EMIRATES BAGGAGE REGULATIONS
The amount of baggage included in the travel price and that can be taken along at no extra cost depends on the flight route, booked travel class and fare, and Emirates Skywards status.
As of June 21, 2023, Source: emirates.com, all information without guarantee

- What is meant by free baggage allowance at Emirates?
- What is small carry-on luggage at Emirates?
- What is considered carry-on luggage at Emirates?
- Which items can be taken in carry-on luggage?
- What should be considered when traveling with children?
- What should be considered when traveling with reduced mobility?
- Can I take a dog/animal with me on Emirates?
- Checked baggage at Emirates
- Sports equipment as checked baggage
- Musical instruments as checked baggage
- Saving tips for Emirates baggage options
- My suitcase was damaged - What should I do?
- My suitcase is delayed - What should I do?
- My suitcase was lost - What should I do?
- Information about your stay on board

1. What is meant by free baggage allowance at Emirates?
The amount of baggage included in the travel price and that can be taken along at no extra cost depends on the flight route, booked travel class and fare, and Emirates Skywards status. For this airline, the free baggage allowance for checked baggage depends on the route, either by total weight or by the number of pieces of baggage. The piece concept applies to and from North and South America and Africa, within the Americas, and between the USA and Europe.
Special features by destination: While in India only one piece of carry-on luggage with a total size of 115 cm (length + width + height) is allowed, for travel from Brazil, a maximum of 10 kg of carry-on luggage is permitted.
Economy | Premium Economy | Business Class | First Class | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Small carry-on/underseat, 45 x 35 x 20 cm or garment bag not thicker than 20 cm |
7 kg |
7 kg |
||
Large carry-on 56 x 38 x 20 cm |
7 kg |
10 kg |
7 kg |
7 kg |
Checked baggage weight concept Total size up to 300 cm |
20-35 kg |
35 kg |
40 kg |
50 kg |
Checked baggage piece concept Total size up to 150 cm |
1-2 pieces max. 23 kg each |
2 pieces max. 23 kg each |
2 pieces max. 32 kg each |
2 pieces max. 32 kg each |
2. What is small carry-on luggage at Emirates?
As a Business or First Class customer, you can also take a laptop bag, briefcase (45 x 35 x 20 cm) or a garment bag (max. 20 cm thick) with a maximum weight of 7 kg free of charge in addition to your carry-on luggage.
3. What is considered carry-on luggage at Emirates?
According to Emirates regulations, carry-on luggage may be up to 56 x 38 x 20 cm in size (incl. handles and wheels) and weigh 7 kg. Only Premium Economy allows 10 kg.
Carry-on Suitcasesorder directly here in our online shop
4. Which items can be taken in carry-on luggage?
The carriage of liquids in carry-on luggage is limited. A maximum of 1,000 ml in total may be taken through security control. Only containers with a maximum capacity of 100 ml each are permitted, transported in a resealable and transparent bag of 20x20 cm (max. 1 liter).
Liquids from duty-free purchased either at the airport or on a flight route outside the EU can be taken in reasonable quantities. Sprays, gels, creams, and spreads count as liquids, including liver pâté.
Power banks are considered batteries by Emirates. A maximum of 20 lithium-ion batteries with a capacity below 100 Wh can be taken exclusively in carry-on luggage. They must be individually packed to avoid short circuits.
Increased security measures apply to electronic devices. These should have sufficient power if traveling from Dubai to the USA, Canada, and the United Kingdom. They must be able to be switched on before departure. If this is not possible, you will most likely have to leave the device behind or be offloaded from the flight.
E-cigarettes and a lighter (in your own pocket) must be taken into the cabin. Matches, strike-anywhere matches, blue flame lighters, or cigar lighters are generally prohibited. Cigarettes may be taken in carry-on luggage.
Airports themselves often prohibit all sharp objects in carry-on luggage. Blunt or sharp tools or sharp objects and even mercury thermometers must be placed in checked baggage. Only scissors and tweezers with a maximum length of 6 cm and exclusively with rounded ends are allowed in the cabin. Razor blades must have a plastic frame to be transported in carry-on luggage. Knives may not exceed a maximum blade length of 6 cm. This is also stated in the EU regulation. However, airports have the final say with potentially stricter guidelines.
Musical instruments are subject to the general baggage regulations without exception and can either be taken as carry-on luggage (if the dimensions fit) or as checked baggage or as excess baggage. Additionally, there is the option to purchase a separate seat for the instrument. It is best to contact Emirates directly with any questions.
You should pack urgently needed medication in your carry-on luggage. Be sure to observe the import regulations of your destination country. For some medications that are commonplace for us, such as birth control pills, strict regulations and approval requirements apply in Dubai, among other places.
5. What should be considered when traveling with children?
In some countries, special regulations apply to the entry or exit of minor children, regardless of whether they are traveling alone or accompanied by adults (legal guardians or not).
Infants under 2 years of age may travel on an adult's lap for a fee. Only one child is allowed per lap. If you are traveling alone with two children, you must book a seat for one at the adult fare and bring an airline-approved child seat. If there happens to be a vacant seat in your row, a child seat can be used there. If your flight is subject to the weight concept, checked baggage of 10 kg is included for the baby. With the piece concept, one piece of baggage (< 150 cm) with a maximum of 23 kg is included.
Emirates offers child fares for children aged 2 and over in their own seat.
Per baby or infant, additionally allowed free of charge:
- one carry-on bag 55 x 38 x 20 cm, max. 5 kg or
- a foldable stroller/buggy or
- a booster seat, car seat
It is best to contact the crew at check-in to have these items tagged or to clarify whether strollers, etc., may need to be checked in. If they can be used up to the aircraft but there is not enough space on board, the items will be collected and transported in the cargo hold. You will receive them either directly upon disembarking or you can simply pick them up with the rest of your luggage at baggage claim. This depends on the destination airport. For connecting flights, inform the crew that the stroller is needed.
Baby food, sterilized water, and milk are not subject to the 100 ml container restriction. However, a maximum of 1 liter of liquid is still allowed. You may be asked to taste the liquids at the airport for security reasons. Be sure to observe the regulations for importing food into your destination country.
For the youngest travelers, Emirates offers the following services:
- Changing facilities in the restrooms
- Warming of baby food and bottles in the galley.
- Selection of baby food and, if required, water, milk formulas, and bottles on board.
- Suitable meals for children over 2 years old can be ordered when booking the flight.
- For "lap children," special bassinets (in Economy and Business Class 74.93 cm long x 33.03 cm wide x 16.51 cm, First Class smaller) can be booked for babies up to 11 kg. Availability is limited.
- Child-friendly entertainment in the entertainment program and small toys and bags for on-board entertainment.
Although specific information on seat allocation for families is not available, efforts are always made to seat families together with early check-in. If you want to be on the safe side, a seat reservation or contacting the service center is recommended. If necessary, the crew will also try to find a suitable solution.
Children are also considered to be traveling alone if they are flying in a different booking class than their parents. Emirates offers a travel program for unaccompanied minors between 5 and 11 years of age. The adult fare is always due. From the age of 12, they are allowed to fly alone, but the service can be requested up to the age of 15. A fee of $50 per segment is charged. You can book this service through the Emirates customer service team. You can reach them by phone at +4969945192000. German-speaking service is also available Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm.
More information about this service can be found here.
6. What should be considered when traveling with reduced mobility?
You can take up to two mobility aids (crutches, foldable wheelchair) and medical devices into the cabin, which are not counted towards your total carry-on allowance. As a rule, the aid can be used until boarding the aircraft, will then be stowed in the cargo hold if necessary, and handed over again at the destination airport either directly upon disembarking or at baggage claim. An approval is required for battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids. If you have received this, be at check-in early before departure so that the device can be checked according to the dangerous goods policy.
If you or a fellow traveler requires assistance due to disability or reduced mobility to navigate the airport and board the aircraft, Emirates will organize this for you. To ensure that everything can be organized in time within the airport procedures, the request must be made in good time, at least 48 hours before departure.
How to register your needs in time:
- Call the customer service team at +4969945192000.
German – Mon to Fri: 08:00-18:00, Sat and Sun: 09:00-17:00, English 24h
Further information can be found directly at Emirates.
7. Can I take a dog/animal with me on Emirates?
Animals are not permitted in the cabin of Emirates flights, except for falcons between Dubai and certain destinations in Pakistan, and guide dogs for the visually impaired. Assistance dogs can travel in the cabin on certain routes. On other routes, they travel in the cargo hold. Although carriage is stated as free of charge, excess baggage fees may apply. Inform the airline at least 48 hours before the flight so that appropriate preparations can be made (phone +4969945192000. German – Mon to Fri: 08:00-18:00, Sat and Sun: 09:00-17:00).
Animals must be transported as cargo on all routes ending in Dubai. Further information can be found at Emirates SkyCargo.
If your journey starts in Dubai and goes to countries that allow the entry of animals as "excess baggage" (i.e., not as manifested cargo), falcons, cats, dogs, and pet birds can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold. The following applies: the total travel time (including any transit times) is less than 17 hours and all corresponding conditions are met.
In general, the following should be noted when traveling with animals:
- Current entry and exit regulations of all countries concerned (ATTENTION: new, long-term US CDC entry ban for dogs (including assistance dogs) from high-risk rabies countries)
- Admissibility and possibility of carriage, especially when traveling with different airlines.
- Necessary official* and veterinary documents
- Possibly required veterinary examinations or treatments (e.g., vaccinations, microchipping)
Furthermore, for assistance dogs:
- Proof of training as an assistance dog from a recognized institution is necessary for the dog.
- In addition, for flights, written confirmation must be provided that the dog meets the requirements for travel as a recognized assistance dog. For this, a U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form is required.
- For flights lasting 8 hours or more, you must also confirm that the dog will not relieve itself in the aircraft or can do so in a hygienic manner. For this, you must complete and submit the DOT Relief Attestation Form.
- Submit all documents, including those issued by the DOT (Department of Transportation), in advance for review.
- The dog should preferably wear a harness. A muzzle must be carried for emergencies and put on if requested by staff.
*On all flights within the EU/EEA, a valid pet passport or an official veterinary certificate from a third country (as well as the required medical documents) must be carried. If you are unsure whether your dog is eligible to travel, you can contact the destination airport before your trip and have the information in the pet passport confirmed. Information on the pet passport can be found at the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
8. Checked baggage at Emirates
Depending on the route, price class, and fare, either the weight concept with a total size of up to 300 cm and 20-50 kg or the piece concept with a total size of up to 150 cm and a maximum weight of 23 kg or 32 kg each applies.
With the weight concept, you can purchase up to a maximum of 50 kg of additional free baggage in blocks of 5 kg. Cost at the airport: $75-250. Ordered online in advance, about 50% cheaper.
With the piece concept: a maximum of five additional pieces of baggage can be booked. In Economy Class, 23 kg each, Business and First Class, 32 kg each. Fees at the airport vary between $100-250 per piece, bookable online up to 4 hours in advance for 35% to 50% cheaper.
Maximum dimensions per piece of baggage: Total size (length + width + height) less than 300 cm.
Maximum weight per piece of baggage: 32 kg.
23 kg standard baggage Economy Class (< 150 cm dimensional weight): Sufficient for short trips with an extended selection of clothes or longer trips.
Emirates One / First Class: here, up to 32 kg is considered standard baggage (< 150 cm dimensional weight).
Excess and Special Baggage
Items larger than 300 cm cannot be checked in and must be transported as cargo.
If you are traveling with the permitted number of pieces of baggage, but these exceed the total size and/or weight restrictions, excess baggage fees of approximately $75 are due. Important: Separate fees apply for each exceeded restriction of the free baggage allowance. So if your baggage is too large and too heavy, you pay 2x$75=$150.
9. Sports equipment as checked baggage
Windsurf boards, kitesurfing equipment, kayaks, bodyboards, pole vaulting equipment, or other sports equipment can be taken as baggage and part of the free baggage allowance, provided that
- Sails are detachable and foldable.
- The equipment is packed in a suitable hard-shell container. If not, a limited release is required.
- The total dimensions do not exceed 300 cm.
These mandatory precautions apply to surfboards:
- Fins should always be removed or, if not removable, firmly packed in Styrofoam/foam.
- Protect the nose and fin with bubble wrap or neoprene foam.
- To absorb shocks, the surfboard should be protected on the sides with cardboard.
- The board should be packed in a properly padded surfboard bag.
Skiing (ski boots, poles, skis) and water skiing equipment (one pair of standard skis or one slalom water ski) can be taken as part of the free baggage allowance depending on the route. Otherwise, excess baggage fees apply.
Non-motorized touring or racing bicycles, fishing, golf equipment, etc., are permitted within the baggage regulations. No hoverboards, mini-Segways, or bicycles with motors, i.e., no pedelecs or e-bikes, are transported.
10. Musical instruments as checked baggage
Provided they do not exceed total dimensions of 300 cm, musical instruments can be checked in as baggage. The regulations for excess baggage apply. A well-fitting hard-shell case with sufficient padding is required. Especially for transport in the cargo hold, you should consider special travel insurance (baggage insurance) for your musical instrument.
11. Saving tips for Emirates baggage options
- Booking classes with a larger free baggage allowance may be cheaper than booking checked baggage later.
- Book additional weight online, in the app, or via the service team before check-in. This can save you 50-60% in fees.
- You can save the most by limiting your baggage to the essentials.
- Adhere to the carry-on luggage regulations so it doesn't become expensive checked baggage at the airport.
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12. My suitcase was damaged - What should I do?
Damage must be reported before you leave the airport. You are responsible for proving that the damage occurred while in Emirates' custody. All damage must be personally assessed by an Emirates employee at the baggage counter.
If the damage goes beyond normal wear and tear (scratches, dents, etc.) or is not due to your own fault through overfilling, fragile or perishable items in the baggage, or weather, the employee will ask you to fill out a damaged baggage form. The claim should be made immediately, but no later than 7 days.
13. My suitcase is delayed - What should I do?
You can track your baggage in the baggage tracing service in the Emirates app. If it is delayed, you will receive your PIR number (reference number) directly and get further information via the app. Alternatively, go to an Emirates employee at the baggage counter at the airport. They will give you your reference number, which you need to track your baggage.
Be sure to keep all documents together with all flight documents, especially the boarding pass and baggage receipt.
The Montreal Convention for liability and reimbursement for emergency purchases applies to all international flights. Among other things: Be sure to keep receipts, there is a duty to mitigate damages (meaning that the costs for emergency purchases should be kept as low as possible), but not for loss on the return journey. If you have to make purchases due to the delay, you are entitled to reasonable reimbursement of expenses due to the baggage delay. To make your claim, contact the nearest Emirates office. A guideline is approx. $50/day, for up to 5 days, which will be offset against the final claim.
14. My suitcase was lost - What should I do?
According to general air traffic rules, a suitcase is considered lost after a delay of 21 days. In this case, you are entitled to compensation. The maximum amount for replacement purchases or the complete loss of baggage is approx. €1,400. The amount of compensation depends on the contents and any purchase receipts for them.
You will also need the PIR number to assign it to the case.
15. Information about your stay on board
In-flight Entertainment
Emirates offers various Wi-Fi options, some of which are subject to a charge. From the chat tariff to Wi-Fi for the entire flight, these cost between $2.99 and $19.99. As an Emirates Skywards member, you can use free Wi-Fi offers if you have added your membership number to your booking in the Emirates app (or via online booking management) at least 24 hours before the flight. To access the Wi-Fi services on board, use your Emirates Skywards account details and the associated password.
You can entertainingly pass the flight time with an extensive, free entertainment offer of music playlists, documentaries and feature films, audiobooks, and podcasts. To fully enjoy your anticipation, you can create your personal playlist in the app in advance.
Which electronic devices can I use on an Emirates aircraft?
There is no specific information from Emirates on this. In general, there is nothing against using portable electronic devices with a flight mode during the flight. Flight mode must be partially activated on board. According to air traffic safety regulations:
With flight mode activated |
Taxing (to/from runway) |
Take-off | Flight | Landing |
---|---|---|---|---|
Smartphone incl. Bluetooth headphones | ||||
E-Book Reader | ||||
Tablet incl. Bluetooth headphones | ||||
Bluetooth accessories like headphones, keyboard, etc. |
||||
Laptop, Ultrabook, Notebook | ||||
DVD Player | ||||
Large music players | ||||
Larger electronic games |
In-flight Catering
During your flight, various menus and drinks (including soft drinks, juices, wine, and beer) are offered free of charge from the galley. Yes, even in Economy Class. You can check what will be served on your Economy flight directly with your booking number. The menu selection varies by booking class.
We have not found any information regarding special meals (Hindu, halal, kosher, gluten-free, vegetarian…). It is best to contact customer service before the flight if necessary.
Important: If you bring your own food from home, inquire about the food import regulations at your destination. Especially outside the EU, the import of certain foods is not permitted. If not everything is eaten during the flight and the import of this food is not permitted, you must dispose of the rest before entry.
The Hauptstadtkoffer team wishes you a pleasant journey
IMPORTANT! Despite the utmost care, we unfortunately cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information. In any case, we recommend that you inform yourself about the current regulations directly from Emirates before departure.
If you have found an error, please let us know. info@hauptstadtkoffer.de
Click here for the Emirates Baggage Regulations
In Dubai, you can also use various baggage services with Emirates.
As of June 21, 2023, Source: emirates.com, all information without guarantee