Air France Baggage Allowance & Baggage Fee

• Preparing for a flight on Air France requires understanding the airline baggage policies around carry-on bags, checked luggage, overweight/oversized baggage, sports gear, instruments, and liability limits. This detailed guide covers everything an Air France passenger needs to know about baggage allowances, restrictions, fees and planning for a smooth trip.
• Air France has size and weight restrictions for carry-on and checked baggage that vary based on your ticket fare class, destination, and elite status. Exceeding the limits results in excess baggage fees being charged.

Cabin Baggage Allowance: Air France's Hand Luggage Allowance

• On all Air France flights, passengers are permitted to bring 1 carry-on bag plus 1 smaller personal item like a purse, briefcase or laptop bag. Carry-on bags must be able to fit in the overhead bins or under the seat in front of you. Overstuffed carry-on bags that do not fit may need to be checked at the gate for a fee, so it is important to adhere to Air France's carry-on size limits when packing.

Checked Baggage Allowance

• The number of checked bags included for free depends on the fare class and destination of your Air France ticket. Basic Economy fares only include 1 checked bag for a fee, while Business Class and First Class fares include 2 or more free checked bags. Make sure to check Air France's detailed baggage allowance charts specific to your flight routing and ticket fare to understand exactly how many checked bags you can transport for free based on your specific situation.

• Trying to check more bags than your fare allows or exceeding the size/weight limits results in Air France charging excess baggage fees that can be quite costly if you are not prepared. So it is crucial when packing bags for an Air France flight to be aware of the airline's restrictions for checked luggage based on your fare class.

Air France Baggage Allowance by Fare Type

• Air France's baggage allowance policies including number of bags, size limits and weight restrictions vary depending on the fare class and ticket you have purchased:

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

• For carry-on baggage, all passengers on all fare classes are permitted:

• 1 standard carry-on bag

• 1 smaller personal item (such as purse, laptop bag, briefcase)

• Carry-on bags must be able to fit in the overhead bins or underneath the seat in front of you. Overfilled carry-on bags that do not fit may need to be checked at the gate for a fee, so it is wise to adhere to Air France's published carry-on size limits when packing your bags.

Air France Baggage Allowance—Checked Baggage

• For checked baggage loaded in the aircraft hold, the standard free baggage allowance on Air France depends on your booked fare class and destination:

• La Première (First Class) - 3 checked bags free

• Business Class - 2 checked bags free

• Premium Economy - 1 checked bag free

• Main Cabin Economy - 1 checked bag free

• Basic Economy - 1 checked bag allowed for a fee

• The maximum dimensions and weight permitted per piece of checked baggage is:

• 50 lbs (23 kg)

• 62 linear inches (height + width + depth)

• So when taking advantage of Air France's generous 2 or 3 free checked bag allowance for Business Class and First Class tickets, each individual bag must still comply with the 50 lb weight limit and 62 linear inch size restriction to avoid excess baggage charges.

• It is also important to note that Basic Economy class tickets have very restrictive baggage policies, with only 1 checked bag allowed for an additional fee, so traveling light is essential with this budget fare option.

Air France Checked Baggage Allowance: Size and Weight Limit

• To summarize Air France's free checked baggage allowance including weight/size limits by fare class:

• First Class: Up to 3 bags at 50 lbs and 62 inches each

• Business Class: Up to 2 bags at 50 lbs and 62 inches each

• Premium Economy: 1 bag at 50 lbs and 62 inches

• Main Cabin Economy: 1 bag at 50 lbs and 62 inches

• Basic Economy: 1 bag at 50 lbs and 62 inches for a fee

• Exceeding either the weight or size restrictions for checked luggage results in excess baggage fees.

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

• In addition to the standard checked baggage allowance by fare class, members of Air France's Flying Blue frequent flyer program and SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members receive extra baggage allowance privileges based on their status tier, such as:

• Additional free checked bags beyond the fare class limits

• Extra weight allowance over the standard 50 lb limit

• Priority delivery of baggage upon arrival

• Be sure to check your Flying Blue membership status benefits on the Air France website before your flight to take advantage of any additional free checked bags you may be entitled to based on your tier.

Baggage Policy for Infants

• Infants traveling on Air France without a purchased seat receive an allowance of:

• 1 stroller and 1 bag checked for free

• For infants traveling with their own purchased seat, the standard checked baggage allowance applies based on the fare class of the accompanying adult. When traveling with an infant, it is advised to attach infant bag tags to any strollers or bags to identify them clearly.

Air France Baggage Fees for Mini/Basic/Light Fares

• For certain very restricted, budget economy fares classes like Mini, Basic and Light, Air France will charge checked baggage fees even for your first checked bag:

• Mini/Basic/Light Economy: 50€ for first checked bag (Europe), 60€ first bag (International)

• Within France: 10€ for each checked bag

• Transatlantic flights: 70USD for first checked bag, 100USD for second checked bag

• So it is very important when booking one of Air France's low-cost basic economy fares to understand that you will incur fees for checked bags that are normally included for free with standard economy tickets. Weighing your checked bags at home before your trip can help prevent surprise baggage fees at check-in when flying budget economy on Air France. You can also pre-pay checked baggage fees online in advance at cheaper rates compared to paying the fees at the airport.

Air France Baggage Fees for Additional and/or Excess Baggage

• When traveling with more than the standard number of checked bags permitted based on your fare class, or when exceeding the size or weight limits for checked luggage, Air France will charge the following excess baggage fees:

Additional Baggage Free Allowance for Checked Bags

• 3rd bag: 70€ (within Europe), 100€ (International flights)

• 4th bag or more: 200€ per bag

• Checking additional bags beyond the free checked baggage allowance allotted for your fare class and destination will incur these substantial fees for your third, fourth or more checked bags.

Overweight Bags (51-70 lbs)

• 50€ (within Europe)

• 100€ (International flights)

• Bags weighing over the standard 50 lb limit will trigger overweight baggage fees on Air France.

Extra Overweight Bags (71-100 lbs)

• 100€ (within Europe)

• 200€ (International flights)

• Extremely heavy bags from 71-100 lbs will incur higher overweight baggage surcharges. Air France will not accept checked bags over 100 lbs.

Oversized Bags (Over 62 Linear Inches)

• 100€ (all routes)

• The total linear dimensions of bags (length + width + height) exceeding 62 linear inches will result in oversize baggage fees on Air France.

• To avoid paying costly excess baggage charges for additional, overweight or oversized checked bags, it is wise to use a calibrated scale to weigh your bags and a tape measure to calculate dimensions before your trip. This allows you to proactively redistribute items between bags if needed to comply with Air France's size and weight limits based on your fare class and route.

Air France Excess Baggage Fees by Route—Payable at the Airport

• When you are checking in bags that exceed the size, weight or quantity permitted for your fare class, here are the specific excess and oversize/overweight baggage fees that will be charged by Air France agents at the airport based on your route:

• Within France

• Additional checked bags beyond allowance: 10€ per extra bag

• Overweight bags (51-70 lbs): 15€ per overweight bag

• Extra overweight bags (70-100 lbs): 30€ per extra overweight bag

• Oversized bags (over 62 inches): 50€ per oversized bag

• Europe and North Africa

• Additional checked bags: 70€ per extra bag

• Overweight bags (51-70 lbs): 50€ per overweight bag

• Extra overweight bags (70-100 lbs): 100€ per extra overweight bag

• Oversized bags (over 62 inches): 100€ per oversized bag

• Intercontinental and Other International Flights

• Additional checked bags: 100€ per extra bag

• Overweight bags (51-70 lbs): 100€ per overweight bag

• Extra overweight bags (70-100 lbs): 200€ per extra overweight bag

• Oversized bags (over 62 inches): 200€ per oversized bag

• Being aware of these specific excess baggage fees based on your route can help you budget and plan ahead to account for additional costs if you need to check extra or non-standard sized/weighted bags beyond your free allowance when flying Air France.

How to Buy Extra Baggage Allowance on Air France

• If you know you will be exceeding the standard size, weight or quantity of checked bags permitted for your fare class, Air France gives you the option to purchase prepaid excess baggage allowances in advance at lower rates compared to paying fees at the airport. You can purchase additional checked baggage allowance:

• Online when booking your flight or checking in

• At an Air France ticket counter or sales office

• Via the Air France mobile app

• Purchasing excess baggage online ahead of time can offer significant savings compared to paying excess luggage fees at check-in. Adding additional bags, weight and dimensions during online check-in or through the app allows you to pre-pay fees and breeze through airport baggage drop without lengthy waits.

Exceptions to Standard Baggage Policies and Fees

• While Air France's baggage policies are generally standardized across routes and fare classes, there are some exceptions where certain passengers qualify for expanded baggage allowances without fees:

• Flying Blue and SkyTeam Elite Members

• As previously noted, Air France's Flying Blue frequent flyer program members and SkyTeam Airline Alliance Elites receive additional checked baggage privileges based on their status tier.

• Military Personnel

• Active duty military members traveling on orders are eligible for up to 3 free checked bags each up to 70 lbs on Air France flights.

• Passengers with Special Needs

• Travelers with disabilities may qualify for extra baggage allowances. Advance requests need to be approved by Air France.

• When you have a situation that may warrant an exception to standard baggage policies, be sure to contact Air France in advance to determine your eligibility for waived fees or expanded allowances based on the airline's specific guidelines and documentation requirements.

Air France Sporting Equipment Policy

• Air France provides guidelines for transporting sports equipment including bicycles, golf clubs, surfboards, diving gear and more as part of your regular checked baggage allowance. Standard size and weight restrictions apply, with oversize or overweight sporting goods subject to additional fees.

Guidelines for Carrying Sporting Equipment on Air France Flights

• Here are the key regulations for transporting common recreational and athletic gear on Air France:

• Bicycles - Must be packaged in bike boxes or hard shell bike cases. Air France charges a €50 fee for transporting bicycles in the hold on flights within Europe.

• Surfboards/wakeboards - A maximum single surfboard up to 115 inches (292 cm) is allowed for a €100 fee per flight segment.

• Fishing rods/poles - Must be packed properly in protective tubes or cases. Standard checked baggage fees apply.

• Golf clubs - Must be in covers with bags enclosed in rain hoods. Subject to standard baggage fees if within allowances.

• Hockey/lacrosse sticks - Must be taped together. Counted as one item of standard checked baggage.

• Skis/snowboards - Must be packaged in rigid ski/snowboard bags to avoid damage.

• Balls and sporting equipment - Equipment like footballs, helmets, pads, etc must be deflated or properly packed to avoid damage.

• For sports and recreational items not listed, it is advised to contact Air France in advance for size allowances and packing instructions to ensure your gear is accepted for transport. Proper packing methods are required to avoid refusal or damages.

• Soft-sided or unprotected equipment like tennis rackets may be deemed unsafe to transport. Dimensional limits also apply so oversized sporting goods will incur fees even when properly packed.

Special Baggage Items

• In addition to general sports equipment, Air France has specific size and packing policies for transporting items like oversize luggage, musical instruments, firearms and ammunition. If you need to check specialty items, be aware:

• Oversize Items

• Extra large pieces of luggage outside the standard checked bag dimensions like oversized duffel bags, oversized suitcases or golf club bags measuring over 62 linear inches can incur oversize baggage fees starting at 100€ up to 300€ depending on total dimensions.

• Musical Instruments

• Smaller instruments like violins, flutes or guitars are permitted as carry-on baggage if they fit in the overhead bin or below the seat. Larger instruments will need to be transported as checked baggage in a proper hard case or trunk. An additional seat may also be purchased for very large instruments.

• Hunting/Sports Rifles and Ammunition

• Firearms and ammunition must meet strict TSA regulations. Rifles, shotguns, firearms and ammunition must be declared upfront and packed in proper locked, hard sided cases with ammunition transported separately. Proof of firearms permits may be required.

• Prior notice is required when traveling with weapons, ammunition or dangerous goods. Failure to properly declare and pack prohibited hazardous items can result in confiscation or fines by customs authorities.

Paying Baggage Fees for Checked Bags on Air France

• To save time and minimize hassles when you need to pay to check extra or oversized/overweight bags on Air France that exceed your standard baggage allowance, there are a few options:

• Pay online when booking your flight or checking in - adding bags ahead of time allows you to pre-pay fees by credit card

• Use airport kiosks to enter details and pay for extra checked bags

• Pay at check-in counters - Air France staff can add extra bags and collect payment

• Use the Air France app to add extra bags and pay fees before airport arrival

• Entering detailed baggage information including number of bags, weight and dimensions in advance when possible enables you to quickly generate bag tags and minimize check-in delays.

• While bags can always be added or excess fees paid when checking in with an Air France agent, taking advantage of online, kiosk and app-based options to pre-pay for extra luggage can expedite the airport baggage drop process, especially for large groups or families.

Air France Baggage Policy for Musical Instruments

• For musicians carrying instruments on Air France, the following policies apply depending on if it is carried in the cabin or as checked luggage:

• As Carry-On Baggage in the Cabin

• Small musical instruments like violins, flutes or guitars can be brought on board as your personal item or additional carry-on as long as the instrument case fits in the overhead bin or below the seat. Larger instruments will need to be checked.

• As Checked Baggage in the Hold

• Larger musical instruments like cellos, trumpets, trombones must be transported as standard checked baggage in a rigid, hard case specifically designed for shipping the instrument. Normal checked baggage fees and size/weight allowances apply for musical instruments unless extremely oversized.

• As Checked Baggage on a Purchased Seat

• For very large musical instruments like tubas,saxophones or bass drums that exceed the dimensions to fit as standard checked baggage in the hold, an additional seat can be purchased on Air France flights to secure the instrument. This needs to be arranged in advance with size specifications provided.

• All musicians should carefully review Air France's specific size allowances, packaging requirements and handling advisories in advance to ensure instruments are accepted for onboard or checked transport safely. Using an appropriate flight case with interior padding and straps is vital to preventing damage in transit, especially for delicate string and woodwind instruments.

Delayed, Lost, Damaged or Stolen Checked Baggage

• If your checked luggage is lost, delayed, stolen or damaged when traveling on Air France, follow these steps:

• Air France Baggage Tracking if Your Bag Does Not Arrive

• If your checked bags do not arrive at your destination, before leaving the airport baggage claim area you should:

• File a missing bag report at the Lost & Found desk or with an Air France agent - provide your claim ticket receipts and description of the missing luggage's appearance and contents. Also give contact details so you can be notified for bag tracing updates.

• Obtain a tracking reference number or baggage irregularity report case number to monitor status.

• Check your flight's baggage claim carousel one more time before exiting the airport just in case bags were delayed.

• Contact @AirFrance on Twitter or call Air France's baggage services to report missing bags if they do not arrive after a day.

• Monitoring your baggage claim case status online with the tracking number and calling to open a tracing case can help resolve issues faster versus waiting for the airline to contact you.

Air France Delayed Baggage Compensation

• If your checked bags are substantially delayed, retain receipts for essential toiletries, clothing and medication purchases made while awaiting your luggage:

• For bags delayed over 6 hours on domestic Air France flights, €50 compensation is eligible per delayed bag.

• For bags delayed over 12 hours on international connections, €150 compensation is eligible per delayed bag.

• To claim compensation, submit an online delayed baggage claim on Air France's website and upload scanned copies of your receipts to get reimbursed for expenses incurred while awaiting your luggage.

Damaged Baggage

• If you discover your checked bags or contents are damaged or broken upon arrival, immediately report damages to an Air France agent before leaving the airport to create a record and inspection of the damage by the airline's personnel. The sooner damage is documented, the easier it will be to claim compensation.

• Baggage damage claims require submitting an itemized description of damages and losses. Compensation paid depends on the extent of damage, so detailed documentation is key. Remove and retain damaged items when possible as proof.

Missing Baggage Contents

• If you open your luggage to find items missing or stolen, report this immediately to Air France staff to create a record before leaving airport grounds.

• To claim reimbursement for stolen items, you will need to provide a detailed itemized list that includes:

• Description of each missing item

• Original purchase receipts showing prices paid

• Credit card statements or other proof of ownership

• Submit your itemized claim to Air France right away along with scanned copies of all documents showing original purchase prices and ownership. This provides grounds to seek compensation for your losses.

Lost and Damaged Baggage Liability Limits

• For lost, damaged or delayed checked bags, Air France's liability is limited under international airline conventions:

• Approximately $1,800 maximum compensation for lost or damaged checked bags

• Approximately $300 per day for delayed bags (capped at around $1,300 max)

• To get the full value of losses requires documenting original prices paid. Claims are paid based on current depreciated value of items, not replacement cost.

• You can pay extra for excess valuation coverage when checking bags to raise the maximum compensation limits in case of loss or damages.

• Removing valuables, fragile items and high value goods from checked bags into your carry-on is highly recommended to reduce risks of costly claims.

Air France Carry-On Liquids Policy and Restricted Items

• When passing through security with carry-on luggage, all liquids, gels, lotions and creams must follow the standard TSA 3-1-1 rules:

• Containers up to 100ml or 3.4 ounces

• All bottles neatly packed together in one clear quart-sized sealable plastic bag per passenger

• Only the minimum quantities needed for inflight are permitted

• On U.S. bound flights, any cannabis, marijuana products, CBD oils and certain prohibited food items are banned from carry-ons and checked bags per TSA regulations.

• Knowing the latest rules around medical liquids, cosmetics and other toiletries ensures a smooth screening process.

Key Takeaways for Air France Baggage Rules

• Carry-on bags limited to 1 plus a personal item

• Checked bags free based on fare class and route

• Extra and oversized/overweight bags incur fees

• Sports gear and instruments have special policies

• Report lost, damaged or delayed bags immediately

• TSA liquid rules apply for carry-on luggage

• Reviewing Air France's baggage policies before flying helps avoid surprises at check-in. Understanding the airline's fees, allowances and restrictions enables smooth travels.

• Following this comprehensive guide to Air France's baggage policies provides the information you need to plan packing accordingly. Safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions About Air France Baggage Policies

• How many carry-on bags are allowed on Air France?

•     Air France allows 1 carry-on bag plus 1 personal item like a purse or laptop bag per passenger.

• What is the checked baggage weight limit on Air France?

•     Air France has a 50 lb (23 kg) weight limit for checked bags before excess overweight fees apply.

• What are the carry-on size restrictions on Air France?

•     Carry-on bags cannot exceed 21 x 15 x 7 inches (55 x 40 x 25 cm). Personal items must be less than 13 x 9 x 10 inches.

• Does Air France allow alcohol in checked baggage?

•     Yes, passengers can pack alcohol in their checked bags as long as customs regulations are followed. Limits apply for carry-on.

• What is the checked baggage allowance for infants on Air France?

•     Infants without a purchased seat receive 1 stroller and 1 checked bag free. Infants with a seat get the standard free checked bag allowance.

• Can you transport surfboards on Air France flights?

•     Yes, surfboards up to 115 inches (292 cm) are allowed for a €100 fee per flight segment when properly packed.

• How much does Air France charge for extra checked bags?

•     Air France charges €70-€100 for extra checked bags beyond the free allowance, depending on route.

• Does Air France offer free checked bags for military?

•     Active duty military members can check up to 3 bags free at 70 lbs each with orders on Air France.

• What is the checked baggage size restriction?

•     Checked bags cannot exceed 62 inches total (length + width + height). Oversize fees apply after that.

• I hope these additional frequently asked questions help summarize some key points about Air France's baggage policies and restrictions. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!

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