Air Arabia Baggage Allowance 2026, Carry-on & Checked Bag Rules
Air Arabia allows 1 cabin bag up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm (7 kg) plus one personal item up to 25 × 33 × 20 cm (3 kg), with a combined total of 10 kg. Checked baggage depends on your fare type — Basic fare has no free checked bag, Value includes 20 kg, Ultimate includes 30 kg, and Premium includes 46 kg. Each checked bag must not exceed 158 cm linear or 32 kg. Gate checking an overweight bag costs AED 100 per piece.
Published on July 4, 2026 · Last verified on August 21, 2026 by Luggage Validator
8/10
Air Arabia Baggage Policy Strictness
Very Strict
Overview
Standard baggage allowance for your selected route and fare class. All dimensions include wheels and handles.
Carry-on Bag
55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in)
Overhead bin · 7 kg (15 lbs)
Personal Item
25 × 33 × 20 cm (9.8 × 13 × 7.9 in)
Under seat ·3 kg (7 lbs)
Checked Baggage
≤ 158 cm (62 in)
20 kg (44 lbs) free total
Max per piece: 32 kg (70 lbs)
Standard Economy Allowance
Quick reference for your selected route type. See below for full cabin class comparison.
| Baggage Type | Free | Max Size | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on Bag Overhead bin · per piece | 1 pc | 55×40×20cm 21.7×15.7×7.9in | 7 kg 15 lbs |
| Personal Item Under seat · per piece | 1 pc | 25×33×20cm 9.8×13×7.9in | 3 kg 7 lbs |
| Checked Baggage Cargo hold · weight system | 20 kg 44 lbs | ≤ 158 cm 62 in | 32 kg 70 lbs |
Full Cabin Class Comparison
Compare allowances across all fare types and cabin classes for your selected route.
| Item | Basic | Value | Ultimate | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Item Under seat | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc |
| Personal Item Size L × W × H | 25×33×20cm 9.8×13×7.9in | 25×33×20cm 9.8×13×7.9in | 25×33×20cm 9.8×13×7.9in | 25×33×20cm 9.8×13×7.9in |
| Carry-on Pieces Overhead bin access | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc |
| Carry-on Size L × W × H | 55×40×20cm 21.7×15.7×7.9in | 55×40×20cm 21.7×15.7×7.9in | 55×40×20cm 21.7×15.7×7.9in | 55×40×20cm 21.7×15.7×7.9in |
| Carry-on Weight Per piece | 7 kg 15 lbs | 7 kg 15 lbs | 7 kg 15 lbs | 7 kg 15 lbs |
| Free Checked Bags Total weight | Not allowed | 20 kg 44 lbs | 30 kg 66 lbs | 46 kg 101 lbs |
| Checked Bag Size Max per piece | ≤ 158 cm 62 in | ≤ 158 cm 62 in | ≤ 158 cm 62 in | ≤ 158 cm 62 in |
| Checked Bag Weight Per piece max | 32 kg 70 lbs | 32 kg 70 lbs | 32 kg 70 lbs | 32 kg 70 lbs |
Recent Traveller Feedback
Sprang for the Ultimate fare on my trip from Dubai to Casablanca and honestly it was worth it for the 30kg checked baggage alone. I was gone for three weeks and had all my clothes, gifts, and even a small portable speaker in there. No overweight fees, no hassle at check-in. Just remember that each individual bag can't go over 32kg for safety reasons, so if you're packing heavy you'll need to split it across two bags. Overall way better value than paying for baggage separately on Basic.
30 AED
Tried bringing my everyday backpack as a personal item on Air Arabia and the agent at check-in stopped me immediately. She said it was too big and had to count as my cabin bag instead. The personal item limit is only 25 x 33 x 20 cm, which is basically a small handbag or a thin laptop sleeve. My backpack was more like 30 x 40 x 15 cm and didn't fit their sizer. Ended up having to check my backpack for extra fees. If you're flying Air Arabia, don't expect to bring a normal backpack as your personal item — it won't pass.
Got pulled aside at the boarding gate at Sharjah Airport on my way to Cairo. My rolling carry-on was 9kg and they had a scale right there at the gate. I thought the 10kg limit was for the cabin bag alone, but no — the cabin bag itself has a 7kg limit, and the 10kg is the total including your personal item and duty-free. Had to pay 100 AED right there at the gate. Air Arabia is really strict about this — don't assume they won't weigh it just because you got past check-in.
100 AED
Booked the cheapest Basic fare from Sharjah to Alexandria and figured I'd just add baggage at the airport if I needed it. Huge mistake. At check-in they wanted 250 AED for a 20kg bag, which was almost as much as the flight itself. The worst part is you can only buy 20kg at the airport — if you need more you're stuck paying overweight fees per kilo. Next time I'll just pay extra for the Value fare which includes 20kg checked baggage right from the start. Way better value than getting gouged at the counter.
250 AED
Common Luggage Compatibility
Based on Air Arabia · Economy class. Compare luggage compatibility across all fare types and cabin classes using the filters above.
| Luggage | Personal Item | Carry-on | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
Regular Backpack | Over Limit | OK | OK (20kg total) |
16" Under-seat Briefcase | Over Limit | OK | OK (20kg total) |
18" Cabin Suitcase | Over Limit | OK | OK (20kg total) |
Standard 20" Carry-on | Over Limit | OK | OK (20kg total) |
22" North American Carry-on | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK (20kg total) |
24" Medium Checked Suitcase | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK (20kg total) |
26" Mid-size Checked Suitcase | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK (20kg total) |
28" Large Checked Suitcase (IATA Standard) | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK (20kg total) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy extra baggage at the airport on Air Arabia?
Yes, but it is more expensive than pre-booking online.
At the airport, you can only purchase 20 kg of checked baggage.
Any additional weight beyond that will be charged at excess baggage rates.
Pre-booking baggage online or through the call center is always cheaper.
Do infants get extra baggage allowance on Air Arabia?
Yes, infants under 2 years old get an additional small bag for baby essentials.
This extra bag can weigh up to 3 kg and must fit under the seat.
The bag may need to be declared and tagged at check-in.
Infants do not get a separate checked baggage allowance.
What is the cabin baggage allowance on Air Arabia?
Air Arabia allows 1 cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm, with a maximum weight of 7 kg.
You may also bring 1 personal item such as a laptop bag or handbag up to 25 x 33 x 20 cm, weighing up to 3 kg.
The combined total weight of cabin bag, personal item, and duty-free purchases must not exceed 10 kg.
How much free checked baggage do I get on Air Arabia?
Checked baggage allowance depends on your fare type.
Basic fare includes no free checked baggage — you must pay extra to add bags.
Value fare includes 20 kg, Ultimate fare includes 30 kg, and Premium fare includes 46 kg.
Each checked bag must not exceed 158 cm in total linear dimensions or 32 kg in weight.
How strict is Air Arabia with carry-on baggage enforcement?
Air Arabia is known for strict enforcement of its cabin baggage policy.
Bags may be weighed and measured at check-in or the boarding gate.
If your bag exceeds the limit at the gate, a fee of AED 100 per piece may apply.
Checking your bag dimensions and weight before arriving at the airport is recommended.
All baggage rules on this page are from the official Air Arabia website. Last updated August 21, 2026. Before you fly, please check the official site again to make sure nothing has changed.
Help keep this data accurate. If you spot outdated baggage rules or have recent experience flying with Air Arabia contribute your update
