Last summer, Air France - KLM launched a trial sale of the new Economy Basic fare on 10 routes.

They are extending this fare to most of their European routes from 30 June.

The main change is fundamental. Only a small personal item measuring 40 × 30 × 15 cm is included. This is the same as the Lufthansa Group airlines , which have had this rule since April 2026.

What does Economy Basic mean?

The new fare is primarily aimed at short- and medium-haul flights within Europe.

It won't be offered on long-haul routes for the time being - where the cheapest fare Light with classic hand luggage + free personal item remains.

Included:

• 1× personal item 40 × 30 × 15 cm

Not included:

• classic hand luggage (55 x 35 x 25 cm)
• checked baggage

Official information is available on the KLM or Air France websites.

Compare prices with KLM-Air France

On which flights will Economy Basic be available?

Economy Basic should be available on most flights in Europe on both Air France and KLM.

It should gradually be extended to all routes in Europe and North Africa by the end of 2026.

When will the new fares apply?

The fares will be phased in gradually - most flights are available from 30 June 2026.

Fare comparison: basic vs light

	Economy Basic	Economy Light
Personal item 40 x 30 x 15 cm	✅	✅
Cabin Luggage 55 x 35 x 25 cm	❌	✅

Cabin baggage: how much extra does it cost

I'm taking an example flight from Prague to Amsterdam on the route I use the most. Random date, one-way flight:

Economy Basic

• Basic fare: 127 eur
• Personal item: free
• large hand luggage: + 35 eur
• Total: 162 eur

Economy Light

• Basic price: 162 eur
• Personal item: free
• hand luggage: free
• Total: 162 eur

👉 If you want to travel with a classic cabin bag 55x35x25 cm, the price is exactly the same if you choose the "Light" tariff and if you choose the "Basic" tariff and then add a larger bag.

Will there be lower flight prices?

The change is only a short time away, so I cannot responsibly assess whether prices have dropped or not.

But if I can judge from the actions of other airlines, such as Lufthansa, then prices will remain plus or minus the same.

It's just that tickets will get more expensive for those who want to travel with standard carry-on luggage.

Find out Economy Basic fares

What's the point of Economy Basic?

The introduction of Economy Basic is a trend we're seeing with more airlines:

• the pressure of low-cost competition

• the desire to divide customers according to their willingness to pay
• maximising the yield from each passenger

But I would not see this move as fundamentally negative.

The price differences are small, and maybe Economy Basic will make sense for me if I travel with checked baggage.

Personally, in that case, I'm just taking a small laptop bag on the plane.

💬 What do you think about the new fares? Let us know in the comments.

Summary - When does Economy Basic make sense

• Short flights (e.g. business trips of 1-2 days) where you really only need a laptop bag / handbag / small backpack
• Travelling with checked baggage, when you don't need a large carry-on bag