Carry on Suitcase or Backpack for Europe

[CaliforniaGirl09]

Has anyone flown Air France from CDG to another European country? I fly Ohio to JFK on Delta, then Air France to CDG then Air France to Budapest. I called Air France and they said everything would be per Delta's allowances since it was a single ticket, but I don't know that a gate agent at CDG would know or care about that.

Sayhello

Yes, this is what happened to me when air France pulled my carryon and made me check it. We were flying to our ABD in Scotland through cdg. I have the Tumi European size 20" roller and they made me check mine, but not my husband who had a bigger bag but his was over the shoulder. There were a bunch of business men with roll on briefcase bags who got on fine. The international through rules do not apply to carryons--they can make you check it. Same size plane and I didn't have to check it on the way back. It's all the gate agent.

 

[Alacrity]

Forgot about customs/passport control. They don't generally worry about weight at that point even if you have to collect your bags. I'm not certain that you will collect them but don't know for sure. As you are entering the EU in a Schengen zone country and Hungary is within the zone, your bags, I think, will go through to be collected at Budapest. Passport control, as I understand it, is what you will do in France. That is immigration, not customs.

 

[Alacrity]

CG and Tink make a good point. Carry-ons are a different animal to checked bags. The airlines have to opportunity to inspect those at each step. And they tend to be more picky in Europe from what I have heard! I only carry a back pack or over shoulder (non-wheeled) bag and haven't run into problems. Bags that push the limits, especially ones with wheels, seem to be eyed a lot more closely. Even in the US, my wife's wheeled bag has to be gate checked while I walk on with my non-wheeled bag.

 

[DisneyKevin]

We have found that there is usually no issue with flights from the US to foreign destinations.

You are usually allowed one piece of luggage and one personal item.

While weight is almost never an issue, size is something that needs to be watched. Also, when dealing with a full flight, things can get more difficult. Boarding groups 3 and 4 have less options with carry ons.

Flights within Europe are a different story. Size and weight are more closely monitored and air carriers are pretty strict.

Most luggage companies sell domestic carry ons (max 22 inches inc. wheels) and international carry ons (max 20 inches inc wheels).

It's also not correct to suggest that all backpacks are acceptable carryons. Some backpacks are enormous and don't qualify.

In all my travels, I have never had my bags weighed at a security checkpoint or customs. Neither cares how much your luggage weighs. That is the concern of the airline.

Your very best bet is to check with your air carrier to see size and weight restrictions.

 

[Woodview]

A very good post DisneyKevin.

I hope it is heeded & noted & acted upon by users of this Forum.

 

[carpenta]

Forgot about customs/passport control. They don't generally worry about weight at that point even if you have to collect your bags. I'm not certain that you will collect them but don't know for sure. As you are entering the EU in a Schengen zone country and Hungary is within the zone, your bags, I think, will go through to be collected at Budapest. Passport control, as I understand it, is what you will do in France. That is immigration, not customs.

We flew from JFK through Germany and on to Budapest. We went through passport control in Budapest. Bags showed up in Budapest. Easy-peasy. Budapest is a small airport.

 

[Woodview]

To Alacrity,

No matter which airport you go through in Europe ( Travelling International or Internal ) you will have to

" Pass Through " a Customs passageway . Clearly marked " Customs " & usually has 3 open plan entrance Lanes

Blue for European Passport passengers , Green for Non European Passport holders & RED for Declaring " Stuff "

They maybe Un manned BUT You are being watched & you Can be pulled aside .

This takes place After Passport inspection .... again European Passport holders in one Q & Non Europeans in another Q

And After you collect your Luggage ( If you have any ) at the carousel. & as you leave by Exit signs to the outside world