Before you travel
Checked and oversized luggage
The number of suitcases, their weight and their size are decided by your airline. Here is what cannot go in the hold and how to take bikes, boards or musical instruments.
Baggage allowance
Most luggage travels in the aircraft’s hold, but each airline sets its own rules on the type, number, weight and dimensions of bags. If your ticket does not include a checked bag or you want to add one after booking, check on your airline’s website what you are entitled to:
Oversized luggage
A bike, a surfboard, a cello or any item that does not meet your airline’s standard dimensions counts as special or oversized luggage. Airlines usually apply specific conditions to it, so check them on their website.
You can declare it when you book or when you arrive at the airport, at the check-in desk for this type of luggage.
- Pack it well and protect it.
- Make sure it meets the transport rules: bikes and scooters, for example, are only accepted under conditions relating to the battery and removable parts.
- Label it properly.
What can and cannot go in the hold
Liquids, cosmetics, aerosols and sharp or blunt objects that are not allowed in the cabin can go in the hold. However, the following are prohibited:
- explosives and explosive devices;
- flammable liquids, solids or gases;
- toxic or infectious substances;
- self-defence gases and equipment;
- radioactive materials;
- corrosive or irritant substances;
- lithium batteries and fuel cells.
E-cigarettes cannot go in your checked suitcase. You can take them in the cabin, but you cannot use them during the flight. Also remove the batteries from any electronic devices you check in.
If you have questions about a particular item, use the French Civil Aviation Authority’s search tool: AirBag, by the DGAC.
Tips for packing your suitcase
- Weigh and measure it at home so you don’t have to pay supplements at the desk.
- Attach a label with your name, address and phone number, and remove tags and barcodes from previous trips.
- Add something distinctive so you can recognise it on the belt and not mix it up with someone else’s.
- Wrap fragile items carefully.
- Keep valuables and essentials in your hand luggage.
- At the airport, never leave your bags alone even for a moment, don’t accept items from strangers and tell the staff if you see an abandoned bag.
A suitcase that is already damaged, badly packed, fragile or unsuitable for transport can still travel, but the airline will ask you to sign a document at check-in releasing it from liability.