Emirates - 2024 Updated Guide - Cabin Bag, Checked Baggage Allowance and Fees

Are you planning your vacation to sun-shining Caribbean beaches or to the bustling city of New York? Look no further than Emirates Airlines, your gateway to over 150 destinations around the globe.

Established in 1985, this Dubai-based carrier has soared to great heights, emerging as one of the world's leading airlines. But before you jet-set off, let's navigate through Emirates baggage allowance to ensure your high-class experience at an affordable price. Packing-savvy travellers know that mastering luggage limits can translate to sweet savings.

What is Emirates Airline?

Emirates Airlines - Best airline in the world, Photo by sangga_selia on Unsplash

Emirates, a renowned airline based in the United Arab Emirates, has earned its name as a global top airline with a history that mirrors the dynamic growth and modernization of the region. 

Established in 1985, the airline has evolved to become a symbol of luxury and efficiency in the air travel industry. Its headquarters in Dubai, strategically positioned as a global hub, has allowed Emirates to connect continents effectively, becoming a pivotal player in the international aviation landscape. 

Awarded as the Best Airline in the Middle East and Best Airline in the World, Emirates has earned a stellar reputation for its commitment to excellence. Boasting one of the youngest fleets in the world, the airline continually invests in state-of-the-art aircraft, ensuring a travel experience that blends opulence with innovation. 

Emirates Baggage Allowance - Cabin Luggage

Emirates maintains a specific and structured policy regarding carry-on baggage allowances. Depending on your ticket, you would be provided with different carry-on requirements.

Carry-on Baggage Allowance Policy, photo taken from Emirates' official website Economy Class

In the context of Economy Class, passengers are permitted one piece of carry-on luggage. It is imperative to adhere to specified dimensions, generally around 55 x 38 x 22 cm (22 x 15 x 8 inches), encompassing handles, wheels, and additional pockets. 

Regarding the weight, make sure your cabin baggage does not exceed 7kg (or 15.5lbs)

Premium Economy

Passengers that have Premium Economy tickets generally have the same cabin luggage policy. That is, one passenger is allowed to have one luggage with the size 55 x 38 x 22 cm (22 x 15 x 8 inches). The only difference is that for Premium Economy passengers, the cabin bag weight can go up to 10kg (or 20 lbs).

Business Class & First Class

Passengers with the enhanced services in Business Class and First Class have a more liberal allowance, accommodating larger or additional items. 

Besides the carry-on luggage, which is limited to 7kg in weight and 55 x 38 x 22 cm (22 x 15 x 8 inches) in size, customers are allowed to bring onboard a briefcase or a garment bag. The briefcase should not exceed 45 x 35 x 20 cm (18 x 14 x 8 inches), while the garment bag should be under 20 cm (or 8 inches) thick when folded.

Special Cases

Carry-on Baggage Allowance Policy, photo taken from Emirates official website

If you’re travelling with infants, Emirates Airlines is quite flexible about bringing a foldable stroller or carry-cot onboard if they have space available. In case there is no space left, then you need to check those items. 

There are differences in carry-on luggage weight when you are boarding from India or Brazil too.

• For passengers flying from India, please make sure that you will only bring one carry-on baggage, and its total dimension should not exceed 115cm (length + width + height).
• For people flying from Brazil, passengers can actually have luggage up to 10kg for all classes. 

Other Notes For Carry-On Luggage On Emirates Flights

Besides the above Emirates Baggage Allowance for carry-on, you should also pay attention to what you can and cannot bring onboard.

Emirates Airlines, like most airlines, generally follow TSA rules on prohibited items, so be sure to do a quick research while you’re packing.

Regarding the amount of liquid to bring onboard, you can bring up to 100ml of liquid on board, and you must place them in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag. For a full-proof solution, following TSA’s 3–1-1 liquid rule is a good way to go. 

What Type Of Luggage Should You Aim For?

Depending on your ticket fare, make sure to follow the guidelines so that no extra fee is wasted on this step. However, if you want to get a heads up every time you go travelling, then getting yourself a cabin bag that is specifically designed to bring on board is a foolproof option.

Emirates Baggage Allowance | Checked Baggage

Emirates Airlines is probably one of the most generous airlines when it comes to checked baggage allowances, as they provide free checked bags on every class and fare.

On the official website, they provide a comprehensive policy for checked baggage allowances and associated fees, outlining parameters to ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience.

For passengers flying with Emirates, the allowance for checked baggage depends on the travel class, route, and fare type. Emirates baggage allowance divided their checked baggage policy into 2 concepts: weight concept and piece concept. 

The weight concept applies to all routes, excluding flights to and from destinations in the Americas and travel to or from Africa.

The piece concept applies to all flights to and from destinations in the Americas and Africa.

Emirates Airlines - One of the best airlines in the world. Photo by the blowup on Unsplash

Free Emirates Checked Baggage Policy

With Emirates; there are a lot of scenarios that can happen with just one flight class. You can either bring more than one luggage item or just one luggage item. It all depends on which concept your ticket has. 

Emirates Baggage Allowance - Weight Concept

Economy Class

In Economy Class, passengers typically enjoy a generous checked baggage allowance, with variations depending on the specific route and ticket type. We compiled a list of different fare weight allowances below for your convenience. 

Class of travel	Special	Saver	Flex	Flex Plus
Economy Class	20 kg (or 44 lbs)	25 kg*  (or 55 lbs)	30 kg (or 66 lbs)	35 kg (or 77 lbs)

*For flights starting from Australia and New Zealand, Economy Class passengers will have 30kg of checked luggage.

Regarding the checked bag dimension, make sure the total dimensions (length + width + height) do not exceed 300 cm (or 118 inches). The only exception is for a flyer from Dammam International Airport, whose total dimensions are up to 215cm (or 84.64 inches).

Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class

Passengers who are not in Economy Class are allowed to check heavier luggage, provided their total dimension is still under 300 cm (or 188 inches).

Class of travel	Baggage allowance
Premium Economy	35 kg (or 77 lbs)
Business Class	40 kg (or 88 lbs)
First Class	50 kg (or 110 lbs)

Emirates Baggage Allowance - Piece Concept

When it comes to Emirates Baggage Allowance following the Piece Concept, generally, it is consistent for most routes, except for slight differences in Economy Class.

Class of travel	Baggage allowances to and from the Americas and Africa (except flights within the Americas and between US and Europe)	Baggage allowance for flights within the Americas and between US and Europe
Economy Class	*One piece up to 23 kg for Special fares Two pieces up to 23 kg each for Saver, Flex, and Flex Plus fares	One piece up to 23 kg for Special and Saver fares Two pieces up to 23 kg each for Flex and Flex Plus fares
Premium Economy	Two pieces up to 23 kg each	Two pieces up to 23 kg each
Business Class	Two pieces up to 32 kg each	Two pieces up to 32 kg each
First Class	Two pieces up to 32 kg each	Two pieces up to 32 kg each

*If your flight is from Africa, you can check in two pieces of baggage weighing up to 23 kg (or 50 lbs) each in Economy Special fare.

If you start your flight from the US, and the first airline is not from Emirates, then the policy can be different, as the policy from the first airline will apply to the whole itinerary. So, make sure you contact Emirates support for such special cases.

Emirates Additional Checked Baggages

If the free checked baggage from Emirates is still not enough for your needs, then you can always purchase more. One amazing fact is that you can get a 50% to 60% discount if you purchase an additional bag 4 hours before your flight, so remember, preparation is key for your budget travel. 

If your baggage allowance is based on weight, you can refer to the below price table.

From / To	Middle East / South Asia	Africa	Far East	Europe*	Australia and New Zealand
Middle East / South Asia	USD 15 (or £12)	USD 25 (or £19)	USD 25 (or £19)	USD 25 (or £19)	USD 40 (or £31)
Far East	USD 25 (or £19)	USD 30 (or £23)	USD 15 (or £12)	USD 30 (or £23)	USD 30 (or £23)
Europe*	USD 25 (or £19)	USD 30 (or £23)	USD 30 (or £23)	USD 40 (or £31)	USD 50 (or £39)
Australia and New Zealand	USD 40 (or £31)	USD 50 (or £39)	USD 30 (or £23)	USD 50 (or £39)	USD 15 (or £12)

*$15 per kilogram for travel between Larnaca and Malta

If your baggage allowance is based on piece, below is your guide.

From / To	Middle East / South Asia	Africa	Far East	Europe	Australia and New Zealand	Americas
From/to Africa	USD 200 (or £157)	USD 200 (or £157)	USD 250 (or £196)	USD 200 (or £157)	USD 250 (or £196)	USD 200 (or £157)
From/to the Americas	USD 225 (or £177)	USD 200 (or £157)	USD 250 (or £196)	USD 100 (or £79)	USD 250 (or £196)	USD 100 (or £79)
From/to Canada	CAD 280 (or £208)	CAD 250 (or £186)	CAD 300 (or £223)	CAD 125 (or £93)	CAD 300 (or £223)	CAD 125 (or £93)

Emirates Booking - Where to book your flight

Emirates offers passengers a straightforward and efficient booking process through its online platform. Navigating the Emirates website or mobile app, travellers can easily explore available flights, fare options, and travel dates. 

Online booking goes easy with Emirates Airline, photo taken from Emirates official website

Upon selecting their preferred itinerary, passengers can customise their booking by choosing from various fare classes and cabin configurations. The platform provides detailed information on flight schedules, layovers, and potential upgrades, empowering passengers to make well-informed decisions aligned with their travel preferences. 

Once the booking is finalised, Emirates will send a confirmation email containing essential details with an e-ticket and flight itinerary. It is advisable for passengers to review information carefully prior to their flight to ensure accuracy and to familiarise themselves with any specific guidelines associated with their journey. 

Depending on the occasion, some other flight apps can offer better value, so make sure to check those sites as well.

Emirates Check-in Process

Customers are presented with a few industry-standard check-in options, which are online check-in, airport kiosks, and traditional check-in counters. However, if you’re boarding from the United Arab Emirates or you're a first-class flyer/Emirates Skywards Platinum member, the airlines offer a few remote check-in options for their passengers to maximise convenience. 

Online Check-in

Online check-in is a popular choice, available through the Emirates website or mobile app. Passengers can initiate the process within 48 hours of their departure, allowing for seat selection and the receipt of electronic boarding passes. This online option remains accessible up to 90 minutes before the scheduled flight, providing flexibility and convenience. 

Airport Kiosks

Emirates has self-service kiosks at select airports, allowing travellers to print boarding passes, select seats, and manage checked baggage without any human assistant.

Check-in Counters

For those who prefer a more traditional approach, Emirates operates check-in counters at airports worldwide. Passengers are encouraged to arrive 2 hours in advance of their departure for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights to allow a smooth check-in procedure. 

Learning Emirates’ baggage rules wasn’t much difficult, wasn’t it? Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Special Check-in

Emirates Airlines provides a few remote check-in options for passengers boarding from the United Arab Emirates.

If you're a first-class flyer or an Emirates Skywards Platinum member boarding from Dubai, you’re presented with their DUBZ home check-in option for free.

Just book their service  on their website, and they will send an agent to your doorstep, collect your checked luggage, and allow you to travel to your hotel hand-free.

Besides the luxurious at-home check-in option, you can visit their Emirates City Check-in and Travel Store, where you can check in from 24 hours to 4 hours prior to your flight and also check your luggage. This way, you can skip the long line check-in at the airport and have more time to sightsee or shop directly at their store.

If passengers are travelling from the northern emirates, there is a 24‑hour City Check‑in at Ajman Central Bus Terminal available. Check-in is also available from 24 hours to 4 hours before the flights, and you can also buy a bus ticket that goes directly to the Emirates airport to catch your flight. 

Lastly, if you’re travelling on a cruise, you can also do your check-in in Port Rashid Terminal 3 and Dubai Harbor. So, make sure to read Emirates’ detailed instructions when planning your trips.

FAQs

What Is Emirates Baggage Allowance To Dubai?

Emirates' baggage allowance to Dubai, like for any other destination, depends on factors such as the travel class, fare type, and the specific route. 

In general, Emirates offers a complimentary checked baggage allowance for passengers in Economy, Business, and First Class. Economy Class passengers typically enjoy a standard allowance, while Business and First Class passengers often receive a more generous allowance. Additional charges may apply if the baggage exceeds the stipulated weight or size limits.

What is Emirates' Baggage Allowance from Dubai to India?

As with the previous question, there is no special requirement for flights from Dubai to India. The only things that passengers should pay attention to are their chosen class and fares. 

If you are flying from India to Dubai, however, they do have a slight difference when it comes to carry-on luggage you can bring onboard. Instead of the standard dimension of 55 x 38 x 22 cm (22 x 15 x 8 inches), they limit the total dimension to 115 cm (length + width + height), and the weight depends on your ticket class.

What Size Is A Emirates Cabin Bag?

Generally, Emirates Airlines restricts the Cabin bag size to 55 x 38 x 22 cm (22 x 15 x 8 inches), including handles, wheels, and additional pockets. However, depending on your ticket class and where you are boarding from, the size can vary. Specifically, if you're a passenger flying from India, then the cabin size is restricted to 115cm (length + width + height) in total. 

And regarding the weight, passengers from most classes (Economy, Business Class & First Class) can bring their carry-on weight up to 7kg, while flyers from Premium Economy can stuff their carry-on up to 10kg. Additionally, passengers from Business and First Class can enjoy different perks, such as the ability to bring additional garment bags or briefcases. 

Can I Bring 2 Carry-On Bags On Emirates Flights?

The short answer is yes. The long answer is absolutely, but only Business class and First class passengers can enjoy the perk of bringing 2 carry-on bags onboard.

However, make sure that one of the cabin bags follows Emirates baggage allowance on cabin luggage, with size 55 x 38 x 22 cm (22 x 15 x 8 inches).

The other item should be either a briefcase that is under 45 x 35 x 20 cm (18 x 14 x 8 inches), or a garment bag that is under 20 cm (or 8 inches) thick when folded.

Is Emirates Strict With Cabin Baggage?

Typically, all airlines lay out their baggage allowance so that all passengers will have their fair share of luggage space onboard. Therefore, they will be strict about checking passengers' cabin baggage before they get on the plane.

There might be rumours flying about people getting away with overweight cabin baggage, but it doesn’t mean it’s true. So, to best prepare for the flight, make sure to follow Emirates baggage allowance for the smoothest flying experience. 

Adventure awaits

Travelling with Emirates Airlines is undeniably a pleasant experience. The excellent services, coupled with the comprehensive Emirates baggage allowance policy, set the tone for a positive travel experience.

Wherever you want to travel, picking a trustworthy airline is always the first step to ensure a hassle-free trip. And if you follow Emirates cabin allowance and free checked baggage policy, you can enjoy a high-quality flight experience within your budget.

Have you ever had a flight with Emirates Airlines? What do you think of their luggage allowance and their services overall? If you think we’re missing anything in our article, please share it with us, as well as our readers, and don’t hesitate to share this piece of content with whoever thinks it’s useful for their upcoming trips.

JK