Emirates takes weight off check-in baggage

According to the new policy, only bags of size 300 cm/118 inches (length + width + height) or less will be allowed as check-in baggage for tickets issued from November 15 onwards.

By Staff Reporter

Published: Wed 29 Oct 2014, 6:00 PM

Last updated: Fri 3 Apr 2015, 7:25 PM

Dubai-based Emirates airline has announced changes in its check-in baggage policy, according to which the size, and not the weight, of baggage will determine if your luggage can be checked in or not.

According to the new policy, only bags of size 300 cm/118 inches (length + width + height) or less will be allowed as check-in baggage for tickets issued fromNovember 15onwards for all destinations except for flights to Canada, North and South America.

For tickets issued beforeNovember 15, bags that range in length from 300cm up to 400cm (157 inches) may be accepted in exceptional cases. But passengers need prior approval from the local Emirates office at least seven working days before travel.

The airline has issues a 'piece concept' for flights to Canada, North and South America by the US Department of Transportation.

For tickets issued fromNovember 15, the size of the bag must not exceed 150cm (59 inches). If the bag size goes up to 300cm (118 inches), an additional fee will be charged. Bags exceeding 300cm (118 inches) must be sent as cargo or freight.

If there are two pieces of luggage, the total size of the bags should not exceed 300cm (118 inches).

For tickets issued beforeNovember 15, the size of one bag must not exceed 158 cm (62 inches). In Economy Class, bags must not exceed a total size of 273 cm (107 inches). If bags exceed this size, an additional fee could be charged. There can be exceptions to this rule. Again, passengers need prior approval from the local Emirates office at least seven working days before travel.

For flights to Canada and North America, passengers can carry two bags of up to 23kg each in Economy Class, and two bags of up to 32kg each in First Class or Business Class. In the case of travel to South America, two bags of up to 32kg each can be carried along in all classes.