I know DL can issue a ZED fare for OAL. It is supposed to only be done if your airline has no ticketing at the airport. There is a special entry for the employee number and you must have your airline ID. I know it can be done because I've done it, alot of DL agents don't know what a ZED is. I would call AF and if possible speak with a supervisor and see if there's any way it can be done. Also, if you are completely stuck, I always had excess buddy passes, and if an OAL employee presented him/herself professionally and we chit-chatted a bit, I'd be willing to issue them a buddy pass if they were stuck. I really beleive in commoradery within the industry, and always did everything I could for all employees I served, regardless of airline.

Of course the easiest thing is to have a million ZEDs in your backpack, but not always possible to have all your money tied up waiting for refunds.

Good luck, hope your trip works out. Let us know