*Article first published March 2017. Prices and information correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change and/or availability.
TRAVEL UPDATE:
The US and UK have issued hand baggage restrictions on certain Qatar Airways flights, including direct flights from the UAE > US and direct flights to the UK from the following countries: Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. For these routes, all large electronic devices must be checked into the hold baggage.
Read more here about how the travel restrictions could impact you.
Qatar Airways hand baggage allowance: size, weight and fees | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Qatar Airways cabin bag size | Qatar Airways hand luggage weight allowance | Number of bags allowed onboard | Cost to check in over-sized hand luggage |
| 55x37x25cm maximum cabin baggage dimensions | 7kg maximum weight in Economy 15kg maximum weight (between 2 bags) in Business and First Class | 1 piece in Economy, 2 in Business and First Class Plus a small briefcase, laptop bag or handbag | Fees to check in excess baggage depend on route but start at $15 (Dh55) at the airport |
Qatar Airways hold baggage allowance: size, weight and fees | |||
| Qatar Airways hold baggage size | Qatar Airways hold luggage weight allowance | Number of hold bags allowed | Cost of Qatar Airways hold luggage |
| LxHxW = 158cm maximum dimensions for bags to/from Brazil, Argentina, Canada and the US LxHxW = 300cm maximum dimensions for bags from Africa and to/from all other destinations | 23kg maximum weight to/from Argentina, Canada and the US 32kg maximum weight to/from Brazil 30kg maximum weight from Africa and to/from all other destinations Qatar Airways Silver members get an extra 10kg; Gold members get an extra piece or 15kg; Platinum members get an extra piece or 20kg | Up to 2 pieces of hold luggage per passenger on flights to/from Brazil, Argentina, Canada and the US No restrictions on hold luggage per passenger on flights from Africa and to/from all other destinations | Cheaper to buy your baggage allowance in advance online At the airport $15-$200 (Dh55-Dh735) These fees vary depending on the route you’re flying |
Qatar Airways baggage allowance explained
What is the baggage allowance for Qatar Airways?
There are quite a few variables affecting the Qatar Airways luggage allowance, but check out the table above for the basics. If you’re flying to/from Argentina, Canada and the US you get a 23kg luggage allowance. If you’re visiting Brazil (you lucky thing!) you’re allowed 32kg. On journeys from Africa and to/from all other destinations, the maximum is 30kg.
How much is an extra bag on Qatar Airways?
You won’t be pleased if your bag is too heavy and you’re forced to pay the airline’s excess charges; they’re not cheap. The Qatar Airways extra baggage charges depend on where you’re flying to and from. If you’re flying from the UAE to the Philippines, for example, you can buy one extra kilo for $25 (Dh92) online before your flight, or $30 (Dh111) at the airport.
If you’re flying with Qatar Airways to or from the US or Canada, you’ll pay per extra bag, not extra kilo. It’ll cost you $50 (Dh184) in advance for the first bag, and $65 (Dh239) at the check-in desk. Subsequent pieces will cost $200 (Dh735) online, and $250 (Dh918) at the airport. Our advice? Don’t over-pack!
Is there a Qatar Airways baggage allowance for infants?
Yes, the Qatar Airways is quite generous with the infant baggage allowance. You’re entitled to one extra piece of hand luggage weighing a maximum 10kg, and 1 extra bag weighing a maximum 10kg (this increases if you’re traveling to the US, Canada, Brazil or Argentina). You can also check in a stroller, push chair or carry-cot for free.
Read more: Find out more about airline policies for traveling with infants here.
How to maximize your Qatar Airways baggage allowance
Upgrade to Business or First Class
By upgrading your ticket to Business or First Class with Qatar Airways you’ll get to pack a much heavier case. You can take 40kg on most routes in Business, and 50kg in First Class. But remember each piece should weigh a maximum 32kg so don’t bring one giant case and think you won’t be forced to pay excess baggage charges. If you’re flying to or from the Americas you’re allowed two pieces each weighing 32kg if you travel in Business or First Class. If you like a bit of luxury, check out our top tips on how to get a free upgrade.
Join the Qatar Airways Privilege Club
If you regularly fly in and out of the UAE you can quickly rack up points on the Qatar Airways privilege program. There are four levels – Burgundy, Silver, Gold and Platinum – and three of the four give you some free excess baggage.
If you make it to Silver, you’ll get an extra 10kg baggage on all routes operated by Qatar Airways. If you get to Gold you can pack a whole extra case, or an extra 15kg. Platinum members get a whopping 20kg or an extra bag. Of course there’s all the other benefits like priority boarding, lounge access and priority check-in so it’s worth signing up regardless.
Learn to pack light
Packing like a minimalist is definitely a skill. But if you want to want to make the most of any luggage allowance, it’s important you don’t overpack. Think where you’re going, and what you might be able to buy while you’re there. Do you really need to take all your shampoos and shower products on your trip to Europe? Or could you just pick them up when you’re there? Consider taking just enough for the first few days then buying some locally when you run out. It could you save you having to splash out on extra baggage fees.
Shop around
If you don’t think the Qatar Airways baggage allowance gives you what you want, have a look at some of the other Middle East airlines such as Etihad or Emirates. You can read about the Emirates’ baggage allowances here, or check out the Abu Dhabi-based Etihad luggage policies here. While you’re at it, read up on the baggage policies of the UAE’s budget airlines, Air Arabia and Flydubai, which are both amongst the more generous no-frills airlines.
Not flying with Qatar Airways but still having luggage woes? We’ve got other baggage guides and hand luggage rules to keep you on the right track:
Emirates Hand Luggage Explained
How to beat the Emirates hand luggage rules and make sure you’re never paying extra at the airport…
Hand luggage rules: 10 banned items
Not sure what can go in your hand luggage? Here are 10 unusual items that make the banned list…
Baby on board: airline luggage allowances and rules for flying with a baby
About to head off with your little ones? Then you’ll need our “baby on board” guide…
