PARIS - Air France will begin charging economy class passengers for checking a second bag on flights between Europe and the United States, the carrier said on Thursday, in line with US and British airline policies.

"If passengers would like to check a second bag ... they may do so for a fee of US$50 (S$70) for all flights departing from the US or 50 euros (S$104) for all flights departing from Europe" from November 1, Air France said in a statement.

Air France said its decision to impose the charge follows similar moves by Delta, American Airlines, British Airways and Virgin and that only 14 percent of passengers in economy class check a second bag.

The charge would also apply on flights between the United States and Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia.