Traveling with Air France offers a touch of French elegance before you even land, but their baggage rules can be complex depending on your cabin class and destination.
Whether you are flying “Economy Light” to Paris or “La Première” to Tokyo, knowing the rules before you pack is the best way to avoid expensive surprises at the airport.
At a Glance: Air France Baggage Allowance Table
Before you start packing, check your ticket type. Allowances vary significantly between fare classes.
| Travel Cabin | Carry-On Allowance | Checked Baggage Allowance | Max Weight per Checked Bag |
| Economy (Light Fare) | 1 Bag + 1 Personal Item | 0 Bags (Pay for access) | N/A |
| Economy (Standard) | 1 Bag + 1 Personal Item | 1 Bag | 23 kg (50 lb) |
| Premium Economy | 2 Bags + 1 Personal Item | 2 Bags | 23 kg (50 lb) |
| Business | 2 Bags + 1 Personal Item | 2 Bags | 32 kg (70 lb) |
| La Première | 2 Bags + 1 Personal Item | 3 Bags | 32 kg (70 lb) |
Note: Total weight for carry-on items (bag + accessory) is capped at 12 kg (26.4 lb) for Economy/Premium Economy and 18 kg (40 lb) for Business/La Première.
Carry-On Baggage Rules
Air France is relatively strict regarding carry-on weight compared to some US carriers. You must ensure your combined gear does not exceed the limit.
Allowed Dimensions
- Standard Carry-On: Max dimensions are 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8 in), including pockets, wheels, and handles.
- Personal Item: Max dimensions are 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in). This can be a handbag, satchel, or laptop bag and must fit under the seat in front of you.
What Counts Toward the Limit?
Your main bag and your personal accessory both count toward the combined weight limit (12 kg or 18 kg). However, you are allowed to carry the following items in addition to your allowance without a weight penalty:
- A jacket or coat
- An umbrella
- Duty-free items purchased at the airport
- Medical equipment (like crutches or a foldable wheelchair)
- A car seat or diaper bag (if traveling with an infant)
Pro Tip: Air France staff frequently weigh carry-on bags at check-in counters and boarding gates. If you are over the limit, you will be forced to check the bag, potentially incurring a gate-check fee.
Checked Baggage Policy
Your checked baggage allowance depends entirely on your fare type and route.
Standard Dimensions
The maximum size for any checked bag is 158 cm (62 in) (Length + Width + Height). Bags larger than this are considered “oversized” and will incur a fee.
Economy Light Fares
If you booked a “Light” fare, you have no checked baggage included. You will need to pay to add a bag.
- Cost: Fees vary by route but typically range from €25 to €60 (approx. $30–$70 USD) for the first bag if purchased online.
- Airport Price: Paying at the airport is always more expensive—often double the online rate.
Premium and Business Perks
Travelers in Premium Economy, Business, and La Première enjoy generous allowances of two or three bags.
Notably, Business and La Première passengers get a higher weight limit of 32 kg (70 lb) per bag, whereas Economy and Premium Economy are capped at 23 kg (50 lb).
Excess and Overweight Baggage Fees
If you need to bring more than your ticket allows, prepare to pay. Fees are cumulative, meaning if a bag is both overweight and oversized, you pay both charges.
Extra Bags
Purchasing an additional bag (beyond your free allowance) varies by destination.
- Online Discount: You can save up to 20% by purchasing extra baggage allowance online via the “My Bookings” tool at least 24 hours before departure.
- Typical Cost: Expect to pay between €70 and €100 ($75–$110 USD) for a second bag on transatlantic flights if paying at the airport.
Overweight Bags (23kg to 32kg)
If your bag weighs more than 23 kg (50 lb) but less than 32 kg (70 lb), you will be charged a flat fee.
- Fee: Approximately €70–€85 ($75–$90 USD) depending on the itinerary.
- Hard Limit: Air France will not accept any single bag weighing more than 32 kg (70 lb) due to health and safety regulations for baggage handlers. These items must be shipped as cargo.
Oversized Bags
If your bag exceeds the standard 158 cm (62 in) dimension but is under 300 cm (118 in):
- Fee: Approximately €75–€300 ($80–$325 USD) depending on the route.
Special Items and Sports Equipment
Air France has specific rules for non-standard luggage. In many cases, these items can replace a standard checked bag if they fall within weight limits.
Sports Gear
- Golf Bags: Accepted as a standard checked bag if under 23 kg.
- Skis/Snowboards: Accepted as a standard checked bag. The size limit of 158 cm is disregarded for skis, provided they don’t exceed 300 cm.
- Bicycles: Always incur a separate fee, regardless of your baggage allowance. You must request approval from customer service at least 48 hours before departure. Fees range from €65 to €125.
- Surfboards: Can be included in your allowance if under 300 cm and 23 kg.
Musical Instruments
- Small instruments (e.g., Violin): Can be taken as a carry-on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.
- Large instruments (e.g., Cello): You must purchase an extra seat to carry these in the cabin.
- Checked instruments: Must be in a hard-shell case. If they exceed standard dimensions or weight, excess fees apply.
Traveling with Infants
- Lap Infants: You can bring one small hand baggage item (less than 12 kg) and one checked bag (10 kg) for the infant, plus a foldable stroller and car seat free of charge.
- Strollers: “Yoyo” type compact strollers can often be taken into the cabin as a carry-on item if they meet dimension limits. Larger strollers must be checked at the gate.
5 Ways to Avoid Baggage Fees
Book the Right Fare First
If you know you are checking a bag, compare the price of the “Standard” fare vs. the “Light” fare plus a baggage fee. Often, the “Standard” fare is the better deal and includes flexible ticket changes.
Join Flying Blue
Flying Blue Silver, Gold, and Platinum members get one extra checked bag for free on top of their standard allowance.
Weigh Before You Go
Invest in a portable luggage scale. Finding out your bag is 24 kg at the check-in desk will cost you roughly $85. Removing 1 kg at home costs nothing.
Pay Online
Never pay for bags at the airport. Use the Air France app or website 24 hours prior to save 20%.
Use a Co-Branded Credit Card
Some airline credit cards offer statement credits for incidental airline fees, which can effectively erase your baggage costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pool my baggage allowance with my family?
Generally, Air France allows passengers traveling on the same reservation to pool their baggage allowance at the check-in desk, provided you check in together.
However, no single bag can ever exceed 32 kg.
What happens if my carry-on is slightly too big?
Air France can be strict. If your bag doesn’t fit in the sizer, you will likely be forced to check it. If you have already used your checked allowance, you will be charged an excess baggage fee at the gate.
Are duty-free bags counted toward the 12kg carry-on limit?
No. Items purchased at the airport (Duty-Free) are allowed in the cabin in addition to your standard hand baggage allowance and do not count toward the weight limit.
How much does it cost to check a bag on a “Light” fare?
It varies by route, but typically $30–$70 for the first bag. You can check the exact cost for your specific flight using the Air France baggage calculator before you fly.
Do I get free bags if I am a SkyTeam Elite member?
Yes. SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members (e.g., Delta Gold/Platinum/Diamond Medallion) are entitled to one extra checked bag free of charge, even on Economy Light fares.
Conclusion
If you are flying with heavy gear or extra suitcases, handle your payments online at least 24 hours in advance to secure the best rates.
When in doubt, always use the official baggage calculator on the Air France website to get the precise fees for your specific itinerary.
Grace Turner is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. She specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. Her work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
