Emirates Baggage Policy: A Guide to Checked and Carry-on Allowances and Fees

Founded in 1985, Emirates (EK), is a major flag Middle Eastern carrier from UAE. They operate a large global network connecting Dubai with all continents, offering flights to 150+ destinations.

Emirates’ baggage policy is primarily determined by the passenger’s cabin class and fare brand, as well as the specific geographic route of the journey. Baggage allowances are often enhanced for members of the Emirates Skywards loyalty program, with benefits scaling according to the member's tier status.

Checked bag vs carry on vs personal item

Packing starts with understanding your bags:

• Checked baggage is the larger luggage checked into the cargo hold; for Emirates, the maximum standard size is 150 cm / 59 in.
• Carry-on bags (also referred to as cabin bags) go into the cabin for essentials, subject to the 100ml liquid rule, with a max size of 55 x 38 x 20 cm.
• The Personal Item is the smallest (like a laptop bag or purse) and must fit under the seat in front of you.

For safety, remember all spare lithium batteries, power banks, and e-cigarettes must be in your carry-on, while sharp objects must always be placed in checked baggage.

Emirates carry-on allowance

Emirates generally does not permit a separate “personal item” in addition to the cabin bag for Economy and Premium Economy passengers; all items must fit within the single piece allowance.

Emirates checked baggage allowance

Emirates primarily operates on the Both Weight and Piece Concept for its checked luggage.

The Piece Concept limits the number of bags you can bring (e.g., 2 bags maximum, each up to 23kg), meaning you cannot consolidate one big bag into two small ones without paying extra. Conversely, the Weight Concept limits the total combined weight of all your bags (e.g., a total of 30 kg across any number of pieces).

Emirates Checked Baggage: Weight Concept

The Weight Concept applies to most international routes, excluding flights to and from the Americas and those originating in Africa. Total dimensions for any single bag must not exceed 300 cm (118 in), and no individual piece may weigh more than 32 kg (70 lbs).

Emirates Checked Baggage: Piece Concept

The Piece Concept applies exclusively to flights to and from the Americas and flights originating in Africa. For these routes, the total dimensions of each bag must not exceed 150 cm (59 in).

Do keep in mind that Emirates Skywards Gold and Platinum members may be eligible for additional baggage allowances under both concepts.

Emirates extra baggage fees

For routes under the Weight Concept, Emirates charges for extra baggage by the kilogram. At the airport, these fees range from $15 to $50 USD per kg depending on your travel zones. You can save by purchasing extra weight online in 5 kg blocks. Note that any single bag exceeding 32 kg (70 lbs) or 300 cm (118 in) in total dimensions is generally not accepted as checked luggage and must be shipped as cargo.

For Piece Concept routes (Americas and Africa), additional bags incur flat fees between $100 and $250 USD at the airport, though Economy passengers can often save by pre-purchasing the first extra piece online. If a bag exceeds the standard weight or size limits (up to 300 cm), fixed surcharges of $75 USD apply for being overweight or oversized individually, or $150 USD if the bag meets both criteria.

Emirates special baggage policy

• Sporting Equipment: Sporting equipment, including golf bags, ski equipment, and diving gear, is generally accepted as part of your standard free checked baggage allowance. If the equipment exceeds the allowance for either weight or pieces, standard excess baggage fees apply.
• Musical Instruments: Instruments can be carried as standard checked baggage, subject to normal allowances and fees. Smaller instruments may be accepted as part of the carry-on allowance. For larger instruments, you may purchase an extra seat for them in the cabin, provided they meet specific size and weight constraints for carriage on a seat.
• Infants: Passengers traveling with an infant are entitled to one additional cabin bag (for necessities) up to 5 kg (11 lbs). Additionally, one fully collapsible stroller or pushchair and one carry-cot are permitted and will be checked free of charge. On Weight Concept routes, the checked baggage allowance for an infant is 10 kg (22 lbs).
• Medical Equipment/Mobility Aids: Mobility aids (e.g., wheelchairs, scooters) and certain medical equipment required by the passenger are usually carried free of charge and are not counted against the standard baggage allowance. Passengers must check size restrictions and notify Emirates in advance.
• Large/Odd Baggage: Items with combined dimensions exceeding the limit for standard baggage (150 cm / 59 in for Piece Concept, 300 cm / 118 in for Weight Concept) are subject to oversized fees. Items over 300 cm (118 in) will typically not be accepted as checked baggage and must be transported as cargo.

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