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Air France & KLM Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover the Expenses

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Erin Miller

Erin Miller

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An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publicat...
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When it comes to carry-ons, Air France and KLM have straightforward baggage policies that could even be considered on the generous side if you’re flying in a premium class.

The checked bag policy for each airline is a bit more complex with variable pricing based on travel dates, class of travel, and route. Since these fees are not clearly listed on their websites, users are directed to the airlines’ baggage calculator tools for specifics.

Air France and KLM Carry-on Allowance

1 “accessory” such as a handbag or briefcase: FREE
Standard carry-on bags:

  • Economy: 1 bag (26.4 pounds/12 kg)
  • Premium Economy (Air France)/Premium Comfort Class (KLM): 2 bags (40 pounds/18 kg)
  • Business: 2 bags (40 pounds/18 kg)
  • La Première (Air France only): 2 bags (40 pounds/18 kg)

The weights indicated are combined totals of all items

Size Restrictions

  • Accesory: 16 x 12 x 6 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
  • Standard: 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.9 inches (55 x 35 x 25 cm)

Lap Infant Carry-on Policy

  • If you are traveling with an infant on your lap, you can bring 1 additional piece of carry-on. It must weigh less than 26.4 pounds (12 kg) and measure less than 21.6 x 9.8 x 13.7 inches (55 x 25 x 35 cm).

Stroller Check Policy

  • You can bring a foldable stroller* and car seat in the hold at no extra charge. Other strollers may be accepted in the cabin, subject to space availability. Dimensions cannot exceed 5.9 x 11.8 x 39.4 inches (15 x 30 x 100 cm).

* Space permitting on Air France long-haul flights, except between metropolitan France and Cayenne, Fort-de-France, Havana, Mauritius, Pointe-à-Pitre, Punta Cana, Reunion, Saint-Martin, and Santo Domingo.

Air France and KLM Checked Baggage Allowance

All checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 50 pounds (23 kg) for economy and premium economy; 70 pounds (32 kg) for business and La Première (Air France) and must adhere to max linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm).

  • Economy Light: No baggage included (available to purchase only), excluding a few destinations within France
  • Economy Standard: 1 piece
  • Premium Economy (Air France)/Premium Comfort Class (KLM): 2 pieces
  • Business: 2 pieces
  • La Première (Air France): 3 pieces

For baggage fees related to special luggage (sporting equipment, musical instruments, etc.) please refer to the specific policies for Air France and KLM.

Additional/Excess Baggage Fees

The following fees were taken from the baggage allowance calculators for Air France and KLM, though we advise checking your flight’s specific allowance. For the prices below, the euro is nearly identical to the U.S. dollar.

RouteAdditional PieceOversized

(more than 62 inches (158 cm))

Overweight

(more than 50 pounds (23 kg) or 70 pounds (32 kg))

Within FranceStandard/Flex fare:
Second piece: €45 to €50
3+ pieces: €45Mini/Basic/Light Fare:
First piece: Included/€25 to €30
Second piece: €45 to €50
3+ pieces: €45
€20€70
Within Europe (including Armenia, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine)Standard/Flex fare:
Second piece: €45 to €50
3+ pieces: €45Mini/Basic/Light Fare:
First piece: €25 to €40
2+ pieces: €45
€75 to €300€70 to €100
Between Europe and North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, or Tunisia)Standard/Flex fare:
Second piece: €45 to €50
2+ pieces: €45Mini/Basic/Light Fare:
First piece: €30 to €35
2+ pieces: €45
€75€70
Within the Caribbean (Pointe-à-Pitre to Fort de France on Air France)Second piece: €74
3+ pieces: €234
check at airportcheck at airport
Between France and French overseas departmentsStandard/Flex fare:
Second piece: €80
3+ pieces: €80
Light Fare:
First piece: €60 to €65
2+ pieces: €80
€100€100
North America to/from Europe and North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, or Tunisia)Standard/Flex fare:
Second piece: €68
3+ pieces: €192Light Fare:
First piece: €60
Second piece: €68
3+ pieces: €192
€250 to €310€85 to €145
Between Europe and the Middle East or Asia-PacificStandard/Flex fare:
Second piece: €80
3+ pieces: €160Light Fare:
First piece: €60 to €65
Second piece: €80
3+ pieces: €160
€300€75 to €100
Between Miami and Pointe-à-Pitre (Air France)Second piece: €244
3+ pieces: €436
€28€76
Other Long-haul FlightsSecond piece: €60
3+ pieces: €160
€308€77

Exclusions and Waivers

As a Flying Blue member, you can use your miles to check in extra baggage with a baggage award. This means that on top of the standard baggage allowance, you can take more bags and pay for them with miles.

Elite members also receive an additional baggage allowance:

  • Flying Blue Silver, Gold, and Platinum members receive 1 additional piece with the weight of the fare type
  • Elite or Elite Plus SkyTeam members receive 1 additional piece with the weight of the fare type

Can I Prepay for Baggage?

Air France and KLM do allow passengers the ability to prepay for luggage online. Passengers can save up to 20% off airport prices by purchasing baggage online.

You can do this at the point of booking online or anytime up to 30 hours before departure.

Credit Cards That Reimburse You for Checked Bag Fees

Get reimbursed for some of those pesky checked bag fees with Air France or KLM by using one of the Capital One cards below. Cardholders can redeem miles for 1 cent each against travel purchases made within the previous 90 days.

TOP PICK
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles
$1,350
$395
21.99% - 28.99% Variable
Credit ranges are only a recommendation and a variation of FICO© Score. Issuers may use many types of credit scores when considering an application.
Excellent (740-840)

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros

  • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel
  • Unlimited complimentary access for cardholder and 2 guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • 10,000 bonus miles awarded on your account anniversary each year
  • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
  • Add authorized users for no additional annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees

 

Cons

  • $395 annual fee
  • Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

 

  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more – you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 21.99% - 28.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles
$1,350
$95
20.99% - 28.99% Variable
Credit ranges are only a recommendation and a variation of FICO© Score. Issuers may use many types of credit scores when considering an application.
Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

As a frequent traveler with excellent credit, you’re always on the lookout for a credit card that comes with all the bells and whistles. And the easier it is to understand, the better!

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great sign-up bonus, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Pros

  • 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • 2 complimentary visits to a Capital One Lounge or Plaza Premium Lounges each year
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Access to Capital One transfer partners

Cons

  • $95 annual fee
  • Limited elite benefits
  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Enjoy two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges or to 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enrich every hotel stay from our Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 20.99% - 28.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.
20,000 miles
$360
$0
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Credit ranges are only a recommendation and a variation of FICO© Score. Issuers may use many types of credit scores when considering an application.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, the no-annual-fee version of the more popular Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Ability to use transfer partners
  • Access to Capital One Dining

Cons

  • Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
  • No luxury travel or elite benefits
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

To see more airline baggage fees and policies, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Air France encourages customers to use its baggage calculator tool to find out their checked baggage allowance as this can depend on the destination. We found consistent search results for the following allowances:

  • Economy Light includes no baggage (excluding a few destinations within France)
  • Economy Standard includes 1 or 2 pieces dependent on the route
  • Premium Economy and Business includes 2 pieces
  • La Première includes 3 pieces

KLM includes checked baggage allowance for all fares apart from Economy Light where baggage must be purchased. Additional baggage fees depend on the destination but from running a few searches we found this to be from €25 to €192 if added online and €20 to €310 if added at the airport.

Air France allows passengers to bring onboard carry-on baggage at a maximum size of 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.9 inches (55 x 35 x 25 cm) and a personal item of 16 x 12 x 6 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm).

Air France allows passengers to bring 1 personal item such as a briefcase or handbag and depending on the cabin, the following standard carry-on applies:

  • Economy — 1 bag (26 pounds (12 kg))
  • Premium Economy/Business/La Première — 2 bags (39.7 pounds (18 kg))

About Erin Miller

An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.

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26 comments

Olivia

August 26, 2019

I have a delta platinum American Express and have just received a silver medallion status. We’re planning on traveling soon and will purchase tickets, one-way, from Paris to Frankfurt. Will we receive our 1 free bag each when we purchase our tickets when we use this credit card to purchase these tickets? If you don’t know, how would we find out? We don’t like any last-minute surprises.
Thanks in advance!

Jarrod West

August 27, 2019

Hi Olivia,

As long as your Delta Platinum card is connected to your SkyMiles account, you don’t actually need to use the card to purchase your flight. You receive the baggage benefit just for holding the card. This way, if you have another card that earns better milage on flight purchased, you can use it to purchase your flight and still receive your free checked bags.

Thanks for reading!

Graham rumbellow

September 30, 2019

If I use my Delta Gold Amex card to buy tickets on KLM economy light, do I get free checked baggage?

Andrew Kunesh

October 01, 2019

Hi Graham, unfortunately, you are only entitled to free checked luggage with your Delta Gold Amex when flying on Delta operated flights. Thanks!

Lidya Tjen

October 09, 2019

I issued flight ticket by Air France but is operated by Czech Airlines from Paris to Prague, and cannot buy the extra baggage online through manage my booking. Any idea on who to contact or how to buy the extra baggage? Thanks so much!

Andrew Kunesh

October 09, 2019

Hi Lidya, Andrew from Upgraded Points — a travel blog — here. Are you connecting from another flight to Czech Airlines or is your ticket just CDG-PRG? This info will help me get you a correct response. Thanks!

Lidya Tjen

October 09, 2019

Hi Andrew,

Thank you for your quick follow up.
No, it’s not the connecting flight, the ticket is just CDG-PRG by Air France AF5034 but apparently this flight is operated by Czech airlines. Thanks!

Catherine Luther

October 10, 2019

Hi Lidya,

According to Air France’s codeshare rules, you should be able to log in to your flight on the Czech Airlines website. Try to add baggage here or give the Czech Airlines contact center a call.

Lidya

October 11, 2019

Hi Catherine,

I tried both, but unfortunately, it didn’t work. Both parties claimed that the flight is with other airlines, and therefore my flight cannot be added or modify for anything. This is frustrating. First time to hear that an airlines flight ticket cannot buy additional baggage by online manage booking. Anyway thanks for your help all guys. Cheers!

W G Sawers

January 03, 2020

Travelling from Manchester to Paris with Air France but then on to Australia, I have got 30kg allowance to take, will I need to pay on the first leg of my journey? I didn’t need to pay on the Air France flight coming here?

Catherine Luther

January 03, 2020

Hi,

If you booked the flights on one ticket then you shouldn’t have to pay an excess fee on the shorter leg. The baggage allowance for the most significant part of the journey would apply.

Marlena Adendorff

June 29, 2020

Please tell me how many bags I can take on my KLM Repatriation flight CT to Amsterdam then Atlanta to Dallas?
Can I pay for a third bag and how much please?

Jarrod West

July 01, 2020

Hi Marlena,

There does not appear to be any information listed on the KLM website that gives luggage allowances for Repatriation flights. So I recommend you contact the KLM customer service team directly for the answer to that.

Safe travels!

Adipere Juokemefa

September 07, 2020

I would like to know if it’s possible to carry a television as checked-in baggage on a KLM/Airfrance flight from Newcastle to Lagos. Thanks

Jarrod West

September 09, 2020

Hi Adipere,

Yes, as long as the TV weighs less than 50 pounds (23 kg) and does not exceed a max linear dimension of 62 inches (158 cm).

Tiff

January 26, 2021

How much is an additional bag from the USA to Lagos?

Jarrod West

January 27, 2021

Hi Tiff,

The charge should be 85 euros or about $103. Safe travels!

Indrek

February 11, 2021

How much for 1 additional piece of baggage from CAI – AMS – TLL? The second leg is operated by another airline (Airbaltic). Economy Standard fare. Thanks!

Jarrod West

February 12, 2021

Hi Indrek,

For this route, you should expect to pay 70 euros for an additional bag.

Lise-Mari Bosch

March 17, 2021

We have a screen in its original packaging that we would like to check in? It is no bigger than the allowed dimensions of check-in baggage. Will we be able to check in a box?

Jarrod West

March 17, 2021

Hi Lise,

Yes, you should have no problems checked a box assuming it is within the weight and size restrictions.

Luana

October 06, 2021

Attention with your cabin baggage allowance if you are flying Air France on a transatlantic flight out of Paris (return flight). All your carry-on items should be weighted together and do not pass 12kgs if you are flying economy. I was charged 100 euros because they used even the weight of my purse to determine the total weight. Very frustrating since they did not do that on my outbound flight from the US. Unfortunately, Air France in France is now treating carry-on worse than a low cost airline. Will never fly it again!

Hana

April 11, 2022

How much for an oversized bag from North Africa to Japan? (Economy standard)

Jarrod West

April 12, 2022

Hi Hana,

The charge for that route should be 300 euros. Safe travels!

Priyanka Ghosh

May 21, 2022

Hello I have booked flight from CCU to BOM to CDG.
The 1st leg is with Air India Domestic and the 2nd leg is by Air France International.

I don’t have any checked baggage. I contacted with both airline to purchase one check-in baggage. Both airlines said I need to purchase at the airport. What is the cost I can expect at airport for 23KG luggage?

Katie Seemann

June 06, 2022

Hi Priyanka,
I’m not sure if you’re asking about purchasing an overweight carry-on bag or a checked bag. Either way, you should be able to find more info here: https://wwws.airfrance.com.br/information/bagages
Have a great trip!

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