Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) baggage policy varies by fare class, route, and membership status, with specific rules for carry-on and checked baggage. Below is a concise summary based on the latest information from their official website and other reliable sources.
Carry-On Baggage (Free):
- Personal Item: One personal item (e.g., handbag, briefcase, laptop) is allowed free, with no specific size limit but must fit under the seat.
- Standard Carry-On:
- Economy Class: One carry-on bag, maximum dimensions 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9 inches, sum ≤ 118 cm/46 inches), and maximum weight of 10 kg (22 lbs).
- Business Class, Comfort Club, VIP Club: Two carry-on bags, each within the same size and weight limits (10 kg each).
- Carry-ons must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Bulkhead seats lack under-seat storage, so all bags must go in overhead bins during takeoff/landing.
- If carry-ons exceed size/weight limits or cabin space is limited, they may be checked into the hold, potentially incurring fees (e.g., €75–€100).
- Liquids and Powders: Follows TSA rules for U.S. flights: liquids ≤100 ml in a 1-liter clear bag; powders ≥350 ml (e.g., flour, spices) not allowed in carry-ons and must be checked. Exemptions for baby formula, prescription medicines, and sealed duty-free items.
- Infants: Passengers with infants (under 2) can bring a travel crib, baby food, or collapsible stroller (checked in cargo) in addition to the carry-on allowance, but no separate carry-on is allowed for the infant.
Checked Baggage (Free Allowance):
- Size and Weight Limits: Maximum size per bag is 158 cm (62 inches, length + width + height). Maximum weight is 23 kg (50 lbs) for Economy, 32 kg (70 lbs) for Business/Comfort Club/VIP Club. Bags over 32 kg are not accepted and must be shipped as cargo.
- Allowance by Fare Class:
- Economy Budget/Promo: No free checked baggage on flights under 3.5 hours (e.g., Moscow–Ganja, Moscow–Gabala, Moscow–Lankaran). Flights over 3.5 hours: 1 bag up to 23 kg.
- Economy Classic: 1 bag up to 23 kg.
- Economy Plus: 1 bag up to 32 kg.
- Premium Economy, Business, Comfort Club: 2 bags, each up to 32 kg.
- VIP Club: 3 bags, each up to 32 kg.
- Infants (under 2, no seat): 1 bag up to 10 kg (sum ≤ 115 cm) plus a collapsible stroller.
- AZAL Miles Platinum/Gold Members: 1 additional bag up to 23 kg.
- Baku–New York Route: Economy passengers get 2 bags, each up to 23 kg.
- Note: For J2 flights operated by Buta Airways (e.g., J2 9101), Buta Airways’ baggage rules apply, which may differ.
Excess Baggage Fees:
- Fees for extra bags, overweight, or oversized baggage vary by route:
- To/from New York, Beijing: €80/$100 per extra bag (up to 23 kg, ≤158 cm).
- Other Routes: €40/$50 or 30 GBP/180 AED per extra bag.
- Overweight (23–32 kg): €50–€150; specific rates depend on route.
- Oversized (159–292 cm): €50–€200; contact AZAL for exact fees.
- Pre-purchase extra baggage up to 3 hours before departure at AZAL sales offices or agencies for discounts.
- Economy Promo passengers can add a checked bag for ~$75 one-way.
- Maximum 10 bags per passenger; bags over 32 kg or 292 cm require cargo shipping.
Special Baggage:
- Sports Equipment: One set of golf or ski/snowboard equipment is carried free, regardless of size/weight, in addition to the free baggage allowance. Other sports equipment (e.g., bicycles, surfing boards) counts toward the free allowance; excess incurs fees (€40–€100). Bicycles must be disassembled and packed in a cover or hard case. Only tennis rackets and rhythmic gymnastics sets can be carried in the cabin (≤115 cm).
- Musical Instruments: Instruments ≤115 cm (sum of dimensions) and ≤8 kg can replace carry-on baggage in the cabin. Larger instruments (e.g., cello, ≤52 x 40 x 135 cm, ≤55 kg) require an extra seat purchase (book 72+ hours in advance). Oversized instruments are checked with excess fees (€50–€200) or shipped as cargo.
- Pets: Cats, dogs, and pet birds allowed. In-cabin: ≤8 kg (including container, ≤115 cm, €50 or €100 for Baku–New York). In hold: ≤75 kg (including container, rates vary). Advance booking required.
- Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs, crutches, and medical devices (e.g., portable oxygen concentrators, with 48-hour notice) are carried free and don’t count toward limits.
- TV Sets (Baku–Dubai): TVs ≤32 inches are included in free allowance; 32–55 inches cost AED 210; over 55 inches/32 kg must be shipped as cargo
- Weapons: Unloaded sporting/hunting guns and ammunition are allowed in checked baggage with permits, subject to cargo rules. Gas shells or explosive/incendiary ammunition are prohibited.
Prohibited Items:
- Liquids over 100 ml (except medical/dietary needs), powders ≥350 ml (U.S. routes), explosives, flammable substances, and certain batteries are banned in carry-ons. Lithium batteries (e.g., e-cigarettes, power banks) must be in carry-ons. Check AZAL’s dangerous goods list.
