I am a frequent traveler to Africa and usually fly by Ethiopian Airways. However, last month I did the big mistake of booking on Air France.
My flight from Bangalore to Ouagadougou was to be with a stopover at Paris.
I was informed only at the check in counter that I need either a valid Schengen or a US visa to transit through Paris CDG airport, even though I wouldn’t be getting out of the airport.
I told the staff that there was no such information given on the Air France website.
They told me that I have no option but to cancel the ticket and travel on another airline and that they will ensure 100% refund without cancellation charges.
Despite this assurance, I was charged cancellation fees plus by taxis - and also incurred a huge loss, as I had to book on another airline at the last moment at high fares.
I now have no option now but to adopt legal recourse to claim my losses.