Turkey 
Star Alliance About Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines is Turkey's flag carrier and a Star Alliance member, with a broad network spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey. The airline is a member of Star Alliance.
Carry-on Baggage
Carry-on Bag
Personal Item
Checked Baggage Allowance
| Class | First Bag | Second Bag | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Free | €50-100 (depending on route) | 23 kg (50.7 lb) | 158 cm (62 in) |
| Business | Free | Free | 32 kg (70.5 lb) | 158 cm (62 in) |
Additional Bags & Notes
Additional bags: €150-400 each depending on route
💡 Fees and allowances may vary by route, fare type, and booking date. Always verify on the official Turkish Airlines baggage page before traveling.
Example Baggage Scenarios
Istanbul → London (Economy)
Carry-on: 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9 in), 8 kg max
Checked bag: 1 piece 23 kg — Free on intercontinental flights; Varies on domestic routes
2nd bag: €50-100 (depending on route)
Tip: Prepay online to lower baggage costs before you arrive at the airport
Istanbul → New York (Business Class)
Carry-on: 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9 in), 8 kg max + personal item
Checked bags: 2 pieces 32 kg — Included free
Priority: Business class bags tagged priority for faster delivery
Lounge: Complimentary lounge access with extra bag storage
⚠️ These are typical examples. Actual fees depend on fare type, route, booking date, and frequent flyer status.
Excess Baggage Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Bag / Per Kg | $8-25 depending on route | Varies by route and booking time |
| Prepaid Discount | Save up to 25% when booking online | Book online before departure to save |
| Overweight (23-32kg) | $50-200 per bag over 32kg | Per bag exceeding standard weight |
💰 Pro tip: Always prepay for extra baggage online. Airport fees can be 20-40% higher.
Tips to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees
- Weigh at home: Use a luggage scale before leaving. Most overweight fees start at $50-100 per bag.
- Prepay online: Book extra baggage through Turkish Airlines's website to save 10-20% vs airport prices.
- Wear heavy items: Boots, coats, and heavy clothing don't count toward luggage weight.
- Use compression bags: Vacuum bags reduce clothing volume by up to 75%.
- Check credit card perks: Premium cards often include free checked bags on select airlines.
- Join Miles&Smiles: Elite members often get free checked bags and priority boarding.
Special Items & Equipment
Turkish Airlines accepts various special items with specific conditions. Advance booking is required for most special items. Contact the airline at least 48-72 hours before departure.
Important: All special items require advance reservation. Airport acceptance is not guaranteed without pre-booking. Fees shown are estimates — actual prices vary by route, season, and availability.
Sports equipment: First piece free if within allowance, €50-150 for oversized
Pre-booking required 48-72h before departure.
Must be properly packed in protective bag/case
Musical instruments: Can be carried as cabin baggage if dimensions permit
Small instruments cabin-allowed if space permits.
Cellos/large instruments may require seat purchase
Mobility aids: Free of charge
Wheelchairs and mobility aids transported free.
Notify airline 48h ahead; battery wheelchairs need approval
Pet transportation: €75-300 depending on route and container size
Pre-booking required 48-72h before departure.
Must be properly packed in protective bag/case
Extra baggage for Miles&Smiles Elite members: Additional 15-20 kg allowance
Contact airline for specific requirements.
Pre-booking recommended
Musical Instruments & Sports Equipment — Quick Reference
Musical Instruments
- Cabin: Guitars, violins if overhead space permits
- Extra seat: Cellos, French horns (€100-300)
- Checked: Hard case mandatory, max 32kg
- Booking: Contact airline 72h before flight
Sports Equipment
- Golf: €30-80/bag, max 15kg
- Ski/Snowboard: €40-100/set, max 23kg
- Bicycle: €60-150, must be boxed
- Surfboard: €75-200, depends on length
Hub Airports
Compare Turkish Airlines With Broader Baggage Charts
Use these comparison guides to benchmark this airline against broader cabin, personal item, and checked baggage patterns before you book.
Turkish Airlines Baggage Booking Watchouts
These notes are here to highlight where this airline usually creates the most baggage confusion before checkout.
Who this page helps most
Best for intercontinental travelers and Star Alliance connections routing through Istanbul with at least one checked bag.
Where travelers misread the rules
Turkish Airlines often includes checked baggage on intercontinental trips, but domestic routes and add-on bags can behave differently.
What to verify before paying
Before booking, confirm whether your route includes free checked baggage in Economy and whether the second bag is free, paid, or route-based.
Turkish Airlines often looks generous compared with many European carriers, especially on longer international routes, but it is still not a single-rule airline. Domestic trips, second bags, and add-on baggage can behave very differently from the headline long-haul allowance.
Cabin setup in practice
The cabin side is fairly structured: an 8 kg carry-on plus a separate personal item with its own size and weight expectation. That makes Turkish easier to plan for than airlines that leave the personal-item rule vague.
How checked baggage usually works
Intercontinental Economy tickets often include a 23 kg checked bag, while Business moves to 32 kg and stronger inclusion. The second bag is where the rule becomes more route-sensitive.
Where the cost usually changes
Turkish usually feels generous on the first included bag, but second-bag and extra-bag pricing can escalate quickly once you move beyond the base allowance.
Smart booking checklist
- Check whether your route is intercontinental or domestic before assuming the same Economy allowance applies.
- Confirm whether the second checked bag is free, fixed-price, or route-based on your exact itinerary.
- If you are connecting through Istanbul on mixed carriers, verify which segment controls the baggage rule.
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