Air Algérie allows one carry-on bag (up to 10 kg on Boeing/Airbus aircraft) and one free checked bag (up to 23 kg) in Economy class on most international routes. Excess baggage fees vary by route and zone, starting at 80 EUR for flights departing European countries to Algeria.

Few things derail a trip faster than an unexpected baggage fee at the airport. Air Algérie updated its baggage policy in October 2023, switching from a weight-based system to a piece-based system on most routes a change that still catches passengers off guard. Whether you’re flying from Paris to Algiers, Algiers to Dubai, or connecting through a 6th Freedom route, the rules differ by zone, class, and aircraft type.

How Much Cabin Baggage Is Allowed on Air Algérie?

Air Algérie permits one cabin bag per passenger, free of charge. On Boeing and Airbus aircraft, the carry-on must weigh no more than 10 kg and measure no more than 55 x 35 x 25 cm (length x width x height). On ATR regional aircraft, the limit drops to 5 kg with maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 20 cm.

Business and First Class passengers may carry a briefcase (45 x 35 x 20 cm) plus a handbag, with a combined maximum weight of 12 kg.

Air Algérie Hand Luggage Size at a Glance

Important edge case: If your carry-on does not fit in the overhead compartment, Air Algérie will reclassify it as checked baggage and apply applicable fees. Measure twice, pack once.

Items you can bring alongside your cabin bag at no charge include a coat, umbrella, walking cane, camera, binoculars, baby pram, crutches, and food for infants. Duty-free purchases count toward your cabin bag allowance.

What Is the Baggage Allowance for Economy Class on Air Algérie International Flights?

Air Algérie’s international baggage allowance for Economy class is one piece of checked baggage, weighing up to 23 kg, on most routes. On long-haul and Middle East routes, Economy passengers receive two pieces at 23 kg each. No single bag may exceed 32 kg, and total dimensions must not surpass 158 cm (length + width + height).

Air Algérie Baggage Allowance by Class and Route

Children (ages 2–11) receive the same allowance as adults. Infants under 2 may check one bag up to 10 kg, plus a stroller or car seat free of charge. Passengers traveling with a foldable wheelchair or crutches receive one additional free bag.

How Much Does Air Algérie Charge for Extra Baggage?

Air Algérie’s extra baggage price depends on the route zone and the currency of the departure country. The airline uses six zones Zone A through Zone F to calculate excess fees. Passengers flying from Algeria pay in Algerian dinars (DZD); passengers departing from other countries pay in local currency.

Zone A  Algeria  France Excess Fees

Zone B  Algeria  Europe (Excluding France) Excess Fees

Real-world cost scenario: A passenger departing Paris with one included bag who arrives at check-in with three suitcases (all under 23 kg each) will pay €80 for the second bag and €150 for the third a total of €230 in excess fees. That same trip departing from Algiers would cost 12,000 DZD + 22,000 DZD = 34,000 DZD.

Selected Zone C & D Fees (Middle East and Africa)

Zone F (6th Freedom routes)  connecting flights through Algiers from Africa to Europe, Middle East, or beyond  carry a flat rate of €180 for the first extra bag and €250 for any subsequent bags, regardless of direction.

What Are the Rules for Special Baggage on Air Algérie?

Air Algérie accepts sports equipment and musical instruments as checked baggage, subject to the same standard weight and size limits: maximum 23 kg and 158 cm combined dimensions.

Sports equipment specifics:

• Bicycles must have handlebars turned lengthwise along the frame, pedals removed, and tires deflated
• Golf clubs, skis, and surfboards follow the 23 kg / 158 cm standard rule
• Items over 158 cm but under 203 cm are accepted with the oversized fee (12,000 DZD or €80)

Musical instruments:

• Must be packed in a rigid, hard-shell case
• Air Algérie accepts no liability for damage to musical instruments
• Oversized instruments (e.g., cellos, large guitars) may be transported in the cabin on a pre-booked seat check with Air Algérie directly for pricing

Medical equipment and mobility aids:

• Foldable wheelchairs and crutches are accepted free of charge for passengers with reduced mobility
• CPAP machines and essential medical devices are generally permitted in addition to the carry-on allowance, but must be declared at check-in. Verify with Air Algérie at least 48 hours before travel.

What Items Are Prohibited on Air Algérie Flights?

The following items are strictly banned from cabin baggage:

• Firearms, imitation guns, starter pistols, flare guns, crossbows
• Knives with blades longer than 6 cm, razor blades, box cutters
• Stun guns, pepper spray, tear gas, or aerosol sprays used as disabling devices
• Flammable liquids or substances

From checked baggage:

• Explosives, fireworks, detonators, dynamite
• Military-grade grenades or mines (requires airline approval for legitimate purposes)
• Edible oil (restricted, not outright banned in all cases)

Liquids rule: Air Algérie follows the standard IATA liquids rule for cabin baggage liquids, aerosols, and gels must be in containers of 100 ml or less, placed in a single, clear, resealable plastic bag of no more than 1 liter capacity. Exceptions apply for baby formula and prescription medication (declare at security).

What Happens If Your Air Algérie Baggage Is Lost or Damaged?

If your baggage does not arrive at your destination, contact Air Algérie’s Baggage Service desk before leaving the arrivals hall. You will need your baggage receipt, which is issued at check-in. Missing or damaged items must be formally declared within 3 days of your flight. Failure to report within this window significantly limits your ability to claim compensation.

Labeling your bag inside and out with your name, address, and contact number using Air Algérie’s baggage stickers available at the check-in desk reduces the risk of permanent loss.

Practical tip: Travel insurance with baggage coverage is strongly recommended, particularly for long-haul or connecting itineraries through Algiers. Many policies reimburse essentials within 24 hours of confirmed delay.

Is Air Algérie a Good Airline?

Air Algérie is Algeria’s national carrier and the primary airline serving routes between Algeria and Europe, the Middle East, and sub-Saharan Africa. For passengers on those corridors especially the Algeria-France route it often offers the most direct connections at competitive fares.

The airline has made notable operational updates in recent years, including the October 2023 shift to a piece-based baggage system, which aligns with global airline standards. Customer experience reviews are mixed: punctuality and on-board service quality vary by route. For short-to-medium haul flights within the Air Algérie network, it remains a practical and often cost-effective option particularly when booking direct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Air Algérie charge for carry-on bags?
No. One carry-on bag is free for all passengers. Economy passengers are limited to 10 kg on Boeing and Airbus aircraft; Business and First Class passengers may carry up to 12 kg across two items.

Can I buy extra baggage online before my flight?
Yes. Air Algérie offers a baggage calculator and purchase tool on its official website (airalgerie.dz). Pre-purchasing excess baggage online is generally cheaper than paying at the airport counter.

What is the maximum weight Air Algérie will accept for a single checked bag?
Air Algérie will not accept any bag weighing more than 32 kg as checked baggage. Bags over this limit must be shipped separately as cargo.

Are children and infants entitled to a checked baggage allowance?
Children aged 2–11 receive the same allowance as adults. Infants under 2 years old receive one checked bag up to 10 kg, plus a stroller or car seat at no extra charge.

What does “6th Freedom” mean on Air Algérie tickets?
A 6th Freedom flight is a connecting itinerary where a passenger travels between two foreign countries via Algeria. For example, flying Paris  Algiers  Dakar. These routes have a distinct excess baggage fee structure (€180 for the first extra bag).

How much does it cost to bring a second suitcase on a flight from London to Algiers?
Departing from the UK, the second extra bag (≤ 23 kg) costs £130 GBP under Zone B pricing.

Can I pay excess baggage fees in euros at Algerian airports?
No. Fees collected at Algerian airports are charged in Algerian dinars (DZD). International currency rates or card conversions may apply through your bank.

Is a laptop bag allowed in addition to my carry-on?
On most Air Algérie flights, only one carry-on piece is permitted. Laptops, handbags, and cameras must fit inside your single cabin bag. Business and First Class passengers may carry a briefcase separately in addition to a handbag.

What happens if my bag is oversize but not overweight?
If your checked bag exceeds 158 cm in combined dimensions but stays under 203 cm, Air Algérie applies an oversized fee: 12,000 DZD departing Algeria, or €80 departing from international airports. Bags over 203 cm are not accepted.

Can musical instruments be taken in the cabin on Air Algérie?
Yes, large instruments may travel in the cabin if a separate seat is booked in advance. The airline accepts no liability for instrument damage, so a hard-shell case and travel insurance are strongly recommended.