Air France and KLM:
No More Cabin Bags in the Overhead Compartment

A historic shift for civil aviation

In recent years, low-cost airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air have taken over the short- and medium-haul market in Europe, pushing traditional carriers to find new strategies to stay competitive.

Until now, national carriers have stood out by focusing on comfort and included services—like hand luggage always being part of the ticket price.

However, the introduction of the “Basic” fare by Air France and KLM marks one of the latest shifts in the foundations of commercial aviation. The goal is to cut costs, speed up ground operations, and win back passengers drawn to the lower prices offered by low-cost airlines.

Which destinations are affected?

The new fare will initially be available on 12 European routes, selected to test the effectiveness of the model.

Among them are major airports like Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol, along with destinations such as Helsinki, Tunis, Athens, Vienna, Dublin, Stockholm, Munich, and Prague.

Italy will play a key role in this pilot phase, with two airports involved: Turin Caselle and Florence Amerigo Vespucci.

Why was the "Basic" fare created?

According to the joint announcement by the two airlines, the “Basic” fare was introduced to make their medium-haul network more appealing in an increasingly competitive market.

The group explains that the change aligns with the travel habits of modern passengers, who are increasingly used to traveling light and for shorter periods of time.

But there’s more: reducing cabin baggage could help speed up boarding and disembarkation times, bringing Air France and KLM closer to Ryanair’s famous turnaround time of 25 minutes.

In a market where every minute counts, this strategy aims to improve operational efficiency and reduce delays.

Nevertheless, this move goes against the direction of the European Union’s proposed changes to passenger rights, which aim to make it mandatory to include carry-on baggage in the base fare without additional charges.

Prices and available options

The “Basic” fare is the most affordable option offered by Air France and KLM, with prices that vary depending on the destination and travel date.

On average, the cost of a ticket with only a travel backpack is about 20% lower compared to standard fares.
Passengers who wish to add a carry-on trolley can do so by paying a surcharge “starting from €15”.

Flying Blue loyalty members (Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Ultimate) can continue to bring a carry-on bag for free even with the “Basic” fare. However, they won’t earn XP points toward maintaining their status.

This detail highlights how the new offer is designed for travelers who pack light and don’t necessarily fly frequently.

Even though Air France and KLM’s Basic, Light, and Standard fares are non-refundable, there are situations where you may still be entitled to a refund or compensation.

According to EC Regulation 261/2004, passengers are entitled to financial compensation and/or a ticket refund in cases where the airline is at fault, such as:

• Flight cancellation without proper notice.
• Significant delays exceeding 3 hours beyond the scheduled arrival time.
• Overbooking that prevents you from boarding.
• Itinerary changes that make the journey impractical.

Handling these situations can be challenging, but there’s a simple solution: Refly.

With Refly, you can get refunds and compensation quickly and without stress. Backed by a team of industry experts, Refly handles the entire process for you—from the initial claim to negotiations with the airline.

How does it work?

• Enter your flight details on Refly.
• Check if you're eligible for a refund or compensation in just a few minutes.
• Let Refly handle the process for you—no need to worry about forms or contacting the airline.

Why choose Refly?

• Simplicity: You provide your flight details, Refly takes care of the rest.
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Don’t let a cancellation or delay ruin your trip. Rely on Refly and claim what you’re entitled to!

An evolving market: between strategy and EU regulation

The decision by Air France and KLM comes at a sensitive time for the European market.

The European Union is discussing proposals to make carry-on baggage mandatory in the base fare, in line with a recent court ruling that considers it an essential part of the ticket.

Consumers and authorities are taking action against fares considered unfair, as shown by the fines imposed on Ryanair, EasyJet, and Vueling.

If the new EU rules are approved, Air France and KLM could face a conflict between regulatory requirements and their low-cost strategy.

At the moment, the airline group is presenting this decision as a test to evaluate whether reducing carry-on baggage can have a positive impact on the travel experience.

However, it's clear that the financial aspect plays a key role: ancillary revenues—including those from baggage fees—have become essential to the profitability of airlines.