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Air France Check In, Baggage Size and Fees


Category: Airline Check-In, Airline Baggage Fees, Carry On Luggage Size

A recognizable name in international air travel, Air France is the French flag carrier based in Tremblay-en-France (north of Paris).
The airline, stylised as AIRFRANCE, was formed as the result of a merger of five French airlines in 1933. Today, AIRFRANCE operates flights to 35 destinations in France and 156 destinations in 91 countries across 6 major continents. In 2010, this global airline served more than 54,000,000 passengers.

If you are a frequent international traveler, there is a big chance that you will fly with Air France. So, it's important for you to check with Air France for any specific information regarding check-in procedures and baggage rules.

What are options available for checking in with Air France?

For most passengers, standing in long line with their baggage isn't a pleasant way to start a trip. Air France, with passengers in mind, offers a variety of check-in options to help make the check-in procedures go smoothly.

1. At Self-Service Kiosks

Want to save time at the airport? Then check in and print your boarding pass at a Self-Service Kiosk. Whether you are alone or with others, flying with a connecting flight or with or without baggage, you are allowed to use this service. Even if your flight ticket is charged on a discount rate, you can also use Self-Service Kiosks. However, you must present the proof upon boarding.

To use a Self-Service Kiosk, just introduce your Flying Blue card or debit or credit card with your first and last name, even though you didn't use the card to pay for your ticket. Or, you have the option to input your e-ticket or reservation number. For some kiosks, you can also identify yourself by scanning your passport.

Note: Though this method is time-saving and convenient, there may be an additional fee applied to it. Additionally, not all departure airports have Self-Service Kiosks.

2. Online Check-in

Available 30 hours prior to departure, Air France's online check-in allows passengers to confirm their presence for their flight and choose their seat. To check in only, simply take the following steps:

• Log in: input your Flying Blue card number, electronic ticket number or reservation number

• Select the flight for which you need to check in

• Opt for your seat using the cabin layout. You can choose to accept the suggested seat or select a different seat by clicking on "Change Seat selection".

• Decide which way you want to receive your boarding pass: printing (US letter-size, one side only), e-mail or SMS/MMS. Your boarding pass can also be available at the airport by using a Self-Service Kiosk or going to the check-in counter.

3. Automatic Check-in

As a unique check-in option, automatic check-in is a useful service that helps you save time. With this method, there is no need to check in and you can automatically receive your boarding pass 30 hours before departure. To take advantage of this service, you need to book your flight on Air France's office website (airfrance.com). Currently the service is available for the following departure and return flights:

- in metropolitan France

- in Europe or between Europe and North Africa

- on long-haul flights, except for flights to countries that require information regarding passengers

Well, how does automatic check-in work? When purchasing your ticket online, simply indicate your seat preference and the way you want to receive your boarding pass: either by e-mail or on your mobile phone. Then, you will automatically receive your boarding pass 30 hours before your flight.

If receiving by e-mail, be sure to print your boarding pass at home or at the airport using a Self-Service Kiosk. Sometimes, you may forget your mobile phone or delete the barcode incautiously. No need to worry - you can take advantage of a Self-Service Kiosk to print your boarding pass.

Be aware that you can only receive your own boarding pass when using mobile phone. If you book tickets for others, do remember to choose to receive boarding pass by email. Boarding pass will then be sent the e-mail address offered when booking.

NOTE: If you are seated in the Voyageur cabin, this service will be available to them automatically. However, if traveling in the Premium cabin, passengers can decide by themselves whether to use this service. For passengers whose return flight takes off within 18 hours of their arrival, they will receive their departure and return boarding passes in the same e-mail.

4. At the Check-in Counter

As a traditional method, check-in at the ticket counter is of course available. Look for Air France ticket counter at your departure airport and then produce your e-ticket, reservation number, Flying Blue card or your passport. The Air France airport staff will take care of the rest.

What to know about check-in deadlines?

In spite of your check-in option, make sure to respect the check-in deadline. If you are beyond the time limit, you cannot check in for your flight nor check in your baggage. The check-in deadline for an Air France flight typically varies from 15 to 90 minutes before departure time, depending on your departure and arrival airport. So, always arrive at the airport with sufficient time.

What about carry-on baggage allowance?

When packing necessities for your travel, you may wonder: How many baggage items can I bring on an Air France plane? What is the size and weight limit for each carry-on item? Find all the information you need to prepare your carry-on baggage and check in with ease.

Like most U.S. airlines, Air France imposes size and weight limitations on carry-on baggage. The carry-on baggage allowance varies in route and travel class. To know the Air France's carry-on baggage allowance, you need to figure out the major flights and travel classes of the airline first.

International / Caribbean / Indian ocean flights: Voyageur / Economy, Premium Voyageur / Premium Economy, Alize / Premium Economy, Affaires / Business Class & La Premiere / First

Flights within Europe / Northern Africa / Israel: Voyageur / Economy, Premium Business & Premium Eco

Flights in France: Voyageur / Economy

For all these routes, the carry-on allowance is the same if you are seated in Voyageur / Economy cabin. To be precise, passengers seated in Voyageur / Economy cabin are allowed to bring one standard baggage item plus one accessory onto the plane.

The maximum dimensions for a standard baggage item is 46 liner inches or 115 centimeters. In other words, your carry-on baggage cannot exceed 55 cm L x 35 cm W x 25 cm H or 22" L x 14" W x 10" H. This measurement includes pockets, wheels and handles. Be noted that a suit bag is considered a standard bag, while accessories are something like handbag, notebook computer, camera and so on. Your standard baggage and accessory cannot exceed 26.5 pounds or 12 kilograms in total.

This carry-on allowance also applies to passengers who are flying within Europe / Northern Africa / Israel and seated in Premium Eco.

If seated in other cabins of these routes, passengers are allowed to bring one small baggage item in addition to one standard baggage item and one accessory. The maximum dimensions of this small piece is 40 liner inches or 100 centimeters (45 cm L x 20 cm W x 35 cm H / 18" L x 8" W x 14" H). And the maximum total weight for these three pieces is 40 pounds or 18 kilograms.

Plus: For those traveling with their infant on their lap, they can carry one additional small baggage item onto the plane without any extra fee. This item cannot exceed 26.4 lbs or 12 kg in weight and 115 cm or 45.1 inches (55 x 25 x 35 cm / 21.6 x 9.8 x 13.7") in dimensions. On long-haul flights, a foldable stroller with dimensions less than or equal to 15 x30 x100 cm / 5.9 x 11.8 x 39.4" is also allowed.

What about checked baggage allowance?

When it comes to checked baggage allowance of Air France, it also depends on your destination and travel class. However, on the whole, each of your checked bags cannot exceed 23 kg or 32 kg in weight and 158 cm (61 liner inches) in dimensions. The below is an overview on checked baggage allowance.

Destinations Travel Class Checked Baggage Allowance (for free)
In Metropolitan France Voyageur 1 bag up to 23 kg
In Europe or between Europe and North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia) or Israel Premium Affairs 2 bags up to 32 kg in total
Premium Eco 2 bags, each up to 23 kg
Voyageur 1 bag up to 23 kg
Between Europe and the United States or Canada / Between Europe and the Middle East or Asia La Premiere 3 bags up to 32 kg in total
Affaires 2 bags, each up to 32 kg
Premium Voyageur 2 bags, each up to 23 kg
Voyageur 1 bag up to 23 kg
Between Europe and Africa (except Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia) La Premiere 3 bags up to 32 kg in total
Affaires 2 bags, each up to 32 kg
Premium Voyageur 2 bags, each up to 23 kg
Voyageur 1 bag up to 23 kg (For some destinations, you can bring a second checked bag for free - 23 kg in maximum)
Between Europe and Mexico or South America La Premiere 3 bags up to 32 kg in total
Affaires 2 bags, each up to 32 kg
Premium Voyageur 2 bags, each up to 23 kg
Voyageur 1 bag up to 23 kg (if traveling to Quito or Guayaquil, you can carry a second checked bag up to 23 kg for free)
Between Europe and the French overseas departments and territories, the Indian Ocean or the Caribbean La Premiere 3 bags up to 32 kg in total
Affaires 2 bags, each up to 32 kg
Premium Voyageur 2 bags, each up to 23 kg
Alize 2 bags, each up to 23 kg
Voyageur 1 bag up to 23 kg (For some destinations, you can bring a second checked bag for free - 23 kg in maximum)
Within the Caribbean Premium Affairs 2 bags, each up to 32 kg
Premium Eco 2 bags, each up to 23 kg
Voyageur 1 bag up to 23 kg
Between the U.S. or Canada and Africa / Between the U.S. or Canada and Asia or the Middle East La Premiere 3 bags up to 32 kg in total
Affaires 2 bags, each up to 32 kg
Premium Voyageur 2 bags, each up to 23 kg
Voyageur 1 bag or 2 bags, each up to 23 kg depending on destinations


How much to pay if your baggage exceeds the required quantity, weight or size limit?

As we kwon, most airlines charge a fee (or extra fee) on check baggage which exceeds the required quantity, weight or size limit. Air France is no exception and there are 4 conditions defined as such baggage, including:

Condition A: The weight of each item exceeding 23 kg / 50 lbs

Condition B: The dimensions of each item exceeding 158 cm / 62 inches

Condition C: The weight of each item exceeding 32 kg / 70 lbs

Condition D: Exceed the required number of checked bags

The fees for such baggage vary in conditions and destinations. Now, take's take a look at the specific fees...

• Flights within metropolitan France or the Caribbean

Condition A: An additional fee of €55.

Condition B: An additional fee of €20

Condition C: An additional fee of €100

Condition D: If the required quantity is 1 baggage item, all additional baggage will be charged €55. If the required quantity is more than 1 item, all additional baggage will be charged €200.

• Flights in Europe (including Turkey, Russia, Ukraine and Armenia), between Europe and North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia) or Israel & between metropolitan France and its overseas departments and territories

Condition A: An additional fee of €55

Condition B: An additional fee of €75

Condition C: An additional fee of €200

Condition D: If the required quantity is 1 baggage item, all additional baggage will be charged €55. If the required quantity is more than 1 item, all additional baggage will be charged €200.

• Flights to and from North America (United States / Canada)

Condition A: An additional fee of €75 for departures from Europe, 75 CAD for departures from Canada & $75 for departures from the United States

Condition B: An additional fee of €300 for departures from Europe, 300 CAD for departures from Canada & $300 for departures from the United States

Condition C: An additional fee of €300 for departures from Europe, 300 CAD for departures from Canada & $300 for departures from the United States

Condition D: If the required quantity is 1 baggage item, your second item (or all additional baggage) will be charged €75 for departures from Europe, 75 CAD for departures from Canada & $75 for departures from the United States. If the required quantity is more than 1 item, all additional baggage will be charged €200 for departures from Europe, 200 CAD for departures from Canada & $200 for departures from the United States.

• Flights between Europe and the Middle East or India

Condition A: An additional fee of €75

Condition B: An additional fee of €300

Condition C: An additional fee of €300

Condition D: If the required quantity is 1 baggage item, all additional baggage will be charged €75. If the required quantity is more than 1 item, all additional baggage will be charged €200.

• Flights to or from a destination in the rest of the world (long-haul flights)

Condition A: An additional fee of €100

Condition B: An additional fee of €300

Condition C: An additional fee of €300

Condition D: If the required quantity is 1 baggage item, all additional baggage will be charged €100. If the required quantity is more than 1 item, all additional baggage will be charged €200.

Note: If you buy your additional baggage allowance online before departure, you will earn a 2% reduction. There may be exceptions to these fees.

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