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Updated April 2024
As one of the world’s most captivating travel destinations, Dubai has earned its reputation for unparalleled luxury, opulence, and seamless travel experiences. At the heart of this bustling metropolis lies Dubai Airport, an international aviation hub that welcomes millions of travelers each year. However, as with any international travel, understanding the intricacies of baggage allowances can significantly impact one’s trip.
In this comprehensive guide, Wego will delve into the ins and outs of Dubai airport and airlines’ baggage policies, equipping travelers with essential knowledge to navigate the skies with confidence and convenience.
Table of Contents
What are the Dubai Airport baggage rules?
As per the official website of Dubai Airports, fresh baggage rules have been introduced to help improve baggage services for all passengers at DXB. Details below:
- bags must have at least one flat surface
- carrying liquids, aerosols, and gels in your hand baggage:
- all liquid items must be packed inside a single clear, re-sealable plastic bag, which should be placed within your hand baggage
- each individual item cannot exceed 100ml in volume, and the total combined volume of all items must not exceed one liter
- there are exceptions for essential medications, baby milk or foods, and special dietary requirements needed during your journey. These items are allowed even if they exceed the 100ml limit
- for international travel, most airlines generally permit two pieces of baggage. However, specific rules regarding the total weight allowance may vary based on the airline and fare type. To avoid any inconvenience, kindly check with your airline before your departure
- baggage larger than 90cm in length, 75cm in height, and 60cm in width or with no single flat surface must be checked in at the oversized baggage counter. It is advisable to allocate extra time for checking in oversized baggage
- should you exceed the allowed baggage limit, you will need to repack your belongings. Most airlines apply excess baggage fees for such situations. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the airline’s specific policy to avoid any unexpected charges.
Under the updated policy, the General Department of Airport Security (GDAS) has been granted the authority to inspect bags that contain highly suspicious items. If such items are identified, GDAS personnel may open the bags without the passenger being present to remove the flagged items. It’s important to note that any associated damage to the bags resulting from the inspection process will not be considered the liability of GDAS.
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What is the Dubai baggage allowance by airlines?
Please be aware that the baggage allowance may vary depending on the airline you choose for your travel to Dubai. Below, we provide a summary of the baggage allowance for airlines that operate flights to Dubai.
Emirates Airlines
Emirates Airlines, a leading global airline, offers generous baggage allowances with two options: the weight concept and the piece concept. Under the weight concept, you can check in as many bags as you want as long as they don’t exceed the specified weight limit for your class.
With the piece concept, you can check in a specific number of bags, each with its own weight limit. Cabin baggage allowances vary based on your travel class, allowing one or two pieces.
For most routes, the weight concept applies, but when traveling to and from the Americas and Africa or for flights into Africa, the piece concept is in effect.
Economy class
- weight concept: 20 kg for special fares, 25 kg for Saver fares, 30 kg for Flex fares, and 35 kg for Flex Plus fares
- Piece concept: One piece up to 23 kg for Special fares, two pieces up to 23 kg each for Saver, Flex, and Flex Plus fares
Premium economy
- Weight concept: 35 kg
- Piece concept: Two pieces up to 23 kg each
Business class
- Weight concept: 40 kg
- Piece concept: Two pieces up to 32 kg each
First class
- Weight concept: 50 kg
- Piece concept: Two pieces up to 32 kg each
IndiGo
IndiGo is a renowned airline that offers low-cost and reliable flights to various domestic and international destinations. If you’re planning to travel with IndiGo, it’s important to be familiar with their baggage allowance policy, which specifies the number and weight of bags you can carry onboard and check-in.
Hand baggage
IndiGo allows one handbag per customer weighing up to 7 kgs and measuring a total of 115 cms (length + width + height). The handbag should be placed under the seat in front of you to facilitate contactless travel. Additionally, you can carry one additional personal item, such as a laptop bag or purse, weighing not more than 3 kg.
Checked baggage
The checked baggage allowance on IndiGo flights varies depending on your destination and flight type. For domestic flights, you can check in one bag weighing up to 15 kg per person. However, if you’ve booked a double or multi-seat, the allowance is increased to 25 kgs per person. For international flights, the checked baggage allowance varies from 20 kg to 46 kg per person, depending on the sector and the number of pieces.
If you wish to carry more than the allowed limit, you will need to pay additional charges for excess baggage. It’s advisable to pre-book your excess baggage online at a discounted rate to save on costs.
Non-standard baggage
IndiGo also allows transportation of non-standard baggage items such as golf bags, surfboards, musical instruments, etc. However, for these items, a fee of USD 16.40 for domestic flights and USD 30.38 for international flights will be charged per item. It’s essential to ensure that these items are suitably packed and within the prescribed dimensions.
Flydubai
Flydubai is a low-cost airline that operates flights within and outside the Middle East, including from and to Dubai. Flydubai offers different baggage allowances for its passengers depending on their travel class and fare type. Flydubai also charges extra fees for excess baggage, non-standard baggage, and special items.
The baggage allowances for Flydubai flights are as follows.
Hand baggage
For Economy Class, passengers are allowed to carry one handbag weighing up to 7 kg, with dimensions not exceeding 115 cm (length + width + height). Business Class passengers can carry two handbags, each weighing up to 14 kg, with the same size restrictions. Additionally, all passengers are permitted to carry one personal item, such as a laptop bag or purse, weighing no more than 3 kg. Hand baggage should be placed in the overhead locker or under the seat in front of you during the flight. Certain items are prohibited from being carried in hand baggage due to safety regulations.
Checked baggage
Flydubai allows passengers to check in up to 3 pieces of baggage as long as their combined weight does not exceed the specified baggage allowance mentioned in their booking confirmation. Each piece of checked baggage must weigh less than 32 kg and should not exceed the maximum dimensions of 165 cm (height + width + depth). The checked baggage allowance varies depending on the fare type selected. For Economy Class, the allowance can be 20 kg, 30 kg, or 40 kg, depending on the availability of space. For Business Class, the allowance is 40 kg. Passengers traveling with an infant and baggage included in their flight fare can carry 10 kg of checked baggage and 5 kg of hand baggage. Checked baggage must be properly packed, secured with a tag, and should not contain any valuable items.
Excess baggage
Travelers who wish to carry more baggage than the allowed limit can purchase extra baggage allowance online at discounted rates or pay at the airport. The online rates for excess baggage are USD 13.61 per kg for domestic flights and USD 16.33 per kg for international flights. At the airport, the rates are USD 14.97 per kg for domestic flights and USD 16.33 per kg for international flights. Passengers also have the option to pre-book excess baggage in slabs of 5 kg, 10 kg, 15 kg, or 30 kg at rates lower than the per kg rate.
Non-standard baggage
For large or unusual items, such as golf bags, surfboards, musical instruments, etc., passengers will need to pay a fee of USD 40.83 per piece for domestic flights and USD 81.66 per piece for international flights. These items must not exceed the size and weight limits of checked baggage.
Special Items
Passengers who want to transport items requiring special handling, such as sports equipment, firearms, or pets, must adhere to specific rules and regulations. For instance, sports equipment must be securely packed in a hard case or padded bag, firearms must be unloaded and declared at check-in, and pets must travel in a suitable container with valid health certificates, among other requirements.
Spicejet
SpiceJet is a popular low-cost airline based in India, operating both domestic and international flights. The airline has different baggage policies based on the type of flight, class of travel, and destination. Here are the baggage allowances for SpiceJet flights.
Hand baggage
For Economy passengers, SpiceJet allows one piece of cabin bag weighing a maximum of 7 kg. The total dimension of the carry-on depends on the size of the aircraft. On Boeing flights, the total dimensions allowed are 115 cm, while on Bombardier flights, it is 105 cm maximum of linear dimensions. This allowance includes laptops and duty-free shopping bags. Additionally, if you are traveling with an infant, you are allowed another piece of luggage weighing not more than 7 kg.
Checked baggage
On all domestic flights, SpiceJet offers a free baggage allowance of 15 kg. However, it’s important to note that no hand baggage is allowed on flights departing from Srinagar, Jammu, and Leh due to airport regulations. For international flights, the free baggage allowance varies depending on the departure and arrival airport.
From airports such as Dubai, Colombo, Muscat, and Kabul, the allowance is 30 kg. On flights from Male, Bangkok, and Dhaka, the allowance is 20 kg. There is no limit on the number of bags you can check-in, but each individual bag must weigh no more than 32 kg.
Excess baggage
If you exceed the free baggage allowance, you will be required to pay extra fees for the excess baggage. The fees vary depending on the departure and arrival airport and are calculated in the local currency. For example, on flights from Dubai to India, the excess baggage fee is USD 27.22 per kg. To avoid additional charges, you have the option to pre-book your excess baggage online at a discounted rate.
Air India
Air India the flag carrier airline of India, operates both domestic and international flights, and its baggage policies vary depending on the type of flight, class of travel, and destination. Here are the details of Air India’s baggage allowances.
Hand baggage
For each passenger, Air India allows one piece of cabin bag weighing a maximum of 8 kg/18 lb. The total dimension of the carry-on depends on the size of the aircraft. On Boeing flights, the total dimensions allowed are 115 cm/45, while on Airbus flights, it is 105 cm/41 maximum of linear dimensions. This allowance includes laptops and duty-free shopping bags. Additionally, if you are traveling with an infant, you are allowed another piece of luggage weighing not more than 4 kg/9 lb.
Checked baggage
Air India offers a free baggage allowance based on the piece and weight concept. The piece concept applies to flights to and from Africa, Australia, Far East-Southeast Asia, Canada/USA, Europe/UK/Israel, Gulf and the Middle East, South Asian countries, and Saudi Arabia. The weight concept applies to all other flights. The free baggage allowance varies depending on the departure and arrival airport, the cabin class, and the Flying Returns membership status. There is no limit on the number of bags you can check-in, but each individual bag must not weigh more than 32 kg/71 lb.
Excess baggage
If you exceed the free baggage allowance, you will be required to pay extra fees for the excess baggage. The fees vary depending on the departure and arrival airport and are calculated in the local currency. To avoid additional charges, you have the option to pre-book your excess baggage online at a discounted rate.
