Carry-On Only for Paris: CDG, ORY, Air France, and Packing Tips

Paris is a carry-on only trip waiting to happen. Air France's 12 kg allowance is among the most generous in Europe, the RER B train makes CDG airport transfers straightforward, and Parisian streets are far more walkable than most visitors expect. The city rewards light packers — the Métro is easy, arrondissements are compact, and a well-chosen small bag handles everything from the Louvre to a Versailles day trip.

Airline Rules at a Glance

Air France's 12 kg economy allowance removes most weight stress from the equation. easyJet's 15 kg is technically higher, but only applies if you purchase the cabin bag bundle — without it you are limited to one small underseat bag. If weight is your primary concern and you are flexible on carrier, Air France and easyJet with the bundle are both strong options.

CDG: Europe's Busiest Hub

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is large, spread across multiple terminals, and requires careful navigation. The key things to know:

Terminal transfers take time. CDG has Terminals 1, 2 (split into 2A through 2G), and 3. Moving between terminals requires a free inter-terminal shuttle (CDGVAL) and can add 20 to 40 minutes to your journey. Always check which terminal your flight uses when you arrive and when you depart — they are not always the same.

Allow extra time. Security queues at CDG can be long, particularly at Terminal 2E (used by many Air France international flights). Arrive at least 2.5 hours before a European departure and 3 hours before a long-haul flight.

RER B to central Paris. The RER B train station sits beneath Terminals 1 and 2 and is the best way into the city. The journey to Gare du Nord takes around 45 minutes and costs approximately €11.80. Trains run every 10 to 15 minutes. A carry-on bag fits easily in the overhead rack.

Orly: The Simpler Option

Orly Airport (ORY) sits about 14 km south of central Paris and handles Transavia, Vueling, easyJet, and a portion of Air France's domestic and European traffic. It is a smaller, more navigable airport than CDG. The Orlyval shuttle connects Orly to the RER B line at Antony station, from where you can reach central Paris in around 30 minutes. The total fare is around €12.

Confirm the departure and arrival airport codes in your booking before arranging ground transport.

Packing Strategy for Paris

One smart outfit. Paris café and brasserie culture is relatively relaxed, and you can eat well without dressing formally. However, evening meals at mid-range restaurants benefit from a step up from tourist-casual. A linen shirt, a neat blouse, or a simple dress weighs almost nothing and makes a genuine difference at the table.

Comfortable walking shoes. Paris is a walking city. The Louvre alone requires several kilometres of walking on hard floors. The streets are mostly paved rather than cobbled, but you will cover 15,000 to 20,000 steps on a typical day. Cushioned soles matter.

Light layers. Parisian weather is variable, particularly in spring and autumn. A merino wool base layer or a light packable jacket covers temperature swings without adding bulk. Avoid a heavy coat unless you are visiting in mid-winter.

Day trip to Versailles. The Palace of Versailles is 35 minutes from Paris by RER C (around €7 return). No special equipment is needed — a small daypack with water and a snack is sufficient. The grounds are vast, so comfortable shoes are essential.

Security and Liquids

CDG and Orly both operate under EU liquids rules: containers of 100 ml or under in a single 1-litre clear bag. Some CDG lanes have CT scanners where liquids do not need to be removed, but the rollout is not complete. Pack your liquids bag near the top of your carry-on to retrieve quickly at standard lanes.

Tips for a Smooth Paris Trip

• Validate your RER B ticket before boarding and keep it until you exit — inspectors check both ends of the journey.
• The Paris Métro is carry-on friendly; most lines have space for a small bag and there are no bag fees.
• Tabacs (newsagents) sell Navigo Easy cards for city transport, which are cheaper than single tickets if you are staying more than two days.
• Luggage storage is available at Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon, and Gare Saint-Lazare if you need to store your bag before check-in.

Bottom Line

Air France's 12 kg allowance makes Paris one of the easiest European cities to visit carry-on only. CDG is large but manageable with a carry-on — no baggage carousel wait, faster exit. Pack one smart outfit for evenings, solid walking shoes, and a light layer for weather shifts, and you will cover everything from the Eiffel Tower to a Versailles day trip without ever checking a bag.

Baggage sources

• Transavia