Heading off with Air France and want the details on their baggage policies?
Here is a short answer: Air France is fairly strict about carry-on size, especially on busy flights.
Your carry-on must not exceed 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8 inches) and 12 kg (26 lb) in Economy or 18 kg (40 lb) in Premium Economy and above.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about Air France carry-on rules, baggage allowances, and what to expect at the airport.
Air France Baggage Policy: What You Can Bring?
Air France approved carry-on
The number of bags you can bring on board depends on your ticket type:
- Economy Class: 1 carry-on bag + 1 personal item.
- Premium Economy, Business, and La Première: 2 carry-on bags + 1 personal item.
Your carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin, while your personal item (like a handbag, briefcase, or small laptop bag) should go under the seat in front of you unless you’re seated in an emergency exit row, in which case it must be stored overhead.
Carry-On Size and Weight Limits
To skip any trouble at the airport, make sure your bag meets these requirements:
- Carry-On Size: Must not exceed 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8 inches), including pockets, wheels, and handles.
- Carry-On Weight:
- Economy: Combined weight of carry-on + personal item must not exceed 12 kg (26 lb).
- Premium Economy, Business, La Première: Combined weight must not exceed 18 kg (40 lb).
Not sure if your bag is within the limits? Air France provides size-checking bins at the airport to help you confirm.
Extra Items You Can Bring for Free
Good news! Some additional items won’t count toward your baggage allowance, including:
- A jacket or coat
- An umbrella
- Duty-free purchases
- Baby essentials like a small stroller, car seat, or diaper bag
- Medical equipment like a collapsible wheelchair or crutches
How Strict Is Air France About Carry-On Size and Weight?
Air France tends to be fairly strict, especially on busy flights. If your bag is oversized or too heavy, you may have to check it in and pay additional fees.
To avoid last-minute stress, make sure to weigh and measure your bag before heading to the airport.
Air France Checked Baggage Allowance
If you have a checked bag, here’s what you should keep in mind:
Number of Checked Bags Allowed
- Economy (Light fare): No free checked baggage (you can purchase extra baggage if needed).
- Economy (except Light fare): 1 checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lb).
- Premium Economy: 2 checked bags, each up to 23 kg (50 lb).
- Business: 2 checked bags, each up to 32 kg (70 lb).
- La Première (First Class): 3 checked bags, each up to 32 kg (70 lb).
Checked Baggage Size & Overweight Fees
- Maximum Size: 158 cm (62.2 in) total dimensions (length + width + height).
- Oversized Bags: If your bag exceeds 158 cm but is under 300 cm, you’ll need to pay an extra fee.
- Overweight Bags: If your bag is over the weight limit but under 32 kg (70.5 lb), expect to pay additional charges at the airport.
Read also: Linear inches calculator, how to calculate linear inches?
Final Tips for Smooth Travel
- Check your baggage dimensions before your flight to avoid unexpected fees.
- Pack light to ensure your carry-on stays within the size and weight limits.
- Use a luggage scale at home to double-check your bag’s weight.
- Arrive early if you suspect your carry-on might be checked at the gate.
The Bottom Line: Will Air France Check Your Carry-On?
Yes, they will especially on full flights.
If your bag is oversized or overweight, be prepared to check it in and pay extra fees.
Save yourself the hassle by packing smart and sticking to Air France baggage guidelines.
You might also like:
- How Strict Is Qantas with Carry on?
- How Strict Is Finnair With Carry-on?
- How Strict Are EasyJet with Hand Luggage?
- How Strict Is JetBlue With Carry on?
References:
- https://wwws.airfrance.us/information/bagages/bagage-cabine-soute
