Emirates is one of the world’s largest premium airlines, flying from six UK airports to Dubai and connecting to destinations across Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. The Emirates baggage allowance is among the most generous in the industry, especially compared to European carriers.
I have flown Emirates several times to Dubai and onward to Asia. The baggage allowance, combined with the in-flight experience, makes it a strong choice for long-haul travel even if the base fare is higher than budget options.
Emirates Baggage Allowance Summary
By Cabin Class
| Class | Cabin Bag | Personal Item | Checked Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy (Special) | 55 x 38 x 20 cm (7kg) | Yes | 20kg |
| Economy (Saver/Flex/Flex Plus) | 55 x 38 x 20 cm (7kg) | Yes | 25kg-35kg |
| Business | 2 bags (7kg each) | Yes | 40kg |
| First | 2 bags (7kg each) | Yes | 50kg |
Note: Emirates uses two systems for checked baggage: weight concept (most routes) and piece concept (Americas and Africa routes). See below for details.
Cabin Baggage
Economy Class
All Economy passengers receive:
Cabin bag:
- Dimensions: 55 x 38 x 20 cm (22 x 15 x 8 inches)
- Weight: 7kg maximum
Personal item:
- Handbag, laptop bag, or briefcase (in addition to cabin bag)
The 7kg cabin bag limit is stricter than most European airlines. Emirates enforces this — staff weigh bags at check-in and boarding.
Business Class
Business passengers receive:
Cabin bags:
- 2 bags allowed: 1 briefcase + 1 handbag OR garment bag
- Briefcase: Max 45 x 35 x 20 cm
- Handbag: Max 55 x 38 x 20 cm
- Garment bag: Max 20 cm thick when folded
- Weight: 7kg maximum per bag
First Class
First Class passengers receive the same cabin allowance as Business:
Cabin bags:
- 2 bags allowed: 1 briefcase + 1 handbag OR garment bag
- Briefcase: Max 45 x 35 x 20 cm
- Handbag: Max 55 x 38 x 20 cm
- Garment bag: Max 20 cm thick when folded
- Weight: 7kg maximum per bag
Recommended: Cabin Max Metz 30L Backpack
The Cabin Max Metz 30L at 45 x 36 x 20 cm fits within Emirates’ 55 x 38 x 20 cm cabin bag allowance. At just 0.5kg, it leaves 6.5kg for contents — useful given Emirates’ strict 7kg limit. Opens flat like a suitcase for easy packing, with a padded laptop compartment.
Checked Baggage: Weight Concept vs Piece Concept
Emirates uses two different baggage systems depending on your destination.
Weight Concept (Most Routes)
For routes to/from Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Australasia, baggage is measured by total weight:
| Class | Checked Baggage Allowance |
|---|---|
| Economy Special | 20kg |
| Economy Saver | 25kg |
| Economy Flex | 30kg |
| Economy Flex Plus | 35kg |
| Business | 40kg |
| First | 50kg |
You can split this weight across multiple bags. For example, Economy Saver passengers could take one 25kg bag or two bags totalling 25kg.
Maximum single bag weight: 32kg. If one bag exceeds 32kg, you must repack into multiple bags.
Piece Concept (Americas and Africa Routes)
For routes to/from the Americas (North, Central, South America) and Africa, baggage is measured by number of pieces:
| Class | Checked Bags | Weight per Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | 1-2 bags (depending on fare) | 23kg each |
| Business | 2 bags | 32kg each |
| First | 2 bags | 32kg each |
This matches the standard American baggage system. The number of bags for Economy depends on your specific fare — check your booking confirmation.
Checked bag dimensions (piece concept): Maximum 150cm total (length + width + height) per bag.
Checked bag dimensions (weight concept): Maximum 300cm total (length + width + height) per bag.
Note: If your trip from Australia, New Zealand, or Asia to the Americas includes a stopover in Dubai for more than 24 hours, the weight concept applies for the entire journey.
Emirates Economy Fares Explained
Economy Special
The cheapest fare:
- 20kg checked baggage
- No seat selection
- Limited flexibility
Good for light packers who do not need specific seats.
Economy Saver
The standard fare:
- 25kg checked baggage
- Some seat selection options
- Limited flexibility
Best for most travellers.
Economy Flex
For flexible travellers:
- 30kg checked baggage
- Free seat selection
- Rebooking allowed
Good if your plans might change.
Economy Flex Plus
Maximum flexibility:
- 35kg checked baggage
- Free seat selection
- Full rebooking and refund options
Adding Extra Baggage
If you need more than your fare includes:
| Bag Size | Online Price (typical) | Airport Price |
|---|---|---|
| Extra 5kg (prepaid) | £30-50 | Not available |
| Extra 10kg (prepaid) | £50-80 | Not available |
| Extra 23kg bag (piece routes) | £80-120 | £150-200 |
Buy extra baggage online through Manage My Booking. Prepaid baggage is significantly cheaper than paying at the airport. You can add baggage up to 4 hours before departure online.
Excess Baggage Fees
| Issue | Fee |
|---|---|
| Overweight bag (per kg) | £15-25 |
| Extra bag at airport (weight routes) | £100-150 |
| Extra bag at airport (piece routes) | £150-200 |
| Oversized bag (over 300cm total) | Not accepted |
Maximum dimensions: 300cm total (length + width + height). Bags exceeding this are not accepted.
Maximum weight: 32kg per bag. Heavier bags must be repacked.
Emirates Skywards Benefits
Emirates Skywards is the airline’s frequent flyer programme. Extra baggage benefits apply on Emirates and flydubai flights only (not codeshare flights):
Silver Members
- +12kg extra checked baggage (weight concept routes only)
- No bonus bags on piece concept routes
- Priority check-in
Gold Members
- +16kg extra checked baggage (weight concept routes)
- +1 extra bag at 23kg/32kg (piece concept routes)
- Lounge access
- Priority check-in and boarding
Platinum Members
- +20kg extra checked baggage (weight concept routes)
- +1 extra bag at 23kg/32kg (piece concept routes)
- Chauffeur service on many routes
- Lounge access for companions
Important: The maximum allowance in any cabin cannot exceed three pieces of checked baggage, even with Skywards benefits.
Sports Equipment and Special Items
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Golf clubs | Included in allowance if within weight |
| Skis/snowboard | Included in allowance if within weight |
| Bicycle | £75-150 depending on route |
| Surfboard | Included in allowance if within weight |
| Musical instrument (large) | Purchase extra seat or check |
Most sporting equipment counts against your checked allowance. If your golf bag weighs 15kg and you have 25kg allowance, you have 10kg remaining for other luggage.
Bicycles must be booked in advance and packed in a protective case. There is an additional fee beyond the standard allowance.
Pushchairs and car seats: Free, in addition to checked allowance.
Emirates Routes from UK
Emirates flies from six UK airports to Dubai (DXB):
London Heathrow (LHR):
- Multiple daily A380 flights
- Connections to all Emirates destinations
London Gatwick (LGW):
- Daily flights to Dubai
- Good for South London passengers
London Stansted (STN):
- Daily flights
- Convenient for East England
Manchester (MAN):
- Multiple daily flights
- A380 service on some routes
Birmingham (BHX):
- Daily flights to Dubai
Newcastle (NCL):
- Daily flights to Dubai
Glasgow (GLA):
- Daily flights to Dubai
Edinburgh (EDI):
- Daily flights to Dubai
From Dubai, Emirates connects to over 150 destinations including:
- Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth
- Asia: Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul
- Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Nairobi, Cairo
- Americas: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto, São Paulo
Emirates vs Other Airlines
| Airline | Economy Cabin Bag | Weight | Economy Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates | 55 x 38 x 20 cm + personal item | 7kg | 20-35kg |
| British Airways | 56 x 45 x 25 cm + personal item | 23kg combined | Depends on fare |
| Virgin Atlantic | 56 x 36 x 23 cm + personal item | 10kg | Depends on fare |
| Qatar Airways | 50 x 37 x 25 cm | 7kg | 23-46kg |
| Etihad | 50 x 40 x 25 cm | 7kg | 23-32kg |
Emirates’ cabin bag weight is stricter than European carriers, but checked allowance is typically higher.
Tips for Flying Emirates
1. Weigh your cabin bag carefully. The 7kg limit is strictly enforced at check-in.
2. Check your route for piece vs weight. Americas and Africa routes use piece concept (1-2 bags at 23kg). Other routes use weight concept.
3. Join Skywards before booking. Miles add up quickly on long-haul flights and status brings significant baggage benefits.
4. Buy extra baggage online. Prepaid is much cheaper than airport rates.
5. Use the Dubai hub efficiently. Minimum connection time is 90 minutes. Book longer layovers if you want to explore.
6. Consider Economy Flex for heavy packers. The extra 5-10kg baggage may be cheaper than buying separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cabin bag size for Emirates Economy?
55 x 38 x 20 cm with a 7kg weight limit. You also get a personal item like a laptop bag or handbag.
How much checked baggage do you get on Emirates Economy?
It depends on your fare: Economy Special gets 20kg, Economy Saver gets 25kg, Economy Flex gets 30kg, and Economy Flex Plus gets 35kg. Americas routes get 2 bags of 23kg each.
Does Emirates weigh cabin bags?
Yes. Emirates is strict about the 7kg cabin bag limit. Staff weigh bags at check-in and may check again at boarding.
What is the maximum bag weight on Emirates?
32kg per bag. Bags heavier than 32kg will not be accepted and must be repacked.
Do Emirates Skywards members get extra baggage?
Yes, on weight-concept routes: Silver gets +12kg, Gold gets +16kg, and Platinum gets +20kg. On piece-concept routes (Americas/Africa), only Gold and Platinum get +1 extra bag — Silver members get no bonus bags.
Can I combine baggage allowance on Emirates?
Yes, if travelling on the same booking. For example, a couple with 50kg total (2 x 25kg) could take a 32kg bag and an 18kg bag.
Related
- British Airways Baggage Allowance
- Virgin Atlantic Baggage Allowance
- UK Airline Baggage Comparison
- Luggage Scales
- Cabin Bag Backpacks
