Everything About Emirates Airlines Baggage Policy (Complete Guide)

Emirates Airlines is one of the world's most prestigious carriers, known for luxurious cabins, exceptional service standards, and one of the most generous baggage policies in the aviation industry. Operating flights to 150+ destinations across 80 countries, Emirates connects major cities through its hub at Dubai International Airport (DXB).

Whether you're flying for business, leisure, or a long-haul international trip, knowing the Emirates Airlines Baggage Policy is essential. The guidelines vary significantly depending on your route, travel class, and fare category — and mistakes can be expensive.

This guide simplifies every detail of the Emirates baggage allowance, including cabin baggage, checked baggage, weight vs. piece concepts, Emirates baggage fees, extra baggage prices, special items, sports equipment, musical instruments, and more.

Before you move further—📞 Need help with Emirates bookings, upgrades, or baggage assistance? Call Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 for expert support.

👉 Quick Overview: Emirates Airlines Baggage Policy

✈ Weight vs. Piece Concept:Emirates uses the weight concept for most global routes and a piece concept for flights to/from the Americas and Africa.

✔ Cabin Baggage:

• Economy: 1 piece, 7kg

• Premium Economy: 1 piece, 10kg

• Business & First: 2 pieces (briefcase + handbag/garment bag), 7kg each

✔ Checked Baggage:

• Economy: 20kg to 35kg depending on fare under weight model

• Premium Economy: 35kg

• Business: 40kg

• First: 50kg

• Piece model: 1–2 pieces (23kg–32kg each depending on fare)

✔ Extra Baggage Fees:Weight routes: Pay per kgPiece routes: Pay per extra bag + surcharges for oversized items

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Emirates Cabin Baggage Allowance (Carry-On)

Carry-on baggage is the first place travelers often face restrictions. Emirates’ rules are straightforward but vary based on your cabin class.

Economy Class Carry-On Allowance

• 1 cabin bag

• Maximum weight: 7kg (15 lbs)

• Dimensions: 55 x 38 x 20 cm

Economy passengers may bring a handbag or laptop bag, but it counts toward the single carry-on allowance.

Premium Economy Carry-On Allowance

• 1 cabin bag

• Maximum weight: 10kg (22 lbs)

• Dimensions: 55 x 38 x 22 cm

Premium Economy offers a slightly higher weight limit than standard Economy, ideal for long-haul routes.

Business & First Class Carry-On Allowance

Passengers may bring two pieces:

• 1 briefcase: 45 x 35 x 20 cm

• 1 handbag OR garment bag:

  • Handbag: 55 x 38 x 22 cm

  • Garment bag: Must fold to under 20 cm thickness

Each carry-on piece must not exceed 7kg (15 lbs).

Exceptions for Cabin Baggage on Emirates

Passengers traveling with infants may bring:

• One collapsible stroller, OR

• One carrycot, OR

• One infant seat

But if the overhead bins are full, these may be checked free of charge.

Passengers with special needs can bring assistive devices such as:

• Wheelchairs (collapsible only)

• Crutches

• Braces

All at no additional cost, beyond typical baggage allowances.

Emirates Checked Baggage Policy

Emirates advertises one of the most flexible and generous checked baggage policies among global carriers. Unlike many airlines, Emirates determines your allowance based on:

• Route

• Fare type

• Cabin class

• Weight or piece model

• Skywards membership tier

Weight Concept (Most International Routes)

On most Emirates routes, especially those outside the Americas and Africa, the weight concept applies. Under this model, the airline does not limit the number of bags — only the total weight.

Weight Concept Allowances

Economy Class (by Fare Type)

• Special: 20kg

• Saver: 25kg

• Flex: 30kg

• Flex Plus: 35kg

Premium Economy

• 35kg total

Business Class

• 40kg total

First Class

• 50kg total

Each individual checked item must not exceed 32kg (70 lbs) and 300 cm (118 in) in overall dimensions.

You may check several bags as long as the total weight does not exceed your allowance.

Piece Concept (Flights to/from the Americas & Africa)

Under the piece concept, your allowance depends on your fare and cabin class. Each bag must be:

• ≤ 23kg or 32kg depending on fare

• ≤ 150 cm linear dimensions

Economy Class (Piece Concept)

Fare Type	Pieces	Weight Per Bag
Special	1 piece	23kg
Saver	1 piece	23kg
Flex	2 pieces	23kg each
Flex Plus	2 pieces	23kg each

Premium Economy (Piece Concept)

• 2 pieces, 23kg each

Business Class

• 2 pieces, 32kg each

First Class

• 2 pieces, 32kg each

Route-Based Baggage Anomalies (Important Exceptions)

Emirates has a few special cases that override the regular rules:

1. Flights between UAE and India

Economy Special passengers get 25kg, not 20kg.

2. Tickets purchased from Australia or New Zealand

Economy Saver tickets bought on/after Nov 26, 2019 include 30kg instead of 25kg.

3. Mixed-Itinerary Flights

If your first flight is operated by a non-Emirates partner airline, their baggage rules may apply.

4. Long layovers in Dubai

If a stopover exceeds 24 hours, Emirates may apply the weight concept even if your overall journey follows the piece model.

Emirates Excess Baggage Policy

Excess baggage is where travelers most often face unexpected charges. Emirates provides two separate structures depending on whether your flight uses the weight or piece model.

1. Extra Baggage Fees – Weight Concept Routes

Passengers may purchase additional kilos in blocks of 5kg, up to a maximum of 25kg extra.

Why buying online saves money

• First 5kg: Up to 50% cheaper online

• Subsequent 5kg blocks: Around 20% cheaper

Sample Emirates Extra Baggage Prices (Weight Concept)

Route	Cost per kg (USD)
Middle East / South Asia	$20
Africa	$30
Far East	$30
Europe	$30
Australia / New Zealand	$30

Prices vary by region and seasonal adjustments.

2. Extra Baggage Fees – Piece Concept Routes

For flights to/from the Americas & Africa, Emirates charges primarily for extra bags.

Standard Extra Bag Fee:

• $200 per additional piece

Online discount for Economy passengers:

• 50% off the first extra piece

• 20% off the next two pieces

Maximum number of checked bags: 10 pieces per passenger, including those purchased online or at the counter.

Oversized & Overweight Bag Fees

Oversized: Bags measuring 150–300 cmOverweight: Bags exceeding 23kg (Economy/Premium Economy)

Typical Fees:

• Overweight: $75–$275

• Oversized: $250–$325

• Oversized + Overweight: $350–$400

Fees vary depending on region and booking source.

Sports Equipment Baggage on Emirates

Emirates is sport-travel friendly. Most sports gear counts toward checked baggage allowance.

Allowed with Restrictions:

• Surfboards

• Windsurf equipment

• Kiteboards

• Snowboards & Skis

• SCUBA equipment (empty cylinders only)

• Kayaks & pole vaults

• Hunting rifles (with strict pre-approval and packing rules)

Large sports gear exceeding 300 cm must be shipped via Emirates Cargo or a third-party logistics company.

Musical Instruments on Emirates

Musical instruments may be:

• Checked as part of your regular allowance

• Carried onboard if they fit cabin dimensions

• Transported in a paid seat for fragile or oversized items

Oversized fees apply if the instrument exceeds standard dimensions.

Special Items & Exceptions

Mobility Items

Crutches, braces, or collapsible wheelchairs can be checked free of charge.

Medical Devices

Dialysis machines or medical equipment can be transported free with advance notice.

Assistance Dogs

Service animals may travel in the hold at no cost, but are not allowed in the cabin on Emirates flights.

How Much Does Emirates Charge for Extra Baggage?

Charges depend on:

• Route

• Whether the flight uses weight or piece concept

• When you purchase (online vs airport)

Typically:

• $20–$50 per kg (weight routes)

• $200 per extra bag (piece routes)

• Oversized bags may add $250–$350+

If you're carrying multiple extra bags, booking allowances online can reduce your cost dramatically.

Why Emirates Has One of the Best Baggage Policies

Travelers praise Emirates airlines because:

• Their weight concept is generous compared to other airlines

• Their Premium Economy and Business Class allowances are robust

• Online discounts for extra baggage are significant

• Policies are predictable across most international routes

This makes Emirates a top choice for long-haul travel, relocation trips, business flyers, and travelers carrying large items.

Final Thoughts: Navigating Emirates Airlines Baggage Policy

Whether you're flying short-haul or international, the Emirates Airlines baggage policy offers flexibility and generous allowances across cabin classes. The key is knowing your route type (weight vs. piece concept) and understanding the charges for extra bags before you reach the airport.

To avoid high airport fees, always:

• Check baggage rules on your ticket

• Buy extra baggage online when possible

• Know the weight of your luggage before leaving for the airport

📞 Need help with Emirates bookings, baggage guidance, or low-fare deals? Contact Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 for expert assistance anytime.

FAQs on Emirates Airlines Baggage Policy

1. How many bags are allowed on Emirates for free?

Your free baggage allowance depends on your route, fare type, and travel class.

• On weight-based routes, you get 20–35 kg in Economy, 40 kg in Business, and 50 kg in First Class.

• On piece-based routes, Economy travelers get 1–2 bags (23 kg each), while Business and First get 2 bags (32 kg each).

2. What is the carry-on allowance for Emirates Economy Class?

Economy passengers may bring one carry-on bag up to 7 kg, measuring 55 x 38 x 20 cm.A personal item (handbag/laptop bag) counts as the single piece.

3. How much does Emirates charge for extra baggage?

Emirates charges vary by route and concept (weight vs. piece):

• Weight model: Pay per additional kg, with discounted rates available online.

• Piece model: Additional bag fees typically start at USD $200 per bag, with discounts for the first extra bag if purchased online.

4. What is the maximum luggage size for Emirates flights?

No checked bag may exceed 300 cm (118 in) in total dimensions.Bags larger than this must be shipped as Emirates cargo.

5. Can I carry sports equipment on Emirates?

Yes. Most sports equipment (surfboards, skis, diving gear, golf bags) is allowed as checked baggage.Items exceeding 300 cm must be shipped as freight.

6. Does Emirates allow musical instruments?

Yes.Musical instruments can be:

• Checked as part of your allowance

• Carried onboard if they fit overhead

• Or transported by purchasing an extra seat

7. Are infants allowed extra baggage on Emirates?

Infants traveling without a seat receive:

• 10 kg additional checked baggage on weight-concept routes

• 1 piece up to 23 kg on piece-concept routesParents may also bring one collapsible stroller or carrycot.

8. What happens if my bag weighs more than 32 kg?

Emirates will not accept any single checked bag weighing more than 32 kg (70 lbs) due to international handling rules.You must repack into multiple bags or pay excess baggage for additional pieces.

9. How much is Emirates’ overweight baggage fee?

On weight-concept routes, overweight pieces incur charges starting around $75–$250, depending on route and whether the bag is oversized and overweight.Piece-concept routes charge $200–$400 depending on size, weight, and membership status.

10. Do Emirates Skywards members get extra baggage?

Yes.Silver, Gold, and Platinum Skywards members enjoy additional checked baggage depending on route and class.Benefits vary and should be checked under the member profile.

11. Can I buy more baggage online before my flight?

Yes — and it’s cheaper.Emirates offers:

• Up to 50% off the first extra baggage purchase

• Up to 20% off on additional pieces

• Savings available up to 4 hours before departure

12. What is Emirates' policy for wheelchairs or medical devices?

Wheelchairs, braces, mobility devices, and medical equipment such as portable dialysis machines are transported free of charge.

13. What if I’m traveling from the U.S. on a codeshare flight?

If your first flight is operated by a non-Emirates carrier, then the first operating carrier’s baggage rules apply, as per DOT regulations.

14. What happens if my luggage is delayed or lost?

Passengers should report it immediately at the Emirates baggage desk.Emirates provides real-time tracking and compensation depending on the situation.

15. Where can I get help understanding my exact baggage allowance?

You can:

• Check your booking on the Emirates website

• Call Emirates customer service

• Or get personalized assistance from Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 for guidance on baggage rules, upgrades, and best-fare deals.