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

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Erin Miller,Michael Y. Park
Updated: 
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Malaysia Airlines Baggage Fees and Policy (And Tips To Cover the Expenses)
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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 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 kilograms)
  • Business class and business suite: 2 free bags with a combined weight of up to 31 pounds (14 kilograms)

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 centimeters)

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 kilograms,) small carry-cot, or collapsible stroller (up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms)).

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 centimeters) 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 kilograms).

Hot Tip:

When talking about baggage allowances, many airlines refer to “maximum linear dimensions” or something similar. This is merely the number you get when you add the length, width, and depth of a piece of luggage. For example, if you have a suitcase that’s 26 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 16 inches deep, then its linear dimensions are 62 inches, or right at the maximum for many airlines.

The free baggage allowance for weight-concept routes (excluding Malaysia to Japan, Japan to Malaysia, Jeddah, Madinah, and AMAL-operated flights)​ is as follows:

SCROLL FOR MORE

Cabin

Fare class

Free baggage allowance

Economy

Value

20 kilograms

Basic

25 kilograms

Flex/Shuttle

35 kilograms

Group

Domestic: 20 kilograms

International: 30 kilograms

Business

Basic

40 kilograms

Flex/Shuttle

50 kilograms

Business suite

All

55 kilograms

The free baggage allowance for Malaysia to Japan, Japan to Malaysia, Jeddah, Madinah, and AMAL -operated flights (weight-concept routes)​ is as follows:

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Cabin

Fare class

Free baggage allowance

Economy

Value

35 kilograms

Basic

Flex

Group

30 kilograms

Business

Basic

40 kilograms

Flex

50 kilograms

Business Suite

All

55 kilograms

The free baggage allowance for piece-concept routes is as follows:

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Cabin

Free baggage allowance

Economy

2 pieces, maximum 50 pounds (23 kilograms) per piece

Business

2 pieces, maximum 70 pounds (32 kilograms) per piece

Additional and Excess Baggage Fees

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

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Zone

Destination

Rate per kilogram

1

Malaysia (Peninsular, Sabah, and Sarawak)*

$11

2

Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia (Denpasar, Surabaya, Kuala Namu), Myanmar, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

$14

3

Bangladesh, India, Indonesia (Jakarta), Japan, Republic of Korea, Nepal, Maldives, Qatar, Sri Lanka

$15

4

Australia and New Zealand

$25

5

United Kingdom, Europe

$30

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From or to

Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 1

$11

$14

$15

$25

$30

Zone 2

$14

$28

$29

$39

$44

Zone 3

$15

$29

$30

$40

$45

Zone 4

$25

$39

$40

$50

$55

Zone 5

$30

$44

$45

$55

$60

*Passengers traveling within Malaysia on a government warrant/order will be charged a reduced rate of $5 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 Prepay for Baggage?

Malaysia Airlines does allow passengers the ability to prepay for luggage, up to 24 hours before the flight departs, to receive 20% off the prices they’d pay at the airport.

These are the ways you can prepay:

Exclusions and Waivers

Enrich Members

  • Platinum: Twice the standard baggage allowance (4 pieces, 23 kilograms each in economy, 32 kilograms each in business)
  • Gold: Additional 50% of baggage allowance (3 pieces, 23 kilograms each, 32 kilograms each in business)
  • Silver: Additional 5 kilograms

Oneworld Members

  • Emerald: 1 extra piece of luggage of up to 20 kilograms
  • Sapphire: 1 extra piece of luggage of up to 15 kilograms
    (in economy)

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

Featured Image Credit: Samuel T via Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum baggage weight for Malaysia Airlines?

The maximum baggage weight for a single piece is 70 pounds (32 kilograms). 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 among passengers on the same ticket, but 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: No checked bags
  • Economy Value: 44 pounds (20 kilograms)
  • Economy Basic: 55 pounds (25 kilograms)
  • Economy Flex: 77 pounds (35 kilograms)
  • Business Basic: 88 pounds (40 kilograms)
  • Business Flex: 110 pounds (50 kilograms)
  • Business Suite: 121 pounds (55 kilograms)
Does 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 kilograms) for economy or a combined weight of up to 31 pounds (14 kilograms) 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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