Travel Tips Tips

Air France Baggage Policy: A Guide to Checked and Carry-on Allowances and Fees

Yadana Chaw
Yadana Chaw
04.01.26
Read time 3 minutes

Founded in 1933, Air France (AF), is a major flag European carrier from France. They operate a global network linking Paris to the Americas, Asia, and Africa, offering flights to 200+ destinations.

Air France’s baggage allowance is primarily determined by the travel cabin and the specific fare brand, such as Economy Light or Standard. The policy is also heavily influenced by the flight route, separating short-haul European flights from long-haul intercontinental journeys, and the passenger's Flying Blue or SkyTeam elite status.


Checked bag vs carry on vs personal item

Packing starts with understanding your bags:

  • Checked baggage is the larger luggage checked into the cargo hold; for Air France, the maximum standard size is 158 cm / 62 in.
  • Carry-on bags (also referred to as cabin bags) go into the cabin for essentials, subject to the 100ml liquid rule, with a max size of 55 x 35 x 25 cm.
  • The Personal Item is the smallest (like a laptop bag or purse) and must fit under the seat in front of you.

For safety, remember all spare lithium batteries, power banks, and e-cigarettes must be in your carry-on, while sharp objects must always be placed in checked baggage.

Air France carry-on allowance

Class / Fare TypeCarry-on Bag AllowanceWeight Limit (Combined)
Economy (Light, Standard, Flex)112 kg (26.4 lbs)
Premium Economy218 kg (39.7 lbs)
Business218 kg (39.7 lbs)
La Première218 kg (39.7 lbs)

The maximum carry-on size is 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21.7 x 13.8 x 9.9 in). All passengers are also allowed one personal item, in addition to their standard carry-on allowance above. This item must fit under the seat in front of you and must not exceed 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 in).

Air France checked baggage allowance

Air France primarily operates on the Both Weight and Piece Concept for its checked luggage.

The Piece Concept limits the number of bags you can bring (e.g., 2 bags maximum, each up to 23kg), meaning you cannot consolidate one big bag into two small ones without paying extra. Conversely, the Weight Concept limits the total combined weight of all your bags (e.g., a total of 30 kg across any number of pieces).

Class / Fare TypeNumber of Bags IncludedMaximum Weight per bag
Economy Light/Basic0 PiecesN/A
Economy Standard/Flex1 Piece23 kg (50 lbs)
Premium Economy2 Pieces23 kg (50 lbs)
Business2 Pieces32 kg (70 lbs)
La Première3 Pieces32 kg (70 lbs)

Flying Blue Silver, Gold, and Platinum Elite members are typically entitled to one extra piece of checked baggage, even on a restricted fare.

Air France extra baggage fees

Air France applies flat-rate fees for baggage that exceeds the weight or size limits defined by the fare. No single bag may exceed 32 kg (70.5 lbs) or 300 cm (118 in).

  • Overweight Bags (over 23 kg):
    • Within Europe/North Africa: Approx. €70.
    • Intercontinental: Approx. €85 – €150 depending on the route.
  • Oversized Bags (159 cm – 300 cm):
    • A surcharge applies at the airport, typically ranging from €75 to €300 depending on the destination.
  • Additional Baggage:
    • 2nd Bag (Economy): Approx. €45 – €80 if purchased online.
    • 3rd+ Bag: Rates start at approx. €160 – €200 for long-haul routes.

Air France special baggage policy

  • Infants: Infants are entitled to one checked bag (max 10 kg / 22 lbs), unless traveling on a Light/Basic ticket which offers no allowance. They are also entitled to one carry-on bag weighing up to 12 kg with standard carry-on dimensions. A folding stroller and car seat can be transported in the hold free of charge, regardless of the passenger's fare type.
  • Sporting Equipment: Smaller sports items, such as certain skis or golf bags, that meet the weight and size limits may be counted as a standard checked bag. Larger or heavier items, such as bicycles, require prior approval (48 hours in advance) and may incur a special baggage fee, depending on the route and equipment.
  • Musical Instruments: Instruments smaller than 115 cm (45 in) in total linear dimensions can be carried as the standard cabin bag. For larger instruments (over 115 cm), prior authorization is required. They can be transported either by purchasing one or more extra seats (with a maximum weight of 45 kg per seat) or checked into the hold, provided they are in a hard, rigid case and do not exceed 300 cm or 32 kg (for instruments over 32 kg, special approval is needed).

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