Air France Baggage Allowance & Fees

The Air France baggage allowance includes 1 to 2 cabin baggage items, based on your travel class, plus 1 small accessory such as a laptop bag or briefcase. The checked baggage allowance at Air France ranges from 1 to 3 bags, depending on your travel class and destination. If you’ve purchased a Light or Basic fare, you must purchase your checked baggage. 

Below is an overview of the Air France baggage policy for cabin and checked baggage:

• Cabin Baggage (Hand Baggage/Carry-on Baggage)
  1. The size of your hand baggage must not be more than 55cm x 35cm x 25cm. 
  2. The accessory must not be larger than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm. 
  3. The combined baggage weight of your hand baggage and accessory must not be more than 26.4lb/12kg in Economy Class and 40lb/18kg in higher classes.
• Checked Baggage 
  1. The size of your checked baggage item must not exceed 158cm/62.2in. 
  2. The checked baggage weight (per bag) must not exceed:
     1. 50lb/23kg for Economy Class and Premium Economy Class
     2. 70lb/32kg for Business and First Class
  3. If any checked bag exceeds 70lb/32kg, its contents must be split into 2 bags so that the total weight per bag does not exceed 70lb/32kg.
  4. An oversized bag must not exceed 300cm/118.11in in combined dimensions, except for audio or video equipment, heavy musical instruments, and pole vaults.
• On Economy Light and Economy Basic fares, you must purchase your baggage.
• The following members are allowed 1 extra checked baggage item (the weight depends on the travel class flown): Flying Blue (Silver, Gold, and Platinum), SkyTeam (Elite and Elite Plus).
• Lap infants not occupying a seat are allowed a checked baggage allowance of 22lb/10kg, except on Light fares.
• Families, groups, and parties travelling together to the same destination and checking in their baggage together are allowed to pool the number of checked bags (but not the weight).
• Oversized bags, i.e., bags measuring 158–300cm (62.2–118.11in), must be dropped at the Oversize Baggage counter.
• Each passenger is allowed up to a maximum of 10 checked bags (3 on some flights), subject to excess baggage charges. 
• If you’re travelling with more than 3 checked bags, you must contact the Air France Sales Team before travelling to ensure space availability.
• You can purchase additional baggage online at a 20% discount at least 24 hours before departure (online purchase of additional baggage is not available for flights departing from Orlando, Newark, Detroit, Atlanta, Seoul, Damascus, and flights to/from Mauritius). You can also purchase additional baggage at the airport kiosk or counter (in metropolitan France and the U.S.).

Air France Baggage Allowance by Fare Type

What is the baggage allowance at Air France? 

The Air France baggage allowance by fare type for hand baggage and checked baggage is provided in the tables below.

Air France Baggage Allowance for Carry-on Bags/Hand Baggage 

The Air France carry-on baggage allowance/cabin baggage allowance/hand baggage allowance, depending on your travel class, is 1-2 hand baggage items plus 1 accessory bag, depending on your travel class. For details, refer to the table below.

Note

Under the Air France hand baggage policy:

• You can carry the following items for free in addition to your hand baggage:
  • Medical equipment such as collapsible wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, etc.
  • Outer garments you’re wearing, such as a jacket, coat, etc.
  • Umbrella
  • Duty-free articles purchased at the airport or on your flight 
  • Children’s accessories such as a foldable stroller, car seat, diaper bag, etc. 
• Garment bags and yoyo strollers will not be treated as accessory items but as standard handbags. 

Air France Checked Baggage Allowance: Checked Baggage Weight | Checked Baggage Size

What is the free checked baggage allowance on Air France?

The fee for checked baggage allowance on Air France will depend on your travel class, as shown in the table below.

• For Economy Basic/Light fares, the baggage allowance is nil—you must purchase it. 
• For Economy Standard fares:
  • The baggage allowance is 1 checked bag per passenger.
  • The checked baggage weight must not exceed 50lb/23kg. 
  • The checked baggage size must not exceed 158cm per bag.
• For Premium Economy fares:
  • The baggage allowance is 2 bags per passenger. 
  • The checked baggage weight must not exceed 50lb/23kg per bag.
  • The checked baggage size must not exceed 158cm per bag.
• For Business Class fares:
  • The baggage allowance is 2 bags per passenger. 
  • The checked baggage weight must not exceed 70lb/32kg per bag.
  • The checked baggage size must not exceed 158cm per bag.
• For La Première (First) fares:
  • The baggage allowance is 3 bags per passenger. 
  • The checked baggage weight must not exceed 70lb/32kg per bag.
  • The checked baggage size must not exceed 158cm per bag.

Extra Baggage Benefits for Flying Blue, SkyTeam Elite, and Elite Plus Members

The Air France baggage policy allows the following members to carry 1 extra checked baggage item for free (in addition to their standard baggage allowance), depending on their travel class:

• Flying Blue members (Platinum, Gold, and Silver) 
• SkyTeam Elite members 
• Elite Plus members

Baggage Policy for Infants 

What is the Air France baggage allowance for lap infants?

Lap infants below 2 years of age not occupying a seat are entitled to the following baggage allowance: 

• A hand baggage allowance of 26.4lb/12kg with the bag dimensions not exceeding 55cm x 35cm x 25cm (21in x 13in x 9in), plus
• A checked baggage allowance of 22lb/10kg (excl. Light fares), plus
• A foldable stroller/baby carrier and a car seat

The baggage allowance for children aged 2 years and older is the same as that for the accompanying adult, depending on the class of travel and ticket type.

Air France Baggage Weight: Hand Baggage | Checked Baggage

• The combined hand baggage weight must not exceed:
  • 26.4lb/12kg per passenger for Economy Class.
  • 40lb/18kg per passenger for higher classes.
• The checked baggage weight must not exceed:
  • Nil for Economy Basic/Light fares (must be purchased).
  • 2 x 50lb/23kg per bag for Premium Economy Class.
  • 2 x 70lb/23kg per bag for Business Class.
  • 3 x 70lb/23kg per bag for La Première (First Class).

Air France Baggage Fees for Mini/Basic/Light Fares 

What is the Air France baggage fee for Economy Mini, Basic, and Light fares?

The baggage fees for Economy Mini, Basic, and Light fares are as follows:

Air France Baggage Fees for Additional and/or Excess Baggage 

What is the Air France checked baggage cost for additional/excess baggage?

The Air France excess baggage fee applies by piece, weight, and size. This means if your bag is overweight and oversized, you will be charged an overweight baggage fee and an oversized baggage fee.

Note

• You can get up to 20% off airport prices by purchasing additional baggage online.
• You cannot purchase additional baggage allowance online for the following countries/territories: South Korea, Slovenia, Slovakia, New Caledonia, and Australia.
• The following passengers are entitled to 1 additional bag, subject to fare type:
  • Flying Blue (Sliver/Gold/Platinum) members 
  • Elite/Elite Plus SkyTeam members 

How to Buy Extra Baggage on Air France 

Use My Bookings to purchase extra luggage and save up to 20%

Air France allows passengers to purchase additional baggage online up to 24 hours in advance at most airports and get 20% off the airport rate. 

You can use your Flying Blue Miles to purchase additional baggage allowance through the Review/Modify your reservations link.

Also known as the Baggage Option, the extra bag must not exceed:

• 50lb/23kg in weight, and 
• 158cm/62.2in in total size (length + width + height)

Air France allows passengers to travel with up to 10 bags per passenger (3 on certain aircraft). 

Exceptions

You will not be able to purchase additional baggage allowance for:

• Lap infants (less than 2 years old) not occupying a seat.
• Transporting a pet in the cabin or hold.
• Sporting equipment (which is subject to special fees).

However, the online payment option is not available for: 

• Overweight and oversize bags, which must be paid for at the airport only.
• The first bag for Light fare ticketholders flying between Europe and North Africa.

To purchase a Baggage Option (additional baggage) online:

1. Go to AirFrance.com
2. Click on My Bookings
3. Retrieve your booking by entering your: 

1. Air France booking reference number 
2. Last name

4. Hit the Search button
5. Select your flight 
6. Follow the prompts to add more baggage 
7. Pay

Note

• Your additional baggage (Baggage Option) can weigh up to 50lb/23kg and measure up to 158cm/62in in size (length + width + height). 
• The maximum number of additional baggage items can vary for some aircraft.
• The total number of bags per passenger must not exceed 10 (on certain aircraft, 3). 
• If traveling with more than 3 bags, contact the Air France Sales Team to ensure space availability.

Air France Sporting Equipment Policy

The Air France sports baggage policy allows you to travel with most sporting equipment as part of your baggage allowance. You may be charged additional fees for transporting certain types of sporting equipment (see below). If you exceed the allowance by weight, size, or piece, excess baggage charges will apply.

Snapshot 

• The following sporting equipment is included in your baggage allowance, as long as they weigh up to 50lb/23kg and measure up to 300cm/118.11in in length:
  • Golf equipment
  • Ski equipment
  • Diving equipment 
• The following sporting equipment will incur a fee of €40–125 (USD 49–152), depending on your route:
  • Bicycles 
  • Scuba tanks 
• The following sporting equipment will be included in your baggage allowance if they do not exceed 50lb/23kg in weight and 300cm/118.11in in length:
  • Surfboards
  • Longboards
  • Windsurf boards
  • Kite-surf boards
  • Bodyboards 

Exceptions 

• On flights from/to the United States, Canada, and Mexico, boards less than 107cm/42in long and 50lb/23kg in weight are considered standard baggage. Boards longer than 107cm but less than 300cm will incur an additional fee, ranging from €40-125 (USD 49–152) depending on your route. 
• You must obtain approval at least 48 hours before departure for certain sports equipment, such as:
  • Bicycles
  • Diving flashlights
  • Tandems 
  • Surfboards
  • Longboards
  • Windsurf boards
  • Kite-surf boards
  • Bodyboards

Guidelines for Carrying Sporting Equipment on Air France

• Golf equipment
  • Includes 1 bag with clubs and shoes. 
  • Can be taken as a standard checked baggage or cargo. 
  • Max. weight permitted is 50lb/23kg.
  • Not permitted on a Light fare ticket.
  • Free for Flying Blue members regardless of the total number of checked bags.
• Diving equipment
  • Includes 1 of each: wet suit, mask, vest, fins, knife, pair of shoes, knife, and pressure regulator.
  • Can be taken as checked baggage or cargo. 
  • Not permitted on a Light fare ticket. 
  • For underwater flashlights, request at least 48 hours before departure.
  • All equipment must be suitably packed.
  • Scuba tanks
    • Must pay extra fee—not included in baggage allowance.
    • The fee ranges from €40 – 125 (USD 49 – 152). 
    • Must be empty and must not exceed 50lb/23kg.
    • Oxygen scuba tanks are not permitted.
• Fishing equipment
  • Includes 2 rods, tackle box, net, and boots. 
  • Can be taken as a standard checked baggage or cargo. 
  • Not permitted on a Light fare ticket. 
  • Must be suitably packed. 
• Bicycles and tandems
  • Not included in your standard baggage allowance. 
  • Request for permission at least 48 hours before departure.
  • Electrical bikes are also permitted.
    • Lithium batteries must be removed. 
    • Lithium batteries must not exceed 160wH.
  • The fee ranges from €40 – 125 (USD 49 – 152). 
  • Packing requirements
    • Must be safely packed in a durable bike container (hard plastic or cardboard), available at most Air France check-in counters. 
    • If transporting on an IR&RAIL trip, dimensions must not exceed 120 x 90cm/47 x 35in.
    • Tires must be deflated, pedals removed, the front wheel should be attached to the frame, and handlebars turned and fixed along the length.
• Ski equipment 
  • Includes:
    • Snowboards, Alpine skis, and cross-country skis.
    • Alpine and cross-country skis: 1 pair of skis, poles, and boots.
    • Snowboard: 1 snowboard + boots (1 pair)
  • Can be taken as a standard checked baggage or cargo. 
  • Not permitted on a Light fare ticket. 
  • The travel case must not exceed 300cm/118.11in in length. 
  • Skis and boots can be packed in 2 separate bags, treated as 1 bag.
  • Ski helmets carried in the cabin will be treated as hand baggage items.
  • If carrying an avalanche airbag, pyrotechnic trigger, and gas system, request approval at least 48 hours before departure.
  • Water skis
    • Can be taken as a standard checked baggage or cargo.
    • Not permitted on a Light fare ticket. 
    • Should be separately packed in a ski bag. 
    • The size of the bag must not exceed 300cm/118.11in.
• Surfboards, longboards, windsurf boards, kite-surf boards, and bodyboards
  • Can be taken as a standard checked baggage if the combined dimensions do not exceed 300cm and the weight does not exceed 50lb/23kg. 
  • Must request approval at least 48 hours before departure.
  • Exceptions for flights from/to the United States, Mexico, and Canada
    • Can be taken as a standard checked baggage item if the length does not exceed 107cm/42in and the weight does not exceed 50lb/23kg. 
    • If the length is between 107 – 300cm (42 – 118.11in), you must pay an additional fee ranging from €65 – 125 (~USD  79 – 151), depending on your flight zone.
    • If the weight exceeds 50lb/23kg, you will have to pay an overweight fee per applicable rules.

Special Baggage Items

Air France has specific guidelines for passengers who need to transport special baggage items. These include oversized items, musical instruments, certain types of sporting equipment, ammunition, etc. 

You must inform the airline ahead of time if you plan to bring any of these items on board to ensure that the proper arrangements can be made. Air France has specific weight and size restrictions for these items, which vary depending on the type of equipment. In some cases, additional fees may apply for transporting special baggage items. 

According to the Air France baggage policy, the following special baggage items must be transported per the rules below. 

• Oversize items 
  • As checked baggage
    • A checked bag exceeding 158cm/62in is considered oversized and will attract an extra fee.
    • The weight limit for a checked bag is 70lb/32kg.
    • Passengers carrying oversize baggage must report 3 hours before departure for intercontinental flights, and 2 hours before departure for flights within Europe and France, and flights between Europe and North Africa or Israel.
  • As carry-on/cabin baggage
    • Fragile and oversize items can be carried as hand baggage items.
    • Must request approval at least 48 hours before departure.
    • The hand baggage item will be placed on 1 or more extra seats for which you must pay.
    • The weight of the baggage item must not exceed 99lb/45kg.
  • As cargo
    • Single baggage items exceeding 300cm/118.11in in size (L + W + H) or 70lb/32kg in weight will be handled by Air France Cargo. 
    • For more information, call Air France Customer Service.
• Musical instruments 
  • Can be carried as part of your normal baggage allowance (except on Light fare tickets).
  • For details, refer to the section titled Air France Musical Instruments Policy.
• Hunting and sports rifles
  • Require written authorization.
  • Must request approval at least 48 hours before departure.
  • Can be taken as a standard checked baggage item (except on Economy Basic and Mini fare tickets).
  • Permitted under the following conditions:
    • The rifle should be unloaded.
    • Both rifles and ammunition must be packed in separate bags but can be a part of the same baggage item. 
    • The bag containing rifle and ammunition cannot contain personal items. 
    • The ammunition must be appropriately packed in a single container (wooden, fiberboard, or metal). 
    • The max. permissible weight of the ammunition (incl. container) is 11lb/5kg per passenger.
    • Cartridges must be in original packing and empty spaces (if any) must be plugged to prevent slippage. 
• Ammunition 
  • Requires written authorization.
  • Must request approval at least 48 hours before departure.
  • Must be declared at check-in.
  • Can be taken as a standard checked baggage item (except on Economy Basic and Mini fare tickets).
  • Includes the ammunition required for:
    • Hunting weapons.
    • Calibers of up to 19.1mm.
  • Permitted only if:
    • The quantity does not exceed 11lb/5kg per passenger. 
    • It is packed in one container made of wood, fiberboard, or metal.
    • The rifle and ammunition are packed in separate bags but the bags can be placed in the same piece of baggage. 
    • The bag with the rifle and ammunition must not contain personal items. 
    • Cartridges should be in the manufacturer’s packing with the empty spaces plugged for slippage prevention.

Paying the Baggage Fees on Air France  

The baggage fee can be paid:

• At the time of initial booking
  • Online 
  • Through an Air France office 
  • Through an Air France call center 
• After you’ve booked your flight
  • Online through My Bookings 
  • Through an Air France office 
  • Through an Air France call center 
• During airport check-ing (costliest)

Paying the excess baggage fee at least 24 hours before flight departure can be up to 20% cheaper than paying at the airport. 

Air France Baggage Policy for Musical Instruments 

Air France’s musical instrument policy allows you to bring musical instruments/equipment in any of these ways (except on Light fare tickets): 

1. As Cabin Baggage 

You can carry small musical instruments in your carry-on/cabin baggage if they are small enough to fit in the space allotted to you. Examples include flute, oboe, shaped violin, clarinet, etc.

• Maximum weight, including the case 15lb/7kg, and
• Maximum size (L + W + H) 115cm/45in 

2. As Checked Baggage 

You can carry larger musical instruments as part of your checked baggage. Be sure to pack the instrument securely in a sturdy, hard case. The same weight and size requirements will apply to checked musical instruments as to checked baggage for your fare type. For more information, refer to Air France Baggage Allowance—Checked Baggage.

• If your musical instrument or equipment exceeds your baggage allowance in terms of number, weight, or size, you can purchase a Baggage Option:
  • Online through My Bookings
    (up to 30 hours before departure)
  • When you check in online 

Alternatively, you can pay the excess baggage charges at the airport.

• Musical instruments exceeding 70lb/32kg in weight and/or 300cm/118.11in in length (bass, cello, etc.) can be accepted if you submit a request with Air France customer service at least 48 hours before departure.

3. On a Paid Seat

Another option for transporting a musical instrument is by purchasing an extra seat for it. When transporting your musical instrument on a paid seat, you must ensure that it does not exceed: 

• 115cm/45in in size (combined linear dimensions), and
• 99lb/45kg in weight 

If your musical instrument exceeds the above-mentioned dimensions and/or weight, you must purchase a second seat for it.

To purchase an extra seat for your musical baggage, you will need to submit your request to Air France customer service a minimum of 48 hours before your flight’s departure and provide its weight and size.

Air France Lost Baggage | Delayed Baggage | Missing Baggage

What is the Air France baggage policy for lost/delayed or missing bags?

If your checked baggage is lost, delayed, or missing on Air France, you must: 

1. Immediately report it at the AIR FRANCE KLM Baggage Service counter at the airport.
   1. You will have to declare your missing baggage by filling out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). 
   2. You will be given a file number that you will need to trace your bag(s) or file your claim. 
2. Report it online (or through the mobile app) if you’ve already left the airport—but within 48 hours of your arrival.
   1. When filling out the Declare Missing Baggage form, you will need to enter your baggage receipt number. 
   2. At the end of the declaration process, you will receive a file number that you will need to trace the progress of your bag(s) or file your claim. 
   3. The online reporting facility is available at these airports.

Air France Baggage Tracking

After filing your delayed or missing baggage report, you can track your baggage as follows: 

• Call the Baggage Service office at the number provided in your report.
• Check the status in real time via the online baggage tracker.

If your delayed baggage is not found within 3 days

If your baggage cannot be found within 72 hours of your declaration: 

• Log in to the online baggage tracker 
• Fill out the inventory and claim form
  • Describe the contents of your missing bag as accurately as possible 
  • Mention the value of each missing item, such as clothes, shoes, etc.

Air France Baggage Claim—Delayed Baggage Compensation 

How to seek reimbursement claims for delayed baggage

If you incurred additional expenses on necessities such as clothing or toiletries due to your baggage being delayed, you must submit a reimbursement request. 

• If your flight landed in metropolitan France, you should:
  • File your baggage claim with Air France Baggage Service at the airport. 
  • Fill out the online declaration form within 48 hours of arriving.
  • Keep the original receipts as proof of expenses incurred by you. 

• If your flight landed outside of metropolitan France, you should:
  • Inform the Air France Baggage Service at the airport. 
  • File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) before leaving the airport. 
  • Be sure to save the file number which you will need to track your request. 
  • Save the original receipts. 

Air France Delayed Baggage Compensation. If your bag cannot be located within 21 days after your flight landed, Air France will refer to the values provided by you in the online declaration form or Property Irregularity Report (PIR) to set up a compensation claim. This procedure will be automatically initiated and you can be paid a compensation of up to SDR 1,288 or approx. €1,607, which is the maximum per the Montreal Convention rules.

The only exception is if you make a special declaration with a higher value for your bag’s contents and pay an additional fee before flying, in which case you’ll be entitled to higher compensation depending on the value you’ve declared for it. 

Damaged Baggage 

If your bag is damaged on arrival, you will need to:

1. Immediately report it to AIR FRANCE Baggage Service at the airport.  After you declare your missing baggage by filling out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR), you will be given a file number that you can use to track your bag(s) or file a claim. 
2. Report it online or by contacting customer service in your area if you have left the airport—but within 7 days of receiving your baggage. 

Whether you report at the airport, online, or by contacting customer service, you will need to provide the following documents in original:

1. Your ticket or boarding pass
2. Your baggage tag(s)
3. A baggage repair estimate by a professional or a statement that the baggage cannot be repaired.

Note. Before paying for repairs, you must obtain written authorization from the airline. In the absence of such authorization, Air France will not accept any responsibility for the repair expenses incurred by you.

Missing Baggage Items 

If you discover something missing from your checked bag, you must: 

1. Immediately report it to AIR FRANCE Baggage Service.  After you declare your missing baggage by filling out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR), a file number will be provided to you. You can use this number to track your bag or file a claim. 

If your flight landed at Paris-Orly or Paris-Charles de Gaulle, you must fill out a report (the form is available at the airport). 

2. Report it online if you have left the airport—but it must be within 7 days of receiving your baggage.
   1. However, if your flight landed at an airport in metropolitan France, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, French Polynesia, or Guadeloupe, you must fill out this form. 
   2. For all other airports, you must report to the local police. 

Lost and Damaged Baggage Liability

Air France’s liability for lost, damaged, or delayed bags is limited to SDR 1,288 (approx. €1,607/USD 1,855), which is the maximum per the Montreal Convention. 

However, if you had made a special declaration stating that the value of your bag’s contents exceeds €1,607 and paid an additional fee for it before traveling, you will be paid a higher compensation based on the higher value declared by you. 

Liquids, Gels, Pastes, and Creams in Cabin 

• Liquids, pastes, gels, and creams are allowed as hand baggage items in the cabin under the following conditions:
  • Containers must be packed in a clear, sealed plastic bag. 
  • The size of a container must not exceed 3.4oz (100ml).  
  • The volume of the plastic bag must not exceed 33.8oz (1L). 
  • The dimensions of the plastic bag must not exceed 20cm x 20cm (7.8in x 7.8in). 
  • Each passenger can bring 1 clear plastic bag as a hand baggage item.

Exemptions 

The following items are allowed in cabin baggage if required during the flight:

• Prescription medications 
• Baby foods 
• Special diet foods 

• Powdered substances are permitted in the cabin or the hold. They include substances such as sugar baby food, medication in powder form, flour, sugar, spices, powdered milk, ground coffee, cosmetics, sand, etc.

Regulations for the United States

When flying to the United States, you can only carry up to 12oz/350ml of powdered substances in the cabin. Larger quantities must be checked in—with the following exceptions:

• Medical powders (with prescription) 
• Baby food
• Duty-free powders
• (packed in a STEB, i.e., sealed security tamper-evident bag)

Restricted Baggage Items 

Air France baggage restrictions 

Air France Military Baggage Allowance

• Active-duty U.S. military personnel travelling on orders (with dependents) are entitled to a free checked baggage allowance of 5 bags of 70lb/32kg each per passenger on Economy Class and Business Europe Class. 
• U.S. military personnel travelling on leisure (without dependents) are entitled to a free checked baggage allowance of 2 bags of 50lb/23kg each in Economy Class and Premium Economy Class, and 3 bags of 70lb/32kg each in Business Class and First Class (La Première).

---

Frequently Asked Questions on Air France Baggage Policy