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

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

Are Air France and United partners?

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

AF vs UA · 2026 comparison

Air France vs United

Q: Do Air France and United 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. United: Basic Economy includes only a personal item on most U.S. and short-haul flights. A full-size carry-on is allowed on transatlantic, transpacific and South America routes, and for MileagePlus Premier members and eligible United cardmembers.

Air France wins on a bigger carry-on; United wins on 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

United

Wins 2 categories

A more generous carry-on weight limit
A bigger personal item

Quick verdict

Air France wins on a bigger carry-on; United wins on 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 · United: 22 × 14 × 9 in
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Air France: Not on some basic fares · United: Not on some basic fares
First checked bag (regular economy): Air France: 1 free bag · United: $45

Side by side

	Air France	United
Bags
Carry-on size	55 × 35 × 25 cm	22 × 14 × 9 in
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)	None published
Personal item	40 × 30 × 15 cm	17 × 10 × 9 in
First checked bag (regular economy)	1 free bag	$45
Network
Alliance	SkyTeam	Star Alliance
Loyalty program	Flying Blue	MileagePlus
Main hubs	CDG	ORD, DEN, IAH, EWR, SFO

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 United 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 United's Basic Economy can be personal-item only.

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

Personal items: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Air France, and 17 × 10 × 9 in (43 × 25 × 23 cm) on United.

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

United (Basic Economy): Basic Economy includes only a personal item on most U.S. and short-haul flights. A full-size carry-on is allowed on transatlantic, transpacific and South America routes, and for MileagePlus Premier members and eligible United cardmembers.

Loyalty and where they fly

Air France is in SkyTeam and United is in Star Alliance.

Loyalty programs: Flying Blue (Air France) and MileagePlus (United).

Air France's main hubs are Paris (CDG). United's are Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), Newark (EWR), San Francisco (SFO). 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 United if you want…

a more generous carry-on weight limit
a bigger personal item
to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
nonstops from ORD, DEN, IAH

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.