Air France Carry on and Baggage Rules (2025 Guide)

Air France is one of Europe’s most iconic airlines, with its main hub in Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and a network that spans the globe. Whether you’re flying short-haul within Europe or heading out on a long-haul journey, understanding their baggage rules is key to avoiding last-minute stress and unexpected fees at the airport.

I remember the first time I connected through CDG; the airport felt like a maze, and I was juggling my suitcase while trying to figure out if my backpack counted as a personal item or not. Let’s just say I learned the hard way that Air France can be pretty specific about their baggage policies.

In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about Air France’s carry-on and checked baggage rules, from size and weight limits to excess baggage fees, plus a few tips to make your journey smoother.

Air France Carry-on Allowance

Air France has a reputation for being a little more generous with cabin luggage than some European budget carriers, but there are still rules you’ll want to know.

• Economy & Premium Economy:

  • 1 standard cabin bag (max 55 x 35 x 25 cm).

  • 1 personal item (handbag, slim backpack, or laptop bag up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm).

  • Combined weight for both: 12 kg (26 lbs).

• Business & La Première (First Class):

  • 2 standard cabin bags (same 55 x 35 x 25 cm size limit).

  • 1 personal item (40 x 30 x 15 cm).

  • Combined weight for all: 18 kg (40 lbs).

• Personal Items: Must fit under the seat. Examples include handbags, small daypacks, laptop bags, or a slim briefcase.

• Infants & Children: Passengers traveling with a baby can bring an additional diaper bag and a collapsible stroller (checked at the gate or cabin if small enough).

💡 Note: Air France does enforce weight limits more than some airlines. Staff may weigh your bags at check-in, especially on long-haul routes.

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Carry-on Allowance at a Glance

 

Air France Checked Baggage Policy

Air France’s checked baggage allowance depends on your travel class and fare type. Like many European airlines, the cheapest “Light” fares don’t include a checked bag, so it’s important to double-check your ticket before you get to the airport.

• Economy Light:

  • No checked baggage included. You’ll need to purchase it separately if you want to check a suitcase.

• Economy Standard & Flex:

  • Includes 1 checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs).

  • Max dimensions: 158 cm (62 in) (length + width + height).

• Premium Economy:

  • Includes 2 checked bags, each up to 23 kg (50 lbs).

  • Size limit: 158 cm (62 in) per bag.

• Business Class:

  • Includes 2 checked bags, each up to 32 kg (70 lbs).

  • Size limit: 158 cm (62 in) per bag.

• La Première (First Class):

  • Includes 3 checked bags, each up to 32 kg (70 lbs).

  • Size limit: 158 cm (62 in) per bag.

• Infants & Children:

  • Parents traveling with babies can check 1 additional item (like a stroller or car seat) for free.

💡 Note: Air France is strict about oversized luggage. Even a few centimeters over the 158 cm limit can trigger oversized fees.

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Checked Baggage Allowance at a Glance

 

Air France Excess Baggage Fees

If you go over your allowance, Air France charges depending on the route and how much your bag exceeds the limits. The fees can add up quickly, so it’s worth knowing in advance.

Extra Bag Fees

• Within Europe: Around €70–€100 ($75–$110) for an additional checked bag.

• Long-haul flights (US, Asia, Africa, etc.): Typically €150–€200 ($160–$215) per extra bag.

Overweight Fees

• 23–32 kg (50–70 lbs): Expect to pay around €70–€100 ($75–$110).

• Bags over 32 kg (70 lbs) are not accepted in any class, including Business or La Première.

Oversized Bags (over 158 cm / 62 in)

• Oversized fees are usually €100–€300 ($110–$320) depending on your route.

• Common culprits: large sports equipment, oversized suitcases, or irregularly shaped items.

💡 Tip: Air France does allow you to pre-purchase extra bags online, usually at a discount compared to airport fees. If you already know you’ll need more, it’s cheaper to buy ahead.

Special Items & Sports Equipment

Air France is fairly flexible when it comes to special baggage, but most items need to meet certain packaging and weight rules.

Traveling with Children

• Strollers & Car Seats: One stroller and one car seat per child can be checked free of charge.

• Diaper Bags: In addition to carry-on, parents may bring a diaper bag for infants.

• Small Foldable Strollers: Sometimes allowed in the cabin if they fit in overhead bins, otherwise checked at the gate.

Sports Equipment

• Included as Part of Allowance: Many sports items (like skis, golf clubs, or diving gear) are treated as standard checked baggage if within the 23/32 kg weight and 158 cm size limit.

• Special Registration: Oversized equipment such as bicycles usually requires prior approval and must be packed in protective cases.

• Fees: If the item is outside the standard allowance, fees can range from €75–€150 ($80–$160) depending on route.

Musical Instruments

• Small Instruments (violins, flutes, etc.): Can be carried onboard as cabin baggage if within the 55 x 35 x 25 cm limit.

• Larger Instruments (guitars, cellos): Must either be checked as luggage (if properly packed) or you can purchase an extra seat to carry it in the cabin.

• Weight Limit: Same as standard checked baggage (23 or 32 kg, depending on cabin class).

💡 Traveler’s Tip: If you’re flying during ski season, Air France often has promotions that allow one ski or snowboard set free of charge in addition to your normal checked bag. Always check their website before booking.

Liquids & Restricted Items

Air France follows standard EU aviation security rules for liquids, gels, and aerosols. Here’s a quick breakdown so you don’t run into issues at security:

Liquids in Carry-on

• Containers must be 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less.

• All containers must fit into one resealable clear plastic bag (max 1 liter).

• Only one liquids bag per passenger is allowed.

• Medications, baby formula/food, and dietary liquids are exceptions but may need to be presented separately at security.

Duty-Free Purchases

• Duty-free liquids purchased at the airport or onboard are allowed in your carry-on if they are sealed in an official tamper-evident bag (STEB).

• Keep the receipt inside the sealed bag — security staff may check it during transfers.

Prohibited Items

• Knives, sharp tools, blunt sports items, fireworks, and flammable materials are strictly banned.

• Lithium batteries and power banks must be carried in your hand luggage only (not in checked bags).

• E-cigarettes can be brought on board but cannot be used during the flight.

💡 Traveler’s Tip: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) has extra security screenings at many gates, especially for US-bound flights. Keep your liquids bag at the top of your carry-on so you don’t waste time unpacking everything in line.

Travel Tips for Flying Air France

Flying Air France can be a smooth experience, but knowing a few insider tricks will make your journey even easier (and save you money on surprise fees).

1. Watch the Combined Weight

Unlike some airlines that only check the bag itself, Air France uses a combined weight rule for your carry-on + personal item. That means if you’re in Economy and both items together weigh more than 12 kg, you might be asked to check one of them.

2. Economy Light = No Checked Bag

If you book an Economy Light fare, remember it’s “cabin baggage only.” Adding a checked bag at the airport can be pricey, so compare fares before booking — sometimes paying for a Standard ticket upfront is actually cheaper.

3. Use a Lightweight Suitcase

Because of the 12 kg / 18 kg weight limits, even the suitcase itself matters. A heavy hard-shell bag can eat up 4–5 kg of your allowance, leaving less room for your stuff. Go for a lightweight spinner instead to maximize space.

4. Layovers at CDG

Charles de Gaulle (CDG) can be confusing, especially if you have to switch terminals. Keep your carry-on compact so you can move quickly between gates. Also, allow extra time for re-screenings at security checkpoints.

5. Families Get Perks

Traveling with kids? Air France lets you bring strollers, car seats, and diaper bags without charge. Families with young children also often get priority boarding, so use it — boarding with less stress makes a huge difference.

6. Use the Air France App

The app is surprisingly handy: you can check in online, download your boarding pass, track baggage, and even get alerts if there are gate changes. It’s worth setting it up before your trip.

💡 Bonus Tip: If you’re flying long-haul, Premium Economy is often a sweet spot — you get 2 checked bags, more legroom, and faster check-in for not much more than standard Economy.

Recommended Travel Gear for Air France Travelers

Travelpro Crew VersaPack Rolling Under-seat Carry-On

This cleverly designed under-seat spinner is perfect as your personal item. It comes with thoughtful features like a removable toiletry bag and dedicated water bottle pocket, helping you stay within the 12 kg (Economy) or 18 kg (Business) combined carry-on limit and remain organized on multi-leg journeys.

BAGSMART 16-Inch Under-Seat Carry-On Luggage

A sleek, compact under-seat bag that’s lightweight yet durable. It’s ideal for Air France passengers who want to maximize space and still meet carry-on size restrictions. Plus, the internal pockets keep your electronics and essentials neatly accessible.

Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside 20-Inch Carry-On Spinner

A classic hard-shell carry-on that provides a lightweight expandable structure. It balances durability and weight—great if you’re trying to stay under Air France’s strict carry-on weight thresholds while still packing efficiently. Smart design, smart travel.

Apple AirTag (4-Pack)

Keep track of your checked and carry-on luggage with this top-rated tracking tech. Losing bags during transfers, especially at big hubs like CDG, can be stressful—but AirTags let you monitor them via the Find My app and enjoy peace of mind.

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Summary Table: Why Each Product Matters

 

FAQs – Air France Carry-on & Baggage Rules

1. What is Air France’s carry-on weight limit?
Economy and Premium Economy passengers can bring a cabin bag plus a personal item, with a combined weight of 12 kg (26 lbs). Business and La Première passengers get two cabin bags plus a personal item, with a combined weight of 18 kg (40 lbs).

2. Does Air France allow both a backpack and a carry-on?
Yes. A standard carry-on suitcase plus one personal item (like a backpack, laptop bag, or handbag) is allowed, as long as the total weight stays within your cabin class limit.

3. What is included with Economy Light fares?
Economy Light fares do not include any checked baggage. You only get cabin baggage (carry-on + personal item). If you need to check a bag, you’ll have to purchase it separately.

4. How strict is Air France with carry-on size and weight?
Air France is strict about weight, especially on long-haul flights. Bags are often weighed at check-in. If your luggage is even slightly over the allowance, you may be asked to check it and pay fees.

5. Can I bring a stroller or car seat for my child on Air France flights?
Yes. Parents can bring one stroller and one car seat per child free of charge, in addition to the standard baggage allowance. Small foldable strollers may be brought into the cabin if they fit overhead.

6. What happens if my checked bag is overweight?
If your checked bag weighs between 23–32 kg (50–70 lbs), you’ll be charged an overweight fee (usually €70–€100 depending on route). Bags over 32 kg are not accepted.

7. Can I take musical instruments on board?
Yes. Small instruments that fit within cabin size limits can be carried as hand luggage. Larger instruments (like guitars or cellos) must either be checked in or transported in the cabin with an extra seat purchased.

8. Are duty-free liquids allowed in my carry-on?
Yes, as long as they are sealed in a tamper-evident duty-free bag (STEB) with the receipt inside. This is especially important if you’re connecting through another airport.

Conclusion

Flying with Air France doesn’t have to be stressful if you know the baggage rules before you pack. The key things to remember are the combined carry-on weight limit (12 kg in Economy and 18 kg in Business/La Première) and the fact that Economy Light fares don’t include checked baggage. Oversized or overweight bags can get expensive quickly, so it pays to pack smart and double-check your ticket type.

The good news is that Air France is family-friendly, offers reasonable policies for sports equipment and musical instruments, and allows generous allowances in Business and La Première. If you’re strategic with your packing — using lightweight luggage, packing cubes, and maybe even a digital scale — you’ll breeze through check-in and security without surprises.

So whether you’re hopping on a short Paris-to-Rome flight or connecting long-haul through CDG, knowing the rules means you can focus less on baggage drama and more on enjoying your trip. Bon voyage ✈️🇫🇷