Which has the bigger carry-on allowance, Air France or American?

Air France: 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), up to 12 kg (26.5 lb). American: 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm). Air France allows the larger bag.

Are Air France and American partners?

They aren't in the same alliance (Air France: SkyTeam; American: oneworld), so miles and status generally don't transfer between them.

AF vs AA · 2026 comparison

Air France vs American

Q: Do Air France and American include a carry-on on basic economy?

Air France: The Basic fare on short-haul routes includes only a small under-seat bag. Light fares include a cabin bag but no checked bag. American: Basic Economy includes a full-size carry-on and a personal item. Checked bags cost extra.

Air France wins on a bigger carry-on; American wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare, a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

Air France

Wins 1 category

A bigger carry-on

American

Wins 3 categories

A carry-on on its cheapest fare
A more generous carry-on weight limit
A bigger personal item

Quick verdict

Air France wins on a bigger carry-on; American wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare, a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.

Carry-on size: Air France: 55 × 35 × 25 cm · American: 22 × 14 × 9 in
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Air France: Not on some basic fares · American: Included on every fare
First checked bag (regular economy): Air France: 1 free bag · American: $45

Side by side

	Air France	American
Bags
Carry-on size	55 × 35 × 25 cm	22 × 14 × 9 in
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Not on some basic fares	Included on every fare
Carry-on weight limit	12 kg (26.5 lb)	None published
Personal item	40 × 30 × 15 cm	18 × 14 × 8 in
First checked bag (regular economy)	1 free bag	$45
Network
Alliance	SkyTeam	oneworld
Loyalty program	Flying Blue	AAdvantage
Main hubs	CDG	DFW, CLT, ORD, MIA, PHL

Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.

Bags and fees

Air France allows a carry-on up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), and American up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm), so Air France's is roomier.

Air France's Basic / Light can be personal-item only, while American includes it on every fare.

Air France caps carry-ons at 12 kg (26.5 lb); American publishes no limit.

Personal items: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Air France, and 18 × 14 × 8 in (46 × 36 × 20 cm) on American.

Air France includes one bag with Standard on flights between North America and Europe, and a first checked bag on American costs $45 on U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and short-haul international flights.

Basic economy

Air France (Basic / Light): The Basic fare on short-haul routes includes only a small under-seat bag. Light fares include a cabin bag but no checked bag.

American (Basic Economy): Basic Economy includes a full-size carry-on and a personal item. Checked bags cost extra.

Loyalty and where they fly

Air France is in SkyTeam and American is in oneworld.

Loyalty programs: Flying Blue (Air France) and AAdvantage (American).

Air France's main hubs are Paris (CDG). American's are Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), Philadelphia (PHL). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.

Which should you book?

Choose Air France if you want…

a bigger carry-on
to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
nonstops from CDG

Choose American if you want…

a carry-on on its cheapest fare
a more generous carry-on weight limit
a bigger personal item
to earn and use oneworld miles and status
nonstops from DFW, CLT, ORD

On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.