What is the Air France Baggage Allowance: What You Can Carry

When you fly with Air France, baggage rules are more than just packaging; they define how much you can take, whether you pay extra, and how smooth your journey will be. Air France serves millions of passengers worldwide each year, across short-haul domestic flights, long-haul internationals, and mixed itineraries. Having a clear understanding of the Air France baggage allowance can save you from last-minute surprises, extra fees, or delays at the airport.

In this guide, I walk you through exactly how much you’re allowed to carry both in the cabin and in the hold, what counts as baggage or a personal item, and how special or excess baggage is treated.

Air France carry-on baggage allowance: What You Can Bring On Board

Air France makes cabin travel straightforward with clear rules on what you can store under the seat and in the overhead bins. Your allowance depends on your cabin class and fare type, but the size limits remain the same for all passengers.

Air France Hand Baggage Allowance and Carry-on Rules

• Air France allows two types of cabin bags, each stored in a different space. Your small personal item fits under the seat in front of you, while your main hand baggage goes in the overhead bin.

• Small bag (personal item): You can bring one small bag, such as a handbag, soft bag, or satchel. It must not exceed 40 × 30 × 15 cm (16 × 12 × 6 in), and it must fit under the seat in front of you.

• Hand baggage (carry-on suitcase): Your main carry-on bag can be up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm, including wheels, pockets, and handles, and should be placed in the overhead locker.

Weight and item allowance by travel class

• If you are travelling on a “Basic fare” ticket in Economy and wish to bring hand baggage in addition to the small bag, you must purchase the Hand Baggage option unless you hold an eligible Flying Blue status.

Additional items allowed:

Along with your hand baggage and personal item, you may also carry a few extra items on board without counting them toward your allowance. These can include a jacket or coat you are wearing, an umbrella, duty-free purchases bought after security, and essential items for children, such as a stroller, car seat, or diaper bag. All of this is accepted as long as there is space available on the aircraft.

Liquids and restricted items in cabin baggage:

If you are carrying liquids, gels, or creams in your hand baggage, each container must be 100 ml or less. All containers must be placed in a transparent resealable 1-liter plastic bag (maximum size 20 × 20 cm). Each passenger may carry only one such bag. Some items like baby food, medication, etc., may be exceptions.

Also read Air France Premium Economy Review: Comfort, Space & Style

Air France checked-in baggage allowance (Hold Baggage)

Air France offers different checked baggage allowances depending on your travel class and the type of fare you purchase. If you know your baggage limits can help you avoid extra charges at the airport.

Standard allowance by Fare Class:

The number of checked baggage items and the weight allowed depend on your ticket fare and travel class.

Additional / Overweight / Oversized Baggage:

If you need more baggage than your fare includes, you can buy the Additional Baggage option online up to 30 hours before departure (usually cheaper) or at the airport. Each purchased bag must not exceed 158 cm in total dimensions.

Air France also accepts overweight or oversized items under the following conditions:

• Overweight bags can be more than your standard weight limit, but not above 32 kg.

• Oversized bags can measure more than 158 cm, as long as they do not exceed 300 cm in total dimensions.

• Both types come with an extra fee paid at the airport.

• Anything larger than 300 cm total dimensions cannot travel as regular baggage and must be sent through Air France Cargo.

Air France International Baggage Allowance vs Domestic Baggage

Air France follows the same basic rules for hand baggage and checked bags across all flights, but your exact allowance can change depending on your route, fare type, and aircraft. This means domestic and international flights may not always offer the same limits. The safest way to know what applies to your trip is to check the baggage allowance printed on your ticket. Whichever segment has the strictest rule is the one that will apply.

If you are taking connecting flights with more than one airline, you must follow the strictest baggage policy among all the carriers on your itinerary. This ensures your bags can be accepted for the entire journey.

Special Baggage and Restricted Items

Some items require special handling when you fly with Air France, while others are not allowed at all. Knowing these rules helps you pack safely and avoid delays at the airport.

What is NOT allowed:

• Soft plastic bags or simple wrapping, such as stretch film, are not accepted as checked baggage because they can damage airport handling systems.

• Air France also recommends not placing fragile or valuable items like jewellery, money, cameras, laptops, or important documents in checked bags. These should always be kept in your cabin baggage or personal item.

Special baggage: sports equipment, musical instruments, baby items

• Air France accepts many types of special baggage, including sports equipment, musical instruments, strollers, and car seats, but the rules vary based on size, weight, and aircraft type. Larger items may require special booking or cargo handling.

• If you are travelling with an infant on your lap, you may bring items like a collapsible stroller or car seat according to Air France’s family travel guidelines.

What to Keep in Mind

• Always confirm your fare type before packing. Light or Basic Economy fares often do not include a free checked bag, and sometimes not even standard hand baggage.

• Make sure to measure and weigh your bags at home. Hand baggage must follow the set limits of 55 × 35 × 25 cm, while your small personal item must be 40 × 30 × 15 cm. The combined cabin weight limit is 12 kg or 18 kg, depending on your travel class.

• If you need extra baggage, add the option online (before 30 hours or 4 hours, depending on baggage type) usually cheaper than paying at the airport.

• On connecting flights with partner airlines or different carriers, always verify baggage rules for all legs and follow the strictest policy.

• Avoid fragile or valuable items in checked baggage and carry them in the cabin or in your personal item.

• If you are travelling with special items such as sports equipment, musical instruments, or a stroller, it is best to confirm the rules in advance with Air France customer service to avoid surprises

Also read How Do I Select Seats on Air France?.

Conclusion

Understanding the Air France checked-in baggage allowance makes it easier to plan your trip without surprises at the airport. Whether you are flying within France, the Air France domestic baggage allowance offers simple rules, while long-haul routes follow the Air France international baggage allowance, which varies by cabin class.

Keep an eye on the Air France baggage weight allowance to avoid excess fees, and double-check your Air France hand baggage allowance so your cabin items meet the size and weight limits. Travelers bringing only a small bag will also find the Air France carry-on baggage allowance straightforward and easy to follow.

Now that you know exactly how much you can carry and what rules apply, it’s time to book your next journey. Book your Air France flight via Flightsquest today and travel with confidence, pack smart, and enjoy your journey.

FAQs About Air France Baggage Allowance

Q1. What is the carry-on baggage size for Air France?

Air France allows one cabin bag up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm plus one small personal item 40 × 30 × 15 cm, depending on your fare type.

Q2. How much cabin baggage weight is allowed?

The combined weight limit is 12 kg for Economy and Premium Economy, and 18 kg for Business and La Première.

Q3. What is the standard checked baggage allowance?

Economy usually includes 1 checked bag up to 23 kg, Premium Economy includes 2 bags of 23 kg, Business includes 2 bags of 32 kg, and La Première includes 3 bags of 32 kg.

Q4. Do Light or Basic Economy fares include checked baggage?

No. Light/Basic fares do not include a checked-in bag. You must purchase checked baggage separately.

Q5. What is the maximum size for a checked bag?

Each checked bag must not exceed 158 cm in total dimensions (length + width + height).

Q6. Can I bring special baggage like sports equipment or musical instruments?

Yes. Most special items are accepted, but size/weight rules apply, and some items may require advance approval or an extra fee.

Q7. What if my bag is overweight or oversized?

Bags heavier than the allowance or larger than 158 cm will incur extra fees. Bags exceeding 32 kg or very large items may need to travel as cargo.