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

Air France: 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), up to 12 kg (26.5 lb). Virgin Atlantic: 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in), up to 10 kg (22 lb). Air France allows the larger bag.

Where do Air France and Virgin Atlantic fly from?

Air France's main hubs are Paris (CDG). Virgin Atlantic's are London (LHR). The better pick is often whichever flies nonstop from your airport.

Are Air France and Virgin Atlantic partners?

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

AF vs VS · 2026 comparison

Air France vs Virgin Atlantic

Q: Do Air France and Virgin Atlantic 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. Virgin Atlantic: Economy Light includes a carry-on and a personal item, but no checked bag.

Air France wins on a bigger carry-on and a more generous carry-on weight limit; Virgin Atlantic wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare. 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 2 categories

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

Virgin Atlantic

Wins 1 category

A carry-on on its cheapest fare

Quick verdict

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

Carry-on size: Air France: 55 × 35 × 25 cm · Virgin Atlantic: 56 × 36 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Air France: Not on some basic fares · Virgin Atlantic: Included on every fare
First checked bag (regular economy): Air France: 1 free bag · Virgin Atlantic: 1 free bag

Side by side

	Air France	Virgin Atlantic
Bags
Carry-on size	55 × 35 × 25 cm	56 × 36 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Not on some basic fares	Included on every fare
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	SkyTeam
Loyalty program	Flying Blue	Flying Club
Main hubs	CDG	LHR

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 Virgin Atlantic up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in), so Air France's is roomier.

Air France's Basic / Light can be personal-item only, while Virgin Atlantic includes it on every fare.

Carry-on weight limits: 12 kg (26.5 lb) on Air France, 10 kg (22 lb) on Virgin Atlantic.

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 Virgin Atlantic.

Air France includes one bag with Standard on flights between North America and Europe, and Virgin Atlantic includes one bag with Economy Classic on flights between the U.S. and the UK.

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.

Virgin Atlantic (Economy Light): Economy Light includes a carry-on and a personal item, 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 Club (Virgin Atlantic).

Air France's main hubs are Paris (CDG). Virgin Atlantic's are London (LHR). 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
a more generous carry-on weight limit
to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
nonstops from CDG

Choose Virgin Atlantic if you want…

a carry-on on its cheapest fare
to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
nonstops from LHR

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.