Czech Airlines (CSA) operates most flights under codeshare agreements with Smartwings, its parent company, and some flights may be operated by Smartwings or other partners (e.g., Israir Airlines). Baggage policies may vary depending on the operating carrier, fare type, and route. Always check the specific ticket conditions and the Most Significant Carrier’s (MSC) rules per IATA Resolution 302, typically the airline operating the longest leg. Below is the baggage policy based on available information for Czech Airlines-operated flights.
Carry-On Baggage:
Allowance:
- LITE Package (Economy): One carry-on bag (max 55 x 45 x 25 cm, 8 kg / 17.6 lbs, including handles and wheels) and one personal item (e.g., handbag, laptop bag, max 40 x 30 x 15 cm / 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches).
- PLUS/FLEX Packages (Economy): Same as LITE, but PLUS includes additional services like seat selection, and FLEX allows ticket changes.
- Business Class: Two carry-on bags (each max 55 x 45 x 25 cm, total 12 kg / 26.4 lbs) and one personal item (max 40 x 30 x 15 cm).
- Infants (under 2 years, no seat): No carry-on allowance, but one collapsible stroller, portable cot, or car seat (max 115 cm / 45 inches) is permitted free, subject to space.
- Children (2–11 years): Same allowance as adults based on fare package.
Size and Weight Restrictions:
- Carry-On Bag: Maximum dimensions 55 x 45 x 25 cm (21.6 x 17.7 x 9.8 inches, total 125 cm / 49 inches). Maximum weight: 8 kg (17.6 lbs) for Economy, 12 kg combined for Business. Must fit in overhead bins or under the seat.
- Personal Item: Maximum dimensions 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches). Must fit under the seat (except in emergency exit rows).
- Liquids, Gels, Aerosols: Containers up to 100 ml (3.4 oz) in a single, transparent, resealable 1-liter plastic bag, presented at security. Duty-free liquids in sealed tamper-evident bags (STEBs) are allowed with proof of purchase.
Additional Notes:
- On flights with 50 seats or less (e.g., ATR 72-500), only one personal item may be allowed onboard due to limited overhead space; carry-on bags may be gate-checked at no extra cost.
- Oversized or overweight carry-on bags are subject to gate-check fees (€40–€60, depending on payment timing: €40 if prepaid 36+ hours before departure, €48 within 36 hours, €60 at the gate)
- Enforcement can be strict, especially on busy flights or smaller aircraft (e.g., ATR 72-500). Anecdotal reports indicate inconsistent enforcement, with some passengers charged €45 for small laptop bags, while others combined items to avoid fees.
- Prohibited items include sharp objects (e.g., knives, scissors), self-balancing devices (e.g., hoverboards), and lighters. Smart bags require removable lithium batteries carried separately.
- Small musical instruments (within 55 x 45 x 25 cm, 8 kg) can replace carry-on. Larger instruments may require a purchased seat (max 20 kg, 135 x 49 x 35 cm) with advance notification.
Checked Baggage:
Allowance (piece concept for all routes):
- LITE Package (Economy): No free checked baggage. First bag (up to 23 kg) can be purchased: €30–€40 (prepaid 36+ hours before departure), €48 (within 36 hours), €60 (at check-in/gate).
- PLUS/FLEX Packages (Economy): One checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
- Business Class: Two checked bags, each up to 32 kg (70 lbs).
- Miles & More/Star Alliance Gold: One additional bag (23 kg for Economy, 32 kg for Business).
- Infants (under 2 years, no seat): One checked bag up to 10 kg (22 lbs, max 115 cm / 45 inches), plus one collapsible stroller, portable cot, or car seat.
- Children (2–11 years): Same allowance as adults based on fare package.
Size and Weight Limitations:
- Maximum dimensions: 250 cm (98 inches, L+W+H, including wheels and handles). Bags over 250 cm are shipped as cargo with prior approval (48 hours before departure).
- Maximum weight: 23 kg (50 lbs) for Economy, 32 kg (70 lbs) for Business. Bags over 32 kg are not accepted and must be shipped as cargo.
- Oversized (158–250 cm) or overweight (23–32 kg) bags incur fees: €1000 CZK/€40 (prepaid 36+ hours), €1200 CZK/€48 (within 36 hours).
Excess Baggage Fees (one-way, approximate):
- Extra Bags: €1000 CZK/€40 (prepaid 36+ hours), €1200 CZK/€48 (within 36 hours), €1500 CZK/€60 (at gate/check-in). Domestic routes may be slightly cheaper (~€25–€45).
- Overweight (23–32 kg) or Oversized (158–250 cm): €1000 CZK/€40 (prepaid), €1200 CZK/€48 (within 36 hours). Fees are cumulative.
- Third or More Bags: €85–€95 per bag, subject to space.
- Prepaid baggage (via website, app, or Contact Center, up to 24 hours before departure) offers discounts. Fees are non-refundable.
Codeshare/Interline Flights:
- The MSC’s rules apply (typically the airline operating the longest leg). For example, if Air Canada operates the first leg, their rules (two bags at 32 kg for Business, one at 23 kg for Economy) may apply for the entire journey. For Smartwings-operated flights booked via Czech Airlines, Smartwings’ rules may apply. Always confirm with the operating carrier (e.g., Smartwings, Air Europa, Israir).
Special Items (Sporting Equipment, Musical Instruments, etc.):
- Allowance: Sporting equipment (e.g., golf bags, skis, bicycles) counts toward free baggage allowance if within weight (23–32 kg) and size (250 cm) limits. Otherwise, standard excess fees apply (€2000 CZK/€80 per piece, one-way, up to 32 kg).
- Specific Rules:
- Sports Equipment: Includes skis, golf bags, bicycles, surfboards, and diving equipment. Must be packed in protective cases and pre-registered (48 hours before departure). Fees apply if exceeding allowance.
- Musical Instruments: Small instruments (within 55 x 45 x 25 cm, 8 kg) can be carry-on. Larger instruments can be checked (excess fees apply) or booked as CBBG (max 20 kg, 135 x 49 x 35 cm) with a purchased seat.
- Non-Accepted Items: Bags over 32 kg or 250 cm, self-balancing devices, and certain hazardous items (e.g., flammable liquids) must be shipped as cargo.
- Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs, crutches, and assistive devices are carried free with advance notification (48 hours).
- Medical Equipment: Portable oxygen concentrators and CPAP machines are allowed as carry-on (not used during taxi, takeoff, landing) with advance approval.
Pet Policy:
- Small dogs, cats, or household birds (domestic Czech Republic flights only) can travel in the cabin (max 8 kg including carrier, max dimensions 115 cm total). Fees: $125 (domestic), $200 (international), one-way.
- Larger pets (8–32 kg) travel in the cargo hold; fee: €5000 CZK/€200 per piece, one-way. Pre-booking required 48 hours before departure via Contact Center.
- Assistance dogs travel free in the cabin with prior approval and documentation.
Tips to Avoid Fees:
- Measure bags (carry-on: 55 x 45 x 25 cm, 8 kg; personal item: 40 x 30 x 15 cm; checked: 250 cm, 23–32 kg) and weigh them at home.
- Prepay baggage online (36+ hours before departure) for discounts (€30–€40 vs. €48–€60).
- Use soft-sided bags for flexibility, as enforcement is strict, especially on smaller aircraft (e.g., ATR 72-500).
- Check fare package details (LITE excludes checked baggage) and leverage Miles & More/Star Alliance Gold benefits.
- For codeshares (e.g., Smartwings, Air Canada), confirm the MSC’s rules, as they may differ.
- Label bags with contact details inside and out.
Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage:
- Report issues at the airport’s Lost and Found for a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) immediately. File damage claims within 7 days, delay claims within 21 days.
- For delays over 24 hours outside your country of residence, essential purchases (e.g., toiletries, clothing) may be reimbursed up to €40/day (max €250) with receipts.
- Czech Airlines uses the World Tracer system for tracking. The airline is not liable for normal wear, fragile items, or valuables in checked baggage.
- Anecdotal reports highlight issues with lost baggage (e.g., 38 days without resolution) and poor customer service response. Consider baggage insurance for valuable items.
