Complete Guide to Emirates Baggage Allowance and Policies

Emirates is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and one of the biggest names in the world of air travel. Its main base is in Dubai (DXB), from where it flies to more than 150 destinations in over 80 countries. The airline connects cities across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Whether you’re heading to New York, Rome, or Singapore, Emirates offers routes to major cities around the globe.

The airline is known not just for its large network but for the quality of the trip it offers. Passengers enjoy luxury service, a modern fleet that includes the famous Airbus A380 and the Boeing 777, and an award-winning entertainment system called ICE. Emirates focuses on comfort, high-quality meals, and friendly cabin crew who speak many languages, making the journey welcoming and smooth for travelers from all over the world.

This guide will help you understand Emirates’ services and rules. We’ll cover baggage allowances, extra fees, in-flight dining, and special assistance options. You’ll find all the key information you need for a comfortable and stress-free flight.

Emirates Baggage Policy

Understanding the Emirates baggage policy is the first step to a stress-free travel experience. The airline employs two primary systems for determining your baggage allowance: the Weight Concept and the Piece Concept. The system that applies to your booking is dictated by your specific route. Generally, flights to and from the Americas and Africa fall under the Piece Concept, while the majority of other routes across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia operate on the Weight Concept. It’s crucial to check your ticket or the “Manage Your Booking” section on the Emirates website to confirm which policy governs your journey, as this will affect how much you can pack without incurring extra charges.

Emirates Checked Baggage Allowance

Before you start packing, it’s essential to understand the specific rules regarding Emirates baggage dimensions to ensure your luggage complies with the airline’s requirements. The total dimensions (length + width + height) of any single bag must not exceed 300 cm (118 inches) under the weight concept, or 150 cm (59 inches) for the piece concept. Bags that exceed these limits may need to be shipped as cargo.

Piece Concept

The Piece Model primarily applies to all flights to and from the Americas and routes originating from or flying to Africa. Under this model, your allowance is based on the number of bags you can check in, with specific weight limits per piece depending on your cabin class.

Weight Concept

For the majority of routes not covered by the Piece Model, Emirates uses the Weight Concept. This system allows you to check in as many bags as you like, provided their total combined weight does not exceed the maximum allowance for your travel class. However, it’s important to note that no single bag can weigh more than 32 kg (70 lbs).

Emirates Prohibited Items in Checked Baggage

For the safety of all passengers and crew, certain items are strictly forbidden in checked baggage. Transporting these goods can lead to confiscation and potential legal consequences.

• Explosives and Incendiary Devices: This includes items like fireworks, firecrackers, blasting caps, dynamite, and sparklers.
• Flammable Items: Lighter fluid, paints, thinners, and items that can easily catch fire are not permitted.
• Gases: Flammable, non-flammable, and toxic gases such as butane, oxygen canisters, and mace spray are prohibited.
• Corrosive Substances: Items like acids, alkalis, mercury, and wet cell batteries cannot be placed in checked luggage.
• Disabling Devices: Devices such as pepper spray are forbidden.
• Electroshock Weapons: Tasers and similar devices containing explosives or compressed gases are not allowed.
• Oxidizing Materials: Bleach and peroxides are considered dangerous goods.

Emirates Extra Baggage Fee

If your packing needs exceed the complimentary allowance, you will need to purchase extra baggage. The key question is, how much does Emirates charge for extra baggage? The cost varies significantly based on your route (Weight vs. Piece Concept) and whether you purchase your allowance in advance or at the airport. Purchasing online up to four hours before departure is significantly cheaper.

• Weight Concept Routes: You can buy extra weight in 5 kg increments. Prices are dynamic and depend on your origin and destination. For example, a flight from the Middle East to Europe could cost around $25 per additional kilogram at the airport, with substantial discounts (up to 60%) for purchasing online in advance.
• Piece Concept Routes: You can purchase additional pieces of luggage. For a flight from the Americas, an extra bag can cost around $225 at the airport. The online discount for the first extra bag can be as high as 50%, with a 20% discount on subsequent bags for Economy Class travelers.
• Overweight/Oversized Fees: If a bag under the piece concept is over the weight limit (23 kg for Economy) but under 32 kg, or exceeds the 150 cm (59 in) size limit, a fee will apply. This fee is separate from the cost of an entirely new piece and can be around $75 per bag.

Emirates Carry-On Baggage Policy

Your carry-on allowance also depends on your class of travel. All carry-on bags must fit either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin.

Emirates Carry-On Baggage Additions

Certain items are permitted in the cabin in addition to your standard carry-on allowance. Passengers traveling with infants are allowed one extra carry-on bag for necessities (not exceeding 5 kg) and can bring a carry-cot or a fully collapsible stroller. Duty-free purchases like liquor and perfume are also allowed in reasonable quantities.

Emirates Carry-On Baggage Restrictions

To ensure cabin safety, some items are restricted. This includes the well-known Emirates liquid allowance.

• Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols: All liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less. All these containers must fit into a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of one liter.
• Powders: On flights to/from or through the US, Australia, and New Zealand, powders in containers of 350ml or more must be checked in.
• Prohibited Items: Sharp objects like knives and scissors with blades over 6 cm, weapons (real or imitation), tools like hammers and screwdrivers, and martial arts equipment are forbidden in the cabin.
• Electronics: Power banks are generally permitted in carry-on baggage only (not checked) but must not be used during the flight.

Emirates Food Policy

Yes, there is extensive meal service on board Emirates flights. The airline is famous for its high-quality, multi-course meals that reflect the culinary heritage of the destination. On most flights lasting over two hours, passengers in all classes receive complimentary meals and beverages. For example, on a long-haul flight from Dubai to London, an Economy Class passenger might enjoy a starter like a chickpea salad, a choice of main courses such as a chicken biryani or a beef stew, followed by a dessert, cheese, and crackers. Premium cabins enjoy even more elaborate dining experiences with restaurant-quality dishes served on Royal Doulton fine bone china.

The Emirates food menu is designed to be inclusive. All meals served on board are Halal certified. Furthermore, the airline offers a wide array of special meals to cater to religious, dietary, and medical needs. These include options like:

• Asian Vegetarian (AVML)
• Gluten-Intolerant (GFML)
• Diabetic (DBML)
• Child Meal (CHML)
• Vegan (VGML)

Special meals are complimentary but must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance of your flight via the “Manage Your Booking” portal. For children and infants, appropriate meals are automatically assigned based on their age in the booking, so no special request is needed unless they have a specific dietary restriction. While passengers can bring their own food on board, it is subject to the standard liquid and security restrictions.

Emirates Pet Policy

Emirates has a comprehensive policy for transporting pets, ensuring their safety and comfort. With the exception of falcons (between Dubai and certain destinations in Pakistan) and trained guide dogs for the blind, no pets are permitted to travel in the aircraft cabin. Most pets, including dogs, cats, and pet birds, must travel as checked baggage in a temperature-controlled and pressurized hold. This service is available on flights with a total journey time of less than 17 hours.

The procedure involves several key steps. Firstly, you must contact Emirates well in advance to confirm that your pet can be accommodated and to complete all required documentation, which includes health certificates and import permits for the destination country. Your pet must travel in an IATA-approved travel crate that is secure, well-ventilated, and large enough for the animal to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

The cost for transporting a pet is treated as excess baggage and varies based on the combined weight and size of the pet and its crate.

• Up to 23 kg and 150 cm (59 in): $500 USD
• 24 kg - 32 kg and 150-300 cm (59-118 in): $650 USD
• Over 32 kg and 150-300 cm (59-118 in): $800 USD
• Crates larger than 300 cm (118 in) must be transported via Emirates SkyCargo.

Other Emirates Services & Policies

Emirates Lost Baggage Compensation

In the unfortunate event that your baggage is delayed or lost, Emirates has a clear procedure. You must file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the baggage services desk at the airport immediately. For delayed bags, the airline offers Interim Relief (IR) compensation to passengers on flights to/from the US and non-resident passengers on other routes to cover the cost of essential items like toiletries. A bag is officially declared lost after 21 days. Compensation for lost or damaged luggage is governed by the Montreal Convention, with liability limited to approximately €1,750 per passenger.

Emirates Bassinet Seat

For those traveling with infants, an Emirates Bassinet Seat can be a great comfort. These are offered free of charge for infants under two years of age who weigh up to 11 kg (24.2 lbs). The bassinets are mounted on the bulkhead walls, and these seats must be requested in advance via “Manage Booking” as they are limited in number. The dimensions vary by class:

• First Class: 63.5 cm x 28 cm (25 in x 11 in)
• Business & Economy Class: 74.93 cm x 33.03 cm x 16.51 cm (29.5 in x 13 in x 5 in)

Emirates Wheelchair Assistance

Emirates provides comprehensive wheelchair assistance free of charge for passengers with reduced mobility. This service should be requested at least 48 hours before departure either during booking or through “Manage Booking”. The assistance covers the entire airport journey, from check-in and security to the boarding gate. Passengers can also check in up to two of their own mobility aids for free, and an onboard wheelchair is available to help with movement within the aircraft cabin.

Tips for Passengers

For the most accurate and personalized travel information, it is always best to consult the official Emirates website. Policies regarding baggage, special services, and flight schedules can change, and checking your specific booking through the “Manage Your Booking” feature will provide details tailored to your exact itinerary.

No matter where your journey with Emirates takes you, you can explore your destination city with freedom and ease. With Qeepl, an international luggage storage service, you can securely store your bags in numerous locations worldwide. Whether you have a long layover or have checked out of your hotel with hours to spare before your flight, you can leave your luggage with Qeepl and go explore the city unburdened.

Finally, a few useful tips can enhance your travel experience. Joining the Emirates Skywards loyalty program is free and allows you to earn miles for flights and enjoy benefits like extra baggage allowance. Remember to pack essentials like medication, documents, and a change of clothes in your carry-on. And lastly, stay hydrated, especially on long-haul flights, to arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore.