Cheap Air Algerie Flights

Air Algerie is Algeria's national airline, founded in 1947. It is fully owned by the government. The airline has a fleet of 55 aircraft, including ATR turboprops, Boeing 737s, and Airbus A330s.

Its fleet is relatively young, with ages ranging from 16 to 18.4 years. This ensures a modern and efficient air transport system.

Based at Houari Boumedienne Airport in Algiers, Air Algerie flies to over 70 destinations in 28 countries. It focuses on both domestic and international markets. France is its main international market, with over 60% of its flights.

The airline also serves 21 European, 8 North African and Middle Eastern, and routes to Beijing and Montreal. This makes it a key player in connecting Algeria to the world.

Domestically, Air Algerie serves 35 cities in Algeria. This supports the country's growing tourism industry. Algeria welcomed 3.3 million tourists last year and aims for 12 million by 2030.

The airline is focusing on competitive pricing, modernizing its fleet, and expanding its routes. It plans to buy 25 new aircraft, including Boeing 737 MAX 9s and Airbus A330-900s. This will help it meet growing travel demands and solidify its position in the African and Middle Eastern markets.

Air Algérie offers both online and airport check-in options to accommodate passengers' preferences. Online check-in is available from 24 hours up to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time, allowing travelers to select their seats and receive a digital boarding pass. This service is accessible through Air Algérie's website or mobile app. However, it's important to note that online check-in is not available for passengers requiring special assistance, such as unaccompanied minors or those traveling with infants.

For those opting to check in at the airport, the counters open 4 hours before departure for international flights and 3 hours before for domestic flights. The check-in counters close 90 minutes prior to departure for international flights and 45 minutes before for domestic flights. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport well in advance to complete all necessary formalities and ensure a smooth boarding process.

Hand Luggage

Air Algérie allows passengers to bring one piece of hand luggage on board. For most aircraft, the maximum weight is 10 kg, with dimensions not exceeding 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm. On ATR aircraft, the allowance is reduced to 5 kg, with maximum dimensions of 40 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm. In addition to the main cabin bag, passengers may carry a small personal item, such as a handbag or laptop, provided it fits under the seat in front.

Checked Baggage

The checked baggage allowance varies based on the route and travel class. For domestic flights, Economy Class passengers are permitted one piece up to 20 kg, while Business Class passengers can check two pieces with a combined weight of up to 30 kg. On international flights, Economy Class passengers are typically allowed one or two pieces, each weighing up to 23 kg, and Business Class passengers can check two pieces, each up to 32 kg. The total dimensions of each checked bag should not exceed 158 cm (length + width + height).

Special Luggage

Air Algérie accommodates the transport of special items such as sports equipment, musical instruments, and mobility aids. Sports equipment is generally accepted as checked baggage, provided it adheres to the airline's size and weight restrictions; however, additional fees may apply depending on the item and route. Musical instruments can be carried in the cabin if they fit within the hand luggage dimensions and weight limits; otherwise, they must be checked in. Passengers with reduced mobility are allowed to carry a wheelchair and/or other rehabilitation equipment free of charge. It's advisable to contact Air Algérie in advance to make necessary arrangements for special luggage.

Air Algérie offers passengers the convenience of selecting their preferred seats during the booking process or via the airline's mobile application. This service allows travelers to choose seats that best suit their comfort needs, whether they prefer window views, aisle access, or proximity to exits. Utilizing the mobile app, passengers can easily view available seats and make selections in just a few clicks.

For those who do not select a seat in advance, Air Algérie assigns seats automatically during check-in. While the airline strives to accommodate seating preferences, availability may be limited, especially on fully booked flights. Therefore, it's advisable to select seats early to ensure the desired seating arrangement. Additionally, certain seat selections may be subject to fees, depending on the fare type and route.

Air Algérie's loyalty program, "Air Algérie Plus," offers various benefits to frequent travelers. Members of the program can earn miles during their flights, which can be redeemed for free tickets, class upgrades, and additional baggage allowances. Membership is divided into three tiers: Djurdjura, Chelia, and Tahat, with each level offering different privileges based on the number of miles accumulated.

For example, to reach the highest tier, Tahat membership, travelers need to accumulate 40,000 miles within 24 months or complete 32 international flights in a year. Tahat members enjoy exclusive benefits such as earning a 50% bonus on miles for every flight, priority check-in, extra baggage allowance, and priority on waiting lists. Additionally, the accumulated miles can be used to purchase free tickets, class upgrades, or extra baggage privileges.

Air Algérie offers a variety of food and beverage options during its flights, featuring menus that include both Algerian cuisine and international dishes. Meals are prepared with a focus on health-conscious choices, using trans-fat-free, low-sodium, and mildly spiced ingredients. Additionally, in accordance with IATA guidelines, special meal options such as halal, vegetarian, diabetic, low-calorie, and children’s menus are available upon request.

Air Algérie's catering services are continually updated and enhanced to ensure passenger satisfaction. Great care is taken in the preparation process, including maintaining hygiene standards and preserving the cold chain. Experienced chefs prepare both traditional Algerian dishes and modern culinary delights. Depending on the flight duration and class, passengers are also offered snacks and a selection of hot and cold beverages.

Air Algérie provides a diverse in-flight entertainment system on its long-haul flights, featuring a video-on-demand service with a selection of programs updated quarterly in multiple languages. Passengers can enjoy a variety of content, including recent and classic Hollywood films, French, Arabic, and Asian movies, documentaries, children's programming, TV series, and video games. Additionally, an audio-on-demand system offers a range of music genres, such as Arabic and Algerian music, French varieties, international hits, jazz, easy listening, and a channel dedicated to recitations of the Holy Quran.

It's important to note that the availability of specific programs may vary depending on the flight, and the quarterly entertainment program might not be accessible on the first day of the month. Passengers are encouraged to explore the in-flight entertainment system during their journey to make the most of the available options.

Air Algérie allows pets to travel, including dogs, cats, and birds, subject to specific conditions. For pets to travel in the cabin, the total weight of the pet and its container must not exceed 6 kg. Larger animals are transported in the cargo hold, with a maximum weight limit of 32 kg. A suitable pet carrier is mandatory for both cabin and cargo travel. However, on flights to or from the United Kingdom, pets can only be transported as cargo.

Passengers must prepare the necessary documents for their pets, such as health and vaccination certificates, and ensure compliance with the regulations of the destination country. Each passenger is allowed to travel with only one pet, which must remain in its carrier throughout the journey. Pet transportation fees are not included in the ticket price and vary depending on the pet's weight and destination. For example, domestic flights charge 1,500 DZD for cabin travel, while international flights charge between 50-150 EUR.

Passengers looking for a top-notch airport experience can find Air Algerie lounges at Algiers. But, the selection and quality seem to be quite limited.

The Air Algérie Lounge in Algiers was almost empty, with just a few travelers around. It offered basic snacks like pastries and sandwiches, along with coffee and soft drinks. But, it lacked more varied or special food options. The internet was also very slow, with speeds of 0.2 Mbps for both downloads and uploads.

To get into the lounge, you need a special access code from the front desk. This suggests that not everyone can enter. The lounge's hours were not clearly shown, which added to the confusion. Despite having good seats, coffee makers, and showers, the lounge didn't quite live up to expectations.