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

AF

Wins 1 category

  • A more generous carry-on weight limit

Iberia

IB

Wins 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 FranceIberia
Bags
Carry-on size55 × 35 × 25 cm56 × 40 × 25 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fareNot on some basic faresNot on some basic fares
Carry-on weight limit12 kg (26.5 lb)10 kg (22 lb)
Personal item40 × 30 × 15 cm40 × 30 × 15 cm
First checked bag (regular economy)1 free bag1 free bag
Network
AllianceSkyTeamoneworld
Loyalty programFlying BlueIberia Club
Main hubsCDGMAD

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.

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