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Malaysia Airlines Baggage Fees and Policy (And Tips to Cover the Expenses)

Erin Miller's image
Erin Miller
Erin Miller's image

Erin Miller

Content Contributor

187 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 26U.S. States Visited: 28

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 publicat...
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Key Takeaways

  • Malaysia Airlines baggage policies vary by route and fare class, with economy passengers generally allowed 1 free checked bag and additional fees for overweight or extra bags.
  • Business passengers enjoy more generous allowances, with higher weight limits included.
  • Excess luggage is charged per kilogram and is on the pricey side, but thankfully you can save 20% when booking online or with the call center.

The checked baggage allowance for Malaysia Airlines depends on the fare type, so be sure to check what your allowance is – especially for economy, where there are 4 fare types for international flights.

Malaysia Airlines Carry-On Allowance

1 personal item: FREE
Standard carry-on bag:

  • Economy: 1 FREE bag up to 15 pounds (7 kg)
  • Business Class and Business Suite: 2 FREE bags with a combined weight of up to 31 pounds (14 kg)

Size Restrictions

  • Personal: No size limit disclosed but Malaysia Airlines states that 1 of the following items would be accepted: camera bag, laptop bag, handbag, or briefcase
  • Carry-On: 22 x 14 x 9.5 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm)

Lap Infant Carry-On Policy

  • Passengers traveling with an infant may bring 1 of the following items into the cabin (subject to space), in addition to their carry-on allowance: a diaper bag up to 11 pounds (5 kg,) small carry-cot, or collapsible stroller (up to 22 pounds (10 kg)).

Stroller Check Policy

  • Passengers traveling with an infant may check a stroller at the check-in counter or at the aircraft door.

Malaysia Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance

Individual checked bags may not exceed maximum linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm) including handles and wheels. There is no limit to the number of pieces you may check provided they do not exceed your weight allowance, however, a single piece must not weigh more than 70 pounds (32 kg).

  • Economy Lite: 0 bags
  • Economy Basic: 44 pounds (20 kg)
  • Economy Flex: 77 pounds (35 kg)
  • Business Basic: 88 pounds (40 kg)
  • Business Flex: 110 pounds (50 kg)
  • Business Suite: 121 pounds (55 kg)

Additional/Excess Baggage Fees

Additional baggage is charged per kilogram for weight exceeding the free allowance.

  • Zone 1: Malaysia (Peninsular, Sabah, and Sarawak)*
  • Zone 2: Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, Brunei, Myanmar, Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia (Denpasar, Surabaya, Kuala Namu), China, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh
  • Zone 3: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia (Jakarta), Japan, Republic of Korea
  • Zone 4: Australia and New Zealand
  • Zone 5: United Kingdom
SCROLL FOR MORE

From/To

Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 1

$5

$8

$14

$20

$28

Zone 2

$8

$16

$22

$28

$36

Zone 3

$14

$22

$28

$34

$42

Zone 4

$20

$28

$34

$40

$48

Zone 5

$28

$36

$42

$48

$56

*Passengers traveling within Malaysia on a government warrant/order will be charged a reduced rate of $3 per kilogram for excess baggage.

For baggage fees related to special luggage (sporting equipment, musical instruments, etc.) please refer to Malaysia Airlines’ FAQs.

Can I Pre-Pay for Baggage?

Malaysia Airlines does allow passengers the ability to pre-pay luggage – up to 24 hours before the flight departs – to receive 20% off the airport prices.

These are the ways you can pre-pay:

Exclusions and Waivers

Enrich Members

  • Platinum: +100% of baggage allowance
  • Gold: +50% of baggage allowance
  • Silver: Additional 5kgs

Oneworld Members

  • Emerald: Additional 20kgs
  • Sapphire: Additional 15kgs

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum baggage weight for Malaysia Airlines?

The maximum baggage weight for a single piece is 70 pounds (32 kg). Bags exceeding this weight will not be accepted.

Can we combine our baggage allowance on Malaysia Airlines?

Malaysia Airlines does not state on their website that they allow combined allowances between passengers on the same ticket, however, word from passengers online is that they do allow this.

How many kilograms can I carry on Malaysia Airlines?

The weight allowance with Malaysia Airlines is:

  • Economy Lite: 0 bags
  • Economy Basic: 44 pounds (20 kg)
  • Economy Flex: 77 pounds (35 kg)
  • Business Basic: 88 pounds (40 kg)
  • Business Flex: 110 pounds (50 kg)
  • Business Suite: 121 pounds (55 kg)
Do Malaysian Airlines weigh hand luggage?

As with any airline, Malaysia Airlines may weigh carry-on luggage and this could depend on the individual check-in agent. Ensure your carry-on does not exceed 15 pounds (7 kg) for economy or a combined weight of up to 31 pounds (14 kg) for business to avoid paying to check your bag.

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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.

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