Emirates Airlines has a baggage policy that varies based on travel class, route, fare type, and Emirates Skywards membership status. The policy is divided into two systems: the weight concept (applicable to most routes) and the piece concept (for flights to/from the Americas and Africa). Below is a detailed breakdown of the baggage allowances and rules for 2025, based on the latest available information.
Carry-On Baggage Allowance
Economy Class:
- One piece of carry-on baggage (handbag or laptop bag).
- Maximum dimensions: 55 x 38 x 20 cm (22 x 15 x 8 inches), including handles, wheels, and pockets.
- Maximum weight: 7 kg (15 lbs).
- For Premium Economy, the weight limit may increase to 10 kg (22 lbs) on some routes.
- For flights from India, the total dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 115 cm (45.3 inches).
- For flights from Brazil, up to 10 kg (22 lbs) of carry-on baggage is allowed for all classes.
Business and First Class:
- Two pieces of carry-on baggage: one briefcase (max 45 x 35 x 20 cm or 18 x 14 x 8 inches) and either one handbag (max 55 x 38 x 20 cm) or one garment bag (max 20 cm thick when folded).
- Maximum weight per piece: 7 kg (15 lbs).
Infants:
- One additional carry-on bag for necessities (e.g., baby food) is allowed, not exceeding 5 kg (11 lbs) and 55 x 38 x 20 cm.
- A carry-cot or fully collapsible stroller may be brought into the cabin if space is available; otherwise, it must be checked at no extra charge.
Additional Rules:
- All carry-on items must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.
- Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 100 ml or less, placed in a transparent, resealable 1-liter plastic bag.
- Powders in containers over 350 ml are prohibited in carry-on baggage on flights to/from the US, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai (DXB), Milan (MXP), and Athens (ATH). Exemptions apply for baby formula, prescription medicines, and human remains.
Checked Baggage Allowance
Emirates uses two systems for checked baggage: weight concept and piece concept, depending on the route.
Weight Concept (Applies to most routes, excluding the Americas and Africa)
- Based on the total weight of all checked bags, not the number of bags.
- Economy Class:
- Special: 20 kg (44 lbs) or 25 kg (55 lbs) for flights between UAE and India.
- Saver: 30 kg (66 lbs), or 35 kg (77 lbs) for journeys originating in Australia/New Zealand (tickets issued on/after November 26, 2019).
- Flex: 30 kg (66 lbs).
- Flex Plus: 35 kg (77 lbs).
- Premium Economy: Typically 35 kg (77 lbs).
- Business Class: 40 kg (88 lbs).
- First Class: 50 kg (110 lbs).
- Maximum Weight per Bag: 32 kg (70 lbs).
- Maximum Dimensions per Bag: 300 cm (118 inches) total (length + width + height). For travel from Dammam International Airport, the limit is 215 cm (84.64 inches). Bags exceeding these dimensions must be sent as cargo.
Piece Concept (Applies to flights to/from the Americas and Africa)
- Based on the number of bags, with specific weight and size limits per bag.
- Economy Class:
- Special: 1 or 2 bags, each up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
- Saver/Flex/Flex Plus: 2 bags, each up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
- Premium Economy: 2 bags, each up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
- Business and First Class: 2 bags, each up to 32 kg (70 lbs).
- Maximum Dimensions per Bag: 150 cm (59 inches) total (length + width + height). Items exceeding 150 cm but under 300 cm (or 215 cm from Dammam) incur additional fees.
- Note: For tickets issued before May 11, 2020, for travel originating from Africa, Economy Special allows 2 bags of 23 kg each.
Excess Baggage Fees
Weight Concept:
- Additional baggage can be purchased in 5 kg blocks, up to 50 kg.
- Online or advance purchase discounts: 50–60% off airport rates (e.g., $15/kg for travel between Larnaca and Malta).
- Example: For a flight from London to India, an extra 5 kg costs $7.50 online or $15 at the airport; 20 kg costs $12/kg online or $15/kg at the airport.
Piece Concept:
- Additional pieces: $50–$250 per bag, depending on the route and whether purchased online or at the airport.
- Each additional piece must not exceed 23 kg (Economy/Premium Economy) or 32 kg (Business/First Class).
Oversized/Overweight Bags:
- Bags weighing 23–32 kg incur a $50 fee per bag.
- Bags exceeding 150 cm (59 inches) but within 300 cm (118 inches) incur additional fees.
- Bags over 32 kg or 300 cm (118 inches) are not accepted and must be shipped as cargo.
Pre-Purchase Savings: Buying extra baggage online via Manage Your Booking at least 4 hours before departure can save 50–60% compared to airport rates. Payment can be made by credit card or a combination of Cash+Miles for Emirates Skywards members.
Special Items and Allowances
Sports Equipment and Musical Instruments:
- Can be carried as part of the standard baggage allowance if within weight and size limits.
- Items like surfboards, bicycles, or kite-surfing equipment may incur a fixed handling fee due to size or fragility. Contact Emirates for specific rates.
Mobility Aids:
- Passengers with disabilities can check a fully collapsible wheelchair, braces, crutches, or a portable dialysis machine free of charge.
- CPAP/PAP devices are allowed in the cabin and do not count toward the carry-on limit, subject to size restrictions.
Pets:
- Pets are not allowed in the cabin, except for falcons on specific Dubai–Pakistan routes.
- Pets can be transported as checked baggage or cargo, with fees based on the combined weight and size of the animal and its carrier (e.g., $800 for animals over 32 kg in carriers up to 118 inches).
Emirates Skywards Members
- Silver, Gold, and Platinum Members:
- Additional baggage allowance on weight concept routes (e.g., extra 5–20 kg depending on tier).
- On piece concept routes, Platinum and Gold members get 1 extra piece (23 kg in Economy, 32 kg in Business/First Class).
- Check specific benefits via the Emirates Skywards program or Manage Your Booking.
