Travel Guide
Airlines with Free Baggage Allowance
Which Airlines Offer Free Carry-On and Checked Bags?
Packing for a flight can be stressful, especially when you're not sure how much luggage you can take with you. Airline baggage rules can vary significantly, and some fares include checked baggage while others only include a carry-on bag.
Understanding your baggage allowance before you book can help you avoid unexpected fees at the airport.
In this guide, Thai Flightcentre explains the difference between carry-on and checked baggage, which airlines offer free baggage, and what you should know before packing for your trip.
What Is Carry-On Baggage?
Carry-on baggage, also known as cabin baggage or hand luggage, is the luggage you are allowed to take with you into the aircraft cabin.
Most airlines allow passengers to bring at least one cabin bag, although the permitted weight and dimensions vary.
A typical carry-on bag is around 55 × 40 × 20cm, with a weight allowance of approximately 7–10kg.
Your carry-on bag normally needs to fit either in the overhead compartment or underneath the seat in front of you.
Some airlines also allow a small personal item, such as a handbag, laptop bag or small backpack. However, whether this is included in your allowance depends on the airline and fare.
What Is Checked Baggage?
Checked baggage is luggage that you hand over to the airline at the airport check-in counter.
Your checked bag is transported in the aircraft's baggage hold and returned to you at the baggage carousel after you arrive at your destination.
A common checked baggage limit is 23kg per bag, although some airlines use different weight limits or allow more than one piece of baggage.
The maximum total dimensions of a checked bag are also commonly around 158cm (length + width + height).
However, baggage allowances vary according to the airline, route, cabin class and fare type.
Which Airlines Offer Free Carry-On and Checked Baggage?
Some airlines include both carry-on and checked baggage in their standard fares, while others offer a lower basic fare and charge separately for checked luggage.
Here is a general comparison of popular airlines:
| Airline | Free Carry-On Baggage | Free Checked Baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Thai Airways | 1 piece up to 7kg | Economy: 1–2 × 23kg depending on fare/route |
| Bangkok Airways | 1 piece up to 7kg | Economy: 20kg; Premium Economy: 30kg; Business: 40kg |
| Thai VietJet Air | Up to 7kg | Depends on fare |
| Vietnam Airlines | Up to 10kg | 23kg or more depending on fare |
| Singapore Airlines | Up to 7kg | 25–30kg or more depending on cabin |
| Malaysia Airlines | Up to 7kg | 20–35kg depending on fare |
| Emirates | Up to 7kg | 20–50kg depending on fare |
| Qatar Airways | Up to 7kg | 20–35kg or more depending on fare |
| Etihad Airways | Up to 7kg | Depends on fare and route |
| Japan Airlines | Up to 10kg | 2 × 23kg on many international fares |
| ANA | Up to 10kg | 2 × 23kg on many international fares |
| Korean Air | Up to 10–12kg | 2 × 23kg on many international fares |
| Cathay Pacific | Up to 7kg | 1–2 × 23kg depending on fare |
| EVA Air | Up to 7kg | 2 × 23kg on many international fares |
| China Airlines | Up to 7kg | 2 × 23kg on many international fares |
| Philippine Airlines | Up to 7kg | Depends on route and fare |
| Qantas | Up to 7kg | Depends on route and fare |
Baggage allowances are general guidelines. The allowance applicable to your journey may vary according to your fare, route, cabin class and ticket conditions.
For Thai Airways, the current checked baggage policy uses the Piece Concept for applicable journeys. Economy Class generally includes 1 × 23kg on domestic sectors, while international Economy fares may include 2 × 23kg for Flex/Full Flex or 1 × 23kg for Standard/Saver, depending on the applicable route and fare. Each checked bag must not exceed 158cm in total dimensions.
For Bangkok Airways, the standard allowance is 7kg of cabin baggage, with checked baggage of 20kg in Economy, 30kg in Premium Economy and 40kg in Business Class.
Airlines With Free Carry-On but Paid Checked Baggage
Many low-cost airlines advertise a low base fare that includes cabin baggage but does not include checked baggage.
This can include airlines such as:
- Thai VietJet Air
- AirAsia
- Scoot
- Jetstar
- Other low-cost carriers
With these fares, passengers may need to purchase checked baggage separately.
This is why it is important to compare the total ticket price, rather than looking only at the initial fare.
For example, a lower-priced ticket may look attractive at first, but after adding 20kg of checked baggage, seat selection and other services, the final price may be higher.
What Can You Bring in Your Carry-On Bag?
Your cabin baggage can usually contain items that you need during the flight, such as:
- Clothing
- Books
- Electronics
- Laptop computers
- Cameras
- Travel documents
- Small personal items
- Medication
- Toiletries within the applicable liquid limits
However, airport security regulations prohibit or restrict certain items.
Sharp objects, dangerous goods, flammable materials and other restricted items should not be packed in your cabin baggage.
Carry-On Liquids
One of the most common questions about cabin baggage concerns liquids.
As a general airport security rule, liquids, gels and aerosols carried in cabin baggage should normally be in containers of 100ml or less.
These containers are usually placed together in a transparent, resealable bag with a capacity of approximately 1 litre.
Examples include:
- Shampoo
- Shower gel
- Perfume
- Toothpaste
- Cream
- Liquid cosmetics
- Drinks
There may be exceptions for essential medication, baby food and other special items.
Because security rules can differ between airports and countries, passengers should check the requirements for their departure airport before travelling.
What Happens If Your Carry-On Is Too Heavy?
If your cabin baggage exceeds the airline's weight or size limit, you may be required to check the bag into the aircraft hold.
Additional baggage charges may apply.
For example, if your airline allows 7kg of cabin baggage and your suitcase weighs 10kg, the airline may require you to check it in and pay the applicable baggage fee.
It is therefore a good idea to weigh your cabin bag before leaving home.
What Is the Maximum Checked Baggage Size?
Many airlines use a maximum total dimension of 158cm for a checked bag.
This means:
Length + Width + Height ≤ 158cm
The weight limit is usually specified separately.
For example, a ticket allowing 1 × 23kg means:
- 1 checked bag
- Maximum weight: 23kg
- Maximum dimensions: subject to the airline's baggage rules
If your ticket allows 2 × 23kg, this normally means two separate bags, each weighing no more than 23kg.
It does not normally mean that you can put 46kg into one suitcase.
Sports Equipment
Airlines often have special rules for sports equipment.
Common examples include:
- Golf clubs
- Bicycles
- Surfboards
- Diving equipment
- Skis
- Snowboards
- Fishing equipment
Some airlines allow sports equipment within your normal baggage allowance, while others charge an additional fee.
Oversized equipment may also have special packing requirements.
If you are travelling with sports equipment, it is recommended that you check the airline's rules before travelling.
Musical Instruments
Small musical instruments may be accepted as cabin baggage if they meet the airline's size and weight requirements.
Larger instruments may need to be checked as baggage or transported as special baggage.
Some airlines may also allow a large musical instrument to be placed on an additional passenger seat, subject to advance arrangements and applicable charges.
Always check with the airline before travelling with a valuable or oversized instrument.
Travelling With Children
Baggage allowances for children and infants can differ from those for adults.
A child travelling in their own seat may receive the baggage allowance associated with their ticket and fare.
Infants travelling without their own seat may have a separate baggage allowance depending on the airline.
Strollers, car seats and other baby equipment may also be accepted under special conditions.
If you are travelling with children, check the applicable airline policy before departure.
Travelling With Pets
Pet travel is subject to additional airline and destination requirements.
Depending on the airline, pets may be accepted:
- In the cabin
- As checked baggage
- As cargo
Additional requirements may include:
- An approved pet carrier
- Health certificates
- Vaccination records
- Import permits
- Advance approval from the airline
Pet policies can vary significantly, particularly for international travel, so passengers should arrange pet travel well in advance.
How to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees
A few simple steps can help you avoid unexpected baggage charges.
Check Your Baggage Allowance
Look at your e-ticket or booking confirmation before packing.
Weigh Your Bags
Use a luggage scale at home to make sure your bags are within the permitted limit.
Check Your Fare Type
Different fares on the same flight may have different baggage allowances.
Purchase Extra Baggage in Advance
If your ticket does not include enough checked baggage, purchasing additional baggage before departure may be more convenient than paying at the airport.
Check Connecting Flights
If your itinerary includes more than one airline, baggage rules may differ between flight sectors.
Check the Airline's Current Rules
Baggage policies can change, so always check the applicable conditions for your specific journey.
Why Is Free Baggage Important When Booking a Flight?
When comparing airline tickets, the cheapest fare is not necessarily the cheapest overall option.
For example:
Airline A:
Ticket + 20kg checked baggage included
Airline B:
Lower ticket price + separate 20kg baggage fee
The second ticket may appear cheaper during the initial search, but the final price can change after baggage is added.
This is particularly important when comparing full-service airlines and low-cost carriers.
For passengers travelling with larger suitcases, sports equipment or several bags, checking the baggage allowance before booking can help make the total cost easier to understand.
Book Your Flight With Thai Flightcentre
Thai Flightcentre is an independent travel intermediary providing flight booking and travel support for passengers travelling with airlines including Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways and Thai VietJet Air.
When booking your flight, we can assist with information about the applicable fare, baggage allowance and ticket conditions.
Please remember that baggage allowances are determined by the respective airline and can vary according to the route, fare, cabin class and ticket conditions.
For the most accurate information, always check the baggage allowance shown on your ticket before travelling.
Need help with your flight or baggage allowance? Contact Thai Flightcentre at thaiflightcentre@gmail.com .