Air CaraïbesTX

Air Caraibes is a French Caribbean airline specializing in transatlantic flights between France and the French West Indies, French Guiana, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Headquartered in Les Abymes, Guadeloupe, the airline serves as the primary link between mainland France and the French overseas departments (DOM) in the Caribbean.

Founded in 2000 and beginning operations in 2003, Air Caraibes is owned by Groupe Dubreuil (85%), a diversified French family holding company that also operates French Bee, a low-cost long-haul carrier. The airline operates from Paris Orly Airport (Terminal 4) with a modern Airbus widebody fleet, providing both scheduled and charter services.

Air Caraibes is not part of any global airline alliance but maintains codeshare agreements with French Bee and operates as a key carrier for the French Caribbean diaspora community.

Carry-On Allowance

Cabin Bag (overhead bin):

• Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (22" x 16" x 8") including handles and wheels
• Weight: 12 kg (26 lbs) on transatlantic flights
• Weight: 5 kg (11 lbs) on regional Caribbean routes (ATR aircraft)
• Included: All fare classes

Personal Item (under seat):

• Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16" x 12" x 6")
• Examples: Handbag, laptop bag, small backpack
• Included: All fare classes

Fare Class	Personal Item	Cabin Bag	Combined Weight
Soleil (Economy)	Included	Included	12 kg transatlantic / 5 kg regional
Caraibes (Premium)	Included	Included	12 kg
Madras (Business)	Included	Included	12 kg

Important: Regional ATR flights have strict 5 kg combined weight limits due to aircraft size.

Checked Baggage

Standard Size: 158 cm (62") linear dimensions maximum (length + width + height)

Transatlantic Flights (Paris - Caribbean/French Guiana):

Fare	Bags Included	Weight Limit
Soleil Basic	0	N/A
Soleil Smart/Flexil	1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)
Caraibes (Premium)	2 bags	23 kg each
Madras (Business)	2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each

Regional Flights (Caribbean inter-island):

Fare	Bags Included	Weight Limit
Economy Basic	0	N/A
Economy with bag	1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)

Add-On Pricing:

When Purchased	Transatlantic	Regional
At booking	80 EUR (~$87)	50 EUR (~$54)
Additional bag	100 EUR (~$109)	50 EUR (~$54)

Destination Restrictions:

• Dominican Republic: Maximum 1 checked bag per passenger
• Saint Barthelemy: Maximum 2 bags per passenger

Overweight & Oversized

Additional checked bags (up to 2 extra per passenger) are subject to a flat fee of 100 EUR ($109) per bag per journey, subject to availability.

Elite Status Benefits

Preference Tier	Benefit
Gold	1 additional 23 kg bag free
Diamond	1 additional 23 kg bag free

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag
Skis/Snowboard	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag
Surfboard	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag
Car seat	Free	Gate-check available
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair	Free	Priority handling

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at aircaraibes.com/baggage before traveling.

Air Caraibes operates a modern Airbus fleet on transatlantic routes, with three cabin classes offering distinct experiences.

Madras Class (Business)

On A350-1000:

• Configuration: 24 seats
• Full-flat seats (180-degree recline)
• Seat pitch: 155 cm (61")
• Arrangement: 2-2-2

On A350-900:

• Configuration: 18 seats
• Full-flat seats (180-degree recline)
• Arrangement: 2-2-2

On A330:

• Seat pitch: 155 cm (61")
• 38 cm (15") HD touchscreen with remote
• Lie-flat capability

Madras Amenities:

• Gourmet meals with Champagne service
• Amenity kit
• Priority boarding
• Lounge access

Caraibes Class (Premium Economy)

On A350-1000:

• Configuration: 45 seats
• Enhanced seat pitch and recline
• HD touchscreen entertainment

Features:

• Larger seats with extra legroom
• Priority check-in
• Enhanced meal service
• Premium amenity kit

Soleil Class (Economy)

On A350:

• Configuration: 3-4-3 (10 abreast)
• Seat pitch: 31" (79 cm)
• Seat width: 16.8" (43 cm)
• 10" HD touchscreen at every seat

On A330:

• Configuration: 3-3-3 (9 abreast)
• HD personal entertainment screens

Entertainment (All Classes):

• Approximately 50 films
• Over 70 music albums
• 39 documentaries
• 6 TV series
• Concerts and shows

Amenities:

• Comfort kit with blanket, pillow, and earphones
• USB power at every seat
• AC power outlet (A330 aircraft)
• WiFi available on A350 aircraft
• Complimentary hot meals with choice of dishes
• Ti'punch aperitif service

Regional Flights (ATR 72)

ATR 72-500 and ATR 72-600 aircraft operate Caribbean inter-island routes:

• Economy seating only
• Propeller aircraft suited for short hops
• Reduced baggage allowances (5 kg cabin limit)

Booking:

• Book directly on aircaraibes.com for full baggage options and Preference miles
• Compare total cost with French Bee (sister airline) for transatlantic routes
• Soleil Basic fares have no checked bag - factor in bag fees when comparing
• Regional connections often require separate bookings

Baggage:

• Regional ATR flights have strict 5 kg cabin limits - pack light for island hops
• Saint Barthelemy and Dominican Republic have per-passenger bag limits
• Print bag tags at home to speed up Orly bag drop
• Preference Gold/Diamond members get a free extra bag

At the Airport:

• Paris Orly Terminal 4 is the dedicated terminal for Caribbean flights
• Use Massy TGV Train+Air service if connecting from French provinces
• Check in online to avoid queues, especially during French school holidays
• Saint Barthelemy flights require weight declaration at initial check-in (Orly)

In-Flight:

• WiFi available on A350 aircraft only (not A330)
• USB power at all seats; AC outlets on A330
• Request window seat for stunning Caribbean approach views
• Madras business class offers full-flat beds on overnight Paris departures

Preference Program:

• Add your number at booking - post-flight credit has 6-month limit
• One flight every 3 years keeps miles from expiring
• French Bee codeshares earn Preference miles too
• Convert miles to lounge access for long layovers

Connections:

• Allow minimum 2 hours for transatlantic-to-regional connections in PTP/FDF
• Regional schedule is designed for same-day Paris connections
• Consider overnight in Guadeloupe/Martinique for Saint Barthelemy connections