Croatia Airlines Baggage Policy

Whether you’re planning a short domestic trip or preparing for an international journey, understanding the Croatia Airlines Baggage Policy is crucial for a hassle-free travel experience. The airline has outlined specific rules for cabin and checked luggage, as well as for special items and pets. This guide breaks down all essential details in a straightforward manner, so you can pack with confidence and avoid any last-minute surprises.

Croatia Airlines Hand Baggage Policy: What You Can Carry On Board

When flying with Croatia Airlines, passengers are entitled to a specific hand baggage allowance based on their travel class. The standard policy permits one main cabin bag and one smaller personal item, such as a handbag, briefcase, or laptop bag. However, allowances may vary slightly depending on the aircraft type or cabin class.

Economy Class Allowance

Economy passengers are permitted:

• One cabin bag with a maximum weight of 8 kg
• Dimensions must not exceed 55 x 40 x 23 cm
• One additional item (handbag, laptop bag, etc.) up to 40 x 30 x 10 cm

Business Class Allowance

Business Class passengers typically enjoy:

• Two cabin bags, each not exceeding 8 kg
  • Standard cabin bag: 55 x 40 x 23 cm
  • Foldable garment bag: 57 x 54 x 15 cm
• One personal item (up to 40 x 30 x 10 cm)

Note: Depending on the aircraft in operation, Business Class travelers may sometimes be limited to only one cabin bag.

If any cabin baggage exceeds the allowed size or weight, it will be checked in and could result in additional charges unless covered by the fare class.

Special Considerations for Infants and Children for Croatia Airlines 

Croatia Airlines permits passengers traveling with infants (under 2 years of age) to carry:

• 1 stroller, car seat, or baby carrier
• Baby food is required during the flight

Children under 4 years are eligible for one stroller at no extra charge. Infants without a reserved seat are not allowed additional hand baggage beyond the listed baby-related items. If a car seat is to be used on board, a separate seat must be purchased for the child.

Mobility Assistance On Croatia Airlines

Passengers with medical needs or disabilities may also bring:

• Crutches
• Support braces
• Prosthetic aids

These items are accepted as part of the hand baggage allowance and do not count against the standard limit.

Security Compliance and Packing Tips

Passengers are advised to carry valuable and essential items—such as travel documents, medications, jewelry, electronics, and fragile objects—in their cabin baggage. All items must comply with safety and security regulations.

According to the Croatia Airlines Baggage Policy, items that do not meet hand baggage criteria may be denied boarding or redirected to the aircraft hold.

Rules for Liquids and Electronics On Croatia Airlines

Liquids are only allowed in the cabin under specific conditions:

• Must be in containers of no more than 100 ml, all placed in a 1-litre transparent resealable plastic bag
• Baby food or essential medication may be carried without restriction if needed during the flight
• Duty-free purchases must be sealed in tamper-evident bags and remain unopened until the final destination

Passengers may use electronic devices on board in flight mode. Larger devices must be securely stored during takeoff, landing, and turbulence. Prohibited items include:

• Self-balancing boards or hoverboards
• Simulated smoking devices (e-cigarettes) for onboard use

A wide range of devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, MP3 players, e-readers, electronic games, noise-canceling headphones, electric shavers, medical devices, and Bluetooth gadgets, are permitted, provided the safety regulations for carrying them are followed. 

Storage Guidelines

Larger cabin bags should be placed in overhead compartments, while smaller personal items must be stowed under the seat in front of you (unless seated in an emergency exit row).

Croatia Airlines Checked Baggage Policy: What’s Included and What to Expect

Croatia Airlines provides passengers with a free checked baggage allowance that varies depending on the fare type, frequent flyer status, and class of travel. The airline uses a piece concept, meaning your allowance is determined by the number of bags, not just total weight.

Standard Allowance for Adults and Children On Croatia Air Flights 

For passengers flying in Economy Class, the allowance is based on the specific fare category:

• FlyEasy: No checked baggage included (can be added at an extra cost)
• FlyOpti and FlyFlexi: 1 piece up to 23 kg
• FlyBWise: 2 pieces, each up to 23 kg
• FlyBizz (Business Class): 2 pieces, each up to 32 kg

Members of the Miles & More program enjoy additional benefits:

• Silver (Frequent Traveller): Extra 1 x 23 kg
• Senator / HON Circle / Star Alliance Gold: May carry up to 3 pieces at 32 kg each, depending on fare and class

All checked baggage must adhere to the maximum size limit of 158 cm (combined height + width + depth).

Infant and Child Baggage Entitlement On Croatia Airlines

Children under 2 years of age (infants) are allowed 1 piece of checked baggage up to 23 kg. Additionally, families can transport one collapsible stroller or baby buggy free of charge. Children more than two have similar checked bag rules depending on their travel class. 

FlyEasy Fares: Buying Your First Checked Bag

If you’ve booked a FlyEasy fare, no checked luggage is included. However, you can purchase a bag in advance:

• Flights within Croatia:
  • €20 if purchased more than 24 hours before departure
  • €30 if bought within 24 hours of the flight
• International Flights:
  • €30 if purchased early
  • €40 if purchased late

These fees are per direction and are non-refundable as well. Croatia Airlines recommends booking this add-on at the time of ticket purchase through the official website Croatia Airlines, call center, or sales offices. You can also add it later via the “My Bookings” section online, up to 2 hours before departure.

Croatia Airlines Excess Baggage Charges and Regulations

Should your luggage exceed the permitted number of pieces, or if any bag is overweight or oversized, additional fees will apply. This includes:

• Over 23 kg in Economy or over 32 kg in Business
• Bags exceeding 158 cm in total dimensions

Any extra or non-standard baggage must be declared at the time of booking. For international flights, particularly on the day of departure in Croatia or Bosnia and Herzegovina, an additional surcharge of €10 will apply for each excess item.

It’s also essential to consider interline and codeshare rules. When flying with partner airlines such as Lufthansa or Austrian Airlines, the baggage policy of the most significant or longest segment carrier will apply. Croatia Airlines’ baggage allowance might be more generous, but if your connection involves another airline, you could incur additional fees.

High-Value Items and Liability

Travelers who are carrying valuable belongings can request an increased liability limit by submitting an Excess Value Declaration and paying a supplementary charge. This must be done at least 24 hours before the scheduled flight via email to the Croatia Airlines Contact Center.

Croatia Airlines’ Baggage Tracking Services

To enhance peace of mind, Croatia Airlines offers a baggage tracking tool. Passengers departing from Zagreb Airport or London Heathrow can use the Croatia Airlines mobile app (available on iOS and Android) to check the real-time status of their luggage using the baggage tag number, travel date, and flight details.

Croatia Airlines Special Baggage and Sports Equipment: Rules and Charges

When traveling with items that fall outside standard baggage dimensions—such as sports gear, musical instruments, or oversized personal belongings—it’s important to understand how Croatia Airlines handles these items under its guidelines. The Croatia Airlines Baggage Policy includes specific provisions for accommodating special baggage, but advance notice and additional fees may apply in most cases.

Advance Booking is Required

Due to the space and handling requirements of non-standard baggage, passengers are expected to inform the airline at the time of booking. This includes:

• Sports equipment
• Musical instruments
• Oversized or fragile items

When traveling with valuable musical instruments, Croatia Airlines recommends purchasing an additional seat to place the instrument safely beside you during the flight. This ensures better protection and avoids potential damage during transit.

The size restrictions for placing such items in the cabin differ slightly depending on the aircraft:

• Airbus A319/320: Up to 150 x 42 x 25 cm
• Dash 8 Q400: Up to 125 x 42 x 25 cm
• Airbus A220: Up to 145 x 42 x 25 cm

(Note: Max dimensions from cabin floor; may vary slightly from seat level.)

Transporting Sports Equipment

Croatia Airlines defines sports equipment as any gear used for sporting activities, classified into two categories:

Small Sports Equipment

• Weight limit: up to 22 kg
• Length: up to 200 cm
• Example items:
  • Golf bag (clubs, balls, a pair of golf shoes, trolley)
  • Ski or snowboard sets (including boots, ski, poles, snowboard,  and helmet)
  • Water skis, surfboards (up to 2m), kite surfing gear
  • Boogieboards, wakeboards, and bowling equipment
  • Scuba equipment comprising a diving mask, wetsuit, snorkel, fins, an empty tank bottle, and a lamp that is switched off. 
  • Waveboard or skateboard comprising a board, a body protection set, and a helmet
  • Archery that may comprise a set of arrows and a bow, packed in a durable container
  • Alpnist equipment that may include a backpack, an ice pick, a climbing iron (one pair), and sticks (one pair)
  • Fishing equipment comprising a tacklebox/ angler’s basket/haversack, a rod, and a box or a bag
  • Weapons or ammunition comprising of sporting or hunting guns and pistols. Per passenger is allowed a maximum ammunition of 5 kg. 
  • Parachuting equipment packed properly in a container
  • Tennis or squash, or badminton, comprising a racket set and balls properly packed in a bag
  • Hockey equipment, which may include a hockey bag, hockey sticks, ice skates (one pair), body protection (one set), and a helmet
  • Inline skate equipment that will include inline skates (one pair), a helmet, and a body protection set.
  • Javelin equipment that must be well-packed
  • Bowling equipment, including a bowling bag, a bowling ball, and shoes (one pair).
    

Large Sports Equipment

• Weight: 23 to 32 kg
• Length: 201 to 315 cm
• Items exceeding 315 cm or 32 kg must be shipped as cargo.

Sports items packed with regular baggage are subject to normal checked baggage rules. If these items exceed your fare’s weight or piece limit, sports equipment charges will apply instead of excess baggage fees.

These include:

• Tandem bike equipment comprising a tandem bike having a maximum of two seats
• Windsurf equipment includes a board, a sail, a boom, a mast, and a gear bag
• Hang glider equipment well-packed in a container
• Longboard equipment, including a board more than 2m
• Canoe kayak, comprising a canoe or a kayak without any motor attached
• Rubber dinghy equipment, having a rubber dinghy without any motor attached
• Vaulting pole consisting of a vaulting pole set encased in a container

Applicable Fees for Sports Equipment

Fees depend on the route and category of the item:

Route	Small Equipment	Large Equipment
Within Croatia	€40 + 25% VAT	€60 + 25% VAT
Within Europe	€70	€120

If the equipment exceeds the stated size or weight for its category (e.g., a kiteboard over 200 cm), higher category charges will apply. Charges are non-refundable after departure, but can be refunded before the flight.

An additional €10 surcharge applies to same-day international bookings made in Croatia or Bosnia and Herzegovina for special baggage or sports equipment.

Important Notes on Specific Equipment

1. Bicycles: Must be packed by the passenger in protective covering to be accepted.
2. E-bikes: Not considered sports equipment. Subject to excess baggage rules, and battery capacity must not exceed 160 Wh. Spare batteries can only be transported in hand baggage.
3. Ski/Snowboard equipment: Transported free of charge on Croatia Airlines flights.
4. Golf equipment: Free for Miles & More HON Circle, Senator, and Star Alliance Gold members (1 set).

Traveling with Pets: Croatia Airlines Animal Transport Policy

Croatia Airlines welcomes the transportation of animals, provided specific safety, size, and documentation criteria are met. The airline offers two primary options—in-cabin travel for small cats and dogs, and baggage compartment transport for larger animals. It’s important to note that pets are not part of the free baggage allowance, and charges apply based on the route and container size.

Pets in the Passenger Cabin

Only dogs and cats are permitted to travel in the cabin, subject to space and regulatory limitations. A maximum of two pets (either two cats or two dogs) are allowed per flight, not one of each. Pet reservations must be made in advance through a sales office or the Contact Center, as online booking for this service is not available.

In-cabin transport conditions:

• Only one animal per passenger
• Must be carried in a soft, water-resistant transport bag
• Combined weight of bag + animal must not exceed 8 kg
• The bag must fit under the seat in front of the passenger (maximum dimensions: 115 cm total)
• The animal must remain inside the bag throughout the flight

In-cabin pet transport fees:

• Domestic flights: €40
• International (within Europe): €50
• International (outside Europe): €70

Pets cannot be transported from Croatia to the UK, but can travel from the UK to Croatia (except flights departing London Gatwick). For Ireland, pets are only accepted on flights from Croatia to Ireland, not the reverse.

Animals in the Baggage Compartment

Larger pets that exceed the cabin limitations can be transported in the aircraft hold, provided they are housed in a proper IATA-compliant container. Croatia Airlines requires passengers to notify the airline at the time of booking, supplying the pet’s weight and cage dimensions.

Kennel requirements include:

• Enough space for the animal to stand and turn
• Leakproof flooring with absorbent material
• Ventilation on at least 3 sides
• A solid and escape-proof structure
• Feeding and watering facilities

Accepted kennel combinations:

• Up to 3 puppies/kittens (same litter, max 8 kg each)
• 2 adult animals, each of them not weighing over 14 kg; they also must be accustomed and well-adjusted to each other 

Animals exceeding 32 kg or 315 cm in combined dimensions will be transported as cargo, not as checked baggage. Certain larger breeds may also require reinforced CR1 or CR82 containers (metal or wire mesh-based). Plastic kennels are not accepted for these dogs.

Croatia Airlines currently does not allow pet transport in the baggage hold on flights OU4001 and OU4002.

Pet Transport Fees (Checked Baggage Compartment)

Here are the fees for transporting pets on a Croatia Airlines flight: 

Medium-size container (up to 80x55x55 cm):

• Domestic flights: €50
• Europe (International): €100
• Outside Europe: €150

Large-size container (up to 125x75x85 cm – Airbus aircraft only):

• Domestic flights: €70
• Europe (International): €200
• Outside Europe: €300

For tickets purchased on the day of departure in Croatia or Bosnia and Herzegovina, a €10 surcharge applies for both in-cabin and cargo pet transport.

Important Conditions and Reminders Regarding Transporting Pets On Croatia Airlines Flight

1. The pet owner must be on the same flight as the animal.
2. Croatia Airlines does not accept unaccompanied pets.
3. Refunds for pet transport fees are allowed only before departure; no refunds are issued after the flight.
4. Payment can be made via credit card or in local currency (EUR) at domestic sales offices.

Travel to Ireland with Pets

If you’re traveling to Ireland with your pet, be sure to comply with national regulations. Your pet must:

• Possess a valid EU Pet Passport or EU Health Certificate
• Be microchipped
• Have a valid rabies vaccination
• Undergo tapeworm treatment (for dogs only)
• Be accompanied by its owner

Prohibited and Restricted Items on Croatia Airlines Flights

To ensure the safety and security of all passengers and crew, Croatia Airlines’ Baggage Policy strictly regulates the items that may be carried in hand baggage and checked luggage. These guidelines are aligned with international aviation safety standards and security protocols.

Rules for Carrying Liquids in Hand Baggage

Due to international security regulations, carrying liquids in hand luggage is highly restricted. The term “liquids” includes:

• Gels, pastes, and lotions
• Toothpastes, creams, and hair gels
• Beverages, soups, and syrups
• Aerosols and pressurized sprays (e.g., shaving foam, deodorant)

Only the following are allowed through security checkpoints:

• Liquids purchased at duty-free, placed in a sealed security bag (STEB) with the receipt inside
• Containers of up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag of one litre
• Medications and baby food required during the flight

All other liquids must be packed in checked baggage.

Prohibited Items in Checked and Cabin Baggage

Croatia Airlines enforces strict bans on a wide range of hazardous or potentially dangerous items. These items are not allowed under any circumstances:

Items Prohibited in Checked Baggage

• Ammunition and firearms
• Explosive devices (blasting caps, grenades, fireworks)
• Flammable substances (gasoline, lighter fuel, paint thinners)
• Toxic or radioactive materials
• Pyrotechnics and smoke-generating items
• Security-type briefcases or bags containing pyrotechnic or lithium elements

Items Prohibited in Cabin Baggage

Passengers are not allowed to carry the following in their hand luggage or past airport security:

• Guns or firearms (real or replicas, including starter pistols)
• Stun devices (tasers, shock batons, and disabling agents such as pepper sprays, tear gas, mace, and capsicum sprays)
• Sharp-edged tools or weapons (knives with blades over 6 cm, scissors, axes)
• Work tools (drills, screwdrivers, saws, blowtorches)
• Blunt instruments (baseball bats, clubs, martial arts gear)
• Explosives or flares
• Toy weapons or imitation devices that may be mistaken for real weapons

Croatia Airlines also prohibits the use of electronic smoking devices (e-cigarettes, vape pens) at all times during the flight.

Dangerous Goods: What You Can’t Bring on Board On A Croatia Airlines Flight 

Certain dangerous items are universally banned from all flights, regardless of where they’re packed. These include:

• Chemical agents (e.g., mace, acid sprays)
• Explosives and detonators
• Compressed gases (butane, propane, scuba tanks)
• Oxidizers and bleaching agents
• Infectious substances (bacteria or virus cultures)
• Corrosives (wet batteries, strong acids or alkalis)
• Magnetic or noxious substances

These rules apply to both carry-on and checked baggage. However, some exceptions apply for essential personal items such as:

• Small quantities of medication
• Items for medical treatment
• Devices for mobility or accessibility
• Toiletries and small amounts of personal grooming products within regulated limits

Important Reminders

1. All passengers are responsible for ensuring their belongings comply with airline and airport security guidelines.
2. Non-compliant items will be confiscated during security checks and will not be returned.
3. Always refer to the hand baggage regulations before packing, especially when traveling with liquids, electronics, or unusual items.

The Croatia Airlines Baggage Policy is firmly aligned with global safety standards. Understanding and adhering to these rules ensures a smooth security screening process and helps maintain a safe travel environment for everyone onboard.

Handling Baggage Irregularities with Croatia Airlines

While Croatia Airlines strives to ensure every passenger’s baggage reaches the correct destination promptly and intact, baggage irregularities—such as delays, loss, or damage—can occasionally occur. The Croatia Airlines baggage policy outlines clear steps for passengers to follow in such events, alongside the airline’s limited liability, which is subject to international conventions and its own carriage conditions.

Delayed Checked Baggage

If your checked baggage does not arrive on time, Croatia Airlines will immediately initiate a tracing process using the World Tracer system. Passengers should report the issue at the Lost & Found desk at their arrival airport without delay. The airline will work to locate and deliver the bag free of charge once recovered.

If baggage is not located within five days, passengers are advised to complete and submit an Inventory List form, which should be sent to the Central Tracing Department via:

• Fax: +385 1 62 65 192
• Email: tracing.hdq@croatiaairlines.hr

The final responsibility lies with the last airline that handled the baggage, particularly the one that issued the Property Irregularity Report (PIR).

Lost Baggage

If the delayed baggage is still missing after 45 days, Croatia Airlines will declare it lost. The case is then escalated to the Customer Relations Department, which will process the compensation claim. The resolution and settlement details will be shared via email or postal mail.

Damaged Baggage

For baggage that has been damaged during transit, Croatia Airlines advises passengers to retain any repair receipts and submit them along with the compensation claim. In many cases, baggage damage is repairable and may not warrant full replacement.

Pilfered or Tampered Baggage

In cases of pilferage (missing items from within a checked bag), passengers should be aware that Croatia Airlines’ liability is limited. To avoid such incidents, travelers are encouraged to avoid packing valuable or fragile items in their checked luggage and to consider purchasing private baggage insurance, especially if traveling frequently or carrying expensive items.

Also Read: Tunisair Baggage Policy

Issues with Hand Baggage

Croatia Airlines holds no responsibility for damage to or loss of items from a passenger’s hand baggage unless the loss is clearly the result of the airline’s fault. If personal items are left behind on board:

• Contact the Lost & Found office at the airport of arrival
• Items, if found, can be retrieved in person or via an authorized representative
• The airline does not offer delivery services for such items; passengers must organize and cover the cost of retrieval through delivery providers (e.g., DHL, Overseas Express)

For example, if an item was forgotten on a flight arriving at Frankfurt Airport, passengers can visit the Lost & Found counters at baggage lane A3 (Bereich A) or B20 (Bereich B).

The Croatia Airlines Baggage Policy ensures that all baggage irregularities are addressed through a systematic process. Whether it involves tracing delayed luggage or processing compensation for lost or damaged items, passengers are advised to act promptly, retain all related documentation, and understand the limits of airline liability. For added protection, frequent travelers may consider travel insurance that specifically covers luggage-related issues.

Conclusion: Know Before You Go

Familiarizing yourself with the Croatia Airlines Baggage Policy before your journey is one of the best ways to avoid travel stress. Whether you’re carrying sports gear, flying with a pet, or simply bringing hand luggage, the airline’s clear guidelines help ensure your belongings are transported safely and efficiently. For the latest updates or special cases, always refer to Croatia Airlines’ official baggage pages before you fly.

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