Air France Checked Baggage Fees and Policy Guide
Planning a trip with Air France? Knowing the airline’s checked baggage policy can help you avoid surprise Air France luggage fees at the airport. The
cost of checking a bag depends on your travel class, your route, and the specific ticket you buy.
First Checked Bag
If you purchased an Air France Economy Light baggage fee ticket, your first checked bag is not free. You must pay a fee, which starts at around €25-€40 for European flights, or about $60 for international routes like the US to Europe. If you booked a Standard, Flex, Premium Economy, Business, or La Première ticket, your first bag (up to 23 kg/50 lbs) is included in the Air France checked bag price for free.
Second Checked Bag
The fee for a second checked bag applies to passengers who have one bag included free and wish to add another. This is considered an Air France extra bag fee. The cost for this piece can range widely based on your route and destination. For a trip from Europe to North America, expect to pay around $60 to $80 when you purchase this option online. It will be more expensive (up to $100 or more) if you wait to pay at the airport.
Third Checked Bag
For any bag after your second one (the third, fourth, and so on), the cost increases significantly. This extra baggage is subject to the highest charges. Since this is outside the standard allowance, you will pay a higher Air France checked bag price. For example, a third bag on an international flight may cost you $160 or more. Air France limits the total number of bags you can check. No single bag should ever weigh over 32 kg (70 lbs).
Exceptions to Air France’s Checked Baggage Fee
Some travelers get a larger baggage allowance or, in various cases, free extra bags on Air France. This is for high-tier loyalty members and for those traveling with young children; read below.
| Exception Category | Specific Condition | Free Checked Baggage Allowance |
| Loyalty Status (Flying Blue) | Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Ultimate members | +1 additional bag for free, regardless of travel class (subject to standard weight limits of 23 kg/32 kg). |
| Travel Class | Premium Economy Fares | 2 bags (up to 23 kg/50 lb each). |
| Travel Class | Business Class Fares | 2 bags (up to 32 kg/70 lb each). |
| Travel Class | La Première (First Class) Fares | 3 bags (up to 32 kg/70 lb each). |
| Infant Traveling on Lap | Infant under 2 years old without a dedicated seat | 1 bag (max 10 kg/22 lb) + 1 collapsible stroller and 1 car seat. |
| Special Equipment | Mobility aids (e.g., wheelchairs, crutches) | Transported free of charge in the hold, in addition to the standard allowance. |
Tips to Reduce Air France Baggage Fees
Pre-purchase Online: Our best tip is to buy your baggage options on the Air France website. You can save up to 20% compared to airport rates and know other best deals available for the particular period. Buy your Air France extra bag fee online up to 24 hours before your flight to get this discount.
Join the Flying Blue Program: Enroll in the free Flying Blue loyalty program. Even the lowest tier lets you use your miles to pay for baggage fees. As you earn elite status, you get one free extra bag.
Mind the Weight and Size Limits: Always check your bags at home! Bags heavier than 23 kg (50 lbs) in Economy or bigger than 158 cm (62 in) are considered overweight or oversized. You will be charged two separate fees for an item that is both too heavy and too big. Contact our support agents at +1-855-510-5187 for the best advice on packing.
Look for Promotional Fares that Include a Bag: When you book your flight, be very careful about the fare type. Fares like “Economy Standard” or “Economy Flex” often include one checked bag for free. If the price difference is small, paying a little extra for a standard fare can be much cheaper than paying the separate Air France first checked bag fee for an “Economy Light” ticket later on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Air France’s policy for carrying liquids?
You can bring liquids, creams, gels, and pastes in your carry-on bag, but you must follow the standard security rule. Each container you’re carrying must be 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less. All these small containers must fit easily into one clear, closed, plastic zip-top bag. And that should be no larger than 1 liter (about 20 x 20 cm).
What is Air France’s checked baggage weight limit?
The standard Air France baggage weight limit for checked luggage is 23 kilograms (50 pounds) for Economy and Premium Economy classes. If you are flying in Business or La Première, the limit goes up to 32 kilograms (70 pounds) per piece.
Does Air France Economy Light include a checked bag?
No, the Economy Light baggage fee ticket does not include any free checked baggage. This basic fare is designed for traveling with only a carry-on and a personal item. You will be asked to pay an extra fee for the first checked bag at the counter.
Is a backpack considered a personal item on Air France?
Yes, a small backpack can be counted as your personal item. But note that it must fit under the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions for this personal item are 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 in.). If your backpack is larger, it will be counted as your carry-on bag only.