As of today, Monday, November 8th, vaccinated international travelers will be able to travel to the United States. This easing of restrictions has come with a surge in demand for flights on nearly all airlines operating transatlantic services from Europe, including Air France. Responding to this positive news, the airline is announcing an increase in capacity for its winter season. Let's take a look at what's on offer.

In time for the holiday season

With an emphasis on flights to New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, for travel in November and over the Christmas holiday period, Air France is boosting its capacity with increased frequencies and larger aircraft. Indeed, this will see the carrier operate 90% of its 2019 schedule.

In addition to more services to the United States, the airline will also be operating two services from the US to its overseas territories- perfect for Americans wanting some warmer weather. Here are the key points you need to know:

Between now and the end of March 2022, Air France will be boosting the frequency of the following transatlantic services from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG):

• New York (from three to five daily flights)
• Miami (from seven to 12 weekly flights)
• Los Angeles (from 12 to 17 weekly flights)

Over the same period, the airline will resume its Paris-Seattle service from December 6th with a three-times-weekly frequency.

With up to 122 weekly flights spread out across 11 destinations, the following is a summary of Air France's Winter 2021 operations between Paris CDG and the United States:

• Atlanta: 14 weekly flights (Airbus A350-900)
• Boston: Seven weekly flights (Airbus A350-900)
• Chicago: Five weekly flights (Boeing 777-300)
• Detroit: Five weekly flights (Boeing 787-9)
• Washington DC: Seven weekly flights (Boeing 777-300)
• Houston: Five weekly flights (Boeing 777-300)
• New York JFK: 35 weekly flights (Boeing 777-200 and -300)
• Los Angeles: 17 weekly flights (Boeing 777-200 and -300)
• Miami: 12 weekly flights (Boeing 777-300 and Airbus A350-900)
• Seattle: Three weekly flights (Airbus A350-900)
• San Francisco: Seven weekly flights (Boeing 777-300)

Service between the US and French Overseas Territories

It's not just service from Paris that's getting a boost. Tahiti and Guadeloupe will also see more flights. Starting this Thursday, November 11th, Air France will also resume its usual Paris-Papeete route, via Los Angeles, operating three times per week. This service will utilize a Boeing 777-300.

Additionally, the airline will inaugurate a new twice-weekly route between Pointe-à-Pitre and New York JFK starting November 24th. This service will use an Airbus A320- one of the few times you'll see an Air France narrowbody in North America (with Miami and Montreal also served by these small jets).

Staying flexible

Finally, while some airlines have phased out a flexible change policy for their cheapest tickets, Air France highlights that it is still offering fully modifiable tickets, regardless of fare conditions, for travel until March 31st, 2022.

This will allow Air France customers to modify their reservation free of charge, or request a refundable credit voucher if they no longer wish to travel. Of course, the ticketholder will need to pay the difference if the new flight's fare is higher. Further details and the exact wording of this flexible policy can be found on the airline's website.

Will you be flying with Air France this winter? Let us know by leaving a comment.