AF · France · Full-service
Air France Baggage Policy
Carry-on, personal item, checked bag fees, overweight, special items, and basic economy rules for Air France, with every figure cited to the airline's own policy page.
Quick answer
- Carry-on: up to 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8", max 12 kg, free
- Personal item: up to 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9", free on every fare
- Checked bag: $60 first, Not published second (domestic economy)
- Basic economy: Light allows a carry-on
Carry-on baggage
- Max dimensions (in)
- 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8"
- Max dimensions (cm)
- 55 x 35 x 25 cm
- Weight limit
- 12 kg (26.5 lb)
- Fee
- Free
- Gate-check risk
- Medium
Combined weight of carry-on plus accessory must not exceed 12 kg in Economy. Light fares on short-haul do not include a full cabin bag.
Personal item
- Max dimensions (in)
- 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9"
- Max dimensions (cm)
- 40 x 30 x 15 cm
- Included
- Yes, free on every fare
Handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack.
Does your bag count?
| Bag type | Typical size | Fit |
|---|---|---|
Standard backpack Everyday daypack, laptop backpack | 18 x 13 x 8" | Too big |
Tote bag Canvas or leather tote | 15 x 14 x 5" | Too big |
Laptop bag Messenger or slim briefcase | 16 x 12 x 4" | Too big |
Small duffel Gym or weekender | 18 x 11 x 11" | Too big |
Purse Handbag or crossbody | 12 x 10 x 5" | Fits |
Under-seat roller Mini wheeled bag | 16 x 14 x 8" | Too big |
Checked baggage fees
Compare fees across airlines →Economy Standard on longhaul includes 1 checked bag up to 23 kg / 51 lb at 158 cm (62 in) linear. Light fare on longhaul excludes checked baggage: adding a bag costs $60 when purchased online in advance or $80 at the airport. Fees published in EUR for intra-Europe. Max single bag 32 kg / 70 lb.
Ways to skip the Air France checked bag fee
- Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Air France carry-on size.
- Use a Air France co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
- Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
- Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.
Special items & sports equipment
- Ski / snowboard
- Not published
- Golf clubs
- Not published
- Bicycle
- Not published
- Pet in cabin
- Not published
- Pet as cargo
- Not published
Musical instruments: Small instruments count as carry-on. Larger instruments can be purchased as an extra cabin seat or checked within allowance.
Air France allows small pets in the cabin (up to 8 kg including carrier). Fees tier by geographic zone in EUR; USD pricing is not uniformly published.
Basic economy restrictions
- Carry-on allowed
- Yes
- Personal item allowed
- Yes
- Checked bag surcharge
- $60
- No checked bag included on longhaul Light
- No seat selection until 30 hours before departure
- No changes
- Non-refundable
- Reduced status mile earning
Frequently asked questions
What is the Air France carry-on size limit?
Air France allows a carry-on bag up to 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8" (55 x 35 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels. The weight limit is 12 kg (26.5 lb).
What is the Air France personal item size?
The personal item on Air France must fit within 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9" (40 x 30 x 15 cm) and slide fully under the seat in front of you. Handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack.
How much does a checked bag cost on Air France?
The first checked bag on Air France costs $60 on most domestic economy fares, and the second bag costs Not published. On long-haul international routes, the first checked bag fee is $60. Economy Standard on longhaul includes 1 checked bag up to 23 kg / 51 lb at 158 cm (62 in) linear. Light fare on longhaul excludes checked baggage: adding a bag costs $60 when purchased online in advance or $80 at the airport. Fees published in EUR for intra-Europe. Max single bag 32 kg / 70 lb.
Can I bring a carry-on on Air France Light?
Yes. Air France Light passengers can bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item. A checked bag on Light costs around $60.
How can I avoid Air France checked bag fees?
Four common ways: (1) pack in a carry-on and personal item only (confirm your bag fits the Air France carry-on size of 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8"); (2) hold a Air France co-branded credit card, which typically waives the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation; (3) reach elite status in the airline's frequent flyer program, where mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction; (4) book a higher fare class (Premium Economy, Business, First) where checked bags are included.
Will my bag be gate-checked on Air France?
Air France currently has a medium gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Arrive early in your boarding group to improve the odds of space in the overhead bins.
Pack for your Air France flight
Build a packing list that fits within the Air France carry-on and personal-item limits.
Air France hubs & focus cities
Major US airports where Air France operates. Click through for terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips.
Compare other airlines
- Aer Lingus baggage policy EI · Ireland
- Austrian Airlines baggage policy OS · Austria
- British Airways baggage policy BA · United Kingdom
- easyJet baggage policy U2 · United Kingdom
- Finnair baggage policy AY · Finland
- Iberia baggage policy IB · Spain
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines baggage policy KL · Netherlands
- Lufthansa baggage policy LH · Germany
Sources & verification
- Carry-on and personal item: https://www.airfrance.us/information/bagages/bagage-cabine verified 2026-04-14
- Checked baggage: https://wwws.airfrance.us/information/bagages/bagages-soute verified 2026-04-14
- Special items: https://wwws.airfrance.us/information/passagers/animaux-voyage-avion verified 2026-04-14
- Basic economy fare: https://wwws.airfrance.us/information/prepare/tarif-light-economique verified 2026-04-14
Airlines change baggage rules without notice. Always confirm with Air France before flying.