AF vs KL · 2026 comparison
Air France vs KLM
Air France and KLM are closely matched on the things we compare. 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
AFNo clear category wins
KLM
KLNo clear category wins
Quick verdict
Air France and KLM are closely matched on the things we compare. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.
- Carry-on size
- Air France: 55 × 35 × 25 cm · KLM: 55 × 35 × 25 cm
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- Air France: Not on some basic fares · KLM: Not on some basic fares
- First checked bag (regular economy)
- Air France: 1 free bag · KLM: 1 free bag
Side by side
| Air France | KLM | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 55 × 35 × 25 cm | 55 × 35 × 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) | 12 kg (26.5 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 | SkyTeam |
| Loyalty program | Flying Blue | Flying Blue |
| Main hubs | CDG | AMS |
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
Both airlines allow a carry-on up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in).
Air France's Basic / Light can be personal-item only, while KLM's Basic / Light can be personal-item only.
Carry-on weight limits: 12 kg (26.5 lb) on Air France, 12 kg (26.5 lb) on KLM.
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 KLM.
Air France includes one bag with Standard on flights between North America and Europe, and KLM includes one bag with Standard on flights between North America and Europe.
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.
KLM (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.
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 Flying Blue (KLM).
Air France's main hubs are Paris (CDG). KLM's are Amsterdam (AMS). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.
Which should you book?
Choose Air France if you want…
- to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
- nonstops from CDG
Choose KLM if you want…
- to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
- nonstops from AMS
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 KLM FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. Air France and KLM are closely matched on the things we compare. 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)
- KLM official baggage policy
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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