Emirates Baggage Allowance | What You Need to Know Before You Fly?

When it comes to air travel, packing can often be one of the most stressful parts of the journey. With Emirates, one of the world’s leading airlines, passengers enjoy one of the most generous baggage policies in the aviation industry.

However, understanding the specifics of baggage allowances, whether you’re flying economy or first class, is key to avoiding unexpected fees and ensuring a smooth check-in experience. This comprehensive guide will break down Emirates’ baggage rules and provide practical tips to help you pack like a pro.

Table of Contents

Emirates Baggage Allowance Overview

Emirates’ baggage policies are designed to cater to the diverse needs of travellers from all over the world. Depending on your destination, fare type, and travel class, your baggage allowance is determined by one of two systems:

Weight Concept: Applied to most Emirates routes.
Piece Concept: Applied to flights to/from the Americas and Africa.

Understanding which concept applies to your journey is the first step toward packing efficiently and avoiding additional charges at the airport.

Checked Baggage Rules for Emirates Flights

Emirates offers one of the most generous and flexible baggage policies in the aviation industry. Whether your allowance is determined by the weight concept or the piece concept, understanding these rules ensures you pack efficiently and avoid excess fees.

Understanding the Weight and Piece Concepts

Emirates’ checked baggage policies vary based on the region you’re flying to and the class of travel:

1. Weight Concept

- Applied to most Emirates routes.
- Passengers can check in multiple bags, provided the total weight does not exceed their allowance.
- Individual bags must not weigh more than 32 kg for safety reasons.

2. Piece Concept

- Applied to flights to and from the Americas and Africa.
- Passengers are allowed a specific number of bags, each with its own weight limit.

To determine the rules specific to your journey, visit the Emirates “Manage Your Booking” tool.

Baggage Allowance by Class and Fare Type

1. Weight Concept Routes

Your baggage allowance depends on your class of travel and fare type:

Class of Travel	Special	Saver	Flex	Flex Plus
Economy Class	20 kg	25 kg*	30 kg	35 kg
Premium Economy	N/A	N/A	N/A	35 kg
Business Class	N/A	N/A	N/A	40 kg
First Class	N/A	N/A	N/A	50 kg

*Certain exceptions apply:

Economy Saver: 30 kg for tickets issued on/after 26 November 2019 for journeys originating in Australia and New Zealand.
Economy Saver: 30 kg for tickets issued on/after 5 July 2024 for journeys originating in Europe to Australia or New Zealand.

2. Piece Concept Routes (Americas and Africa)

For routes using the piece concept, the baggage allowance depends on the class of travel:

Class of Travel	Baggage Allowance
Economy Class	One piece up to 23 kg (Special Fare). Two pieces up to 23 kg each (Saver, Flex, and Flex Plus).
Premium Economy	Two pieces up to 23 kg each.
Business Class	Two pieces up to 32 kg each.
First Class	Two pieces up to 32 kg each.

Important Notes for Piece Concept Routes:

Passengers travelling within the Americas or between the US and Europe follow specific baggage rules based on their fare class.
For tickets issued before 11 May 2020 and journeys originating from Africa, Economy Special fares allow two pieces of baggage weighing up to 23 kg each.

Baggage Dimensions and Restrictions

Weight Concept Routes:

Total dimensions (length + width + height) of each checked bag must not exceed 300 cm (118 inches).
For passengers travelling from Dammam International Airport, the limit is lower at 215 cm (84.64 inches).

Piece Concept Routes:

Each bag’s dimensions must not exceed 150 cm (59 inches).
Oversized items exceeding these limits may incur additional fees or need to be transported as cargo.

Bags with dimensions greater than:

300 cm (118 inches) for most routes, or
215 cm (84.64 inches) for departures from Dammam International Airport cannot be checked and must be sent as cargo.

Additional Allowances for Emirates Skywards Members

Emirates rewards its frequent flyers with additional baggage benefits:

Weight Concept Routes:

- Skywards Platinum, Gold, and Silver members can enjoy extra baggage allowances.

Piece Concept Routes:

- Skywards Platinum and Gold members can bring one extra piece:
  - 23 kg per piece in Economy Class.
  - 32 kg per piece in Business and First Class.

Special Route Rules

Travelling from Australia, New Zealand, or Asia:
If your journey to the Americas includes a sector in Europe or a stopover in Dubai exceeding 24 hours, the weight concept applies for the entire trip.
Travelling into Africa:
For tickets with a stopover longer than 24 hours, the weight concept may apply.

Checking Extra or Oversized Baggage

Passengers carrying baggage exceeding the permitted weight, piece, or dimensions will incur additional charges. The fees vary based on the destination and type of excess. Use Emirates’ “Manage Your Booking” tool to calculate and pay for extra baggage in advance, often at discounted rates.

Interline Baggage Policy

For journeys involving other airlines:

If the first airline on your booking is not Emirates, their baggage rules may apply.
Interline flights, which are on the same ticket but operated by another airline, may have different allowances.

Always check the interline partner’s baggage policy for clarity on allowances and potential charges.

Cabin Baggage Rules for Emirates Flights

To ensure passenger safety and comfort, Emirates has established a clear set of rules for cabin baggage. These guidelines vary by class of travel, route, and certain specific scenarios, such as travelling with infants or departing from particular countries. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the cabin baggage policy to help you prepare for your journey:

Cabin Allowance Per Travel Class

1.Economy Class

Weight Limit: 7 kg
Dimensions: 55 x 38 x 22 cm (length x width x height)

2. Premium Economy

Weight Limit: 10 kg
Dimensions: 55 x 38 x 22 cm

3. Business & First Class

Weight Limits:
- One carry-on bag: 7 kg
- One briefcase or garment bag: 7 kg
Dimensions:
- Briefcase: 45 x 35 x 20 cm
- Handbag: 55 x 38 x 22 cm
- Garment Bag: Must not exceed 20 cm thick when folded

Additional Allowances for Special Situations

Travelling with Infants:

Passengers with infants are permitted to bring one carry-cot or a fully collapsible stroller into the cabin, provided there is available space. If cabin storage is full, these items will need to be checked in.

Departing from India:

For flights originating from India, passengers are allowed one piece of carry-on baggage not exceeding 115 cm in total dimensions (length + width + height).

Departing from Brazil:

Passengers flying out of Brazil are permitted to carry cabin baggage weighing up to 10 kg.

Duty-Free Purchases

Duty-free items such as liquor, cigarettes, and perfumes are allowed onboard in reasonable quantities. However, passengers should be mindful of liquid restrictions that may prevent these items from passing security screening at certain airports.

Cabin Baggage Placement Guidelines

All cabin baggage must fit securely either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead lockers.
Baggage is not permitted to be placed in aisles, behind passenger legs, or near emergency exits.

Transporting Liquids Onboard

Emirates follows international regulations for carrying liquids in the cabin. Ensure your liquids comply with these rules:

Maximum Container Size: 100 ml
Packaging: Liquids must be placed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre.
Bag Size: Larger or non-sealable bags (e.g., sandwich bags) are not allowed.
Presentation: The plastic bag must be presented separately for inspection during security screening.

Exceptions:

Baby milk and baby food.
Special dietary items or medications (with verification).

Transporting Powders

On flights to, from, or through the US, Australia, and New Zealand, special restrictions apply to powders:

Prohibited: Powders in containers equal to or exceeding 350 ml cannot be carried in the cabin.
Screening: Smaller containers may be subject to additional checks at certain airports, including Dubai International (DXB).

Exemptions:

Baby formula
Prescription medicines
Human remains

Note: Duty-free powder-like substances must be in sealed tamper-evident bags with proof of purchase.

Additional Tips for Travelling with Cabin Baggage

Weigh Your Baggage: Ensure your hand luggage is within the specified weight limits before heading to the airport.
Plan for Screening: Keep liquids and powders in easy-to-access places to expedite the security process.
Avoid Restricted Items: Check local airport and airline rules to avoid confiscation of items at security checkpoints.

Delayed or Damaged Baggage on Emirates Flights

While Emirates takes every precaution to ensure a smooth travel experience, incidents such as delayed or damaged baggage can occasionally occur. Emirates is committed to resolving these issues efficiently, keeping passengers informed throughout the process.

What to Do If Your Baggage is Delayed?

If your baggage doesn’t arrive at your destination, follow these steps to ensure your claim is handled promptly:

File a Report:

- Immediately report the delay at the Emirates baggage services counter in the arrivals area.
- You will receive a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with a unique reference number.

Track Your Claim:

- Visit the Emirates website and navigate to the “Delayed or damaged baggage” section.
- Enter your last name and PIR reference number to view updates.

Stay Updated:
Emirates provides regular updates on the status of delayed baggage and its expected delivery.
Delivery of Baggage:

- Once located, the airline will arrange for your baggage to be delivered to your address.
- Delivery times may vary depending on local regulations and airport processing.

What to Do If Your Baggage is Damaged?

In the unlikely event your baggage is damaged during transit, Emirates offers a clear process for addressing the issue:

Report the Damage:

- Notify the baggage services team at the airport immediately upon arrival.
- A Damage Report will be filed, and you will receive a unique claim reference number.

Submit Supporting Documents:

- Provide documentation, such as photographs of the damage, receipts for repairs or replacement, and the airline ticket for verification.

Compensation or Repairs:

- Emirates may repair the damaged baggage or provide compensation based on the extent of the damage and the airline’s terms and conditions.

Tips for Avoiding Baggage Issues

Label Your Bags: Ensure your luggage is clearly labelled with your name, contact details, and destination address.
Use Secure Baggage Tags: Invest in sturdy, durable tags to minimise the risk of loss.
Avoid Overpacking: Excessively heavy or bulky baggage is more prone to damage.
Check Emirates’ Policies: Familiarise yourself with their baggage handling terms and conditions to understand your rights.

By promptly reporting issues and using the online claim system, Emirates ensures that delayed or damaged baggage claims are processed as quickly as possible.

Buying Extra Baggage Allowance on Emirates Flights

Emirates offers flexible options to purchase additional baggage, ensuring you can bring everything you need for your journey. Whether your allowance is based on weight or pieces, buying extra baggage in advance can save you money compared to paying at the airport. Here’s how to make the most of Emirates’ extra baggage options.

Why Buy Extra Baggage in Advance?

Purchasing additional baggage allowance before check-in offers several benefits:

Save Money: Discounts of up to 60% compared to airport rates.
Convenience: Pay online using credit cards or Cash+Miles for a seamless transaction.
Flexibility: Purchase up to 50 kg of extra weight or five additional pieces of luggage.

Eligibility to Purchase Extra Baggage

Available for adult and child tickets.
Not available for infant tickets.
Only valid for tickets issued by Emirates (ticket numbers starting with 176).
Flights must be operated and marketed by Emirates.

How to Buy Extra Baggage Allowance?

Online (Up to Four Hours Before Departure)

Log In: Go to Emirates’ “Manage Your Booking” section and enter your booking reference number.
Select Baggage Options: Check your current baggage allowance and choose additional weight or pieces.
Payment: Pay by credit card in the currency used for your ticket.

Discounts:

Save 50%-60% on weight-concept routes.
Save 35%-50% on piece-concept routes (excluding travel to/from Canada).

At Emirates Offices or Contact Centres

Purchase additional baggage allowance by visiting Emirates offices or contacting their customer service.
Discounts are available when buying in advance.

At the Airport

Extra baggage can be purchased at the check-in desk.
Payment may be limited to credit cards at some airports.

Buying Extra Baggage Based on Weight Concept

If your ticket uses the weight concept, you can buy extra kilograms of baggage:

Purchase in blocks of 5 kg, up to a maximum of 50 kg.
Discounts of 50%-60% apply when buying in advance.
Individual bags must not exceed 32 kg and total dimensions must be within 300 cm (118 inches) or 215 cm (84.64 inches) for travel from Dammam International Airport.

Example for Weight Concept Discounts:

Travelling from London to India:
- Save 50% on fees for an extra 5 kg.
- Save 60% on fees for an extra 20 kg.

At the Airport – Weight Concept Rates (per kg):

From/To	Middle East/South Asia	Africa	Far East	Europe	Australia/NZ
Middle East/South Asia	$15	$25	$25	$25	$40
Far East	$25	$30	$15	$30	$30
Europe	$25	$30	$30	$40	$50
Australia/NZ	$40	$50	$30	$50	$15

Buying Extra Baggage Based on Piece Concept

If your ticket uses the piece concept, you can purchase additional pieces:

Each additional piece is limited to 23 kg (Economy and Premium Economy) or 32 kg (Business and First Class).
Purchase up to five additional pieces online, through Emirates offices, or at the airport.

Discounts for Piece Concept:

Save 35%-50% when buying additional pieces before check-in.

Example for Piece Concept Discounts:

Travelling from Nigeria to Sydney: Save 50% on fees for five additional pieces.
Travelling from North America to Cape Town: Save 35% on fees for two additional pieces.

At the Airport – Piece Concept Rates (per additional piece):

From/To	Middle East/South Asia	Africa	Far East	Europe	Australia/NZ	Americas
Africa	$200	$200	$250	$200	$250	$200
Americas	$225	$200	$250	$100	$250	$100
Canada	CAD 280	CAD 250	CAD 300	CAD 125	CAD 300	CAD 125

Charges for Oversized and Overweight Baggage

If your baggage exceeds the weight or size limits, additional fees apply:

Flights to/from the Americas and Africa:

Overweight (23-32 kg): $75 per piece
Oversized (>150 cm): $75 per piece
Overweight and Oversized: $150 per piece

Flights to/from Canada:

Overweight (23-32 kg): CAD 95 per piece
Oversized (>150 cm): CAD 95 per piece
Overweight and Oversized: CAD 185 per piece

If Purchased in Advance:

Online discounts apply to overweight and oversized pieces.

Regional Classifications for Baggage

Region	Countries Included
Middle East	Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel
South Asia	Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
Africa	Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and more
Far East	China, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam
Europe	France, Germany, UK, Italy, Turkey, Norway, Switzerland, and more
Australia/New Zealand	Australia, New Zealand
Americas	USA, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Argentina

By planning ahead and taking advantage of online discounts, you can save money and travel comfortably with Emirates.

Unusual Baggage and Special Allowances on Emirates Flights

Travelling with special baggage often requires additional planning and preparation. Emirates offers comprehensive policies to accommodate passengers with specific needs, whether you’re bringing sports equipment, musical instruments, or travelling with pets. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate the process.

Passengers with Disabilities

Emirates provides additional support for passengers with disabilities by offering free extra baggage allowances for essential equipment.

Permitted Items:

Wheelchairs: Passengers can check a fully collapsible wheelchair.
Braces or Crutches: These items may be checked at no additional charge.
Portable Dialysis Machines: Allowed as checked baggage, free of charge (due to hazardous material restrictions, these cannot be carried as cabin baggage, except on US routes).
Sleep Apnea Devices: One CPAP or PAP machine can be carried as checked baggage, subject to IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Assistance Dogs: Vision- or hearing-impaired passengers may travel with assistance dogs. Dogs must be transported in the aircraft’s hold in approved kennels.

Important Note: Portable dialysis machines are permitted as cabin baggage only on US routes, subject to size and weight limits.

Travelling with Infants

Passengers travelling with infants (under two years of age) are entitled to special baggage allowances:

Baggage Allowance for Infants

All Routes (Excluding Americas and Africa):

- One cabin bag up to 5 kg (11 lbs) with dimensions 55 x 38 x 22 cm.
- Checked baggage up to 10 kg (22 lbs).

Routes to/from Americas and Africa:

- One cabin bag up to 5 kg (11 lbs) with dimensions 55 x 38 x 22 cm.

Additional Items Allowed

Fully collapsible stroller or pushchair.
Infant’s carrycot.
Infant’s car seat (requires purchasing an additional seat for the infant).

Sports Equipment

Emirates accepts a wide range of sports equipment as checked baggage, provided they fall within your standard allowance.

Weight Concept:

Items exceeding total dimensions of 300 cm (118 inches) cannot be transported as checked baggage and must be sent as cargo.

Piece Concept:

Total dimensions for sports equipment must not exceed 300 cm (118 inches).

Common Sports Equipment:

Golf Equipment: Accepted as checked baggage.
SCUBA Gear: Tanks must be empty, and all other items can be checked in.
Ski Equipment:
- A set of snow skis includes one pair of skis, poles, and boots or a snowboard and boots.
- A set of water skis includes one pair of standard or slalom skis.
Surfboards and Windsurfing Gear:
- Fins should be removed or securely packed.
- Boards must be properly padded and packed in surf bags.

Firearms for Sporting Purposes:

Firearms must be unloaded, dismantled, and packed in a suitable case.
Ammunition must be in a sealed box and securely packed, with a maximum of 5 kg (11 lbs) per passenger.

Travelling with Pets

Emirates allows pets as checked baggage or cargo, depending on their size and weight. Falcons are an exception and can be carried in the cabin on flights between Dubai and specific destinations in Pakistan.

Charges for Pets:

Animal & Cage Weight	Price (USD)
≤ 23 kg and ≤ 59 inches	$500
24–32 kg and 59–118 inches	$650
> 32 kg or > 118 inches	Cargo rates apply

Key Considerations:

Permits, vaccinations, and health checks are mandatory and must be completed before travel.
Final arrangements for pets should be confirmed at least one week before the flight.

Musical Instruments

Emirates offers several options for transporting musical instruments:

Checked Baggage: Instruments must comply with standard baggage allowance rules. Excess charges apply for oversized or overweight items.
Cabin Baggage: Smaller instruments may be carried as cabin baggage, provided they fit within the size and weight limits.
Purchased Seat: Larger instruments like cellos can occupy a paid-for seat in the cabin.

Ship Models (Mauritius Departures)

Special charges apply for ship models departing from Mauritius:

First 10 kg: €150.
Additional 10 kg: €50.
Maximum Weight: 20 kg.

Prohibited Items

Emirates strictly prohibits carrying certain items as checked or cabin baggage:

Items Containing Explosives: Fireworks, Christmas crackers, sparklers, etc.
Personal Motorised Vehicles: Hoverboards, mini-Segways, and similar items containing lithium batteries.

Tips for Travelling with Unusual Baggage

Plan Ahead: Confirm requirements for special items well before your flight.
Contact Emirates: For items like firearms, pets, and oversized sports equipment, contact Emirates for approvals and procedures.
Pack Securely: Use padded cases for delicate items like musical instruments or surfboards.
Understand Restrictions: Check for specific regional or route-based rules.

Tips for Packing Within Emirates’ Baggage Limits

Efficient packing not only helps you stay within baggage limits but also makes your travel experience more organised.

Plan Ahead: Start packing a few days before your journey to avoid last-minute stress.
Distribute Weight: Balance heavy items across multiple bags if travelling on a weight-concept route.
Stay Updated: Emirates frequently updates its baggage policies, so always check their website before travelling.

Conclusion

With its generous and well-structured baggage policies, Emirates ensures that passengers can travel comfortably with their belongings. By understanding the weight and piece concepts, preparing ahead of time, and following the airline’s guidelines, you can avoid unnecessary fees and enjoy a hassle-free journey.

FAQs about Emirates Baggage Policy

What is the baggage allowance for Emirates Economy Class?

Economy Class baggage allowances range from 20 kg to 35 kg for weight-concept routes and one to two pieces for piece-concept routes, depending on the fare type.

What are the cabin baggage rules for Emirates?

Economy passengers can bring one carry-on bag (up to 7 kg), while Business and First Class passengers can carry two pieces (up to 7 kg each).

What is Emirates’ policy for oversized luggage?

Oversized luggage exceeding 300 cm in total dimensions must be sent as cargo or freight.

Do Skywards members get extra baggage allowance?

Yes, Emirates Skywards Platinum, Gold, and Silver members enjoy additional baggage allowances on eligible routes.

What is the interline baggage policy?

For flights involving partner airlines, baggage allowances may differ. Check the interline partner’s policy for specific rules.

Can I bring sports equipment on Emirates flights?

Yes, sports equipment is included in the standard baggage allowance. Oversized items may incur additional charges.

How can I avoid excess baggage fees?

Weigh your luggage in advance, use packing aids, and consider pre-purchasing extra baggage allowance online.