AF vs IB · 2026 comparison
Air France vs Iberia
Air France wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; Iberia wins on a bigger carry-on. 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
AFWins 1 category
- A more generous carry-on weight limit
Iberia
IBWins 1 category
- A bigger carry-on
Quick verdict
Air France wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; Iberia wins on a bigger carry-on. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.
- Carry-on size
- Air France: 55 × 35 × 25 cm · Iberia: 56 × 40 × 25 cm
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- Air France: Not on some basic fares · Iberia: Not on some basic fares
- First checked bag (regular economy)
- Air France: 1 free bag · Iberia: 1 free bag
Side by side
| Air France | Iberia | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 55 × 35 × 25 cm | 56 × 40 × 25 cm |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Not on some basic fares | Not on some basic fares |
| Carry-on weight limit | 12 kg (26.5 lb) | 10 kg (22 lb) |
| Personal item | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | 40 × 30 × 15 cm |
| First checked bag (regular economy) | 1 free bag | 1 free bag |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | SkyTeam | oneworld |
| Loyalty program | Flying Blue | Iberia Club |
| Main hubs | CDG | MAD |
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 Iberia up to 56 × 40 × 25 cm (22 × 15.7 × 9.8 in), so Iberia's is roomier.
Air France's Basic / Light can be personal-item only, while Iberia's Basic can be personal-item only.
Carry-on weight limits: 12 kg (26.5 lb) on Air France, 10 kg (22 lb) on Iberia.
Personal items: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Air France, and 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Iberia.
Air France includes one bag with Standard on flights between North America and Europe, and Iberia includes one bag with Optima on flights between the U.S. and Spain.
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.
Iberia (Basic): Long-haul Basic fares include a carry-on; on European routes, check your fare.
Loyalty and where they fly
Air France is in SkyTeam and Iberia is in oneworld.
Loyalty programs: Flying Blue (Air France) and Iberia Club (Iberia).
Air France's main hubs are Paris (CDG). Iberia's are Madrid (MAD). 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 more generous carry-on weight limit
- to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
- nonstops from CDG
Choose Iberia if you want…
- a bigger carry-on
- to earn and use oneworld miles and status
- nonstops from MAD
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.
Air France vs Iberia FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. Air France wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; Iberia wins on a bigger carry-on. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.
Keep comparing
Bag rules and fees
Other comparisons
Connecting at their hubs
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.
- Air France official baggage policy
- Travel-Dealz: Air France and KLM Basic fare without a cabin bag
- Upgraded Points: carry-on size chart for 63 airlines (updated May 16, 2026)
- Iberia official baggage policy
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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