Emirates Airlines Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover The Expenses
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Emirates baggage policy can be a bit confusing when it comes to their 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 & size allowances for your baggage (which is highly variable depending on the base fare) but Emirates requires the use of their online Baggage Calculator Tool to find out your exact costs.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Emirates Carry-On Allowance
First & Business Class:
- customers are permitted two pieces of carry-on baggage – one briefcase plus either one handbag or one garment bag.
- The briefcase may not exceed 45 x 35 x 20 cm (18 x 14 x 8 in.)
- The handbag may not exceed 55 x 38 x 20 cm (22 x 15 x 8 in.)
- The garment bag can be no more than 20 cm (8 in.) thick when folded.
- The weight of each piece must not exceed 7 kg (15 lbs).
Economy:
- customers are permitted one piece of carry-on baggage, either a handbag or laptop bag
- either may not exceed 55 x 38 x 20 cm (22 x 15 x 8 in.)
- must weigh no more than 7 kg (15 lbs)
Lap Infant Carry-On Policy
- customers traveling with infants are permitted to bring one 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
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
Emirates utilizes an online baggage calculator tool in order to calculate baggage allowance. You can find that tool here.
Max Weight per Bag
To/From the Americas or flights originating in Africa
- Economy: 2 bags – 23kg each (1 bag – 23kg for Economy Special fare for bookings on or after 4 February 2019*)
- Business & First: 2 bags – 32kg each
* 2 pieces are permitted in Economy Special if your flight originates in Africa.
Outside of the Americas
- Special: 20kg (15kg for bookings on or after 4 February 2019)
- Saver: 30kg (25kg for bookings on or after 4 February 2019)
- Flex: 30kg
- Flex Plus: 35kg
- Business (all fares): 40kg
- First (all fares): 50kg
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 32kg per piece)
Max Size per Bag
To/From North America/Canada/South America and from Africa:
- The total max linear dimensions of each piece must not exceed 150 cm (59 inches).
- If you check two pieces of luggage (in any of our three classes), the total combined dimensions of both pieces cannot exceed 300 cm (118 inches).
Outside of the Americas:
- Each piece must not exceed max linear dimensions of 150 cm (59 inches) with the total max linear dimensions not exceeding 300 cm (118 inches) across all pieces. 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.
Lap Infant Checked Bag Policy:
- Passengers traveling with infants (under two years of age) on any route not including North, Central, or South America may check up to 10 kg (22 lbs) of baggage for the infant. This baggage allowance will be shown on the infant’s ticket.
- Passengers traveling with infants (under two years of age) on any route that includes North, Central, or South America may check one 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 23 kg (50 lbs) or less and have total dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 115 cm (45 in).
Additional / Excess Baggage Fees
For all bookings before 4 February 2019
Please refer to their baggage calculator tool in order to calculate baggage allowance including fees for excess and overweight/ oversized baggage.
Overweight and oversized fees vary depending on class of travel, your fare type and Emirates Skywards and Qantas Frequent Flyer membership tier.
Additional baggage (for bookings on or after 4 February 2019 the following charges will apply)
Flights to/from the Americas and from Africa: $200 per piece (up to 10 pieces permitted)
If purchased online then a 50% fee reduction will apply for the first additional bag (excluding Africa) and 20% for any further additional baggage.
Flights outside of the Americas (per kg):
| From/to | Middle East/South Asia | Africa | Far East | Europe | Australia and New Zealand |
| Middle East/South Asia | $20 | $30 | $30 | $30 | $40 |
| Far East | $30 | $40 | $15 | $40 | $30 |
| Europe | $30 | $40 | $40 | $15 | $50 |
| Australia and New Zealand | $40 | $50 | $30 | £50 | $15 |
If purchased online then a 50% fee reduction will apply for the first 5kg and 20% for any further weight.
Overweight/oversized baggage for flights to/from the Americas or originating in Africa
Within the baggage allowance: Overweight: $75, oversized: $250, overweight and oversized: $325
Outside of baggage allowance: Overweight: $275, oversized: $325, overweight and oversized: $400
For baggage fees related to sporting equipment, see Emirate’s policy here.
For baggage fees related to musical instruments, see Emirate’s policy here.
For all other special baggage information, see Emirate’s policy here.
Can I Pre-pay for Baggage?
Emirates does allow passengers the ability to pre-pay for luggage online or via the mobile app.
Here are the ways you can pre-pay:
- 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.
| Capital One® VentureOne® Rewards Credit Card - This no annual fee card comes with a 20,000 mile welcome bonus (worth $200) once you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. When you use your card for travel purchases (e.g. baggage fees), use your miles to pay off all, or part of, your statement! This is why we like this card. |
| Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card - The "big brother" card to the VentureOne® with a larger 50,000 welcome bonus (worth $500) once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening and you'll earn 10X miles per $1 spent across thousands of hotels. |
Exclusions & Waivers
- Silver members are entitled to a guaranteed excess baggage allowance of 12 kg above the ticketed limit for a particular cabin class.
- Gold members are guaranteed 16 kg above the ticketed limit and Platinum members are guaranteed 20 kg above the ticketed limit.
However, please note the following:
- The maximum weight per checked-in item of luggage is 32 kg on all cross-Atlantic flights
- Economy Class baggage to the US cannot weigh more than 23 kg or 50 lb 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.
How much will it cost to for 4 pieces of sailing sports equipment 2.2m length and weigh about 7kg from Singapore to Europe and from Europe back to Singapore?
Hi Kenny, please be advised we are not Emirates Airline so cannot give you any information that is 100% verified. For any special luggage like sailing or other sporting equipment, we suggest you review Emirates’ policy here.
They do note “Should your overall baggage weight or amount exceed the normal free allowance, excess baggage rates will apply.”
If you still have questions after reviewing the special sporting equipment consideration page, we suggest calling their customer service line (this is the number if you are in Singapore: +65 6 622 1770).
I want to carry a 50 inch LG LED TV from the USA to INDIA through Emarites. Will they allow this as checked baggage?
Per the Emirates FAQ page here:
“Customers are allowed to carry TVs as checked baggage. However, as this is a fragile electronic device we require the TV to have appropriate packaging in order to withstand the normal rigours of air travel. When checking in your TV you will also need to sign a limited release.
You can check in TVs up to 140cm (55 inches) with a total weight not exceeding 32kg (70lb). The TV may be subject to overweight or oversized baggage fees depending on your baggage allowance.
Please note that acceptance of TVs as checked baggage will depend on the airport you are departing from or arriving to. We recommend contacting the airport directly before travel.”
To note: this very well may be subject to extra charges as emirates states above, depending on the baggage allowance of the fare type you purchased.
If you have any additional questions, we would suggest calling Emirates customer service; as we are not Emirates, we cannot 100% confirm what charges will apply or if the airport you’re flying from will allow the TV.
Please, I am travelling to Africa from England and would like to purchase an extra 20 kg of baggage. What can I do? Please, it’s urgent because am leaving on the 1st of August.
Hi Benina – I’m not sure what you’re asking here when you say “What can I do?”…
Do you mean how can you purchase this? If this is your question, there are instructions and a link to pre-pay for your excess under the “Can I Pre-pay for Baggage” section above.
Are you asking how much it will cost? If this is the case, I would need more information like which airports you are flying out of/into and which fare type (economy, business, etc) you have purchased in order to help answer that question…
I’m going to travel to the USA from Sri Lanka in economy class on Emirates. My baggage allowance is 2 pieces with 23kg. But both my bags weigh 30kg + 30kg. How will Emirates charge for this? Then can I take another 23kg piece with me?
Thank You.
Hi Ranjithan,
You have two options here. Either you can pay $75 per bag, per one way route for extra weight up to a maximum weight of 32kg (per bag), or you can purchase another 23kg bag for $200 per one way route. You can save 50% on your first additional bag if booked online prior to your flight. These are the rates on the Emirates website for flights booked after 4 February 2019.
I am going to travel to Uganda from USA. I am taking another bag 30 kg, how much will this cost?
Hi Yosief,
What cabin are you traveling in? If you are traveling in Economy, did you purchase a standard Economy fare or an Economy Special fare?
Good day, how much would an extra case weighing 25kg be with on emirates in rand or pounds please.
Hi Andy, where are you flying from and to?
I’m planning to take a speaker which is 50 inches by 6 inches by 6 inches. Hope this is fine… I’m travelling in Biz class
Hi Hari – are you planning on carrying this on the plane? If I were you, I’d call Etihad and inquire directly with them if this will be allowed since it’s technically outside their measurement limits.
You can find your local Emirates office contact info here: https://www.emirates.com/uk/english/help/offices/
Im going from Dubai to the Philippines and vice versa. My luggage allowance was 30kg only.
What if i reach 40kg how much it cost me for both ways?
Thanks
Hi Cristalyn,
From Dubai to the Philippines, excess baggage is charged at $30 per kg. So for 10 extra kgs the cost would be $300 one way ($600 return) if you pay at the airport. Emirates offers discounted excess baggage if purchased online up to 4 hours before departure so it would be best for you to log in to your booking online and pre-pay for your luggage. You will receive 50% off the first 5 kgs and 20% off for any subsequent kgs.
Good day! How much is every 1 kilo baggage if my baggage overweight?
Hi Irene,
This depends on where you are flying from and to. There is a table in the article showing the cost per kilogram depending on the region you are originating from and the destination region.
I’m planning to buy 5 more kgs, how much will the charge be? I’m flying from Dubai to Cebu.
Hi Geraldine,
According to Emirates’ excess baggage table, this route would cost USD30 per kg. So 5kg x USD30 would be USD150. Dubai is classed in the region Middle East and Cebu in the region Far East.
I have flight tomorrow and I want to know if I have more than the kg what i have, how much will be the kg?
Hi Asmae,
If you are asking about excess baggage then we would require some more information in order to help here. Excess baggage charges depend on where you are traveling from and to. As your flight is so soon, (and we are not Emirates,) it would be best for you to log in to your booking with Emirates or call their Customer Service team directly to add excess luggage. You can reach them on livechat or by calling one of their contact numbers, depending on where you are based: https://www.emirates.com/english/help/
Have a good flight!
I would like to know what is the baggage weight I can have to travel from Australia to Malta economy, and I booked my ticket last September 2018..and I’m flying June 2019.
Hi Jacqueline,
Flights between Malta and Australia work on the weight concept for checked baggage. The amount of weight depends on the type of fare you booked. For tickets booked before February 2019, the allowance would be 20kg for an economy special fare, 30kg for an economy saver or economy flex fare, and 35kg for a flex plus fare.
I am traveling from USA to Nigeria with Emirates and I have three pieces of luggage 23kg +23kg + 15kg. How much will I be charged?
Hi Emenike,
That particular route works on the piece concept with 2 x 23kg bags being permitted for Economy passengers (unless you have booked an Economy Special fare that permits 1 x 23kg bag).
Excess luggage is charged by each additional 23kg bag with a flat fee of USD200 per bag. If you are traveling on a Standard Economy ticket then you would pay for 1 extra bag (USD200) or if you have an Economy Special ticket, then you would pay 2 x USD200 = USD400.
Hope that helps!
Can I cancel my extra baggage which I booked through online before I fly? Can I get a full refund?
Hi Poja,
Unfortunately, excess baggage is non-refundable in most circumstances, according to Emirates’ terms and conditions.
Even if i decide to cancel it before 15 or 20 days of travel, is it not allowed to get back my refund?
Hi Poja,
Please be aware that we are UpgradedPoints.com, not Emirates. We try to assist our readers with information; however, we do not determine the airline’s refund policies. The link provided previously was to the terms and conditions page for Emirates’ excess baggage policy on refunds. If you need further clarification, it is best you contact their customer service department.
ok thank you for the info 🙂
Goodday
I am travelling from the UK to Zimbabwe in economy class. In addition to permitted baggage I’d like to take a 50inch tv … what would be the extra cost?
Hi Wayne,
This is the only information we can find in writing in regards to taking a TV as checked luggage. Emirates states that the acceptance of TVs as checked luggage will depend on the airports you’re traveling between so we recommend you contact Emirates directly to query this. They charge a $75 handling fee but should also be able to tell you the excess charges you’ll incur (have to hand the weight of the TV as excess baggage is charged per KG on your route).
Hello, I am travelling from London to Mauritius eco class, and I have already reached my limit on baggage. But I want to bring my electric guitar in its hard case. Total weight around 10kgs…and dimension of the case is 113 by 35 by 11cm…oversized… so how much will I pay for this oversized baggage?? Thanks a lot!
Note I can bring 2 * 23kg as eco class.
Hi Baurhoo, please reference Emirates policy on musical instruments here: https://www.emirates.com/english/help/faq/214961/are-there-special-baggage-allowances-for-musical-instruments. Hope this helps!
How much would it cost me to add an extra luggage?
My flight is from Houston, Texas to Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Huss,
Since your flight is originating within the Americas, it will cost $200 per additional piece of baggage, up to 10 pieces. Thanks for reading.
Hi,
I want to buy extra luggage (17Kg) online, kindly help me process the payment.
Hi Marian,
Please be aware that we are not Emirates, we are UpgradedPoints.com. If you are having issues pre-paying your excess luggage, then we advise you contact Emirates directly using these contact details depending on where you are based.
Does Emirates charge for luggage handled with special care like a TV?
Hi Edison!
Emirates charges a $75 handling fee for checking a TV. Here is the information on their website if you would like to review it: https://www.emirates.com/english/help/faq/4095511/can-i-carry-my-tv-as-checked-baggage
I am going to be working in an orphanage/school in Africa this summer. I am going to be able to get all of my personal items into my carry-on bag but I need to take additional items to the school. Does your airline offer a baggage fee waiver for charitable organizations?
Hi Chris,
Please be aware that we are not Emirates, we’re UpgradedPoints.com. You can find contact details for Emirates depending on where you’re based on this page.
I am traveling with my wife on the same booking. Can we combine our luggage allowance as a total figure? Our individual allowance is 25kg. Can we use 50kg as our combined total?
Hi Kenneth, as a general rule, airlines usually don’t let you do this. They’re pretty strict on each bag having its own weight allowance. We’ve had to re-adjust multiple times to move a couple of pounds out of one bag and into another so the one in question was still within the limit. You can always call Emirates customer service directly and inquire with them, but I’m pretty positive they won’t allow this.
I booked a ticket in June 2019 traveling from Bangkok to Newcastle. My allowance is 15kg. How much do I have to pay if I have an item 23 kgs. Thank you
Hi Aranya,
For your specific route, excess baggage is charged at $40 per kg. So for 8 extra kgs the cost would be $320 if you pay at the airport. Emirates offers discounted excess baggage if purchased online up to 4 hours before departure so it would be best for you to log in to your booking online and pre-pay for your luggage. You will receive 50% off the first 5 kgs and 20% off for any subsequent kgs.
Want extra baggage flights coming from India to uk. Price for one way going from uk back to india for extra bag
Hi Anita,
That route works on the weight concept so excess luggage is charged by kilogram not by additional pieces. So the cost would depend on how heavy your excess luggage is – for your route, the charge is $30 per kilogram.
Hello,
I’m flying from the US to Botswana. I purchased 2 separate flights – one from DC to London and one from London to Kasane because it was the most economic way to get there. My Emirates flight is from London to Kasane. Since my journey began in the US and I’m carrying a US passport, will I be allowed the 2 baggage allowance for people traveling from the US, or will I only be granted 1 bag since my Emirates flight begins in the UK?
Hi Jenn,
Your allowance would be different to your flight from the United States as it’s a separate flight originating in the UK. So the 1 bag allowance with Emirates would apply.
Can i carry my piano as a cabin luggage/ hand carry, with dimension 88x27x9 and weighs around 4kg?
By the way ill be flying from Cyprus to Philippines in economy class, and dimensions are in cm.
Hi Jerome,
Emirates states “Sports equipment and musical instruments are subject to the same size and weight restrictions as other forms of cabin baggage”. The size restrictions for carry-on are 22 x 15 x 8 inches (55 x 38 x 20 cm) so it is unlikely your piano would be accepted by Emirates.
Am flying from Saudi Arabia to Ghana and I have two bags. The extra bag 25kg how much will cost me from Saudi Arabia Riyadh to Ghana Accra. Thanks economy class
Hi,
What type of economy ticket do you hold? Special, saver, flex, flex plus?
Hi Catherine!
Thanks for your post. I just want to know as I am being confused of the new May 1, 2019 policy of Emirates Airlines. I am planning to bring 42″ TV to Philippines from Dubai, is there a 75 USD fee either way you exceed your check in baggage allowance or not? I mean what if i only have the TV as checked in and then my carry on bag.
Thanks for your response in advance!
Hi Jolly,
It looks like the fee is in place regardless of whether you have a checked bag or not. We are not Emirates so we cannot confirm this and advise you contact the airline directly for any further information.
Hello,
I have Economy class Emirates tickets from Manchester to Lagos, Nigeria that include 35kgs per traveller (3 travellers). My questions;
1. Does 35kgs refer to 1 piece of luggage or more pieces (but not exceeding that weight)?
2. How much will it cost me for an additional piece of luggage weighing about 20kg?
Thank you
Hi Zainab,
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 (35kg). No single piece should exceed 32kg.
For your specific route, excess baggage is charged at $40 per kg. So for 20 extra kgs the cost would be $800 if you pay at the airport. Emirates offers discounted excess baggage if purchased online up to 4 hours before departure so it would be best for you to log in to your booking online and pre-pay for your luggage. You will receive 50% off the first 5 kgs and 20% off for any subsequent kgs.
I’m flying from the USA. One of my bags will be overweight. Is there a way to get discount on overweight baggage?
Hi Naz,
The cheapest option is to make sure you pay for your excess bag online before your flight as you receive a 50% discount rather than paying at the airport. Just log in to your booking on the Emirates website to do this.
Hello, I am flying from Hungary to Ghana and my government booked the flight for me. I know the kg per baggage is 23 each. If I have extra baggage of 10kg, how much will it cost? Thanks.
Hi Eunice,
Does your ticket state that you have 2 x 23 kg? As the Emirates baggage policy states that this only applies to flights originating in Africa and you mentioned you were flying from Hungary to Ghana.
If your flight works on the piece concept, then you would need to purchase an extra bag for $200 (50% off if you pre-book online). If your flight does work on the weight concept as the policy states, then the fee is $40 per kg ($400 total) but again a discount is offered if you purchase your excess luggage online in advance (50% off for the first 5kgs and 20% off any subsequent kgs).
Hello,
I am planning to travel from Bengaluru, India to Stuttgart, Germany.
My luggage weighs close to 45 kg.
Is it possible to avail 2*23 kg baggage?
As far as I could understand from the above article, 2*23 kg allowance in economy class is allowed only for US and Africa.
I happened to hear from some fellow students that I can apply for student coupon to avail extra capacity to avail service for carrying 2*23 kg?
Hi Raviraj,
There looks like there may have been a previous offer booking through an online travel agent that gave students additional baggage allowance, but nothing recently. You would need to give Emirates a call directly to query whether there is anything they can offer students.
Good luck!
Thanks for the clarification, Catherine!
Am flying from DUBAI to CHENNAI and I have two bags. For the extra bag 25kg, how much will cost me from DUBAI to CHENNAI? My ticket is economy class. Thanks
Hi Prabakran,
For that route, excess baggage is charged at $20 per kg, so for 23 extra kgs the cost would be $460. Emirates offers discounted excess baggage if purchased online up to 4 hours before departure, so it would be best for you to log in to your booking online and pre-pay for your luggage. You will receive 50% off the first 5 kgs and 20% off for any subsequent kgs.
I am traveling to Bangalore, India and my baggage is 10 pounds overweight, how much will I pay?
Hi Swayamprabha,
That depends on where you are flying from, are you departing from the UAE? I believe you’ll find that chart on this page especially helpful: https://www.emirates.com/uk/english/before-you-fly/baggage/purchase-additional-baggage-allowance.aspx
Additionally, you can purchase additional baggage online, at discounted rates, in blocks of 5kg up to a maximum of 25kg.
Online discounts per passenger are:
50% for the first 5kg;
20% for any subsequent amount.
Travelling from Washington DC Dallas airport to Bangalore
Hi Swayamprabha,
As you’re flying from the United States your allowance should be 2 x 23 kg checked bags. Emirates charges passengers $75 for overweight baggage that is within the free allowance (i.e. if your 2 free pieces are too heavy;) however, you say that 1 piece is 10 kg overweight. That would mean the bag weighs 33 kg which exceeds the maximum allowance Emirates will transport as checked luggage. So you would need to cut down your bag by a kg or purchase an additional 23 kg bag for $200.
Hello,
Request for your help. I am purchasing extra baggage with 50% discount and it is 100 USD from North america to Asia (Chennai). Question is, is the purchased baggage for 23 kg limit or 32 kg limit?
Hi Ganesh,
This depends on which cabin you’re flying in – if this is Economy then the allowance would be 23 kg, and if flying in Business or First Class then the allowance would be 32 kg.
Hi
Can I carry carton baggage with Emirates airlines?
And what is the flex plus baggage?
Hi Sagar,
If you carton baggage fits the weight and size requirements for Emirates then yes you can. Flex Plus baggage allowance refers to the type of ticket purchased. If you refer our article, you’ll notice that the baggage allowance increases the higher fare you purchase, capping out at first-class. Thanks for reading!