Emirates Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover the Expenses

Updated: September 3, 2023, 8:28am CDT

Edited by:

Emirates Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover the Expenses

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Emirates baggage policy can be a bit confusing when it comes to its allowance for carry-on items, using the word “handbag” instead of “standard carry-on bag” or “overhead bag.” These “handbags” however, carry the same size restrictions we usually find allotted for a standard carry-on bag.

Additionally, we have presented the information on maximum weight and size allowances for your baggage, which is highly variable depending on the base fare.

Emirates Carry-on Allowance

First and Business Class:

Customers are permitted 2 pieces of carry-on baggage — 1 briefcase plus either 1 handbag or 1 garment bag
- The briefcase may not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
- The handbag may not exceed 22 x 15 x 8 inches (55 x 38 x 20 cm)
- The garment bag can be no more than 8 inches (20 cm) thick when folded
- The weight of each piece must not exceed 15 pounds (7 kg)

Economy:

Customers are permitted 1 piece of carry-on baggage
- 22 x 15 x 8 inches (55 x 38 x 20 cm)
- 15 pounds (7 kg)

Premium Economy:

Customers are permitted 1 piece of carry-on baggage
- 55 x 38 x 20 cm (22 x 15 x 8 inches)
- 22 pounds (10 kg)

Boarding From India:

Customers boarding in India are permitted 1 piece of carry-on baggage
- Carry-on baggage may not exceed 45.3 inches or 115 cm (length + width + height)

Travel From Brazil:

For all flights from Brazil, customers can carry up to 22 pounds (10 kg) of carry-on baggage

Travel to Brazil

For all flights to Brazil, customers can carry up to 15 pounds (7 kg) of carry-on baggage

Lap Infant Carry-on Policy

Customers traveling with infants are permitted to bring 1 carry-cot or fully collapsible stroller into the cabin (if there is room)
If there is no space for these items in the cabin, they will have to be checked; however, if checked, they will not count against your baggage allowance
Infants are also permitted a piece of carry-on for inflight food and necessities
- 22 x 15 x 8 inches (55 x 38 x 20 cm)
- Weight must not exceed 11 pounds (5 kg)

Stroller Check Policy

Emirates suggests checking your stroller in at the ticket counter and provides families with a complimentary baby stroller (or twin stroller) to help you travel through the airport.

Emirates Checked Baggage Allowance

To/From the Americas (Except Flights Within the Americas and Between the U.S. And Europe) Or Flights Originating in Africa (Also Including Flights Into Africa for Tickets Booked On/After August 9, 2021)

Economy:
- Saver, Flex, and Flex Plus: 2 bags — 50 pounds (23 kg) each
- Special: 1 bag — 50 pounds (23 kg)
Premium Economy: 2 bags — 50 pounds (23 kg each)
Business and First: 2 bags — 70 pounds (32 kg each)

The total max linear dimensions of each piece must not exceed 59 inches (150 cm).

Outside of the Americas

Special: 44 pounds (20 kg)*
Saver: 55 pounds (25 kg)**
Flex: 66 pounds (30 kg)
Flex Plus: 77 pounds (35 kg)
Business (all fares): 88 pounds (40 kg)
First (all fares): 110 pounds (50 kg)

* 55 pounds (25 kg) in Economy Special for flights between UAE and India
** 66 pounds (30 kg) in Economy Saver for journeys originating in Australia and New Zealand

You can check as many pieces of baggage as you need, as long as the total weight is less than the maximum baggage allowance of your class (not to exceed 70 pounds/32 kg per piece).

Each piece must not exceed max linear dimensions of 118 inches (300 cm). If exceeding this size, it can’t be checked as baggage and will need to be sent as cargo or freight. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Within the Americas and Between the U.S. and Europe

Economy:
- Flex, and Flex Plus: 2 bags — 50 pounds (23 kg) each
- Special and Saver: 1 bag — 50 pounds (23 kg)
Premium Economy: 2 bags — 50 pounds (23 kg) each
Business and First: 2 bags — 70 pounds (32 kg) each

Lap Infant Checked Bag Policy:

To/From the Americas or Flights Originating in Africa:

Passengers traveling with infants (under 2 years of age) may check 1 piece of baggage for the infant, regardless of cabin class. This baggage allowance will be shown on the infant’s ticket. This piece must weigh 50 pounds (23 kg) or less and have total dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 59 inches (150 cm).

Outside of the Americas:

Passengers traveling with infants (under 2 years of age) may check up to 22 pounds (10 kg) of baggage for the infant. This baggage allowance will be shown on the infant’s ticket.

Additional/Excess Baggage Fees

Flights to/from the Americas and from Africa for tickets purchased before December 21, 2020: $200 per piece (up to 10 pieces permitted — only 5 can be booked online)

If purchased online then a 50% fee reduction will apply for the first additional bag (excluding flights originating in Africa) and 20% for any further additional baggage.

Flights Outside of the Americas (Per Kilogram)

SCROLL FOR MORE

From/to	Middle East/South Asia	Africa	Far East	Europe*	Australia and New Zealand
Middle East/South Asia	$15	$25	$25	$25	$40
Far East	$25	$30	$15	$30	$30
Europe*	$25	$30	$30	$50	$50
Australia and New Zealand	$40	$50	$30	$50	$15

* $15 per kilogram for travel between Larnaca and Malta

If purchased online then a 50% to 60% fee reduction will apply, depending on how much extra weight you purchase. The more weight you purchase, the higher the discount.

Flights To/From the Americas or Africa (Per Piece) for Tickets Purchased on or After December 21, 2020

SCROLL FOR MORE

From/to	From/To Africa	From/To the Americas	From/To Canada
Middle East/South Asia	$200	$225	CA$280
Africa	$200	$200	CA$250
Far East	$250	$250	CA$300
Europe	$200	$100	CA$125
Australia and New Zealand	$250	$250	CA$300
Americas	$200	$100	CA$125

Overweight/Oversized Baggage (Within Your Allowance)

SCROLL FOR MORE

	Overweight	Oversized	Overweight and Oversized
To/From the Americas and To/From Africa	$75	$75	$150
To/From Canada	CA$95	CA$95	CA$185

Overweight/Oversized Baggage (Outside of Your Allowance)

SCROLL FOR MORE

	Overweight	Oversized	Overweight and Oversized
To/From the Americas and To/From Africa	The cost of the additional piece + $75	The cost of the additional piece + $75	The cost of the additional piece + $150
To/From Canada	The cost of the additional piece + CA$95	The cost of the additional piece + CA$95	The cost of the additional piece + CA$185

For baggage fees related to sporting equipment or musical instruments, see Emirates’ policies.

Exclusions and Waivers

Emirates Skywards members receive additional baggage allowance*:

Silver members: an additional 12 kg
Gold members: an additional 16 kg
Platinum members: an additional 20 kg

* When traveling under weight concept on Emirates and flydubai flights only

However, please note the following:

The maximum weight per checked-in item of luggage is 70 pounds (32 kg) on all cross-Atlantic flights
Economy class baggage to the U.S. cannot weigh more than 50 pounds (23 kg) per item
Maximum weight limits per bag may vary in accordance with differing international airport regulations
Excess baggage privileges do not apply to cabin baggage or on flights in which the baggage allowance is given as “number of luggage items” instead of kilograms.

Emirates Skywards members traveling under the piece concept on Emirate flights receive the following baggage allowance:

Gold members
- An additional 50 pounds (23 kg) piece in economy class
- An additional 70 pounds (32 kg) piece in business and first class
Platinum members
- An additional 50 pounds (23 kg) piece in economy class
- An additional 70 pounds (32 kg) piece in business and first class

NOTE: For the piece concept, the maximum allowance in any cabin shall not exceed 3 pieces of checked baggage.

Can I Prepay for Baggage?

Emirates does allow passengers the ability to prepay for luggage online or via the mobile app.

Here are the ways you can prepay:

Log in to the Manage my Booking area of the Emirates website
Download and log in to the Emirates app

Credit Cards That Reimburse You for Checked Bag Fees

If you are checking bags on an Emirates flight, one of the cards below can reimburse you for some, if not all, of those fees.

TOP PICK

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome OfferEarn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Excellent (740-840)

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

Pros

10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
$300 annual travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel
Unlimited complimentary access for cardholder and 2 guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
10,000 bonus miles awarded on your account anniversary each year
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
Add authorized users for no additional annual fee (rates & fees)
No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)

Cons

$395 annual fee (rates & fees)
Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Welcome OfferEnjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$1,350

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros

5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
Access to Capital One transfer partners

Cons

$95 annual fee (rates & fees)
Limited elite benefits

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Welcome OfferEarn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.
20,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$360

Annual Fee

APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros

No annual fee (rates & fees)
No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
Ability to use transfer partners
Fraud coverage

Cons

Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
No luxury travel or elite benefits

$0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Each card allows you to redeem Capital One miles for 1 cent each as a statement credit for previous travel purchases (within 90 days).

To see more airline baggage fees and policies, click here.

Featured Image Credit: Fabian Joy via Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bags are allowed with Emirates?

Economy:
- Saver, Flex, and Flex Plus: 2 bags — 50 pounds (23 kg) each
- Special: 1 bag — 50 pounds (23 kg)
Premium Economy: 2 bags — 50 pounds (23 kg each)
Business and First: 2 bags — 70 pounds (32 kg each)

The total max linear dimensions of each piece must not exceed 59 inches (150 cm).

Outside of the Americas

Special: 44 pounds (20 kg)*
Saver: 55 pounds (25 kg)**
Flex: 66 pounds (30 kg)
Flex Plus: 77 pounds (35 kg)
Business (all fares): 88 pounds (40 kg)
First (all fares): 110 pounds (50 kg)

* 55 pounds (25 kg) in Economy Special for flights between UAE and India
** 66 pounds (30 kg) in Economy Saver for journeys originating in Australia and New Zealand

Does Emirates charge for baggage?

All Emirates cabins and fare types come with free baggage allowance with the quantity depending on your specific cabin/fare type (detailed above). If you exceed that allowance then Emirates will charge for excess baggage fees only.

Can you carry a handbag as well as hand luggage with Emirates?

You can if you’re flying Emirates in business or first class, which allows passengers to bring 2 carry-on items. Economy passengers are allowed only 1 piece of carry-on weighing up to 15 pounds (7 kg). Premium economy passengers are allowed 1 piece of carry-on weighing up to 22 pounds (10 kg).

Can you buy extra baggage with Emirates?

Flying Emirates to/from the Americas and from Africa, you can purchase additional baggage for $100 to $250 per piece. For flights outside of the Americas, extra baggage is charged per kilogram and ranges from $15 to $50 depending on the route. There are fee reductions of up to 60% for adding your baggage online in advance.

Is a laptop bag included in hand luggage of Emirates?

A laptop bag would be included in hand luggage flying Emirates, if it adheres to the size restrictions of 22 x 15 x 8 inches (55 x 38 x 20 cm) and does not exceed 15 pounds (7 kg).

Was this page helpful?

About Erin Miller

An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE^™