Air France Baggage Rules: Cabin & Checked Luggage Guide
Everything you need to know about Air France carry-on baggage, personal items, checked luggage, liquids and baggage allowances before you fly.
Air France's baggage allowance varies considerably according to your cabin and the fare you've purchased, so it's worth checking exactly what's included before you start packing.
Every passenger can bring one small bag measuring up to 40 × 30 × 15cm, which must normally fit beneath the seat in front. In Economy, whether you can also bring a larger hand-baggage item depends on your fare. Air France's Basic fare does not include a full-size cabin bag as standard, while other eligible Economy fares include one.
Where included or purchased, the standard Air France hand-baggage size is 55 × 35 × 25cm. In Economy, your permitted hand baggage and small bag can weigh up to 12kg combined.
Premium passengers can bring two hand-baggage items plus one small bag, with a maximum combined weight of 12kg. Business and La Première passengers can also bring two hand-baggage items plus one small bag, but receive a higher combined cabin baggage allowance of 18kg.
Checked baggage also depends on your ticket. Some Economy fares don't include checked baggage, while other fares and higher cabins include one or more bags. Standard checked bags can weigh up to 23kg in Economy and Premium, while Business and La Première allowances can include bags weighing up to 32kg each. Your individual booking should always be checked for the exact allowance that applies to your journey.
Liquids, aerosols and gels carried in cabin baggage are subject to the security requirements at your departure and connecting airports. Where standard 100ml restrictions apply, CabinCleared's branded travel-size toiletries can help you pack everyday essentials while making efficient use of your cabin baggage allowance.
This guide explains Air France's small bag and cabin baggage dimensions, fare-specific allowances, checked baggage rules, additional baggage charges and liquid restrictions, together with the common baggage mistakes that can lead to unexpected charges.
Cabin Baggage
Small bag:
40 × 30 × 15cm
Included for every passenger
Cabin bag:
55 × 35 × 25cm
Included with eligible fares
Optional with Basic Fare
Economy: up to 12kg combined
Checked Baggage
Economy & Premium:
Up to 23kg per bag
Business & La Première:
Up to 32kg per bag
Allowance depends on your fare
Extra Baggage Fees
Additional baggage can be purchased
Prices vary by route and fare
Usually better arranged before travel
Excess weight and oversized baggage may cost extra
Key Air France Baggage Tips
Every passenger can bring one small bag measuring up to 40 × 30 × 15cm. It should fit beneath the seat in front of you.
Don't assume a 55 × 35 × 25cm cabin bag is included with every Economy ticket. Air France Basic includes only the small bag as standard, although a larger cabin bag can be added as an option.
Check your fare before travelling. Air France baggage allowances vary according to your ticket, cabin and route.
In Economy, where a cabin bag is included or purchased, your cabin bag and small bag can weigh up to 12kg combined.
Premium passengers can bring two cabin bags plus one small bag, with a combined maximum weight of 12kg.
Business and La Première passengers can bring two cabin bags plus one small bag, with a combined maximum weight of 18kg.
Checked baggage isn't included with every Air France fare. Check your booking before paying for an additional bag.
Where checked baggage is included, individual bags are generally limited to 23kg in Economy and Premium and 32kg in Business and La Première.
Measure your cabin bag carefully. Air France's 55 × 35 × 25cm allowance is narrower than the 40cm width permitted by several other European airlines.
Check the liquid-security rules at your departure and connecting airports. Where standard 100ml restrictions apply, CabinCleared travel-size toiletries can help you pack efficiently.
Keep passports, medication, valuables, power banks and other cabin-only essentials with you where applicable.
Add any extra baggage you need before travelling rather than relying on arranging it at the airport, where charges may be higher.
Cabin baggage sizes explained
Understanding the difference between small cabin bags, cabin suitcases and checked baggage helps you pack efficiently and avoid delays at the airport.
Air France baggage allowance by fare type
Your Air France ticket type determines how many bags you can bring in the cabin and in the hold. All fares include a cabin bag and a small personal item, while checked baggage depends on your fare.
Economy
Premium
Small bag
1 small bag included
40 × 30 × 15cm
Cabin bag
Up to 55 × 35 × 25cm
Maximum 1 cabin bag
Not included with Basic Fare
Cabin weight
Up to 12kg combined
Small bag + cabin bag
Checked baggage
Depends on fare and route
Some fares include no checked baggage
Best for:
Economy travellers who check their specific fare before packing.
Small bag
1 small bag included
40 × 30 × 15cm
Cabin bags
2 cabin bags included
Up to 55 × 35 × 25cm each
Cabin weight
Up to 12kg combined
Small bag + cabin bags
Checked baggage
Up to 2 × 23kg
Depending on the conditions of your ticket
Best for:
Travellers wanting more cabin space and a higher checked baggage allowance.
Business & La Première
Small bag
1 small bag included
40 × 30 × 15cm
Cabin bags
2 cabin bags included
Up to 55 × 35 × 25cm each
Cabin weight
Up to 18kg combined
Small bag + cabin bags
Checked baggage
Up to 32kg per checked bag
Exact allowance depends on ticket and cabin
Best for:
Premium travellers requiring the most generous allowances.
Checked baggage with Air France: what you need to know
Air France's checked baggage allowance depends on your fare, travel cabin and route. Some tickets include checked baggage as standard, while others require it to be purchased separately.
Air France Basic fares do not include checked baggage as standard. Other Economy fares may include one or more checked bags, so check the allowance shown on your booking before paying for additional luggage.
Where checked baggage is included, Economy and Premium passengers can generally check bags weighing up to 23kg each. Business and La Première passengers receive more generous allowances, with individual checked bags permitted to weigh up to 32kg.
The number of checked bags included depends on your ticket. Premium can include up to two 23kg bags depending on the fare conditions, while Business and La Première allowances vary according to the ticket and journey.
A standard checked bag must measure no more than 158cm when its height, length and width are added together. For example, a suitcase measuring 70 × 50 × 30cm has combined dimensions of 150cm and therefore falls within the standard size limit.
If your bag exceeds the size or weight allowance associated with your booking, additional or oversized baggage charges may apply. Air France also allows passengers to purchase additional checked baggage where required.
If you know you'll need more baggage than your ticket includes, arranging it before travelling can help you understand the cost in advance and avoid having to deal with additional baggage at the airport.
Weigh and measure your suitcase at home before travelling, particularly if you're close to the 23kg or 32kg limit. Remember that adding extra items at the end of your trip can easily push a bag beyond its permitted weight.
Keep passports, medication, valuables, power banks, spare batteries and other items subject to cabin-only carriage requirements with you rather than placing them in checked baggage where applicable.
Air France cabin baggage rules: liquids, extras and restrictions
Air France cabin baggage allowances depend on your fare and travel cabin, so check your ticket carefully before deciding which bags to take to the airport.
Every passenger can bring one small bag measuring up to 40 × 30 × 15cm. This can be a handbag, laptop bag or small backpack and should fit beneath the seat in front of you.
A larger cabin bag can measure up to 55 × 35 × 25cm. Air France states that these dimensions include wheels, handles and pockets, so measure the complete bag rather than the main case itself.
In Economy, whether the larger cabin bag is included depends on your fare. Basic Fare includes only the small bag as standard, although a cabin-bag option can be purchased separately. Other eligible Economy fares include one cabin bag.
Economy passengers can have a combined cabin baggage weight allowance of up to 12kg. Premium passengers can bring two cabin bags plus one small bag, also with a maximum combined weight of 12kg. Business and La Première passengers can bring two cabin bags plus one small bag with a combined allowance of up to 18kg.
Liquids, toiletries and airport security
Liquid, aerosol and gel restrictions are determined by airport security and can vary according to your departure and connecting airports.
Where standard liquid restrictions apply, individual containers should be no larger than 100ml and may need to be placed inside a transparent, resealable liquids bag. Toiletries such as shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, deodorant, skincare, sun cream and cosmetics can all fall within these rules.
CabinCleared's branded travel-size toiletries can help you pack everyday essentials in compact sizes while making efficient use of your Air France cabin baggage allowance. Always check the current security requirements at each airport you'll travel through.
What should stay in your cabin baggage?
Keep passports, medication, valuables and essential electronics with you rather than placing them in checked baggage.
Power banks and spare lithium batteries are subject to aviation safety restrictions and should normally travel in your cabin baggage rather than your checked suitcase. Additional restrictions can apply according to battery capacity and quantity, so check Air France's current guidance before travelling.
Common cabin baggage mistakes to avoid
Assuming every Air France Economy fare includes a 55 × 35 × 25cm cabin bag.
Measuring the body of your suitcase but forgetting that wheels, handles and pockets count towards Air France's dimensions.
Bringing a small personal item larger than the permitted 40 × 30 × 15cm.
Exceeding the combined 12kg cabin baggage limit in Economy or Premium.
Packing liquids without checking the security rules at your departure and connecting airports.
Putting power banks, spare batteries or other cabin-only items into checked baggage.
Assuming your checked baggage allowance is the same across every Air France fare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Air France's cabin baggage allowance?
Air France allows every passenger one small bag measuring up to 40 × 30 × 15cm. Depending on your fare and cabin, you may also be entitled to one or two larger cabin bags measuring up to 55 × 35 × 25cm each.
Does Air France Basic Fare include a cabin bag?
Air France Basic Fare includes one small bag measuring up to 40 × 30 × 15cm, but a larger 55 × 35 × 25cm cabin bag is not included as standard. An additional cabin-bag option can be purchased separately.
What size cabin bag can I take on Air France?
Air France's maximum standard cabin-bag dimensions are 55 × 35 × 25cm. These measurements include wheels, handles and pockets, so measure the complete bag before travelling.
What is the cabin baggage weight limit on Air France?
Economy and Premium passengers can have a combined cabin baggage allowance of up to 12kg. Business and La Première passengers have a combined allowance of up to 18kg. Your small bag is included within the combined weight limit.
Does Air France include checked baggage?
It depends on your fare, cabin and route. Basic Fare does not include checked baggage as standard, while other Air France fares may include one or more checked bags. Check your booking confirmation for your exact allowance.
What is the checked baggage weight limit on Air France?
Where checked baggage is included or purchased, individual bags are generally limited to 23kg in Economy and Premium and 32kg in Business and La Première.
What is the maximum size for Air France checked baggage?
A standard checked bag can measure up to 158cm when its length, width and height are added together. Larger baggage may be accepted subject to Air France's oversized baggage rules and additional charges.
Can I take liquids and toiletries on an Air France flight?
Yes. Liquid, aerosol and gel restrictions are determined by airport security. Where standard restrictions apply, individual containers should be no larger than 100ml and may need to be carried in a transparent, resealable liquids bag. Check the rules at your departure and connecting airports before travelling.
Can I take a power bank on Air France?
Power banks and spare lithium batteries should normally be carried in cabin baggage rather than checked baggage. Capacity and quantity restrictions can apply, so check Air France's current dangerous-goods guidance before travelling.
What happens if my Air France cabin bag is too big or too heavy?
Baggage that exceeds the size, number or weight allowance associated with your ticket may need to be checked into the hold and additional charges can apply. Measure and weigh your bags before travelling and check the allowance shown on your booking.