Below is a concise overview of Air Astana's baggage policy based on the latest available information.
Cabin Baggage (Carry-On)
Economy Class (Basic, Classic, Plus):
- One carry-on bag up to 8 kg and 56 x 45 x 25 cm (including handles, wheels, and pockets).
- One personal item (e.g., handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack) that fits under the seat (no specific weight limit, but typically small, e.g., a purse or camera bag).
Business Class and Economy Sleeper:
- Two carry-on bags, each up to 8 kg and 56 x 45 x 25 cm.
- One personal item as above.
Infants (under 2 years):
- No separate carry-on allowance, but one foldable stroller (max 34 x 32 x 14 cm when folded), infant carrying basket, or baby food for the flight is allowed free, subject to space.
Children (2-12 years):
- Same carry-on allowance as adults based on fare type.
Additional Permitted Items:
- Coat, umbrella, small camera, reasonable reading material, walking stick, crutches, or a fully collapsible wheelchair (if the passenger is dependent on it).
Notes:
- Liquids in carry-ons must be in containers of 100 ml or less in a 1-liter resealable plastic bag.
- Enforcement is strict, especially at Almaty and Astana, with weight and size checks at check-in or boarding. Oversized/overweight bags may be placed in the hold with fees (e.g., $50-$100 USD depending on route). Reddit users note that signage about the 8 kg limit is prominent at Almaty’s domestic terminal, but checks may be less rigorous at international terminals.
- For smaller aircraft (50 seats or less), only one personal item may be allowed due to limited overhead space.
- Camera gear or electronics (e.g., lithium batteries) must be in the cabin, not checked, to comply with safety regulations.
Checked Baggage
Economy Class:
- Basic Fare: No free checked baggage.
- Classic Fare: One bag up to 23 kg, max 158 cm (length + width + height).
- Plus Fare: Two bags, each up to 23 kg, max 158 cm.
- Special Routes: Two bags (each up to 23 kg) on routes like Bishkek–Seoul–Bishkek, Istanbul–Kazakhstan–Istanbul, and Kazakhstan–Istanbul–Kazakhstan.
Economy Sleeper and Premium Economy:
- Two bags, each up to 23 kg (Economy Sleeper) or 32 kg (Premium Economy), max 158 cm.
Business Class:
- Two bags, each up to 32 kg, max 158 cm.
Infants (under 2 years):
- One bag up to 10 kg (max 115 cm) plus one foldable stroller, car seat, or travel cot free of charge.
Children (2-12 years):
- Same checked baggage allowance as adults based on fare type.
Notes:
- Bags over 32 kg or 158 cm are not accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped via Air Astana Cargo.
- Some routes (e.g., Kazakhstan to Moscow, Baku, Tashkent) previously used a weight-based system (20 kg Economy, 30 kg Business/Plus), but the piece concept now applies universally.
- For connecting flights with a single ticket, baggage is typically tagged to the final destination unless customs require pickup (e.g., transfers over 24 hours).
- Pooling is not explicitly supported; check with Air Astana for group travel.
Excess/Overweight Baggage
Fees:
- Vary by route and booking method. Pre-purchase (more than 36 hours before departure) offers a 30% discount via the “Manage Booking” section, call center, or travel agency.
- Examples:
- Domestic: $20-$50 USD per additional bag or $5-$10 USD per kg over 23 kg.
- International (e.g., USA/Canada): $85-$200 USD per extra bag, $100 USD for overweight (23-32 kg).
- Europe: $50-$100 EUR per extra bag, $100 EUR for overweight.
- Dubai: Additional AED 45 for oversized baggage (>158 cm) at the OOG counter (not applicable to pets).
- Maximum 10 bags per passenger (including free allowance).
Notes:
- Fees are non-refundable unless due to airline issues (e.g., cancellations, lost baggage).
- Airport rates are higher than pre-paid rates.
- Delhi departures incur an additional tax.
Special Baggage
Sports Equipment:
- Counts as one piece of checked baggage if within 23 kg and 158 cm. Examples: golf clubs, bicycles (in a bike case), skis/snowboards, tennis/squash rackets.
- Fees if exceeding allowance: $50-$150 USD (domestic/international). Single tennis/squash rackets are free.
- Requires prior approval and secure packing (e.g., bike case, hard case for snowboards).
Musical Instruments:
- Cabin: Allowed if within carry-on limits (56 x 45 x 25 cm, 8 kg). Larger instruments (e.g., guitars) require an extra seat booked via the call center.
- Checked: Counts as standard baggage if within limits; excess fees apply (e.g., $50-$100 USD for oversized). Must be in a hard case.
Pets:
- In-cabin: Cats, dogs, or household birds (domestic Kazakhstan flights only) up to 8 kg (including carrier, max 44 x 30 x 26 cm). Fee: $125 USD (domestic/regional), $200 USD (international).
- Checked: Up to 50 kg (including kennel). Fee: Same as above. Requires pre-booking (36 hours before departure) with pet passport and veterinary clearance.
- Service dogs travel free in the cabin with documentation.
Wheelchairs/Mobility Aids:
- One foldable wheelchair or mobility aid per passenger is carried free in the hold, in addition to the standard allowance.
Notes:
- Special items (e.g., live animals, fragile items, technical devices) require prior approval from Air Astana Special Services. Without approval, items may be refused.
- Fragile items, perishables, cash, jewelry, or electronics should be in carry-on, not checked.
Additional Notes
Nomad Club Benefits:
- Diamond/Gold/Silver Members: Additional baggage allowance (e.g., one extra bag up to 23 kg in Economy, 32 kg in Business).
Codeshare Flights:
- Operating carrier’s policy applies. For multi-carrier itineraries, the Most Significant Carrier (MSC) rules apply. Check with travel agents or Air Astana for details.
Prohibited Items:
- Carry-on: Liquids over 100 ml, sharp objects, weapons.
- Checked: Lithium batteries (e.g., smart bags), explosives, hazardous materials. Check destination country customs for restricted items (e.g., food).
Lost/Damaged Baggage:
- Report at the airport’s Baggage Services desk immediately. Claims must be filed within 21 days for loss or 7 days for damage via Air Astana’s Baggage Help page.
