That may be normal practice in many cheap companies (although it surprises me that AF is the same).
I never paid for an interview EVER, and this is my 4th company that I'm working for. After having been hired, I always had my expenses reimbursed if there were any.
True, you may have to pay for your own traveling costs to get to the interview, and for the hotel as well. But even that should normally be provided by the company. Respectable airlines will do so.
Think of it this way: If they are interested in you, after you have submitted your CV and papers, then it is their invitation.
Unless, of course, you consider yourself being so lucky to having gotten their attention in the first place, in which case you should kiss their a$$ and pay them money.
The problem is, that during times like these, you don't really have much choice if you're out of a job. Airlines take advantage of that.
I'll be honest with you: If I were desperate, I would probably do the same thing.
But it ain't right.
