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Air France Carry-On- "personal item"?

OK, I'm sure this has been answered, but I couldn't find any recent discussion and I know the rules are ever-changing.

Next week I'm flying Air France (well, Delta operated by Air France) to Paris then connecting to Munich, then flying back from Rome. I'd like to carry everything on, and so far the necessities are fitting into the carry-on sized rollaway (41 in total, so I'm good there), but I'm having trouble with the "personal item." Would a normal school-sized backpack (medium-filled, but not stuffed)count? "Handbag, laptop computer, camera, etc" is a bit ambiguous for me (and sounds like it translates to "if we don't like it, you can't carry it"). I would do just the camera case, but then there'd be no room for a book, magazine and journal, snacks... All the things I want accessible during the hideously long flight.

Anyone carried on a suitcase plus backpack on Air France lately?

Posted by
28 posts

The general limit for personal items is 36 linear inches, and it must fit under the seat. I'd be more concerned about the weight limit of 12 kg which is for both items, added together. The roller is going to take at least 1/3 of that empty. European airlines aren't shy about asking to weigh your bags.

Posted by
2193 posts

My best advice is to call Air France and ask your questions of them directly to ensure you get correct information on this...the rules are always evolving. The European airlines define things differently, and they, most assuredly, will weigh your carry-on luggage. You'll be charged handsomely for exceeding the weight limit (and/or you'll have to check it). Also, while U.S. carriers may allow a carry-on plus a personal item (like a briefcase, purse, or smaller bag), many European lines allow only one item...period. And, you'll find that they may refer to carry-on as hand baggage. Call 'em up, and have a great trip.

Posted by
28 posts

I just flew Air France from Barcelona to Paris, then connecting to Delta back to the US. Air France was very strict with weight, and you could only take 12 kg total regardless of whether you have one or two bags. So both bags total needed to be 12kg or less. I had a medium backpack, and a carry-on size roller bag, and had to check the roller as the weight went over. They said I could have carried on both had the weight not gone over. When I retrieved my bag at US customs though, I just took it with me and did not recheck it for my last leg.

Posted by
49 posts

Thanks! My husband is planning on checking a bag, so we will just make sure the heavier stuff is in is bag. Thanks for the advice!