Emirates Baggage Policy (2026) — Fees, Limits & Rules

Emirates offers a generous baggage policy, including at least one free checked bag on all fares. Most routes use a weight concept allowing unlimited bags up to a total weight, while flights to/from the Americas and Africa use a piece concept.

Baggage Allowance Summary

AirlineEmirates (EK)
Carry-On55x38x22 cm (22x15x8 inches), 7 kg (15 lbs) max for Economy
Personal ItemEconomy is permitted 1 piece of carry-on baggage. First/Business are permitted 2 pieces (1 briefcase + 1 handbag/garment bag). Briefcase max 45x35x20 cm.
Checked Bag AllowanceWeight concept (most routes): Special 20kg, Saver 25kg, Flex 30kg, Flex Plus 35kg. Piece concept (Americas/Africa): Special 1 bag (23kg), Saver/Flex/Flex Plus 2 bags (23kg each). Business/First: 40kg/50kg or 2 bags (32kg each).
First Bag FeeIncluded in fare (free) for standard allowance. Additional bags/weight vary by route (e.g., $225 from Americas to Middle East).
Second Bag FeeIncluded in fare for Saver, Flex, and Flex Plus on piece concept routes. Additional bags vary by route (e.g., $225 from Americas to Middle East).
Overweight Fee$75 for flights to/from Americas and Africa; CAD 95 for flights to/from Canada
Oversized Fee$75 for flights to/from Americas and Africa; CAD 95 for flights to/from Canada
Max Weight32 kg
Max Dimensions300 cm linear (L+W+H) for weight concept; 150 cm linear for piece concept
Free Bag in EconomyYes

Special Items

Sports Equipment

Accepted as part of standard baggage allowance. Total dimensions must not exceed 300 cm (118 inches). Scuba tanks must be empty.

Musical Instruments

No special free allowance. Must be handled as normal checked or cabin baggage, or transported on a paid-for seat in the cabin.

International Rules

Uses weight concept for most routes (allowance based on total weight, unlimited pieces). Uses piece concept for flights to/from Americas and Africa (allowance based on number of bags).

Tips to Avoid Fees

1. Buy extra baggage allowance online up to 4 hours before departure for a 50-60% discount. 2. Join Emirates Skywards for extra baggage allowance on weight concept routes. 3. Use Cash+Miles to pay for excess baggage. 4. Ensure individual bags do not exceed 32kg to avoid cargo fees.

Unique Nuances

Emirates uses a 'weight concept' for most global routes allowing unlimited pieces up to a weight limit, but a 'piece concept' for the Americas and Africa. Passengers traveling with infants can request a complimentary baby stroller at the airport. Dialysis machines can be checked free of charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Emirates charge for checked bags?
Emirates charges Included in fare (free) for standard allowance. Additional bags/weight vary by route (e.g., $225 from Americas to Middle East). for the first checked bag and Included in fare for Saver, Flex, and Flex Plus on piece concept routes. Additional bags vary by route (e.g., $225 from Americas to Middle East). for the second bag.
What is Emirates's carry-on bag size limit?
Emirates carry-on allowance: 55x38x22 cm (22x15x8 inches), 7 kg (15 lbs) max for Economy. Economy is permitted 1 piece of carry-on baggage. First/Business are permitted 2 pieces (1 briefcase + 1 handbag/garment bag). Briefcase max 45x35x20 cm.
Does Emirates include free checked bags in economy?
Yes, Emirates includes at least one free checked bag in economy class. Weight concept (most routes): Special 20kg, Saver 25kg, Flex 30kg, Flex Plus 35kg. Piece concept (Americas/Africa): Special 1 bag (23kg), Saver/Flex/Flex Plus 2 bags (23kg each). Business/First: 40kg/50kg or 2 bags (32kg each).
What is Emirates's overweight baggage fee?
$75 for flights to/from Americas and Africa; CAD 95 for flights to/from Canada
Can I bring sports equipment on Emirates?
Accepted as part of standard baggage allowance. Total dimensions must not exceed 300 cm (118 inches). Scuba tanks must be empty.
What are Emirates baggage fees?
Emirates baggage fees are Included in fare (free) for standard allowance. Additional bags/weight vary by route (e.g., $225 from Americas to Middle East). for the first checked bag and Included in fare for Saver, Flex, and Flex Plus on piece concept routes. Additional bags vary by route (e.g., $225 from Americas to Middle East). for the second. Overweight bags (over 50 lbs) incur an additional fee of $75 for flights to/from Americas and Africa; CAD 95 for flights to/from Canada. Uses weight concept for most routes (allowance based on total weight, unlimited pieces). Uses piece concept for flights to/from Americas and Africa (allowance based on number of bags).