Planning to purchase a Rick Steves rolling carryon for an Air France flight. Air France both ways (no codeshare). It feels a little silly because we already own several carryons, but they’re maybe an inch too tall or deep for the airline specs. Does it make sense to spend money on the off chance an airline agent might measure and then compel us to check the bag? We have a long-distance train to catch 3 hrs after we land and I worry about waiting a long time at the luggage carousel. Am I overthinking this? Thx!
Posted by
CA, USA
1245 posts
Are the ones you already own hard cases or soft? If soft one might squeeze into the sizing box if they're only off by an inch should they check the size but I've never seen them do that. What they are likely to do is weigh it and that's tougher to meet. On several AF flights we've had luggage weighed or seen them pick out other people waiting to board to weigh theirs. In the Economy or Premium Economy cabins, your hand baggage and personal items can weigh up to 12 kg (26.4 lb) in total.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14716 posts
Well, I bought a new bag in 2022 because I had one flight segment on Air France connecting from a Delta flight. I was worried about both size and weight. Air France does have a combined weight limit for your cabin bag and your personal item.
I has the RS rollaboard but it weighed 6# so the bag I purchased weighs 4.5# giving me more leeway on packing. Take a look at what the bags weigh now (mine is several years old). Do you know what your bags have weighed packed before?
I would go expecting your bag to be weighed and measured.
To me you are NOT overthinking!
Editing to add: here is the link to the AF baggage regulations. It’s a 12 kilo/26.4# max for both carryon + personnel item.
https://wwws.airfrance.us/information/bagages/bagage-cabine-soute#dimensions
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Thank you both. The RS carryon I am looking at weighs over 6 lbs. but our current carryons weigh well over 9 lbs. Will get a luggage scale to ensure we don’t overdo the weight. Really annoying!
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14716 posts
Definitely go with the luggage scale. I will add that I weigh everything that goes into my bag with a digital kitchen scale including every packing cube and pouch. I got my bag to 16.1# for that 2022 trip, a little more last time but I had some extra rain gear for that trip.
Depending on your budget you can find lighter weight bags than Rick’s. Many here like the Travel Pro Lite at 5+#. Mine is an Osprey Ozone although it has some oddities!
Posted by
OP
12 posts
And to be extra sure, the RS carryon meets Air France size limits (including wheels and handles)? I’ve discovered that size info for lots of luggage online doesn’t include the fabric carry handle (as opposed to the recessed telescoping handle), which often sticks out a bit.
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Adding to my confusion, I noticed today that a diagram of the Air France carryon baggage dimensions shows the height measurement with the telescoping handle partially extended. I thought the height was measured level with the telescoping handle retracted, as it would be when stowing the bag overhead. This makes a difference in whether we need to buy new luggage! Anyone have clarity on this? Thanks!
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1327 posts
I wouldn't trust the picture of a partially extended handle. Just picture the overhead bins in any plane. You couldn't store your bag in them with the handle extended at all. From our travels on Air France, we made sure to use their measurements, which are slightly smaller than most American carriers. We didn't want any surprises at the gate!
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1327 posts
elissacl,
I just realized that the photo with the handle extended is there to make sure people realize that the handle, however much it extends beyond the bag itself, is to be included in the measurement. So if the bag is 18" and the handle sticks out 2 ", then you must count the bag asa being 20". My bad for not grasping that right away. Sorry!
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Judy, this helps! Thanks very much. Calling Air France was useless, so I appreciate your response.