When organising your trip with Air Arabia, knowing the airline’s baggage policy is critical to ensuring a hassle-free travel experience. Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and biggest low-cost carrier, has a convenient baggage system where customers pay only for what they require. This strategy not only offers cost-effectiveness but also offers travellers the autonomy to personalise their travel experience based on their individual needs. This in-depth guide dissects all you need to know about Air Arabia’s baggage policy, from carry-on allowance to checked baggage options in various regions.
Air Arabia’s Cabin Baggage Allowance
Air Arabia provides free cabin luggage with every class of fare, although there are certain limitations based on weight, size, and the number of items you may carry. Reading about these in advance can keep you from any surprise charges when you reach the airport and avoid any hassle when boarding your plane.
The total weight (combined) for cabin baggage is 10 kg, which includes your carry-on, personal items, and even duty-free purchases that you may have made at the airport. This weight limitation is strictly enforced to ensure passenger comfort and safety during the flight.
Carry-on Bag Specifications
One carry-on bag per passenger is allowed, which should not be larger than the size of 55 x 40 x 20 cm inclusive of wheels, pockets, and handles. It should be noted that all carry-on bags should be declared at the check-in counters, and carry-on tags should be placed on each piece to ensure airline compliance.
Personal Item Allowance
Apart from your principal carry-on luggage, one personal item is permitted per traveler by Air Arabia. These personal items can be a laptop bag, a lady’s handbag, or a gentleman’s satchel. No larger than 25cm x 33cm x 20cm, these personal items should be able to stow under the seat in front of you. Similar to carry-on luggage, personal items need to be declared at check-in desks, and proper tags need to be affixed.
Duty-Free Purchases
Any duty-free shopping done in the airport should fit in your carry-on luggage or personal item and be within your overall weight limit of 10 kg. Passengers can make their buys in a manner that they are not overstepping luggage limitations.
Air Arabia’s Special Baggage Considerations for Passengers with Infants
Infants under the age of two years are accorded an extra standard-sized carry-on baggage, weighing a maximum of 3 kg, consisting of items that the infant may need during travel. The extra baggage should occupy space under a seat in front and should be declared at check-in with Personal Item tags added.
Air Arabia’s Checked Baggage Allowance
Air Arabia bases its operation on a concept that lets customers pay for the checked baggage only if they need it. The economic strategy provides passengers with an opportunity to choose the weight of checked baggage while making their flight booking or change, at rates considerably lower than those charged in airports.
Regional Baggage Allowance Differences
Checked baggage provision and fare are different by the region of departure, corresponding to local markets and operational realities.
Flights Departing from the UAE
For one-way flights leaving the United Arab Emirates, the following checked baggage is available from Air Arabia:
- 20 kg in 1 piece: from AED 15 per passenger, for one way
- 30 kg in 1 piece: from AED 15 per passenger, for one way
- 30 kg allowance in total up to two pieces: AED 20 per passenger, for one way
- 40 kg total weight in up to two pieces: from AED 30 per passenger, for one way
Flights Operating from Egypt
While traveling from Egypt, passengers can opt for these checked baggage allowances:
- 20 kg in 1 piece: from EGP 120 per passenger, one way
- 30 kg in 1 piece: from EGP 120 per passenger, one way
- 30 kg total baggage in up to two pieces: from EGP 200 per passenger, one way
- 40 kg total baggage in up to two pieces: from EGP 200 per passenger, one way
It should be noted that passengers traveling from Cairo are entitled to 30 kg checked baggage allowance unless otherwise indicated at the time of booking.
Flights Operating from Morocco
For flights from Morocco, Air Arabia offers the following choices:
- 15 kg: from EUR 15 per passenger, one way
- 20 kg: from EUR 20 per passenger, one way
- 25 kg: from EUR 30 per passenger, one way
- 30 kg: from EUR 40 per passenger, one way
- 40 kg: from EUR 60 per passenger, one way
Air Arabia’s Baggage Size and Weight Restrictions
Despite the weight allowance bought, there are individual limits on each item of check-in baggage. On flights departing from the UAE and Egypt, the highest individual weight allowed per item of check-in luggage is 32 kg, and total dimensions up to 158 cm or 62 inches (measured by adding length, height, and width). The same size limits apply to flights from Morocco.
For travel to and from Bangladesh, effective August 1, 2023, no carton boxes are accepted, and oddly shaped baggage will not be carried. All baggage checked has to have one flat area and has to be no larger than the maximum total measurement of 158 cm.
Buying Excess Baggage Allowance On Air Arabia Flights
Travelers can pre-order their checked allowance through various avenues:
- Online via the Air Arabia website or mobile application
- By calling the Air Arabia call centre
- Through Air Arabia sales offices
- From authorised travel partners
Booking of baggage allowance can save customers as much as 90% of the cost of airport baggage fees, which makes it a cost-effective choice for customers who already know they’ll be carrying large bags with them.
Airport Purchase Limitations
For travelers who opt to buy baggage allowance at the airport, the option is only 20 kg. Any additional weight will be charged excess baggage rates, which are a good deal more than pre-booked.
Air Arabia’s Baggage Compliance and Fees
If your cabin baggage is more than the acceptable size or weight at the check-in counter, you will have to either:
- Check it in as part of your checked baggage allowance, subject to applicable excess baggage rates, or
- Remove items and place them in your checked baggage to meet cabin baggage requirements. It’s advisable to remove all valuable items and personal documents before checking in your hand baggage.
Boarding Gate Enforcement
All cabin luggage, including duty-free items, is subject to compliance checks at the boarding gate for weight, size, and number of pieces. If your cabin luggage is over the limits at this stage, a charge of AED 100 or equivalent per piece will be levied.
Prohibited and Restricted Items on Air Arabia Flights
For security and safety purposes, Air Arabia forbids the carriage of many items in checked baggage and cabin luggage. These include:
- Flammable, non-flammable, and toxic gases (butane, oxygen, propane, aqualung cylinders)
- Flammable liquids and solids (lighter or heater fuels, paint, matches)
- Toxic substances (insecticides, weed killers, arsenic, cyanide)
- Radioactive substances, oxidising substances, and organic peroxides
- Firearms and explosives (handguns, automatic guns, munitions, ammunition)
- Infectious substances (bacteria, viruses)
- Corrosives (mercury, acids, alkalis, wet-cell batteries)
- Cooking oils
- Striking matches and cigarette lighters
Special Considerations for Electronics
Air Arabia charges AED 150 in addition to a handling fee per LED or LCS or for any television set of 40 inches or more. The largest size allowed is 60 inches.
You May Read More: Air Borealis Baggage Policy
Comparison of Regional Baggage Policies
To assist travelers in better comprehending the variations in baggage policies in different regions, here’s a comparative overview:
Region | Baggage Option | Cost | Max Weight Per Piece | Size Limitation |
UAE | 20 kg (1 piece) | From AED 15 | 32 kg | 158 cm (W+D+L) |
30 kg (1 piece) | From AED 15 | 32 kg | 158 cm (W+D+L) | |
30 kg (up to 2 pieces) | From AED 20 | 32 kg | 158 cm (W+D+L) | |
40 kg (up to 2 pieces) | From AED 30 | 32 kg | 158 cm (W+D+L) | |
Egypt | 20 kg (1 piece) | From EGP 120 | 32 kg | 158 cm (W+D+L) |
30 kg (1 piece) | From EGP 120 | 32 kg | 158 cm (W+D+L) | |
30 kg (up to 2 pieces) | From EGP 200 | 32 kg | 158 cm (W+D+L) | |
40 kg (up to 2 pieces) | From EGP 200 | 32 kg | 158 cm (W+D+L) | |
Morocco | 15 kg | From EUR 15 | 32 kg | 158 cm (W+D+L) |
20 kg | From EUR 20 | 32 kg | 158 cm (W+D+L) | |
25 kg | From EUR 30 | 32 kg | 158 cm (W+D+L) | |
30 kg | From EUR 40 | 32 kg | 158 cm (W+D+L) | |
40 kg | From EUR 60 | 32 kg | 158 cm (W+D+L) |
Planning Tips for Air Arabia Passengers
To maximise value and minimise costs related to baggage on Air Arabia flights, consider these practical tips:
Pre-book your baggage allowance at the time of booking or well before your flight to take advantage of the discounted rates. Purchasing baggage allowance at the airport is not only limited in options but also significantly more expensive.
Be realistic about your allowance requirements. If you’re going to travel lightly, take a lower allowance instead of automatically taking the maximum. If you’re certain you’ll have heavy bags, don’t try to save money by buying too little allowance, as excess baggage charges soon add up.
Think about packaging with fellow travelers if you’re traveling together under the same reservation, as this could enable you to pool allowances more effectively.
Packing Tips
Pack smart to meet Air Arabia’s baggage requirements. Utilize compression bags or packing cubes to make the most of the space. Wear your bulkier pieces (such as coats or boots) on board to cut down on baggage weight. Go over the prohibited items list to prevent issues at security checkpoints.
Don’t forget to leave room for souvenirs and shopping purchases while travelling, especially if you return using the same baggage weight allowance.
Conclusion
Air Arabia’s adjustable baggage policy is an expression of its focus on offering affordable travel and operation efficiency. Passengers can avoid surprise charges and have a more relaxed travel experience by being aware of these policies and making plans in advance. If you are an avid traveler or a first-time passenger with Air Arabia, this article offers the necessary details required to deal with the airline’s baggage policy with ease.
Keep in mind that baggage rules could change, so it’s always best to confirm the most current information through proper Air Arabia sources before your trip. Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
Air Arabia has flexible checked baggage allowance ranging from 15-40kg based on route and mode of purchase, with 10kg cabin baggage allowance.
Yes, each fare type features a 10kg overall cabin baggage allowance, for one carry-on bag, one personal item, and duty-free shopping combined.
Air Arabia economy class has 10kg of cabin baggage. Pre-purchased checked baggage is available from 15-40kg, based on the route.
It means you can carry up to two bags in check-in with a total weight of 30kg
Yes you can, if they have a combined weight of 10 kg. In fact you can have a carry-on, a personal item, and even your duty free purchase within the above-mentioned weight limitation.