Reviewed by: Travel Policy Research Team
Last Updated: February 2026
Sources: Official airline baggage policy pages
If you are comparing airlines based on baggage benefits, understanding which carriers provide more included luggage can help you avoid unexpected airport fees. This airline baggage comparison 2026 guide focuses on economy class luggage policy across major international carriers to identify which airlines offer free baggage allowances.
Some airlines use a weight-based system, while others apply a piece-based allowance. These differences matter especially for long-haul flight luggage allowance and international travel. Below is a structured overview of baggage-friendly airlines based on international flight baggage policies 2026.
For airline-specific fee breakdowns, see our detailed airline baggage fees breakdown for carrier-specific charge information.
How This Comparison Was Created
This airline baggage comparison evaluates carriers based on:
- Standard economy class baggage allowances for international flights
- Weight limits and piece allowances
- Route-specific variations (weight concept vs. piece concept)
- Publicly available baggage policies as of February 2026
Airlines are grouped by baggage policy type rather than ranked numerically, as “best” depends on individual travel needs and routes.
Quick Comparison: Economy Class Baggage Allowances
| Airline | Typical Economy Allowance | Concept Type | Best For |
| Emirates | 30-35kg | Weight (most routes) | Long-haul to Middle East/Asia |
| Qatar Airways | 25-30kg | Weight (most routes) | Long-haul to Middle East |
| Turkish Airlines | 20-30kg | Weight | Europe to Asia connections |
| Air India | 2 pieces × 23kg | Piece | North America to India |
| Korean Air | 2 pieces × 23kg | Piece | Transpacific flights |
| China Airlines | 2 pieces × 23kg | Piece | North America to Asia |
| Singapore Airlines | 25-30kg | Weight | Asia-Pacific routes |
| Etihad Airways | 25-40kg | Weight | Middle East routes |
| British Airways | 1 piece × 23kg | Piece | Europe to Americas |
| Southwest | 2 pieces × 23kg (free) | Piece | U.S. domestic |
Allowances vary by specific fare type and route. Based on publicly available policies, February 2026.
For detailed size and weight limits, see our guide on carry-on and checked baggage rules.
Why International Airlines Often Include More Baggage
Full-service international carriers, particularly those operating long-haul routes between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, often include larger baggage allowances in economy fares. Competitive route networks and longer average travel durationsoften result in checked baggage being bundled within ticket pricing. In contrast, many U.S. domestic and low-cost airline baggage rules separate baggage from base fares.
Understanding Baggage Concepts
Airlines use two primary baggage systems:
Weight Concept: Common on routes within Asia, Middle East, and Europe. Passengers receive a total weight allowance (e.g., 30kg) that can be divided across multiple bags, as long as no single bag exceeds the maximum per-piece limit (usually 32kg).
Piece Concept: Standard on routes to/from the Americas. Passengers receive a specific number of bags (e.g., 2 pieces), each with a maximum weight (usually 23kg for economy).
The concept type significantly affects how much you can pack. Weight-concept routes may allow more total baggage if you have multiple lighter bags. To better understand carry-on vs checked baggage limits by airline, review our carry-on size and checked baggage limits by airline guide for detailed size and weight restrictions.
Weight-Concept Carriers (Middle East & Asia)
These airlines primarily use weight-based baggage allowances on most international routes, offering significant flexibility for travelers.
Emirates
Emirates uses a weight-concept system on most routes outside the Americas, typically allowing 30-35kg of checked baggage in economy class. This allowance varies by fare type (Special, Saver, Flex, Flex Plus).
On routes to/from the Americas and Africa, Emirates uses the piece concept, allowing 1-2 pieces at 23kg each depending on fare class.
| Baggage Concept | Routes/Application | General Allowance Rule | Individual Bag Limits |
| Weight Concept | Most routes globally (except Americas/Africa) | Total combined weight of all bags | Max 32 kg (70 lbs) per bag; Max dimensions 300 cm (118 in) |
| Piece Concept | Americas and Africa routes | Specific number of bags | Max 23-32 kg per bag; Max dimensions 150 cm (59 in) |
Emirates Checked Baggage by Class:
| Class of Travel | Weight Concept Allowance | Piece Concept Allowance (Most Routes to/from Americas/Africa) |
| First Class | 50 kg | 2 pieces, up to 32 kg each |
| Business Class | 40 kg | 2 pieces, up to 32 kg each |
| Premium Economy | 35 kg | 2 pieces, up to 23 kg each |
| Economy Class | 20-35 kg (varies by fare) | 1-2 pieces, up to 23 kg each |
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways provides 25-30kg of checked baggage on routes using the weight concept. On piece-concept routes (Americas and Africa), economy passengers typically receive 1-2 pieces at 23kg each, depending on fare type.
| Class/Fare Type | Carry-on | Checked (Americas/Africa) | Checked (Other Destinations) | Max Dimensions | Class/Fare Type |
| Economy Lite | 1 piece (7kg) | 1 piece (23kg) | 20kg | 158cm total | Economy Lite |
| Economy Classic | 1 piece (7kg) | 2 pieces (23kg each) | 25kg | 158cm total | Economy Classic |
| Economy Convenience | 1 piece (7kg) | 2 pieces (23kg each) | 30kg | 158cm total | Economy Convenience |
| Economy Comfort | 1 piece (7kg) | 2 pieces (23kg each) | 35kg | 158cm total | Economy Comfort |
| Business Class | 2 pieces (15kg total) | 2 pieces (32kg each) | 40kg | 158cm total | Business Class |
| First Elite | 2 pieces (15kg total) | 2 pieces (32kg each) | 50kg | 158cm total | First Elite |
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines offers 20-30kg baggage allowances on international flights, with specific amounts varying by route and fare class. Domestic flights use the weight concept.
Maximum single piece weight is 32kg across all routes. The piece concept applies to certain international routes, particularly to/from the Americas.
Turkish Airlines benefits from strong alliance partnerships, which can further increase baggage allowances for Star Alliance Gold members on intercontinental routes.
| Category | Detail | Limit | Notes |
| Max Single Piece Weight | All flights | 32 kg | Single bag cannot exceed this |
| Max Dimensions | Piece/Weight concepts | 158 cm (L+W+H) | Per checked bag |
| Checked Baggage Weight | Economy | 23 kg per piece | Overweight charges apply beyond this |
| Checked Baggage Weight | Business | 32 kg per piece | Higher allowance |
| Star Alliance Gold | Piece System | +1 extra bag | In addition to ticket allowance |
| Star Alliance Gold | Weight System | +20 kg | In addition to ticket allowance |
These airlines primarily serve routes to/from the Americas, where the piece concept is standard. They typically allow two checked bags in economy class.
Air India
Air India offers two free checked bags (23kg each) in economy class on routes between North America and India/South Asia, providing a total of 46kg of baggage allowance on many routes. This two-piece allowance can reduce additional baggage costs compared to airlines that charge separately for the second checked bag.
| Cabin Class | Brand | Baggage Allowance |
| Economy | Value | 15 kg / 33 lb |
| Classic | 15 kg / 33 lb | |
| Flex | 25 kg / 55 lb | |
| Premium Economy | Classic | 15 kg / 33 lb |
| Flex | 25 kg / 55 lb | |
| Business | Classic | 25 kg / 55 lb |
| Flex | 35 kg / 77 lb | |
| First | First | 40 kg / 88 lb |
International Routes (Selected Regions)
| Destination Region | Economy (Value/Classic) | Economy (Flex) | Business (Flex) | First |
| Sri Lanka | 30 kg | 40 kg | 45 kg | 45 kg |
| Middle East/Gulf | 25-30 kg | 35 kg | 45 kg | 45 kg |
| USA/Canada/Europe | 1 piece (23 kg) | 2 pieces (23 kg each) | 2 pieces (32 kg each) | 2 pieces (32 kg each) |
| Japan/South Korea | 1 piece (23 kg) | 2 pieces (23 kg each) | 2 pieces (32 kg each) | 2 pieces (32 kg each) |
Korean Air
Korean Air offers two checked bags at 23kg each on transpacific routes. On routes within Asia and to Europe, economy passengers receive a 20kg total weight allowance.
| Route Segment | Class | Number of Pieces | Max Weight per Piece | Max Dimensions |
| To/From US, Canada | Economy | 2 pieces | 23 kg (50 lbs) | Sum of both bags ≤ 273 cm (107 in) |
| To/From US, Canada | Business | 2 pieces | 32 kg (70 lbs) | Each bag ≤ 158 cm (62 in) |
| To/From US, Canada | First | 2 pieces | 32 kg (70 lbs) | Each bag ≤ 158 cm (62 in) |
| Asia/Europe Routes | Economy | — | 20 kg total | — |
| Asia/Europe Routes | Business | — | 30 kg total | — |
| Asia/Europe Routes | First | — | 40 kg total | — |
Asiana Airlines
Asiana Airlines provides similar allowances to Korean Air, with two 23kg bags on U.S. routes and one 23kg bag on non-U.S. international routes in economy class.
| Route Segment | Class | Weight Limit per Piece | Quantity Allowed | Additional Notes |
| U.S. Routes | Business & Business Suite | 32 kg (70 lbs) | 2 pieces | Child/infant may add extra item |
| U.S. Routes | Economy | 23 kg (50 lbs) | 2 pieces | Infant: 23 kg (1 piece) + Stroller |
| Non-U.S. Routes | Business & Business Suite | 32 kg (70 lbs) | 2 pieces | Child/infant may add extra item |
| Non-U.S. Routes | Economy | 23 kg (50 lbs) | 1 piece | Infant: 10 kg (1 piece) + Stroller |
China Airlines
China Airlines offers two pieces at 23kg each on long-haul routes to North America, Europe, and Australia. Short-haul routes within Asia may have reduced allowances depending on fare type.
China Airlines’ two-piece allowance is particularly relevant on long-haul routes to North America, where the piece concept is standard.
| Class & Booking Type | Booking Class | Short Haul (Asia) | Long Haul (US/CA/EU/AU/NZ) | Max Weight per Piece |
| Economy Discount | L | 1 piece | 1 piece | 23 kg (50 lbs) |
| Economy Basic | N/H/Q/R | 1 piece | 2 pieces | 23 kg (50 lbs) |
| Economy Standard | T/V/K | 2 pieces | 2 pieces | 23 kg (50 lbs) |
| Economy Flex | M/B/Y | 2 pieces | 2 pieces | 23 kg (50 lbs) |
| Premium Economy (All) | All | 2 pieces | 2 pieces | 28 kg (61 lbs) |
| Business Class (All) | All | 2 pieces | 2 pieces | 32 kg (70 lbs) |
EVA Air
EVA Air provides two pieces at 23kg each on long-haul flights in most economy fare types. Basic and Discount economy fares may have reduced allowances.
| Fare Type & Class | Long-haul (US/CA/EU/AU/NZ) | Short-haul (Asia) | Max Weight per Piece | Max Dimensions |
| Royal/Premium Laurel/Business | 2 pieces | 2 pieces | 32 kg (70 lbs) | 158 cm (62 in) |
| Premium Economy | 2 pieces | 2 pieces | 23 kg (50 lbs) | 158 cm (62 in) |
| Economy (Up/Standard) | 2 pieces | 2 pieces | 23 kg (50 lbs) | 158 cm (62 in) |
| Economy (Basic) | 2 pieces | 1 piece | 23 kg (50 lbs) | 158 cm (62 in) |
| Economy (Discount) | 1 piece | 1 piece | 23 kg (50 lbs) | 158 cm (62 in) |
Other Baggage-Friendly International Carriers
These carriers offer competitive baggage allowances on their international route networks.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines provides 25-30kg on non-piece-concept routes, with specific amounts depending on economy fare type (Value/Lite fares: 25kg; Standard/Flexi fares: 30kg).
| Class of Travel | Standard Allowance | PPS Club | KrisFlyer Elite Gold | KrisFlyer Elite Silver |
| Suites & First Class | 50 kg | 100 kg | 70 kg | 60 kg |
| Business Class | 40 kg | 80 kg | 60 kg | 50 kg |
| Premium Economy | 35 kg | 70 kg | 55 kg | 45 kg |
| Economy (Flexi/Standard) | 30 kg | 60 kg | 50 kg | 40 kg |
| Economy (Value/Lite) | 25 kg | 50 kg | 45 kg | 35 kg |
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways offers 25-40kg total weight allowance on most international routes using the weight concept. Routes to/from the U.S. and Canada use the piece concept with 2 pieces at 23kg each in economy.
| Route Type | Cabin Class | Allowance | Max Weight per Piece | Max Dimensions |
| US/Canada (Piece) | Economy | 2 bags | 23 kg | 70×50×38 cm |
| US/Canada (Piece) | Business/First | 2 bags | 32 kg | 70×50×38 cm |
| Other International (Weight) | Economy | 25-40 kg total | 32 kg | 90×72×45 cm |
| Other International (Weight) | Business | 35-45 kg total | 32 kg | 90×72×45 cm |
| Other International (Weight) | First/Residence | 50 kg total | 32 kg | 90×72×45 cm |
British Airways
British Airways includes one 23kg checked bag on standard economy fares. Basic Economy fares may not include checked baggage on some routes. Premium Economy and Business Class passengers receive two bags at 23kg or 32kg each, respectively.
| Cabin Class | Number of Bags | Weight per Bag | Notes |
| Economy (World Traveller) | 1 bag | 23 kg (51 lb) | Varies by fare/route |
| Economy (Certain routes) | 2 bags | 23 kg each | Fully flexible fares |
| Premium Economy | 2 bags | 23 kg each | — |
| Business Class | 2 bags | 32 kg each | — |
| Children (2-11 yrs) | 1 bag | 23 kg | Plus 2 essential items (stroller, car seat) |
U.S. Domestic Exception: Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines historically differs from other U.S. carriers by including checked baggage in many fare types. However, baggage inclusion may vary by fare class and recent policy updates.
| Category | Details | Limit/Fee | Notes |
| Free Checked Bags | Select passengers | Up to 2 bags free | Business Select, A-List Preferred get 2 free; A-List gets 1st free |
| Standard Checked Bags | Most fare classes | Fees may apply | $35 for 1st, $45 for 2nd (Basic, Choice fares) – Policy effective May 28, 2026 |
| Checked Bag Weight | Each bag | Max 50 lbs (23 kg) | Overweight bags incur fees |
| Checked Bag Size | Each bag | Max 62 linear inches | Oversized bags incur fees |
| Carry-on Bag | Overhead bin | One per passenger | Max 24″ × 16″ × 10″ |
| Personal Item | Under seat | One per passenger | Purse, laptop bag, small backpack |
Factors That Affect Baggage Allowances
Baggage policies in 2026 reflect several trends:
Route economics: Long-haul international routes, especially to Asia and the Middle East, face more competition and offer more generous allowances to attract passengers.
Low-cost vs full-service: Budget carriers typically charge for all checked bags, while full-service international airlines include at least one bag in economy fares.
Fare class variations: Even within economy, “basic” or “light” fares may have reduced or no baggage allowance, while “flex” or “standard” fares include bags.
Regional differences: U.S. domestic carriers generally charge for first bags, while international carriers include them.
Frequent flyer benefits: Elite status members typically receive additional baggage allowances, ranging from an extra 10-20kg (weight concept) to an additional free piece (piece concept).
Conclusion
Airlines based in the Middle East and Asia generally provide the most generous economy class baggage allowances in 2026. Carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines commonly include 25–35kg or two checked bags on long-haul routes.
However, baggage policies vary significantly by route and fare type. Travelers should always review fare rules carefully before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does my frequent flyer status (like Star Alliance Gold or SkyTeam Elite) give me extra baggage?
Yes, in most cases. Elite status in frequent flyer programs (Star Alliance Gold, oneworld Sapphire, etc.) typically provides additional baggage allowances. On weight-concept routes, this is usually an additional 10-20kg. On piece-concept routes, members often receive one extra free bag. Specific benefits vary by airline and status tier.
Is it cheaper to pay for an extra bag online or at the airport?
Paying for baggage online when booking or at least 24 hours before departure is typically less expensive than paying at the airport. Airport baggage fees can be significantly higher, sometimes double the online rate. Specific fee differences vary by airline.
Do airlines charge extra to check a stroller or car seat for a baby or infant?
Most major airlines allow passengers traveling with infants to check a stroller, car seat, and/or travel cot for free, even on basic economy fares. This is usually in addition to the infant’s own small baggage allowance (if applicable). Many airlines permit gate-checking of strollers.
What is the easiest way to avoid paying extra for overweight or oversized bags?
Using a portable luggage scale at home before departure is the most effective way to avoid overweight fees. If a bag is overweight, redistribute items to lighter bags or carry-on. For oversized bags (exceeding dimensional limits), repacking into a smaller suitcase is usually necessary, as dimensional fees are harder to avoid.
Which airlines are most baggage-friendly in economy class for long-haul flights?
Airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and several Asia-based carriers typically include 25–35kg or two checked bags on long-haul international routes. Policies vary by fare class and route, so reviewing the specific economy class luggage policy is important before booking.
Disclaimer: MyBaggageInfo is an independent travel information website. This airline baggage comparison is provided for general travel guidance only and is based on publicly available airline policies as of February 2026. Baggage allowances, fees, and policies can change at any time without prior notice. Specific allowances vary by route, fare type, booking channel, and frequent flyer status. Travelers should always verify current baggage policies directly with their chosen airline before booking and departure. MyBaggageInfo is not affiliated with any airline mentioned in this comparison.
