Not sure if your question has been answered, as I am just skimming some threads, but I know on our Intl flights from Houston, they were letting people take paperback books, wallets, passports, a few small things like that in clear plastic bags, which you show as you board, so they can see what is in there.
That was the first day, but it might speed things up if people keep on doing it.
Hope that might help.
I have been checking Air France website but they are giving no new info about restrictions. I know of two daily flights they make into IAH (Houston) direct from Paris. Have you heard anything?