AIR FRANCE BAGGAGE REGULATIONS

How much baggage is included in the Air France travel price and can be taken free of charge is determined by the selected fare or your Flying Blue status (Air France loyalty program).

Have you booked the Light fare? Then the same free baggage allowances apply as generally in Economy Class, but you may be asked to check in your hand luggage. You will receive the request via text message and email. This can be the case on fully booked flights or with certain aircraft types.

1. What is meant by free baggage allowance at Air France?

How much baggage is included in the Air France travel price and can be taken free of charge is determined by the selected fare or your Flying Blue status (Air France loyalty program).

Have you booked the Light fare? Then the same free baggage allowances apply as generally in Economy Class, but you may be asked to check in your hand luggage. You will receive the request via text message and email. This can be the case on fully booked flights or with certain aircraft types.

2. What is small hand luggage at Air France?

The personal item that every passenger can take on board free of charge can be 40 x 30 x 15 cm. Whether it\'\'\'s a handbag, laptop bag, or backpack – the small piece of luggage is stowed under the seat in front of you.

3. What counts as hand luggage at Air France?

According to Air France regulations, hand luggage (bag, trolley, or travel backpack) can be up to 55 x 35 x 25 cm (incl. handles and wheels). The hand luggage can weigh a maximum of 12 kg in total (or 18 kg for Business Class or La Première).

4. Which items can be taken in hand luggage?

Jackets, coats (as well as other clothing worn on the body) and an umbrella do not count as hand luggage and can in any case be taken into the cabin.

Per passenger, one resealable and transparent bag of 20x20 cm (max. 1 liter) with liquids is permitted. Max. 10 containers of 100 ml capacity are allowed. In total, a maximum of 1,000 ml may be taken through security.

Sprays, gels, creams, and spreads also count as liquids. Liquids from Duty-Free purchased either at the airport or on a flight route outside the EU can be carried in a tamper-proof and certified bag. The sales receipt must also be in the bag. This is usually packed correctly by the sales staff automatically. You just must not open the bag.

E-cigarettes must be carried on your person in their own protective case and switched off. Spare batteries are only allowed if they are protected against short circuits. A maximum of one pack of matches or one lighter may also only be carried in your own bag into the cabin. Transport in checked baggage is prohibited. Cigarettes may be carried in hand and checked baggage.

Airports themselves often prohibit all sharp objects in hand luggage. Blunt or sharp tools or sharp objects and even mercury thermometers must be placed in checked baggage. Only scissors and tweezers with a maximum length of 6 cm and exclusively with rounded ends are allowed in the cabin. Razor blades must have a plastic frame to be transported in hand luggage. Knives must not exceed a maximum blade length of 6 cm. This is stated in the EU regulation. However, airports have the final say with potentially stricter guidelines.

A maximum of two power banks or lithium-ion batteries for portable electronic devices with a capacity of 100 Wh may be carried exclusively in hand luggage. They must be individually packed to prevent short circuits.

Printer and toner cartridges with a maximum total weight of 500g are not allowed in the cabin but can be transported in checked baggage.

The carriage of instruments is subject to hand luggage regulations. Instead of your hand luggage, you can take instruments measuring 55 x 35 x 25 cm. Bulky, fragile items of baggage (e.g., larger musical instruments) can also be taken into the cabin with approval from customer service (registration up to 48 hours before flight). As they are transported on seats, a corresponding number of seats must be purchased. Maximum weight 45 kg.

5. What should be considered when traveling with children?

At Air France, children up to the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult in the same travel class. Otherwise, they must be checked in as "Kids Solo" (unaccompanied minors). On international flights, the escort service for children aged 5-14 is included in the ticket price, while for those aged 15-17, the escort service is mandatory and subject to a fee.

Children from 2 to 11 years old travel at a reduced fare on Air France (discount up to 33% on long-haul routes, up to 20% on short-haul routes) in their own seat. The same free baggage allowances apply to them according to the fare as for adults.

Infants under 2 years old may be carried on an adult\'\'\'s lap without entitlement to their own seat. This costs 10% of your ticket price. Babies without their own seat have one piece of luggage weighing 10 kg free (except for the Light fare, which includes no free baggage), but no additional hand luggage.

Baby food, sterilized water, and milk are not subject to the 100 ml container restriction. They do not need to be transported in a plastic bag but must be shown separately at the security check. At some airports, however, only a maximum of 1 liter of liquid food is allowed. You may be asked to taste the liquids at the airport for security reasons. Be sure to observe the regulations for importing food into your destination country.

Want a separate seat for your infant? You can reserve an adjacent seat or book a child ticket for children over two years old through customer service. For your baby, you will also need an approved car seat or a certified child restraint system. You can also get detailed information from customer service.

Air France offers an extensive service for the youngest travelers (always in limited quantities and subject to availability):

• Pre-orderable baby menu for up to 2 years. It is recommended to bring a sufficient amount of bottles and food.
• Kids\'\'\' menus are automatically served for children between 2 and 6 years old or can be ordered for older kids when booking the flight. Otherwise, children aged 7-11 receive an adult menu.
• Warming of baby food and bottles in the galley.
• Changing facilities in the restrooms.
• For long-haul flights, special baby cots (for babies under 10 kg and 70 cm tall). Availability is limited. Reservable up to 48 hours before departure at the Service Center. Fees may apply depending on the fare/booking class.
• Toys (small puzzles, coloring books) are distributed to children.
• Child-friendly entertainment in the entertainment program (depending on the route).

Air France guarantees that every child sits next to an accompanying adult. If you are traveling with one or more children over 2 years old, you can select adjacent seats directly when booking. At the latest, you will be assigned seats next to each other at the airport.

In addition to hand luggage, necessary equipment for the journey can be taken per child or infant. This includes:

• a stroller or a baby carrier
• a car seat

Usually, these items must be checked in at the baggage counter. However, if items like a buggy or baby carrier are needed on the way to the aircraft, this is usually not a problem. Simply have them tagged at check-in. Before boarding, the items are collected and transported in the cargo hold. You will receive them either directly upon disembarking or can pick them up with the rest of your luggage at baggage claim. This depends on the destination airport.

6. What should be considered when traveling with reduced mobility?

If you or a fellow traveler requires assistance due to reduced mobility or disability to navigate the airport and board the aircraft, Air France will organize this for you. The service itself is provided by the Saphir assistance service and varies depending on the location/airport. Therefore, you should inquire in advance whether the airports you will be using offer a service suitable for your needs. To ensure everything can be organized in time within the airport procedures, the request must be made at least 48 hours before departure.

Here\'\'\'s how you can make the registration in time:

• Online directly when booking your flight.
• After booking your flight, under "My Bookings" or via the online form – up to 48 hours before departure.
• By phone: You can reach the Saphir service hotline (German and English) at 069 29 993 774. Mon-Fri 8 am - 8 pm, Sat and Sun 9 am - 5:30 pm.

If you use the service, be sure to arrive at the special assistance counter or a check-in counter 2 hours before departure (even if you have already checked in online).

In addition to your free baggage allowance, the following equipment can be taken free of charge:

• 2 mobility aids (wheelchair, electric scooter, self-balancing scooter, etc.)
• 1 additional piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 23 kg for carrying medical aids

Attention for battery-powered wheelchairs: Whether they can be taken on the plane must be checked in advance.

7. Can I take a dog with me on Air France?

In principle, dogs and cats are allowed to fly with Air France, provided they are at least 15 weeks old (8 weeks for flight routes within France).

Generally, when traveling with animals, consider the following:

• Current entry and exit regulations of all countries concerned.
• Admissibility and possibility of carriage, especially if traveling with different airlines.
• Necessary official* and veterinary documents.
• Any required veterinary examinations or treatments (e.g., vaccinations, microchipping).

For assistance dogs, the following also applies:

• Carriage of an assistance dog must be requested in advance.
• Proof of training as an assistance dog from a recognized institution is necessary for the dog. Confirmation is given after examination by the Air France Medical Operation Center.
• Additionally, for flights outside the USA, written confirmation must be provided that the dog meets the requirements for travel as a recognized assistance dog. For this, two printouts of the fully completed and signed form for the transport of an assistance dog in the passenger cabin must be presented at check-in.
• The dog should preferably wear a harness. A muzzle must be carried for emergencies and put on if requested by staff.

*On all flights within the EU/EEA, a valid pet passport or an official veterinary certificate from a third country (as well as the required medical documents) must be carried. If you are unsure whether your dog is eligible to travel, you can contact the destination airport before your trip and have the details in the pet passport confirmed. Information on the pet passport can be found at the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

Only dogs and/or cats may travel per passenger. For brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds, carriage is restricted or largely prohibited.

In any case, a booking/registration must be made for animals at least 48 hours before departure. The booking confirmation is required as a travel document.

For the accompanying animal/transport box as hand luggage, the following applies:

1. Only a soft pet carrier bag that can be pushed under the front seat is allowed as a transport box.
2. Carriage in the cabin is limited to one animal/one transport container per passenger.
3. The maximum size of the container is 46 x 28 x 24 cm.
4. Maximum total weight of the transport container including the animal is 8 kg.
5. The container must be securely lockable, waterproof, and bite-proof.
6. The animal must be able to stand, lie down, and turn in its natural posture within the closed transport container.
7. The inside of the container must be lined with absorbent material. Newspapers, cardboard, or litter are not permitted. Old clothes or a blanket are recommended.
8. The animal will be stowed in its bag under the front seat on board.
9. Since the transport of the animal is subject to a fee, the free baggage allowances per ticket remain unaffected.

Transport of animals in the cargo hold:

Dogs and/or cats weighing between 8 and 75 kg (animal + transport box weight) must travel in the cargo hold. A maximum of 3 animals per passenger may be transported in the cargo hold (fewer depending on the aircraft type).

The transport box must comply with IATA (International Air Transport Association) guidelines. Air France only allows stable plastic or fiberglass boxes closed with bolts.

Fees range from €100 to €400 per animal container, depending on the route.

When checking in the animal transport box, the liability waiver form must be submitted completed.

There is a transport ban at Air France for fighting dogs and breeds that resemble them in some characteristics.

8. Checked baggage at Air France

23 kg and a girth (L+W+H) of up to 158 cm is the standard baggage size at Air France. Sufficient for short trips with an extended wardrobe or holidays of about 2 weeks.

Business and First Class: here, up to 32 kg is standard (girth up to 158 cm also applies here).

You can book additional baggage online up to 24 hours in advance with a price advantage compared to airport fees. If you want to take more than 3 pieces of baggage, contact customer service. In principle, each passenger can travel with up to 10 pieces of baggage.

Maximum dimensions per piece of baggage: Total size (length + width + height) less than 300 cm.

Maximum weight per piece of baggage: 32 kg.

Excess and Special Baggage

If your baggage is larger or heavier than the allowed standard baggage for your booking class, it falls into the category of bulky baggage or excess baggage. As soon as the baggage is heavier than 32 kg or longer than 300 cm, you must send it as air freight via Air France Cargo.

To check in bulky (excess) baggage, report to check-in 3 hours before departure for intercontinental flights or 2 hours before departure for flights within Europe. Different fees apply for carriage depending on the destination. You pay the fee at check-in, preferably by credit card.

9. Sports equipment as checked baggage

Sports equipment with a circumference of up to 300 cm can be taken within the free baggage allowance (Economy max. 23 kg, Business Class and La Première max. 32 kg) or as booked additional baggage. Some sports equipment, and generally for group travel of 10 or more people, must be registered with Air France customer service up to 48 hours before departure.

Within the free baggage allowance or as additionally booked baggage, the following can be taken without registration/approval: fishing, skiing (skis and boots packed separately count as one piece of baggage), water skiing (skis only), golf, and hockey equipment. Surfboards and all boards (kitesurf, bodyboard, etc.) with a length under 107 cm and a weight of less than 23 kg are considered standard baggage and can be included in the free baggage allowance.

Sports equipment requiring registration: Boards with a length between 107 and 300 cm and up to 23 kg.

Pedelecs or e-bikes are transported exclusively without batteries. A regular bicycle, tandem, or folding bike with a girth up to 300 cm (H x W x D) and max. 23 kg can be checked in suitable packaging (not provided, cardboard can be bought at most Air France check-in counters). Depending on the destination, this costs between €40 and €100 one way. If your bicycle is heavier, the regulations for larger, heavier, additional baggage apply.

10. Musical instruments as checked baggage

Any musical instrument can also be transported as checked baggage. The regulations for excess baggage apply. Especially when transported in the cargo hold, special travel insurance (baggage insurance) for your musical instrument is recommended. A well-fitting hard-shell case with sufficient padding is required.

11. Saving tips for Air France baggage options

• Booking classes with larger free baggage allowances may be cheaper than subsequently booking checked baggage. The offered baggage calculator allows for good calculation and comparison of baggage costs per route and fare.
• You can save the most by limiting your baggage to the essentials.
• Booking additional baggage in advance saves you increased fees directly at the airport.
• Adhere to the hand luggage regulations so it doesn\'\'\'t become expensive checked baggage at the airport.

12. My suitcase was damaged - What should I do?

Damage is always annoying and should definitely be reported before you leave the airport. Although there is a legal right to report the damage within 7 days of the flight, you are responsible for proving that the damage occurred while in Air France\'\'\'s custody.

To report damage, a damage report (PIR) must be filled out at the Air France KLM baggage handling counter in the airport arrivals hall.

In these cases, you will be asked to submit:

• the boarding pass or your flight ticket,
• the baggage tag(s),
• and the cost estimate for baggage repair or confirmation that the baggage item cannot be repaired,

But be careful! Do not have it repaired immediately or accept replacement baggage; wait for permission from Air France, otherwise, you may be stuck with the costs.

13. My suitcase is delayed – What should I do?

As with damaged baggage, it\'\'\'s best to report it at the Air France KLM baggage handling counter or make the report online at the airport or via the Air France app - but definitely within 48 hours.

You should carefully keep your written confirmation with the reference number (PIR number), along with your baggage claim tag and boarding pass, until the matter is resolved.

In case of delayed baggage, Air France, the respective airport\'\'\'s baggage handling, and partner companies work together. You can track the status of your reported missing baggage online with the PIR number here.

If the baggage cannot be found within 72 hours, you should fill out the complaint and contents form in the baggage tracing system. This list of contents will be used for compensation claims if your baggage is still missing after 21 days.

Liability and reimbursement for emergency purchases are governed by the Montreal Convention. Among other things: Be sure to keep receipts, there is a duty to mitigate damages (meaning costs for emergency purchases should be kept as low as possible), not applicable for loss on the journey home.

14. My suitcase was lost – What should I do?

After 21 days of delay, the suitcase is considered lost. In this case, you are entitled to compensation. The maximum amount for replacement purchases or the complete loss of baggage is approx. €1,600. The amount of compensation depends on the contents and any purchase receipts for them.

15. Information about your stay on board

In-flight Entertainment
More and more Air France aircraft are equipped with Wi-Fi hotspots. You can send text messages for free via Messenger, WhatsApp, iMessage, WeChat, etc., with the Message Pass. However, pictures and videos cannot be sent. There are other Wi-Fi options, such as the Surf Pass (bookable for one hour or the entire flight duration) or the Stream Pass to stream your favorite series. Prices are not published on Airfrance.de. According to some forums and comparison portals, the Wi-Fi offer costs between €3 and €30 (streaming on long-haul flights). You can book in advance under "My Booking".

E-journals are offered free of charge. The Air France Play app provides access to around 200 daily newspapers and magazines. You can download your desired titles from 30 hours before departure, giving you offline access even after your journey.

Air France offers a monthly changing entertainment program on long-haul flights. You can choose between movies, TV shows, and musical entertainment. There is a children\'\'\'s program for young travelers.

Which electronic devices can I use on an Air France aircraft?

Portable electronic devices with a flight mode can be used on board. Flight mode must be activated on board.

In-flight Catering
The meal selection varies by route and booked fare. On short and medium-haul flights, in addition to free hot and cold drinks in Economy Class, you will receive either a biscuit or a sandwich. On long-haul flights, there is at least one menu with cheese and dessert and, depending on the flight, an additional breakfast or snack. If you get hungry in between, you can get small snacks from the self-service counter. In other fare classes, the culinary offer increases to a gourmet menu by a star chef on the finest porcelain in Business or First Class (La Première).

For all intercontinental flights and selected intra-European flights, Air France also offers special meals. Kosher meals must be ordered at least 48 hours before departure, while other special meals (e.g., light meal, low sugar, low salt, gluten-free) must be ordered 24 hours in advance.

For babies (up to 23 months) and children from 7 years, you can order an appropriate menu at least 48 hours before departure. Children from 2 to 6 years automatically receive a children\'\'\'s menu; older kids would otherwise receive the adult menu.

However, you can also bring your own food, such as sandwiches. You should avoid liquid foods like soup, spreads, and sauces due to security regulations.

Tip: If you are one of those who like to bring more food, inquire about the import regulations for food at your destination. If not everything is eaten on the flight and the import of certain foods is not permitted, you will have to dispose of the rest.

The Hauptstadtkoffer team wishes you a pleasant journey