Jazmin Li
HOP!, also known as Air France Hop, is a French regional airline operating flights on behalf of its parent company, Air France. The airline was founded in 2012 after the merger of Airlinair, Brit Air, and Régional. HOP! has its base at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport in Lyon, France, and serves more than 20 airports in France as well as destinations in Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and more. Passengers flying with HOP! can check in for their flights online or at the airport, and tickets can be purchased online or at the airport. HOP! also has a presence at Meacham Airport, where it hosts a family fun event called Hops and Props with food, music, activities, and craft beer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | HOP! |
| Formerly branded | Air France Hop |
| Parent company | Air France |
| Founded | 21 December 2012 |
| Head office | Nantes Atlantique Airport |
| Base | Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) |
| Number of terminals | 2 |
| Destinations | More than 20 airports in France, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom |
| Codeshare agreements | Air Corsica, Alitalia, Air France |
| Check-in deadline at the airport | 30-40 minutes before departure |
| Time to be at the gate | 15 minutes before boarding |
| Select your seat | In advance, free of charge |
| Frequent flier miles | Applicable through the KLM-Air France program Flying Blue |
| Ticket price within continental France | $36 (30€) one-way |
| Ticket price within the rest of Europe | $65 (55 €) one-way |
| Related events | Hops and Props – Family fun, food, music, activities, and craft beer |
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What You'll Learn
Delays and cancellations due to staffing shortages, equipment problems, and infrastructure issues
Delays and cancellations at airports can be incredibly frustrating for passengers, and there are often multiple factors at play. Staffing shortages, equipment problems, and infrastructure issues are key reasons for these disruptions, and they can have a knock-on effect on travel plans and the wider aviation industry.
Staffing shortages are a significant issue currently affecting airports. For example, in May 2025, Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey experienced major delays and cancellations due to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) staffing issues. This was compounded by the fact that over 20% of air traffic controllers at Newark "walked off the job," according to United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby. The FAA itself has acknowledged the need to address this staffing crisis, with plans to increase hiring and provide incentives such as salary increases and bonuses.
Equipment problems and malfunctions can also lead to significant disruptions at airports. In the case of Newark, system outages caused controllers' screens to go dark, resulting in a loss of aircraft tracking and subsequent ground delays and cancellations. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby attributed these issues to outdated technology, stating that controllers were frustrated about using old equipment, including floppy disks and copper wires.
Additionally, infrastructure issues, such as runway construction, can further exacerbate delays and cancellations. At Newark, construction on one of the runways limited the airport to just one takeoff and landing location, causing significant delays and cancellations. The airport also noted that under certain wind conditions, a third runway was unsafe to use, further complicating operations.
These issues are not unique to Newark. A CBS News analysis found that over 90% of the country's airport towers are staffed below FAA standards, indicating a nationwide problem. Furthermore, a panel investigating air safety issues attributed delays and cancellations to overtime, staffing shortages, shutdowns, and funding shortfalls, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address these concerns.
The impact of these disruptions can be far-reaching, affecting not just passengers but also the efficiency and safety of the aviation industry as a whole. As a result, addressing staffing shortages, equipment problems, and infrastructure issues is crucial to ensuring smooth operations and maintaining the safety and satisfaction of travelers.
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Lost or delayed luggage
Losing luggage or having it delayed can be stressful, but there are steps you can take to minimise the impact. Firstly, it is important to act quickly. If your luggage is missing after a flight, the airline is responsible for locating it, and you should file a baggage claim as soon as possible. Keep your baggage claim ticket or sticker, and stay in close communication with the airline during the process. Some airlines offer apps that allow you to track your baggage. If your luggage is delayed, the airline has 21 days to find it and get it to you. If you get your luggage within this period, you can still claim compensation for the delay. If not, you will need to claim for lost luggage. Ask the airline about the required documents and how to submit your claim. You may need to write a letter to the airline's customer service department, including details of your flight, dates, flight number, departure and destination. Keep a copy of your claim and original documents in case you need to take your claim further.
You have the legal right to claim compensation from the airline if your checked-in luggage is delayed, lost, or damaged. However, the amount you can claim is limited. For US domestic flights, the maximum liability amount allowed is $3,800 or $4,700, and airlines are not required to pay more. For international flights, the figure is approximately $1,700. If you have travel insurance or home contents insurance that covers luggage, you may find it easier to make an insurance claim instead. This will probably result in more compensation, and you can claim for the cost of essentials you need to buy if your luggage is delayed, such as toiletries and underwear. If you have to collect delayed luggage yourself, the airline may pay for transport costs.
There are strategies to minimise the risk of losing your luggage or having it delayed. Firstly, consider using carry-ons for short trips and shipping your large luggage to your final destination. If you are shipping to a hotel or Airbnb, confirm that they can store your belongings until you arrive. Discount airlines are also less likely to lose your bags, as they tend to have more non-stop flights. Checking your bags in a timely manner can also reduce the risk of delays.
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Travel sickness and jet lag
Travel Sickness
Travel sickness is a common ailment that can occur during many forms of transport, including cars, boats, and planes. It is caused by the inner ear sending conflicting signals to the brain, which can result in a feeling of nausea and dizziness. While it can affect anyone, children are particularly susceptible. To prevent travel sickness, it is recommended to avoid reading or looking at screens, and to instead focus on a fixed point outside of the vehicle, such as the horizon. Fresh air and ginger products can also help alleviate symptoms.
Jet Lag
Jet lag is a common issue that occurs when travelling across multiple time zones, typically more than three. It is caused by a disruption to the body's internal clock, or circadian rhythm, which results in a range of symptoms including insomnia, drowsiness, upset stomach, irritability, and fatigue. The body needs time to adjust to the new time zone, which can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
To minimise the effects of jet lag, it is recommended to adjust your sleep patterns before travelling, by going to bed later if travelling west, and earlier if travelling east. Upon arrival, it is beneficial to maximise exposure to daylight and follow the local sleep and waking routines. Eating small meals, avoiding alcohol, and using caffeine and exercise strategically can also help with adjusting to the new time zone.
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Overbooked flights
Overbooking is a common practice by airlines to maximise profits from each flight. Airlines oversell their scheduled flights to compensate for "no-shows". Usually, airlines correctly predict the number of "no-shows" and everything goes smoothly. However, sometimes passengers are "bumped" as a result of overbooking. Not all airlines engage in the practice of selling more tickets than there are seats. Some airlines simply sell enough tickets to fill every seat.
When a flight has more passengers than available seats, airlines must first ask passengers to give up their seats voluntarily in exchange for compensation. Airlines may offer passengers incentives such as money or vouchers to volunteer. There is no limit to the amount of money or vouchers that the airline may offer, and passengers are free to negotiate. If an airline offers a reduced-rate ticket, free ticket, or voucher, they must inform passengers of any restrictions that may apply. Passengers may want to consider what amenities the airline will provide, such as free meals, a hotel room, or transfers.
If there are not enough volunteers, the airline will select passengers to give up their seats. This is called "involuntary denied boarding" or "bumping". It is the airline's responsibility to determine its own fair boarding priorities. Passengers should know their rights as an airline passenger when it comes to oversold flights, denied boarding compensation, and when airlines can bump passengers. Each airline will spell out its policies regarding delays and overbooking in its contract of carriage.
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Misreading the terminal or airport information
Firstly, it is essential to understand the layout of the airport and its terminals. Many large airports have multiple terminals, and flights from a particular airline may depart from a specific terminal. For example, Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, the base of Air France Hop, has three terminals, with a fourth under construction. Terminal 1 is the busier section of the airport, handling international and regional flights, while Terminal 2 is where most Air France flights depart. Knowing this information is crucial to navigating the airport efficiently.
Secondly, pay close attention to the airport signage. Airports typically have clear and abundant signage to guide passengers to their gates, baggage claim, check-in counters, and other important areas. However, misreading or misunderstanding these signs can lead to confusion. Take your time to read the signs carefully and follow the directions they provide.
Additionally, it is beneficial to cross-reference the information on the signs with the details provided on your boarding pass or flight itinerary. These documents usually contain specific terminal and gate numbers, as well as the time and location for check-in. Double-checking this information can help ensure you are in the correct place at the right time.
Furthermore, when checking airport information online or through a mobile app, be cautious of outdated or incorrect data. Airport layouts and flight schedules can change, and not all sources may be promptly updated. Always verify the information you find, especially if it contradicts the details on your boarding pass or itinerary.
Lastly, in the event that you misread terminal or airport information and find yourself in the wrong location, remain calm and seek assistance. Airport staff and customer service representatives are available to help you navigate the airport and find your way to the correct terminal or gate. They can also provide guidance on any necessary adjustments to your travel plans, as reflected in reviews of Paris airport on Tripadvisor.
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Frequently asked questions
HOP!, formerly branded as HOP! and sometimes referred to as Air France Hop, is a French regional airline operating flights on behalf of its parent company Air France.
HOP! has its base at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) in Lyon, France's third-largest city.
Destinations include more than 20 airports in France, as well as points in Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
You can check in for your HOP! flight online or at the airport using the check-in desks. If checking in online, you can do so 30 hours before your departure and you will need the last name on the booking and the booking reference. The check-in deadline at the airport is 30-40 minutes before departure.
Tickets are about $36 (30€) one-way for continental France and about $65 (55€) within the rest of Europe. It is cheaper to buy your ticket online.
