft of such items, it is then necessary to take out additional coverage. Do not forget proof of purchase to avoid problems during customs checks, nor to make a declaration if their value exceeds 7,500 €.

Open: A ticket for which the return date can be freely set within its validity period.

Open jaw: Or "open-jaw ticket." Allows arrival in one city and departure from another, not necessarily in the same country.

Air pass: A package allowing multiple trips (in a more or less limited number depending on the case) in one or more countries with the same airline or alliance.

Pax: Term used by travel professionals to refer to a passenger or customer.

Penalties: Amount to be paid or withheld in case of ticket modification, cancellation, or refund for an unused ticket. Varies depending on the reason, deadlines, and type of ticket.

Hub: Same as "Hub."

Cabin crew: Abbreviation for "Cabin Crew."

Prepaid: A ticket that can be sent from France abroad (or vice versa). A system commonly offered by airlines and some tour operators, especially via the Internet.

Onboard services: It is primarily on onboard services, including on long-haul flights, that more and more airlines hope to save money. Not by removing equipment—some of which has only just been introduced or is used for promotion—but by charging passengers travelling in Economy class for their use (free for others); a model originally developed by low-cost airlines. And to go even further in saving or making profits, some do not hesitate to charge for what has always been free, like a simple blanket! In short, while the level of services and equipment has improved over time, it is now increasingly necessary to spend some money to (fully) enjoy them if travelling on a charter, low-cost, or even Economy class on some scheduled flights.

Promotional fare: An attractive fare used in advertising by an agency or airline for a destination.

Frequent flyer programme: Or "Frequent Flyer." Offered by an airline or alliance, it is a system allowing passengers using its routes (or those of partner airlines or hotel chains or car rental companies) to accumulate "kilometres" ("miles") to later benefit from free tickets or various advantages.

Claims: In all cases, they must be made within one month after the return date, if applicable by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt sent to the agency that sold the services. If problems occurred during the trip, it is preferable to have as much evidence as possible to support your case. That said, even if an amicable settlement is envisaged, resolving a dispute can often take quite some time.

Reconfirmation: Although the practice is disappearing or no longer necessary with European airlines, it may in principle be mandatory to reconfirm your return flight with the carrier within 72 hours before departure, or risk having your reservation cancelled.

Denied boarding: If the reason is related to overbooking, the airline is required, on scheduled flights, to provide compensation. However, if the refusal is due to failure to respect the check-in deadline, inappropriate behaviour, or any other legitimate reason such as missing travel documents, no compensation can be claimed.

Refund: Be careful, except when travelling at full fare, not everything is refundable in air travel. Tickets at reduced or promotional fares are subject to specific refund conditions and are only refundable if cancellation insurance has been taken out. For charters, full or partial refunds can only be obtained if an insurance contract covering the reason for cancellation has been taken out. Do not forget that the cancellation declaration must generally be made within 5 days, sometimes within 24 hours of the event causing the cancellation.

Ticket delivery: With the introduction of e-tickets, everyone now receives their travel document after payment (online or in person). With this document, you simply need to go to the tour operator’s or carrier’s counter at the airport to check in and then board.

Reservation: An actual seat on a specific flight (day, date, flight number) once the ticket is paid for. When a customer chooses a ticket for any destination with a travel agency, the agency will first check if seats are available—either, in the case of a charter flight, with the tour operator who chartered the aircraft, or with the airline for a scheduled route. If seats are available and the customer is still decided, the agency will then make a firm reservation. If the customer is hesitant, the agency can place an option until a nearby date. In the latter case, the seat is then blocked and cannot be offered to someone else until the chosen date. However, while this system generally works without problems with scheduled airlines, options are not always allowed on charters, especially during peak periods and on highly demanded destinations.

Liability: With the Law of 13 July 1992 concerning the sale of travel, it is now the agency that sold the service(s) to the customer that is entirely liable in case of disputes. This law stipulates that only the civil liability of the agency can be invoked in case of problems, even if there is an error by a subcontractor or intermediary (airport, carrier outside legal provisions, etc.). In practice, most difficulties are settled amicably. However, if legal proceedings are initiated, the purchaser must turn against the point of sale of their purchase, which will then have to pursue the direct responsible parties to recover any compensation already paid. In all cases, the contract accompanying each sale serves as the reference.

Flight delay or postponement: The delay or postponement must be "significant" to be considered. From 2 hours (flights under 1,500 km), 3 hours (1,500/3,500 km), or 4 hours (flights over 3,500 km), you can demand various services from the carrier on the spot (drinks, meals, accommodation, etc.). With a delay of 5 hours or more, you are entitled to a refund of your ticket. In case of strike or delays/postponements related to safety issues, the carrier may be exempt from liability.

Flight delays: Reasons include increased traffic, saturated airports, airspace and air traffic control, multiple stakeholders, military priorities, weather issues, passenger delays, mass departures at certain dates, multiple rotations of the same aircraft on the same day, etc. In short, it is quite common for a plane to take off 10 or 15 minutes late.

Routing: The route taken by aircraft. It depends mainly on the airline, flight days, aircraft type, or even the season.

Safety: Refers to measures taken on board aircraft or during the flight. The cabin crew must explain the safety measures before take-off: use of seat belts, life jackets, oxygen masks, emergency exits. These same instructions are reproduced on a leaflet available in front of each seat. Depending on the flight’s progress, certain precautions may be requested from passengers; the most common being to keep the seat belt fastened.

Slot: Another word for a time slot.

Stand-by or J-1: Last-minute boarding depending on available seats. No longer exists for the general public in France.

Flight status: Determines boarding possibilities (also visible on the ticket).

OK: Confirmed seat

WT: Flight full, on waiting list

RQ: Seat requested, neither confirmed nor refused.

Stop-over: Possibility of stopping for more than 24 hours at a stopover on the way to the final destination. To be planned when the ticket is issued.

Overbooking: Selling more seats than available on an aircraft, which means some passengers cannot board. This is a common practice used by airlines. To reduce risks, it is best to arrive on time for your boarding call. In case of overbooking, the affected traveller is entitled to compensation. On scheduled flights, if you are a victim of overbooking and have a ticket marked "OK," you can demand accommodation at the carrier’s expense and/or transfer to another flight, as well as compensation (ask for written confirmation). Thus, any passenger denied boarding by a European carrier anywhere in the world, or by a non-European airline departing from a European Union country, can benefit, if they presented themselves on time for check-in, from compensation ranging between 250 and 600 € depending on the case (250 € for a flight under 1,500 km, 400 € between 1,500 and 3,500 km, 600 € beyond). Unless agreed otherwise, this compensation can only be paid in "cash" and not in vouchers or flight credits. You can also demand a fee-free refund of your journey and, if desired, seek additional compensation through the courts.

Security: Security concerns the prevention of criminal or terrorist acts, including the prohibition of certain objects in the cabin (scissors, knives, etc.) and especially baggage checks before entering the boarding area. All hand baggage must pass through an electronic screening device; its contents are displayed on a screen. Each passenger must also pass through a metal detector. Unattended or abandoned baggage may be destroyed at any time, without the possibility of compensation for the owner.

Tag: Another word for a baggage tag.

Airfares: With competition and deregulation, these can sometimes fluctuate rapidly for the same ticket on the same route. For many destinations, passengers can choose between scheduled flight fares, "low-cost" and charter fares, plus any one-off promotional offers from airlines or tour operators. On scheduled flights, in addition to full fares roughly corresponding to Economy, Business, and First classes, there are of course negotiated fares for all these classes, plus discounts for certain categories of passengers (young people, retirees, families, couples, etc.). Of course, depending on the fare, the conditions of use of the ticket as well as the various services and benefits on board will differ.

Negotiated or discount fares: Price negotiated between tour operators and airlines for charter flights or others.

Airport tax: To be paid at baggage check-in when leaving an airport. The amount varies greatly depending on the location, destination (domestic or international), and airline. Note that there is no tax for transits and that the amount to be paid is now most often included in the initial ticket price.

Air taxi: Refers to air services provided by small-capacity aircraft (maximum 20 seats) for on-demand travel, primarily in the business travel sector. There are about fifty specialised companies in France.

Terminal: Large airports have different terminals, each reserved for different airlines and their counters.

Tour operator: Same as a tour operator. In air travel, it negotiates prices or charters aircraft. In contrast, a travel agency only handles sales and earns a commission.

Transit: Period or area reserved for passengers who must change aircraft during a stopover on a direct flight.

European Union: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, United Kingdom, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden.

Emergencies: For serious reasons, the captain is authorised to take all measures necessary to safeguard the safety of one or all passengers: return to the departure airport, emergency landing, diversion, etc.

Ticket validity: One of the main criteria justifying price differences for the same class with the same airline. Generally, the longer the validity, the more expensive it is. Minimum 1 day, maximum 1 year.

Duty-free sales: Offered in shops in the customs area only for departures abroad (outside the European Union) or to the French overseas territories. No sales for domestic flights and the French overseas departments. The same purchases can also be made on board during international flights or to the French overseas territories.

Courier flight: A courier (with one "r") is the urgent transport of materials using hold space on passenger flights of scheduled airlines. Some companies buy tickets from various carriers to use only the baggage space; as the passenger seat is not used, it is resold by the company at a low price.

Direct flight: A flight operated under the same flight number by the same airline, but with technical and/or commercial stopovers that may sometimes involve a change of aircraft.

Domestic flight: Refers to a flight entirely within the same country.

Non-stop flight: A flight operated without stops.

Scheduled flight: A route operated by a scheduled airline and planned in advance.

Flight-only ticket: A ticket sold alone without any additional services.

Tour operator: In air travel, it negotiates prices or charters aircraft. In contrast, a travel agency only handles sales and earns a commission.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi and its in-flight use are gradually starting to appear on board aircraft.

Zones: Different zones exist in an airport: the "departures area" where check-in formalities are carried out, the "restricted area" accessible only to boarding or disembarking passengers and which includes the "customs area" where duty-free shops and boarding lounges are located, the "baggage claim area," and the "arrivals area" where people can wait to greet passengers.