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Air Caraïbes

The Caribbean airline of the French Antilles

  • France (Guadeloupe)Country
  • TXIATA Code
  • FWBICAO Code
  • IndependentAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Air Caraïbes

Air Caraïbes is the airline of the French Antilles, flying from Paris Orly to Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana and between islands across the Caribbean. Every passenger gets 12 kg of cabin baggage. This guide covers power bank rules, check-in, island-hopping and how it compares with Corsair and Air France.

Founded in 2000 in Guadeloupe, it flies Airbus A350 and A330 jets on long-haul routes and ATR 72-600 turboprops between the islands.

Air Caraïbes flights to Pointe-à-Pitre
Photo: Antoine Pouligny / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Air Caraïbes

New international (ICAO) rules apply from 27 March 2026, and European airlines follow them:

  • Each passenger can carry up to two power banks, in cabin baggage only, never in checked bags.
  • Power banks cannot be charged on board, and you cannot use them to charge phones or other devices during the flight.
  • Up to 100 Wh needs no approval; 100–160 Wh needs approval from the airline. Keep them within reach, not in the overhead bin.

Check-In at Paris Orly

Long-haul flights leave from Orly. Online check-in opens 30 hours before departure, and counters close 60 minutes before the flight. Arrive at least three hours early.

Families and Special Assistance

Infants under two travel on an adult’s lap, and pushchairs and car seats can usually be checked in free. Request wheelchairs and other special assistance at least 48 hours before the flight.

Island-Hopping in the Caribbean

Regional flights connect the islands:

  • Fly between Guadeloupe, Martinique and Saint-Martin.
  • Saint-Barthélemy and Saint Lucia are short hops away.
  • Turboprops have smaller overhead bins, so pack light.

How to Find Cheap Air Caraïbes Flights

Cheap Air Caraïbes flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Compare Basic with Smart if you need a bag.
  • Avoid French school holidays, when fares peak.
  • Join Préférence to earn miles.
  • Book island hops early in winter, the high season.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to Corsair, Air France and others.

Air Caraïbes vs Corsair vs Air France

Three airlines flying from Paris to the French Caribbean.

Air CaraïbesCorsairAir France
Main hubPointe-à-PitreParis OrlyParis
Long-haul aircraftA350 and A330A330neoBoeing 777
Economy cabin baggage12 kg12 kg12 kg
LoyaltyPréférenceLe ClubFlying Blue

See our Corsair guide and Air France guide to compare.

Arriving in Guadeloupe

Pointe-à-Pitre Airport is about 5 km from the city. Car hire is the best way to explore the islands, and taxis wait outside arrivals.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Air Caraïbes a Good Airline?

Yes. It offers modern Airbus A350s, a generous cabin allowance and the best network around the French Caribbean.

For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against Kupi’s airline profile. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.

Airline Partnerships

The airline is not a member of a global airline alliance.

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

It is part of the same group as French bee and partners with Air Corsica for connections from Paris Orly.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Pointe-à-Pitre (PTP) in Guadeloupe is the main hub, with long-haul flights from Paris Orly (ORY).

Popular Air Caraïbes Routes

The busiest routes link Paris Orly with Pointe-à-Pitre, Fort-de-France and Cayenne, plus island hops across the Caribbean. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Air Caraïbes Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Economy (Soleil) is sold as Basic, Smart and Flex. Premium Economy is called Caraïbes and Business is called Madras.

When you change a booking, you pay a fee plus any fare difference, except on Flex fares.

  • Basic No checked bag.
  • Smart One 23 kg bag.
  • Flex One 23 kg bag and more flexibility.
  • Caraïbes (Premium Economy) Two 23 kg bags.
  • Madras (Business) Two 32 kg bags and full-flat seats on the A350.
  • How to change or cancel Use Manage Booking on the website.

Air Caraïbes Seat Selection & Additional Services

Meals and drinks are included on long-haul flights. Business has full-flat seats on the Airbus A350.

Sports equipment such as surfboards and bikes needs 48 hours' notice.

  • Meals Included on long-haul flights.
  • Business (Madras) Full-flat seats on the A350.
  • Sports equipment Book 48 hours ahead.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help at least 48 hours ahead.

Air Caraïbes Baggage Allowance

Every passenger can bring 12 kg of cabin baggage plus a small personal item. The cabin bag can measure up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm on long-haul jets and 45 × 35 × 20 cm on ATR turboprops.

Basic has no checked bag, Smart and Flex include one 23 kg bag, Premium Economy two 23 kg bags and Business two 32 kg bags.

  • Cabin baggage 12 kg.
  • Long-haul cabin bag 55 × 40 × 20 cm.
  • ATR cabin bag 45 × 35 × 20 cm.
  • Basic No checked bag.
  • Smart and Flex 1 × 23 kg.
  • Business 2 × 32 kg.

Préférence: Air Caraïbes Loyalty Programme

Préférence is the airline's free loyalty programme, with Blue, Silver, Gold and Diamant tiers. Members earn miles on flights and partners such as French bee.

  • Programme Préférence.
  • Earn Flights and partners such as French bee.
  • Redeem Award tickets, upgrades and baggage.
Join or log in on the Air Caraïbes website

Air Caraïbes: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Air Caraïbes’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is TX. It appears in flight numbers (for example TX 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is FWB, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Air Caraïbes part of?

It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.

03Where is Air Caraïbes headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Les Abymes, Guadeloupe.

04When was Air Caraïbes founded?

The airline was founded in 2000.

05What are Air Caraïbes’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Pointe-à-Pitre (PTP) – Main Hub; Paris (ORY) – Hub.

06What is the Air Caraïbes cabin baggage allowance?

12 kg plus a small personal item on every fare.

07Does the Air Caraïbes Basic fare include a checked bag?

No. Smart and Flex include one 23 kg bag.

08Which Paris airport does Air Caraïbes use?

Paris Orly.

09What is Préférence?

The free loyalty programme, where you earn miles for flights and upgrades.

10Can I use a power bank on Air Caraïbes?

On Air Caraïbes you can carry up to two power banks in cabin baggage (up to 100 Wh without approval, 100–160 Wh with approval), but you cannot charge them, or charge devices from them, during the flight. They are never allowed in checked bags.

Air Caraïbes, its logo and trademarks are the property of Air Caraïbes SA and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Air Caraïbes unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.