United Arab Emirates
Full service airline, Dubai hub Emirates baggage allowance
Emirates sells checked baggage by total weight, not by number of bags on most routes. Economy passengers get 7 kg in the cabin and 20 to 35 kg in the hold depending on fare family, Business and First get more.
| Allowance | Economy | Business and First |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-on bagPlus one personal item under the seat | 7 kg55 x 38 x 22 cm | 2 x 7 kg55 x 38 x 22 cm plus a 45 x 35 x 20 cm briefcase |
| Checked bagMaximum weight per bag | 23 kgMax 158 cm linear | 32 kgMax 158 cm linear |
| Total checked weightMost routes, set by fare family | 20 to 35 kgSpecial 20, Saver 25, Flex 30, Flex Plus 35 | 40 kg Business50 kg in First |
| To and from the AmericasPiece concept instead of weight | 2 x 23 kgTwo bags, 158 cm each | 2 x 32 kgTwo bags, 158 cm each |
Cabin baggage
What you keep with you on board. The carry-on bag goes in the overhead bin, the personal item goes under the seat in front of you.
Carry-on bag
- Size
- 55 x 38 x 22 cm
- Weight
- 7 kg in EconomyBusiness and First: two pieces up to 7 kg each
- Pieces
- One bag
Must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Bags that do not fit are checked at the gate.
Personal item
- Size
- No published limitMust fit under the seat in front of you
- Weight
- Counts inside the carry-on allowance
- Examples
- Handbag, laptop bag, briefcase
Emirates folds the personal item into the cabin weight, so a 3 kg laptop bag leaves 4 kg for the main carry-on in Economy.
Liquids: containers of 100 ml or less, all inside one transparent resealable 1 litre bag. Baby food, medication and sealed duty free purchases are exempt.
Power banks and batteries
Lithium batteries travel in the cabin, never in the hold. Since 1 October 2025 Emirates also bans using or charging a power bank during the flight.
| Item | Cabin | Checked | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power bank under 100 WhAbout 27,000 mAh at 3.7 V | Allowed | Not allowed | One per passenger. Keep it in the seat pocket or a bag under the seat, never in the overhead bin. |
| Power bank of 100 Wh or more | Not allowed | Not allowed | Emirates does not carry these at all, with or without approval. |
| Using a power bank in flightCharging a device, or charging the bank itself | Not allowed | Not allowed | Banned on every Emirates flight since 1 October 2025. Use the in-seat power instead. |
| Spare laptop and camera batteries | Allowed | Not allowed | Terminals taped or in original packaging, up to 100 Wh each. |
| Devices with built-in batteriesLaptops, phones, cameras, tablets | Allowed | Switched off | Better in the cabin. If checked, fully switched off and protected from accidental activation. |
| E-cigarettes and vapes | Allowed | Not allowed | Cabin only, never used on board. |
Checked baggage
Emirates uses a weight concept on most routes: your fare buys a total number of kilograms, which you can split across bags as long as each bag stays under the per bag limit.
| Cabin | First bag | Second bag | Max weight per bag | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Included | Included | 23 kg | 158 cm |
| Business and First | Included | Included | 32 kg | 158 cm |
Economy: Total Economy allowance is 30 to 35 kg depending on the route.
Business and First: Total Business allowance is 40 kg, First is 50 kg. Allowances change by route, fare family and booking date, so confirm on the official Emirates baggage page before you pack.
Checked weight by fare family
On weight concept routes the fare family you buy decides how many kilograms you get. Compare the ladder before you pick the cheapest fare.
| Economy Special | 20 kg | |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Saver | 25 kg | |
| Economy Flex | 30 kg | |
| Economy Flex Plus | 35 kg | |
| Business, all fares | 40 kg | |
| First, all fares | 50 kg |
Split the total across bags as you like, as long as no single bag is over 23 kg in Economy or 32 kg in Business and First. Skywards status adds to these figures, see status extras.
Flights to and from the Americas
These routes use a piece concept: you get a fixed number of bags, each with its own weight cap, regardless of fare family.
| Cabin | Bags included | Max weight per bag | Max size per bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | 2 bagsEconomy Special: 1 bag | 23 kg | 150 cm |
| Business and First | 2 bags | 32 kg | 150 cm |
Applies to flights to and from the Americas and to flights starting in Africa. Extra weight on these routes is charged per bag, not per kilogram.
Where travellers misread the rules
People assume a piece rule (one bag, two bags) when the ticket is weight based. The real question is how many kilograms your fare includes, not how many suitcases you can count.
What to verify before you pay
Your cabin allowance, the total included checked weight for your exact fare family, and whether your route is one of the piece based exceptions such as flights to and from the Americas.
Excess baggage fees
What it costs when you go over the included weight. Prices are estimates in US dollars and vary by route.
| Situation | What you pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Extra weight | $20 to $45 per kg | Varies by route and when you buy it |
| Prepaid online | Up to 20% cheaper | Buy extra weight on emirates.com before departure |
| Overweight bag, 23 to 32 kg | $75 to $150 per bag | Any single bag over 32 kg will not be accepted |
Airport prices run 20 to 40 percent higher than online. If you know a bag will be heavy, buy the extra kilograms while you still have the booking open.
Estimate your excess fee
Your allowance
Estimate in US dollars based on published rate ranges. The exact fee depends on your route, currency and booking date. Confirm on emirates.com before you pay.
How the allowance plays out on a real booking. Fares, routes and Skywards status can move these numbers.
- Cabin
- One 7 kg bag, 55 x 38 x 22 cm, plus a personal item
- Checked
- Up to 23 kg per bag, within a 30 to 35 kg total, included in the fare
- Second bag
- Fine, as long as the two bags together stay under the total
- Tip
- Buy extra kilograms online before the airport if you are close to the limit
- Cabin
- Two cabin pieces of up to 7 kg each, plus a personal item
- Checked
- Two bags of up to 32 kg each, included in the fare
- Priority
- Bags are tagged priority and come off the belt first
- Lounge
- Lounge access with storage for extra bags before boarding
Before you pack
Six habits that keep you out of the excess baggage queue.
- Weigh bags at homeA luggage scale costs less than a single overweight bag fee, and it settles the argument at home rather than at the counter.
- Prepay extra weight onlineBuying through emirates.com is 10 to 20 percent cheaper than paying at the counter.
- Wear the heavy itemsBoots, coats and jackets on your body do not count toward any limit.
- Use compression bagsVacuum bags cut clothing volume by up to 75 percent, which helps with the 158 cm size rule.
- Check your credit card perksSome premium cards include extra baggage or refund fees on selected airlines.
- Use your Skywards statusSilver, Gold and Platinum members get 12 to 20 kg extra on top of the fare allowance, see status extras.
Skywards status extras
Frequent flyer status adds to the fare allowance. The extra applies to the member only, on Emirates operated flights.
| Tier | Weight concept routes | Piece concept routes | Also included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | None | None | Standard fare allowance |
| Silver | +12 kg | None | Priority check-in |
| Gold | +16 kg | +1 bag | Priority check-in and boarding |
| Platinum | +20 kg | +1 bag | Priority check-in, boarding and bag delivery |
Example: an Economy Flex ticket (30 kg) held by a Gold member gives 46 kg on a Dubai to London flight. On a Dubai to New York flight the same member gets three bags of 23 kg.
Sports equipment, instruments and infants
Special items travel with conditions. Every one of them needs advance reservation, and acceptance at the airport is not guaranteed without it.
| Item | Size or weight | Fee estimate | Book ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sporting equipment | Up to 300 cm linear, counts toward your allowancePack in a protective bag or hard case. Excess rates apply only beyond your allowance. Nothing over 300 cm in total can be checked; it has to go as cargo | Included in allowance | 24 hours for bicycles |
| Musical instruments | Cabin up to 55 x 38 x 22 cm, checked up to 32 kgCellos and other large instruments need a seat bought at the adult fare | Included in allowance | 48 to 72 hours |
| Pushchair or stroller | One fully collapsible pushchair or car seat per childNot counted against your allowance | Free | No booking needed |
| Wheelchair and mobility aids | Own wheelchair, walker or crutches, including battery powered chairsNot counted against your allowance | Free | 48 hours, for assistance and battery checks |
| Infant baggage | 10 kg extra allowance plus a collapsible pushchairRules vary by route | Included | 48 to 72 hours |
Sports equipment by type
- Golf clubsInside the allowance, one bag per passenger
- Skis and snowboardsInside the allowance, skis plus boots count as one item
- BicyclesBoxed, pedals off and handlebars turned. Tell Emirates 24 hours ahead
- SurfboardsInside the allowance, up to 300 cm length plus width plus height
Musical instruments
- In the cabinGuitars and violins within the 55 x 38 x 22 cm cabin limit
- On a seatCellos and French horns, priced as a full adult fare
- In the holdHard case required, max 32 kg, counts toward your allowance
- BookingAn extra seat is booked through an Emirates office, not online
Book special items online before travel. Airport prices are higher than the same allowance bought online, and hold space is first come, first served.
Check-in and bag drop deadlines
Counted back from scheduled departure. Miss the bag drop cut-off and the bag does not fly, even if you do.
- 48 hOnline check-in opensWeb, app or self service kiosk
- 90 minOnline check-in closesBoarding pass must be issued by now
- 60 minBag drop and check-in closeArrive at least 90 minutes before departure if you have bags to check
- 20 minBoarding gate closesBags of no show passengers are offloaded
If your bag does not arrive
Delayed and damaged bags follow a strict clock. Most claims fail because the report was made after leaving the airport.
Report before you leave the hall
Go to the Emirates baggage services desk in the arrivals baggage hall. You get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with a 10 character reference. Without it there is no claim.
Track with the PIR reference
Use the reference and your surname on the Emirates baggage tracing page. Most delayed bags arrive within 48 hours and are delivered to your address free of charge.
Track a bagKeep receipts, mind the deadlines
Essentials bought while the bag is missing can be claimed. Damage must be reported within 7 days, delayed bag expenses within 21 days of delivery, under the Montreal Convention.
How Emirates compares
Benchmark these limits against the rest of the industry before you decide which bag to bring.
Frequently asked questions
How much does checked baggage cost on Emirates?
On most routes it costs nothing extra: checked baggage is included in the fare on a weight basis. Economy bags can weigh up to 23 kg each within a total of 20 to 35 kg depending on the fare family you bought. Business and First bags can weigh up to 32 kg each. Every bag must stay within 158 cm total length plus width plus height.
What are the carry-on size limits for Emirates?
Carry-on bags must not exceed 55 x 38 x 22 cm and 7 kg in Economy. Business and First carry two pieces of up to 7 kg each: a handbag of up to 55 x 38 x 22 cm and a briefcase of up to 45 x 35 x 20 cm. A personal item that fits under the seat is allowed as well, but its weight counts inside the cabin allowance. Oversized bags are checked at the gate.
Can I bring a personal item in addition to carry-on?
Yes. Emirates allows one handbag, laptop bag or briefcase in addition to the main carry-on. It must fit under the seat in front of you. The airline does not publish a separate size limit for it.
What liquids can I bring in my carry-on?
Liquids, gels, creams, pastes and aerosols must be in containers of 100 ml or less, all fitting inside one transparent resealable 1 litre bag. Baby food, medication and duty free purchases in sealed tamper evident bags are exempt.
How do I avoid excess baggage fees?
Weigh your bags at home, prepay extra kilograms online where they are 20 to 40 percent cheaper than at the airport, wear your heaviest items, use compression bags, and check whether Skywards status or a premium credit card gives you extra allowance.
Can I bring sports equipment or musical instruments?
Yes, with conditions. Golf clubs, skis, surfboards and bicycles count as part of your allowance up to 300 cm linear. Small instruments can travel in the cabin if space permits, and large ones such as cellos need a paid seat. Contact Emirates at least 48 hours before departure to arrange transport and confirm fees.
Can I bring a power bank on Emirates?
Yes, one power bank under 100 Wh, in the cabin only. Emirates does not carry power banks of 100 Wh or more at all. Since 1 October 2025 you may not use a power bank in flight or charge it from the aircraft supply, and it must stay in the seat pocket or under the seat rather than in the overhead bin. Every Emirates seat has its own power outlet.
What do I do if my bag is delayed or lost?
Report it at the Emirates baggage services desk before leaving the arrivals hall and get a PIR reference. Track the bag online with that reference, keep receipts for essentials, and submit expenses within 21 days of the bag arriving. Damage must be reported within 7 days.
What items are prohibited in checked baggage?
Lithium batteries over 100 Wh, flammable liquids, explosives and compressed gases are prohibited. Valuables such as jewellery, electronics, cash and important documents should travel in your cabin bag. Check the Emirates dangerous goods policy for the full list.
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