Air Caraïbes operates transatlantic flights between France and the Caribbean, as well as an extensive regional inter-island network in the French West Indies. Baggage allowances depend strictly on your route, booked fare family, cabin class, and operating aircraft. This guide details precise metric and imperial dimensions, weight caps, pre-purchase fees, and route differences to help you prepare before heading to the airport.
Air Caraïbes includes one standard carry-on bag and one personal item on all flights. On long-haul transatlantic routes, cabin weight is capped at 12 kg (26.5 lbs) total with maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in). Regional inter-island ATR flights reduce carry-on limits to 5 kg (11 lbs) and 45 x 35 x 20 cm (17.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 in). Checked baggage varies by fare: Basic fares include zero checked bags, standard Economy includes one bag up to 23 kg (50.7 lbs), Premium Economy includes two bags up to 23 kg each, and Business Class includes two bags up to 32 kg (70.5 lbs) each.
Baggage Allowance Snapshot
Baggage inclusions vary significantly depending on whether you are flying long-haul across the Atlantic or taking a regional inter-island connection. Always check your ticket fare type to confirm if checked bags are included.
What can change: Carry-on weight caps drop drastically on regional turboprop aircraft. Pre-purchasing additional bags online saves money compared to airport counter payments.
Baggage Size Visual
Air Caraïbes measures carry-on luggage using length, width, and depth. Exterior hardware such as wheels, handles, and side pockets are included in overall dimensions.
Transatlantic Carry-On Bag
Published limit: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in)
Airbus A330 & A350 long-haul routes (Max 12 kg combined)
Regional ATR Carry-On Bag
Published limit: 45 x 35 x 20 cm (17.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 in)
Inter-island Caribbean routes (Max 5 kg combined)
Standard Checked Suitcase
Published limit: Max 158 linear cm (62.2 linear in)
All flights (23 kg or 32 kg weight limit based on cabin)
Visual guide - not to scale. Use the published numerical limit as the controlling rule.
Official Source Verification
Baggage rules can vary by fare, cabin, route, operating carrier, traveler status, and purchase channel. BaggageBase separates published rules from practical guidance.
How BaggageBase Checks This Information
BaggageBase prioritizes official airline conditions of carriage, published tariff schedules, fleet technical specifications, and direct booking engine baggage data. We verify dimensions and weight caps across both transatlantic widebody aircraft and regional turboprop operations to ensure complete accuracy.
Air Caraïbes Carry-On Baggage Allowance
Air Caraïbes allows passengers across all cabin classes to bring cabin luggage on board. However, the exact size and weight limits depend directly on the aircraft operating your flight sector. Cabin baggage is strictly weighed and measured, either during airport check-in or at the boarding gate.
Understanding the difference between long-haul widebody flights and short-haul regional hops prevents unexpected gate-check fees. You can cross-reference these dimensions with international carry-on size standards or consult our airline carry-on size comparison guide to see how Air Caraïbes compares with other global carriers.
Transatlantic Long-Haul Carry-On Limits (Airbus A330 / A350 Fleet)
Transatlantic long-haul flights between Paris-Orly (ORY) and the Caribbean (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, Dominican Republic) or French Guiana are operated by widebody Airbus A330 and A350 aircraft.
- Main Carry-On Size: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (approx. 21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in).
- Weight Cap: Combined total of 12 kg (26.5 lbs) for Soleil (Economy) and Caraïbes (Premium Economy). Madras (Business Class) allows between 12 kg and 18 kg total, depending on ticket terms.
- Included Items: 1 main carry-on piece + 1 personal item.
- Placement: The main carry-on bag must fit completely into the overhead compartment without assistance.
Regional Inter-Island Carry-On Limits (ATR Turboprop Fleet)
Regional flights between Caribbean islands (such as flights connecting Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy) are operated on smaller ATR 72 turboprop aircraft. Because overhead bins on these aircraft are compact, cabin allowance limits are lower.
- Main Carry-On Size: 45 x 35 x 20 cm (approx. 17.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 in).
- Weight Cap: Combined total of 5 kg (11.0 lbs) for your carry-on bag and personal item.
- Included Items: 1 main carry-on piece + 1 personal item.
- Placement: Suitcases exceeding regional dimensions will not fit in the ATR overhead bins and must be checked into the hold.
Air Caraïbes Personal Item Rules
In addition to your main carry-on bag, Air Caraïbes permits one smaller personal item in the cabin. This accessory must fit directly under the seat in front of you.
- Acceptable Personal Items: Small handbag, briefcase, laptop sleeve or thin computer bag, small backpack, or camera bag.
- Placement Rule: Must be placed beneath the seat ahead of you during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
- Weight Calculation: Air Caraïbes counts the weight of your personal item toward your overall cabin weight limit (12 kg on long-haul flights or 5 kg on ATR regional flights).
To review how under-seat expectations vary across major international airlines, see our airline personal item size comparison.
Air Caraïbes Checked Baggage Allowance by Fare & Cabin Class
Checked baggage inclusions on Air Caraïbes depend on your fare tier and cabin class. Unbundled "Basic" or "Light" fares do not include free checked bags, whereas standard fares in Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class provide complimentary checked allowances.
| Cabin & Fare Class | Included Pieces | Max Weight per Piece | Max Linear Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soleil Basic (Light) | 0 pieces | N/A | N/A |
| Soleil Smart / Flex (Economy) | 1 piece | 23 kg (50.7 lbs) | 158 cm (62.2 in) |
| Caraïbes (Premium Economy) | 2 pieces | 23 kg (50.7 lbs) each | 158 cm (62.2 in) |
| Madras (Business Class) | 2 pieces | 32 kg (70.5 lbs) each | 158 cm (62.2 in) |
| Infants (Under 2 yrs on lap) | 1 piece | 10 kg (22.0 lbs) | 115 cm (45.2 in) |
Soleil (Economy Class) Baggage Rules
Soleil is the Economy cabin on Air Caraïbes. It is split into distinct fare families:
- Soleil Basic (Light): Includes cabin baggage only. Passengers needing checked luggage must pay an ancillary add-on fee online or at the airport.
- Soleil Smart & Flex: Includes one free checked bag weighing up to 23 kg (50.7 lbs) with maximum linear dimensions of 158 cm (62.2 in).
Caraïbes (Premium Economy) Baggage Rules
The Caraïbes cabin offers enhanced seating comfort alongside expanded luggage allowances:
- Allowance: Includes two complimentary checked bags.
- Weight & Size Caps: Each bag may weigh up to 23 kg (50.7 lbs) with a maximum linear size of 158 cm (62.2 in).
- Priority Handling: Checked bags receive priority tags for quicker retrieval at arrival carousels.
Madras (Business Class) Baggage Rules
Madras represents Air Caraïbes' highest class of service:
- Allowance: Includes two complimentary checked bags.
- Weight & Size Caps: Each bag can weigh up to 32 kg (70.5 lbs) with a maximum linear size of 158 cm (62.2 in).
- Safety Threshold: 32 kg is the absolute maximum weight allowed per bag under airport health and safety regulations.
Air Caraïbes Excess Baggage Fees
If your ticket does not include a checked bag, or if you plan to travel with additional suitcases beyond your fare allowance, purchasing baggage online in advance is significantly cheaper than paying at the airport counter.
| Baggage Type & Route | Online Pre-Purchase Fee | Airport Counter Fee | Scope & Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Bag (Soleil Basic - Transatlantic) | €40 – €50 | €60 – €70 | Per flight segment |
| 2nd / Extra Bag (Transatlantic) | €70 – €90 | €100 – €120 | Per bag, per segment |
| 1st / Extra Bag (Regional Inter-Island) | €15 – €25 | €30 – €40 | Per bag, per segment (ATR flights) |
First & Additional Checked Bag Pricing
Pre-purchasing extra bags via the Air Caraïbes website or mobile app (under "Manage My Booking") provides discounts of 30% to 40% compared to airport check-in desk rates. Charges are assessed per single flight segment.
Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
When checked luggage exceeds standard weight limits or linear dimensions, Air Caraïbes imposes flat-rate penalty fees at airport check-in counters.
| Penalty Condition | Threshold | Airport Fee | Operational Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overweight Bag | 23.1 kg to 32 kg (50.8 to 70.5 lbs) | €70 – €100 per bag | Economy & Premium Economy cabins |
| Oversized Bag | 158 cm to 300 cm (62.2 to 118.1 in) | €100 – €150 per bag | Sum of Length + Width + Height |
| Absolute Maximum | Over 32 kg (70.5 lbs) or > 300 cm | Refused as passenger luggage | Must be shipped via Cargo / Freight |
Overweight Bag Charges (23 kg to 32 kg)
If you are flying in Economy (Soleil) or Premium Economy (Caraïbes) and your checked bag weighs between 23.1 kg (50.8 lbs) and 32 kg (70.5 lbs), an overweight surcharge of €70 to €100 per bag applies at the airport.
If your bag weighs 25 kg, paying the overweight fee at the counter is usually more expensive than pre-purchasing a second 23 kg checked bag online before departure.
Oversized Bag Charges (158 cm to 300 cm)
Luggage measuring between 158 cm (62.2 in) and 300 cm (118.1 in) in total linear dimensions incur an oversized baggage fee of €100 to €150 per item. Any item larger than 300 cm or heavier than 32 kg will not be accepted at the passenger check-in counter.
Route, Fleet, and Codeshare Differences
Travelers flying multi-segment itineraries on Air Caraïbes must pay attention to operating aircraft changes and interline connections.
Transatlantic Airbus vs. Regional ATR Operations
A common routing involves flying from Paris-Orly to Guadeloupe (PTP) or Martinique (FDF) on an Airbus A350 widebody jet, followed by a connecting ATR 72 flight to a smaller island like Saint Martin (SFG) or Saint Barthélemy (SBH).
- Carry-On Discrepancy: On the transatlantic Airbus segment, your cabin allowance is 12 kg with 55 x 40 x 20 cm limits. On the regional ATR segment, cabin limits drop to 5 kg and 45 x 35 x 20 cm.
- Gate Check Rule: Standard full-sized carry-on rollaboards that pass check-in in Paris will not fit in ATR overhead bins. Gate agents in the Caribbean will force these items to be checked into the hold.
Codeshare & Rail Connections (TGV AIR, French bee)
If your flight is sold under an Air Caraïbes flight number but operated by a partner airline (such as French bee or Corsair) or involves a train connection via TGV AIR, baggage rules may be dictated by the operating carrier or IATA Resolution 302 (Most Significant Carrier rules). Always review the operating carrier's baggage policy for each leg of your trip.
Loyalty, Military, and Traveler Exceptions
Air Caraïbes offers specialized baggage allowances for frequent flyers, families traveling with infants, and contractual passenger groups.
| Traveler Category | Extra Allowance | Conditions & Caps |
|---|---|---|
| Préférence Silver | Standard ticket allowance | No extra free luggage benefit |
| Préférence Gold | +1 complimentary checked bag | Max 23 kg (50.7 lbs) on Air Caraïbes flights |
| Préférence Diamond | +1 complimentary checked bag | Max 23 kg (50.7 lbs) on Air Caraïbes flights |
| Infants (< 2 yrs on lap) | 1 bag (10 kg) + 1 stroller or car seat | Checked free of charge |
Préférence Loyalty Program Inclusions
Members of the Air Caraïbes frequent flyer program, Préférence, receive extra baggage privileges depending on their status tier:
- Gold & Diamond Elite Members: Entitled to one extra checked bag free of charge weighing up to 23 kg (50.7 lbs) on flights operated by Air Caraïbes.
Infants, Children, and Family Allowances
- Infants Under 2 Years (Lap Child): Receive a checked bag allowance of 1 piece up to 10 kg (22.0 lbs) with maximum dimensions of 115 cm (45.2 in). Additionally, parents may check one collapsible stroller or infant car seat free of charge.
- Children (Ages 2 to 11): Entitled to the standard baggage allowance corresponding to the adult ticket purchased.
Military and Student Allowances
Special additional luggage allowances for military personnel or regional West Indies students apply strictly when tickets are booked under corporate contract codes or dedicated regional government travel agreements.
Special Baggage: Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments, and Assistance Devices
Non-standard items such as sports gear, musical instruments, and mobility devices follow specific acceptance criteria on Air Caraïbes flights.
Sports Equipment (Surfing, Golf, Diving)
- Standard Gear: Golf bags, diving equipment, or small sports bags weighing under 23 kg and within 158 linear cm can be substituted for an included checked bag under your fare allowance.
- Large Gear (Surfboards, Windsurfers): Surfboards, bodyboards, and windsurfing boards exceeding 158 linear cm up to 300 cm incur a dedicated sports equipment fee of approximately €70 to €100 per segment. Advance notification via customer service is required due to hold space limitations.
Musical Instruments
- Small Instruments: Violins, flutes, or small brass instruments may be carried into the cabin in place of your carry-on bag, provided they weigh under 12 kg (5 kg on ATR flights) and fit overhead.
- Large Instruments: Guitars or cellos must be checked in a rigid hard-shell case (subject to standard checked and oversized fees) or transported in the cabin on a paid extra seat booked in advance.
Mobility Aids and Medical Equipment
- Wheelchairs & Walking Aids: Manual wheelchairs, crutches, and mobility assistance equipment are carried free of charge in addition to standard luggage allowances.
- Battery-Powered Equipment: Wheelchairs powered by lithium-ion or spillable batteries require airline notification at least 48 hours before departure to ensure compliance with dangerous goods regulations.
What Happens If Your Bag Exceeds Limits at the Airport
When a bag fails to comply with published size or weight restrictions at check-in or boarding gates, airport agents enforce strict resolution protocols:
- At the Check-In Counter: Bags weighing over 23 kg (in Economy) incur an immediate overweight fee (€70–€100). If you are flying on a Basic fare and bring an unbooked bag, you must pay full airport counter rates (€60–€70) instead of lower online rates.
- At the Boarding Gate: Gate agents actively inspect cabin luggage. Non-compliant carry-on bags or items exceeding combined weight caps (12 kg long-haul / 5 kg regional) are removed, sent to the hold, and charged full airport excess fees before boarding is permitted.
- Accepted Payment Methods: Airport desks accept major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard). Cash payments are restricted or no longer accepted at many terminals, including Paris-Orly.
Air Caraïbes Pre-Airport Baggage Checklist
Follow these steps before departing for the airport to avoid unexpected fees and gate delays.
- Verify your operating aircraft. Check if your flight is a long-haul Airbus (12 kg cabin limit) or a regional ATR turboprop (5 kg cabin limit).
- Weigh your bags at home. Ensure Economy checked bags do not exceed 23 kg (50.7 lbs) to avoid the €70–€100 overweight fee at the counter.
- Measure exterior hardware. Confirm carry-on dimensions (55 x 40 x 20 cm) include handles, wheels, and side pockets.
- Pre-book extra bags online. Purchase additional checked bags at least 24 to 48 hours prior to departure via "Manage My Booking" to save up to 40%.
- Keep personal items under the seat. Ensure small handbags or laptop bags fit completely beneath the seat in front of you.
- Respect check-in deadlines. Drop checked luggage at least 60 minutes before long-haul transatlantic departures and 30 minutes before ATR regional flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carry-on baggage size limit for Air Caraïbes?
On transatlantic Airbus flights, carry-on bags must not exceed 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in) with a total combined cabin weight (carry-on plus personal item) of 12 kg (26.5 lbs). On regional ATR inter-island flights, the size limit is 45 x 35 x 20 cm (17.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 in) with a strict 5 kg (11 lbs) total weight cap.
Is a checked bag included in an Air Caraïbes Soleil Basic fare?
No. Soleil Basic (Light) fares include cabin baggage only (one carry-on bag plus one personal item). Checked bags are not included and must be purchased as an ancillary add-on.
How much does it cost to add a checked bag on Air Caraïbes?
For transatlantic flights, pre-purchasing a first checked bag online on a Basic fare costs approximately €40 to €50 per segment, compared to €60 to €70 at the airport counter. Second or additional bags cost €70 to €90 online versus €100 to €120 at the airport.
What happens if my checked bag weighs more than 23 kg on Air Caraïbes?
If you are flying in Economy (Soleil) or Premium Economy (Caraïbes) and your checked bag weighs between 23.1 kg and 32 kg (50.8 to 70.5 lbs), you will be charged a flat overweight fee of approximately €70 to €100 at the airport counter. Bags over 32 kg are strictly refused as passenger baggage.
Does Air Caraïbes allow free checked bags for infants?
Yes. Infants under 2 years old traveling on an adult's lap receive a complimentary checked bag allowance of up to 10 kg (22 lbs), as well as one collapsible stroller or car seat checked free of charge.
Do Air Caraïbes Préférence Gold and Diamond members get extra baggage?
Yes. Préférence Gold and Diamond frequent flyers are entitled to one additional checked bag weighing up to 23 kg (50.7 lbs) free of charge on flights operated by Air Caraïbes.
Can I bring a surfboard on an Air Caraïbes flight?
Yes. Surfboards and large sports equipment measuring between 158 cm and 300 cm in total linear dimensions can be transported for a specialized sports equipment fee of approximately €70 to €100 per segment.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
Air Caraïbes enforces clear structural differences between long-haul transatlantic journeys and regional Caribbean network connections. While standard Economy fares (Soleil Smart/Flex) include one 23 kg checked bag, unbundled Basic fares require advance payment for hold luggage.
To keep travel costs low, verify whether your itinerary includes regional ATR flights, where carry-on weight limits drop from 12 kg to 5 kg. Always weigh packed suitcases before leaving home and purchase extra checked bags online at least 24 hours prior to departure to take advantage of discounted advance rates.
Airline baggage rules and fees can change by route, fare, cabin, operating carrier, traveler status, purchase channel, and departure date. Check the airline's official baggage policy or calculator before booking, paying, or traveling. BaggageBase reviews information for 2026 where possible, but the airline's published terms remain the final authority.
