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

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

Do Air France and Delta 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. Delta: Main Basic (formerly Basic Economy) includes a carry-on and a personal item on U.S. flights. Checked bags cost extra.

Are Air France and Delta partners?

Yes. Both belong to SkyTeam, so you can usually earn miles and use elite benefits across the two.

AF vs DL · 2026 comparison

Air France vs Delta

Air France wins on a bigger carry-on; Delta wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and a more generous carry-on weight limit. 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

Delta

Wins 2 categories

A carry-on on its cheapest fare
A more generous carry-on weight limit

Quick verdict

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

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

Side by side

	Air France	Delta
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	Must fit under the seat
First checked bag (regular economy)	1 free bag	$45
Network
Alliance	SkyTeam	SkyTeam
Loyalty program	Flying Blue	SkyMiles
Main hubs	CDG	ATL, DTW, MSP, SLC, JFK

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 Delta 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 Delta includes it on every fare.

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

Personal items: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Air France, and anything that fits under the seat on Delta.

Air France includes one bag with Standard on flights between North America and Europe, and a first checked bag on Delta costs $45 on U.S. 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.

Delta (Delta Main Basic): Main Basic (formerly Basic Economy) includes a carry-on and a personal item on U.S. flights. Checked bags cost extra.

Loyalty and where they fly

Both are SkyTeam members, so status and miles can work across the two.

Loyalty programs: Flying Blue (Air France) and SkyMiles (Delta).

Air France's main hubs are Paris (CDG). Delta's are Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis (MSP), Salt Lake City (SLC), New York (JFK). 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 Delta if you want…

a carry-on on its cheapest fare
a more generous carry-on weight limit
to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
nonstops from ATL, DTW, MSP

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.