At the start of 2026, the airline Air Algérie has taken the decision to significantly tighten its cabin baggage policy. From now on, each passenger is strictly limited to one free carry-on bag. Any violation of this new rule will result in a fee of 180 euros for any additional or non-compliant baggage. This measure, already visible in some French airports, is provoking anger and incomprehension among many Algerian travelers.
A single carry-on, a new era for Air Algérie
The rules are now clear: only one free cabin bag per person is allowed. Dimensions and weight are also subject to precise restrictions: 10 kg maximum for Boeing/Airbus flights, and 5 kg for ATR flights. Dimensions must not exceed 55 x 35 x 25 cm (or 40 x 30 x 20 cm on ATR). Any additional items, whether suitcases, backpacks, shopping bags or even bulky satchels, will be considered as unscheduled baggage. It will then be sent to the hold at the boarding gate and charged 180 euros. This new policy is specifically designed to counter attempts to conceal a second piece of cabin baggage, or to board with baggage exceeding the authorized dimensions.
Rigorous application in the field
Although rules on weights and dimensions already existed, the novelty lies in the rigorous application. Check-in and boarding gate controls have now been stepped up, particularly at Paris-CDG and Paris-Orly airports, as well as at other airports outside Paris. News of this stricter baggage policy spread rapidly on social networks. Many Algerian travellers are expressing their dissatisfaction, describing the measure as a "disgrace". brutal and insufficiently communicated. Some believe that the company is taking advantage of the situation, comparing it to a «low-cost airline that doesn't take responsibility» for the amount of tax imposed.
Passengers speak out
One passenger, quoted by Visa Algérie, deplored the fact that the tax was charged «even for a small bag or backpack» in addition to the main cabin baggage, whereas tolerances were previously accepted. Others pointed to a lack of prior information, not having been clearly warned of the change when booking or checking in online. One comment shared on social networks denounced an «unfair measure for families and binationals who often carry gifts», particularly for journeys from France to Algeria.
This tougher stance comes at a time when Air Algérie is seeking to improve its punctuality and service quality on a very busy network. Observers are stressing the importance of a clearer, more educational communication to get the new rules accepted without further damaging the company's image with its customers, particularly the Algerian diaspora.
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