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Air France Airline Baggage Policy:
Air France baggage policy can affect the cost and comfort of your travel, especially if you are getting on a long-haul flight or multiple connections. This guide is intended for savvy travelers who want to have a full understanding of what is being included in the ticket and to help you out from paying extra unnecessary fees.
We will look into Air France's carry-on allowances to know what fits under the cabin sizes and weight, and we will examine how Air France offers checked baggage allowances based on travel class, route, and fare type in order for you to plan ahead so you will be able to pack right. Finally, we will provide some tips on saving money on excess bags, what to do about oversized bags or special baggage such as sports equipment, and what to know if you are traveling with kids or pets. Ultimately we want to ensure that you are adequately prepared before leaving for the airport.
Cabin Baggage Allowances
When travelling with Air France, your cabin baggage allowances depend on your class of service:
Economy Class—In Economy Class, depending on your fare type, cabin baggage allowances consist of 0-1 hand baggage items plus 1 small personal item (i.e., handbag or laptop bag). The maximum combined weight allowance for all cabin bags for all fare types is 12 kg (26.4 lbs.).
Premium Economy—In Premium Economy, cabin baggage allowances consist of 2 hand baggage items plus 1 small personal item. The maximum combined weight allowance for all cabin bags in Premium Economy Class is 12 kg (26.4 lbs).
Business Class & La Première (First Class)—In Business Class and La Première (First Class), cabin baggage allowances consist of 2 hand baggage items and 1 small personal item. The maximum combined weight limit for all cabin baggage in Business Class and La Première (First Class) is 18 kg (40 lbs).
Small Bag Size:
You are allowed to bring on one small bag when you travel in the cabin to have your personal items for the journey. It must be 40 × 30 × 15 cm (16 × 12 × 6 in). You may have:
- A handbag (purse),
- A small soft bag, or
- A small satchel.
This small bag is intended to accommodate your items that you need to be situated close at hand for your flight. Items such as your travel paperwork, phone, or other items that you want to access during your flight.
Hand Baggage and Basic Fare:
- If you have booked a Basic fare, you are only entitled to bring a small bag. But what if you wanted to bring a hand baggage item too
- If you are a Flying Blue Silver (or higher) member, you can bring an additional hand baggage item for free.
- If you are not a member yet, or you're just a Flying Blue Explorer, you can still bring hand baggage; however, you will need to purchase the hand baggage as an option.
In the above manner, you can make your baggage allowances personal to your travel needs and membership perks.
Hand baggage dimensions:
If you're flying with Air France, your hand luggage dimensions must not exceed 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21.7 x 13.8 x 9.9 in.), including external pockets, wheels, or handles. The bag will be required to fit above your seat into the overhead locker.
Are you unsure if your bag is the correct dimensions? No need to panic. Air France offers various measuring devices at the airport, in baggage drop-off areas, and at various check-in counters if you want to check beforehand. Just remember your bag will have to pass through checks before boarding the plane. If your bag is determined to be too big, they may require you to check in your bag as hold luggage and possibly charge you.
Authorized items in the cabin:
You can pack your liquid, paste, and cream items in your cabin bag, but there are restrictions. Each item must be in a container of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less, and all of the containers must fit into one transparent, resealable bag, which may not exceed 1 liter in total capacity and a max size of 20 x 20 cm (7.8 x 7.8 in.).
That way you remain within security restrictions, and you won't be delayed in the airport check.
The number of checked bags that you can take for free will vary depending on your travel cabin, ticket type, and Flying Blue membership. Depending on the fare you purchased, you will see the exact baggage allowance at the time of booking your flight; however, if you purchased your ticket and there is no baggage allowance indicated, you can still check your baggage allowance in "My Bookings."
Number of checked baggage included in your ticket for free
The number of checked bags you can take for free depends on your cabin, ticket, and Flying Blue status. When you book your flight, you will clearly see the total for your baggage allowance.
If you have already booked your ticket, you can also check your allowance at any time through My Bookings.
Number of checked baggage included in your ticket for free
- Economy Class: 0 to 2 checked bags depending on your fare—maximum of 23 kg (50 lbs) per bag.
- Premium Economy: 0 to 2 checked bags depending on your fare—maximum 23 kg (50 lbs) per bag.
- Business Class: 1 or 2 checked bags—maximum 32 kg (70.5 lbs)
- La Première (First Class): 3 checked bags—maximum 32 kg (70.5 lbs)
Flying Blue SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus Member Benefits:
Flying Blue SkyTeam Elite & Elite Plus – Further Baggage Allowance Benefits
- If you’re a Flying Blue Elite or Elite Plus member, you have less to stress about packing, as your Flying Blue membership provides you with an extra baggage allowance in addition to what your ticket provides.
- As a Silver and Gold member, this is one extra checked bag, free of charge, of course.
- Platinum and Ultimate members have two free checked bags.
- All of this is to make your travels easier and allow you a little extra freedom to take the things that matter.
Planning to Travel with Additional Luggage?
If you were to travel with additional luggage, simply purchase an Additional Baggage Option. The best part is if you buy online at least 24 hours prior to your flight, you'll pay a lower price than at the airport.
Some things to note:
Each passenger is permitted to check up to 10 bags total (sometimes only 3 depending on the aircraft).
If you require more than 3 bags, please contact our customer service. We can let you know if special approval can be granted (space permitting).
For Light fares, the first checked bag is not included for flights between Europe and North America, and you should pay the airport rate.
Plan ahead, and save on buying extra luggage online.
Checked Baggage Dimensions:
When you fly with us, our checked baggage allowance is 158 cm (62.2 in.) (length + width + height) total in size; this considers any pockets, wheels, and handles on your bag.
Oversized Baggage:
If your bag is larger than this size range—158 cm (62.2 in.) and less than 300 cm (118 in.) in total size—it is oversized, and you will be subject to additional fees based on your booking. You will need to visit the airport "Oversized Bag" counter for checking oversized bags.
Bags larger than 300 cm (118 in.) cannot count as regular baggage—you will need to arrange shipment with Air France Cargo for these bags.
Baggage Dimensions with Your Ticket
Each piece of luggage can be up to 158 cm (62.2 in.) in total dimension (length + width + height), and yes, wheels, handles, and outside pockets all count.
What if my bag is bigger?
If your bag is dimensionally bigger than the maximum 158 cm (62.2 in.) but smaller than 300 cm (118 in.), it is oversized, and you will simply pay a fee at the airport (the fee is based on your booking). Large bags should be checked in in the "Oversize Baggage" area.
If your bag is greater than 300 cm (118 in.), we cannot accept it as a regular checked bag, and you would ship it as an Air France Cargo.
Prohibited luggage wrapping:
To ensure baggage is handled safely and effectively, soft plastic or homemade wraps (such as cling film) are prohibited. This type of wrapping tends to change the shape of bags and can damage airport equipment or block baggage systems due to creating a round "ball" shape around the bags.
Conclusion:
Air France’s baggage policy is designed with travel comfort and convenience in mind, providing passengers with the right mix of flexibility and convenience. With allowances set out clearly based on travel class, ticket type, and Flying Blue membership, travelers can show up with confidence and already feeling prepared. Additionally, the ability to buy extra baggage online cheaper provides cost savings and peace of mind.
By taking all the necessary details into account—baggage dimensions, liquids limitations, and safe wrapping—Air France safeguards efficiency and well-being for all. Whether you are travelling light or bringing bulky items, preparation for your journey will make it much easier and stress-free.