Air Caraibes carry-on baggage
On Air Caraïbes, carry-on baggage is limited to 55x35x25 cm and 12 kg in Caribbean Class and 15 kg in Madras Class, plus one free personal item (handbag, backpack, or laptop). This guide centralizes all 2026 rules for flights from Paris Orly to Pointe-à-Pitre, Fort-de-France, Cayenne (French Guiana), and Saint-Martin: maximum dimensions, maximum weight, liquids, food, fruits, prohibited items, and checked baggage excess fees.
| Air Caraïbes Carry-on Baggage Policy | 2026 Specification |
|---|---|
| Maximum dimensions for Air Caraïbes carry-on baggage | 55 x 35 x 25 cm (including wheels and handles) |
| Maximum weight Caribbean Class (Economy) | 12 kg (12 kilograms) |
| Maximum weight Madras Class (Premium) | 15 kg |
| Free personal item allowed | 1 handbag, backpack, or laptop (40x30x15 cm) |
| Liquids allowed in passenger cabin | Bottles of 100 ml max, in 1 clear 1-liter bag |
| Checked baggage allowance Basic fare (long-haul) | 0 free baggage, 1st 23kg bag paid from 65 EUR |
| Checked baggage excess paid at the airport | From 50 to 80 EUR per oversized or overweight bag |
Air Caraïbes carry-on baggage dimensions and weight (55x35x25 cm, 12 kg)
Air Caraïbes carry-on baggage must not exceed 55x35x25 cm for a maximum weight of 12 kg in Caribbean Class (Economy), and 15 kg in Madras Class (Premium). These maximum dimensions include wheels, handles, and side pockets. At Orly Airport, as well as in Pointe-à-Pitre or Fort-de-France, staff may measure your suitcase in the designated sizer at the boarding gate before departure.
What are the maximum dimensions and weight for a carry-on bag on Air Caraïbes?
The official carry-on allowance published by Air Caraïbes specifies a single format of 55x35x25 cm, which is slightly more generous than the standard 55x40x20 cm imposed by other French airlines like Air France or Corsair. The allowed weight varies depending on your ticket:
- Caribbean Class (Basic, Smart, Flex): 1 carry-on bag of 12 kg + 1 personal item.
- Madras Class (Premium long-haul): 1 carry-on bag of 15 kg + 1 personal item.
- Diamond Préférence or Gold member: same carry-on allowance, priority boarding.
Is carry-on baggage free or paid on Air Caraïbes flights?
Carry-on baggage is included free of charge with all Air Caraïbes tickets, including the Basic fare and the Basic ticket for transatlantic flights between Paris Orly and the Antilles, French Guiana, or Saint-Martin. Unlike low-cost airlines, Air Caraïbes does not charge a carry-on supplement, even on its long-haul flights to Pointe-à-Pitre, Fort-de-France, or Cayenne. The format remains more permissive than the average for the Simply network.
Air Caraïbes format 55x35x25
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Difference between hand luggage and carry-on luggage on Air Caraïbes
Hand luggage refers to the free personal item you keep under the seat in front of you, while carry-on luggage is the main suitcase stored in the overhead compartment. On Air Caraïbes, you can carry both free of charge, in addition to checked baggage depending on your fare. This double allowance is one of the concrete advantages compared to the low-cost airline French Bee.
Small free hand luggage (handbag, backpack, laptop)
The personal item must fit under the seat (approximately 40x30x15 cm). Accepted items include: a handbag, a backpack, a laptop in its case, a camera, or a changing bag for a baby on your lap. For light short-haul inter-island travel between Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Saint Lucia, this single item is often sufficient.
Large carry-on luggage (55x35x25 trolley suitcase)
The large format is stored exclusively in the overhead compartment. Opt for a rigid trolley with silent double wheels, with an integrated TSA lock, ideal for quickly measuring the size before check-in. If you are comparing several airlines, also consult our guide Air France carry-on baggage or our carry-on baggage guides which covers all long-haul specialists.
Special cases: baby on lap, stroller, car seat
A baby on your lap entitles you to a free changing bag in the cabin, plus a stroller or car seat checked free of charge in the hold (outside adult allowance). Paying children have the same allowance as an adult passenger. Remember to declare them at the time of booking to avoid any excess charges at the boarding gate.
Regulations for liquids and prohibited items in the cabin
Liquids in the cabin are limited to bottles of 100 ml maximum, grouped in a transparent, resealable 1-liter bag, in accordance with European regulations controlled by the DGAC. This restriction applies to security checks at Paris Orly and all airports in the French Antilles. Sharp objects, non-standard lithium external batteries, and unprotected e-cigarettes are prohibited or strictly regulated.
Allowed bottles and toiletries
You can carry in the passenger cabin: perfumes, creams, toothpaste, shampoo, gels, in individual bottles of 100 ml maximum. Liquid prescription medications and duty-free purchases made after security control are not affected by the limit, provided you keep the sealed receipt.
Prohibited items and strict restrictions
Strictly prohibited on board Air Caraïbes flights are: firearms, knives, long scissors, storm lighters, external batteries above 100 Wh, undeclared musical instruments, camping equipment (stoves, gas). A complete list of prohibited items can be consulted with Air Caraïbes customer service before departure.
Transport of food and fruits in the cabin
Solid food is allowed in the cabin on Air Caraïbes (sandwiches, dried fruits, biscuits, chocolate), but fresh products such as fruits, meats, and cheeses are subject to French and European customs restrictions upon arrival in Pointe-à-Pitre, Fort-de-France, Cayenne, or Port-au-Prince. On inter-island flights in the Caribbean, some islands like Santo Domingo or Saint Lucia apply stricter rules.
Fruits, meats and agricultural products
Fresh fruits (mangoes, pineapples, citrus fruits) are tolerated in reasonable quantities from mainland France to Guadeloupe, Martinique, and French Guiana. Conversely, exporting fruits from the Antilles to mainland France is regulated to prevent the spread of pests such as the fruit fly. Inquire with customs services before boarding a transport crate.
Meals, bottles and baby products
You can bring water or milk bottles in the cabin for a baby on your lap, without a 100 ml limit, in reasonable quantities for the duration of the transatlantic flight. Small jars of baby food and compotes are also accepted. Present them separately at the Orly security check to speed up check-in.
Prices for additional baggage and checked baggage allowance
If your carry-on baggage is not enough, the first checked bag costs between 50 and 80 EUR on the Basic fare depending on the destination, free with the Smart fare to Pointe-à-Pitre, Fort-de-France or Saint-Martin. An excess of 23 kg to 32 kg is charged an average of 60 EUR at the airport. Exceeding the size limit (suitcase over 158 cm combined) triggers an overweight fee of 80 to 120 EUR. Weigh and measure your baggage before departure to avoid paying a supplement at the boarding gate.
Checked baggage allowance according to fare (Basic, Smart, Flex)
| Air Caraïbes long-haul fare | 2026 included checked baggage allowance | First paid checked baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Basic fare (Basic Caribbean ticket) | 0 baggage of 23 kg | 65 to 80 EUR (Simply network) |
| Smart fare Caribbean class | 1 baggage of 23 kg | 50 EUR for 2nd baggage |
| Flex fare Caribbean class | 2 baggage of 23 kg | 50 EUR for 3rd baggage |
| Madras Premium Class | 2 baggage of 32 kg | Included up to 32 kg/piece |
Special baggage: sports, musical instruments, animals
The transport of diving equipment, surfboards, musical instruments, or animals in the cabin must be declared at least 48 hours before departure. Prices vary from 80 to 200 EUR depending on the format and destination. Dogs and cats under 8 kg can travel in the cabin for an additional flat fee.
Allowance differences according to destinations and member status
Transatlantic flights from Paris Orly to Pointe-à-Pitre, Fort-de-France, Cayenne, Saint-Martin, Santo Domingo, Port-au-Prince, and Havana share the same cabin allowance of 12 kg in Caribbean Class. Short-haul inter-island flights operated by the Simply network have a more restrictive allowance: only 1 carry-on bag of 6 kg between Guadeloupe and Martinique. Diamond Préférence, Gold, and Silver Préférence statuses offer an additional kilo and priority at the counter. If your itinerary involves a North American connection to the Antilles, compare with the rules for Air Canada carry-on baggage, which also serves Pointe-à-Pitre and Fort-de-France via Montreal.
Tips for traveling light and avoiding excess baggage
To optimize your carry-on baggage and avoid oversized baggage fees at boarding:
- Weigh each suitcase before leaving with a travel scale (100 g accuracy).
- Measure dimensions including wheels and handles, never flat.
- Check in online 24 hours before departure to validate the format.
- Compare with other airlines using our guide Vueling carry-on baggage or Royal Air Maroc carry-on baggage.
- Prefer a rigid ABS+PC suitcase with silent double wheels, lighter than soft suitcases.
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Air Caraïbes carry-on baggage FAQ
What is the weight limit for a carry-on bag?
On Air Caraïbes, the maximum weight for a carry-on bag is 12 kg in Caribbean Class (Economy) and 15 kg in Madras Class (Premium), for a size of 55x35x25 cm including wheels. This carry-on allowance applies to all transatlantic flights from Paris Orly to the Antilles or French Guiana.
Are carry-on bags free on Air Caraïbes?
Yes, carry-on baggage is completely free on Air Caraïbes, even with the Basic fare. All passengers, including in long-haul economy class to Pointe-à-Pitre or Fort-de-France, can bring one 12 kg carry-on bag and one personal item (handbag, backpack, or laptop) without paying extra.
What size bottles are allowed in the airplane cabin?
Bottles allowed in the cabin must contain a maximum of 100 ml each, grouped in a transparent, resealable plastic bag of 1 liter maximum. This European rule applies to all liquids: perfume, gel, cream, toothpaste, water. Prescription medications and sealed duty-free purchases are not affected by the limit.
What is the difference between hand luggage and cabin baggage?
Hand luggage is a light personal accessory (handbag, backpack, laptop) stowed under the seat, while cabin baggage is the main suitcase stored in the overhead compartment. On Air Caraïbes, both are free and cumulative: 1 suitcase 55x35x25 cm weighing 12 kg + 1 accessory 40x30x15 cm.
What are the maximum dimensions and weight for cabin baggage on Air Caraïbes?
The maximum dimensions for Air Caraïbes cabin baggage are 55 x 35 x 25 cm, including wheels and handles, with a maximum weight of 12 kg in Caraïbes class and 15 kg in Madras class. These rules apply to flights from Paris Orly to Pointe-à-Pitre, Fort-de-France, Cayenne, and Saint-Martin.
Conclusion: Prepare for your Air Caraïbes flight with peace of mind
Air Caraïbes' cabin allowance remains one of the most generous on the French transatlantic market: 12 kg in 55x35x25 cm free from the Basic fare, plus a personal accessory included. By respecting the rules on liquids, food, and prohibited items, you will avoid surprise fees at the boarding gate in Orly as well as in Pointe-à-Pitre. For a serene trip to the Antilles, Guyana, or Saint-Martin, choose a rigid suitcase in the exact 55x35x25 cm format, equipped with a TSA lock and silent wheels. As for content, our guide what to put in your suitcase details the ideal list for a 7 to 10-day tropical stay.
