AirAsia is a low-cost airline in Malaysia, headquartered near Kuala Lumpur. Established in 1993, it became the country's largest airline by fleet size and destinations. It operates flights to over 166 domestic and international destinations across 25 countries worldwide. If you are booking or planning a flight with AirAsia, you must know about its baggage policy so that you can pack your luggage accordingly. The AirAsia baggage policy is vast and comprises many rules and regulations you should learn before travelling with the airline, which can be easily understood by reading the following article till the end.
AirAsia Cabin Baggage Policy
AirAsia allows passengers to bring a certain amount of cabin baggage on board at no additional cost, subject to specific terms and conditions. If you're planning to travel with the mentioned airline and want to know the details regarding AirAsia cabin baggage allowance, please refer to the guidelines outlined below:
- With AirAsia, you can bring two pieces of baggage onboard as part of your cabin baggage.
- The total weight of the two bags can't exceed 7 kg.
- Out of the two bags, one should adhere to 56 x 36 x 23 cm in measurements, including wheels, handles, and side pockets, which can be easily fit in the overhead compartment in your cabin.
- The other bag can include a handbag, laptop bag, backpack, or any small bag that adheres to the 40 x 30 x 10 cm measurements and easily fits under the seat in front of you.
- The duty-free item packed in a Security Tamper-Evident Bag, sealed, accompanied by the purchase proof, and staying within the duty-free allowance of your destination country, will be exempted from your cabin baggage allowance.
Note:
- Tying or wrapping multiple items together is not considered a single piece of your cabin baggage allowance.
- All the items you purchased from the airport will only be counted in your cabin baggage allowance.
AirAsia allows you to carry smart baggage as part of your cabin baggage allowance, provided that your smart baggage meets the airline's requirements as mentioned below:
- If the batteries are unremovable from your smart baggage, they shouldn't exceed 0.3 g if lithium metal and 2.7 Wh if lithium-ion.
- Lithium batteries that exceed the limit mentioned above and are non-removable; in that case, your smart baggage will be prohibited in your carry-on baggage.
- If the batteries are removable, you must remove them and carry them separately.
- You must switch off your GPS/ Bluetooth/ Wi-Fi.
- You can carry a maximum of 2 spare batteries in your cabin baggage allowance.
AirAsia Check-In Baggage Policy
You can pre-book your AirAsia check-in baggage either at the moment you make your flight reservation, or you may choose to add it on after you have completed your booking, or you can also purchase your baggage allowance directly at the airport on the day of your flight. However, please ensure you are familiar with the AirAsia checked luggage rules, as these will outline any restrictions or guidelines related to the AirAsia check-in baggage limit or any other baggage purchases.
- AirAsia allows you to carry as much baggage as you want, provided it stays within your purchased or complimentary baggage allowance.
- If your purchased baggage allowance is more than 30 kg, each bag must be 119 x 119 x 81 cm, or the total linear dimensions should be limited to 319 cm, with a maximum of 32 kg per piece.
- AirAsia allows you to pre-book baggage up to a weight limit of 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, and 60 kg.
- You are allowed to purchase one checked bag per flight on every booking.
- AirAsia only allows a limited number of units for each weight category. Once they have been sold out, you won't be able to purchase the weight baggage category.
- If you cannot find the baggage weight tier of your preference, you have to purchase from the remaining tier only.
- The baggage weight option for AirAsia may vary from route to route, and it may even be possible that a few flights won't allow you to have any checked baggage allowance.
- The baggage allowance in AirAsia is included if your fare class cabin includes a Value Pack, Premium Flex, or Premium Flatbed.
- You are entitled to AirAsia's complimentary checked baggage allowance only if you travel to Dhaka or take any domestic flight in Indonesia.
- AirAsia allows you to pool or share your checked baggage allowance with your companion, provided you all travel with the same itinerary and drop your baggage together.
- You can check in baby strollers/buggies/prams, wheelchairs, mobility devices, crutches, and walking frames for free, provided that an infant, child, disabled person, or elderly person is using them.
Note: AirAsia may have different policies for different countries, like its Domestic flight baggage policy in India, which includes an alternative checked baggage allowance which starts at 15 kg and may be higher for certain fare types, including Premium Flex and Premium Flatbed.
Excess Baggage Rules & Charges
If you find yourself needing to purchase excess baggage for your AirAsia flight, you can do so conveniently at the airport by following the AirAsia excess baggage charges and following these specific guidelines:
- If your checked-in baggage is heavier than the baggage that you have pre-booked, you will be charged under AirAsia's excess baggage policy.
- Your excess baggage will be charged per kg, and the charges will vary based on your departing airport.
- You can pay your excess baggage fee during airport check-in on departure day.
- If you have booked a connecting flight, you must pay your excess baggage fee based on per guest/ per kg/ per way.
Note: If you have excess baggage, you should arrive at the airport at least three hours before your scheduled departure.
Infant Baggage Policy
AirAsia classifies children under the age of two as infants. As such, they are subject to specific baggage policies that cater to their unique needs. Though infants are not allowed to have an AirAsia baggage allowance for hand luggage, checking the latest guidelines directly from AirAsia is always recommended, as policies may vary or be updated over time.
- Infants under two can't carry any onboard articles in AirAsia.
- Buggies/ baby strollers/ prams are allowed free of charge as a checked baggage allowance, provided your babies are using them.
- You can carry a pock-it baby stroller or a foldable baby stroller in cabin baggage, which meets AirAsia's cabin baggage allowance policy.
Special Baggage
AirAsia doesn't allow you to combine your checked baggage with special baggage, as special baggage carries items that require special handling procedures.
- You must purchase a sports equipment allowance for golf sets, bicycles, surfboards, diving equipment, and ski/snowboard equipment while travelling.
- AirAsia's sports equipment allowance ranges from 20, 25, 30, and 40 kg.
- The fee for Sports Equipment is slightly higher than the regular checked baggage allowance, as sports equipment also includes a handling fee.
- You are allowed to bring any number of pieces of your sports equipment, provided that by combining they don't exceed the limit of your pre-booked allowance.
- However, some sports equipment, such as fishing, archery, cricket, hockey, ten-pin bowling, badminton, or water skiing equipment, can be carried as a regular check-in.
- AirAsia can carry inflatable items such as footballs, rugby balls, and other objects as long as they are fully deflated before travelling.
- Due to their large size and handling complexities, AirAsia can't carry hang gliders, sails, kayaks, canoes, oars, pole vaults, and javelins.
Restricted & Prohibited Items
AirAsia has established guidelines restricting certain items from being carried in the cabin and checked baggage. The following articles are not permitted:
Sharp objects and pointed weapons:
- Axes and hatches
- Arrows and darts
- Harpoon and spears
- Ice axes
- Knives
- Meat cleavers
- Open razors and blades
- Swords and scissors
Blunt instruments:
- Baseball and soft bats
- Skateboards, billiards, fishing rods, and pool cues
- Martial arts equipment
Batteries:
The following article is allowed in cabin baggage but not in checked-in baggage:
- Electronic devices consist of lithium and lithium-ion cells, including cameras, laptops, cellular phones, and camcorders for personal use.
- Spare batteries, such as power banks, provided that they are within the 160 Wh limit.
Any guns or weapons:
- Firearm's components
- Pistols, spear guns
- Harpoons
- Toy guns of all types
- Stun guns
Flammable substances:
- Ammunition, detonators, explosives, mines, and other explosive military stores.
- Gas and gas containers, flares in any form, alcohol, lighter fluid, or flammable liquid fuel
- Self-heating meals
- Meals ready to eat or beverages that contain a flameless ration heater.
Tips to Avoid Extra Baggage Charges
In addition to ensuring that your luggage complies with AirAsia weight limit, there are several strategies you can employ to prevent incurring additional baggage fees with the airline. These helpful tips can significantly assist you in managing your belongings effectively and keeping your travel costs in check.
- Purchase a slightly higher baggage allowance with AirAsia than you think is enough for you to avoid buying excess baggage if your baggage limit is exceeded.
- Try to pack as lightly as possible.
- Avoid bringing unnecessary things.
- If your baggage limit is exceeded, try to check in your baggage with your travel companion who has the same itinerary as yours.
- Try to accommodate some of your checked baggage items in your carry-on items.
- Wear the heaviest clothes in your bag to make more space there.
- If required to bring extra things, consider duty-free shopping bags, which are free to carry onboard.
Conclusion
Have you ever realised that work done with complete knowledge can be more detailed and error-free than work done with half or no information? Thus, it can be said that by understanding AirAsia's comprehensive baggage policy, you will have a smooth boarding process without making any blunders during your airport or AirAsia Web Check-in. With this, you can avoid paying extra fees during boarding, as the airline allows you to purchase your baggage according to your luggage requirements.
FAQS About AirAsia Baggage Policy
How much baggage is free on AirAsia?
AirAsia allows you to bring two pieces of onboard luggage for free, whereas you can purchase different categories of check-in baggage with them.
Can I carry a laptop bag with my cabin luggage?
Yes, you can carry a laptop bag with your cabin luggage, provided the bag’s dimensions don’t exceed 40 x 30 x 10 cm.
How can I avoid excess baggage charges on AirAsia?
By buying the checked baggage limit according to your luggage or minimising your checked baggage items, you can avoid excess baggage charges on AirAsia.
What happens if my check-in bag exceeds the 15 kg limit?
If your check-in bag exceeds the 15 kg limit, you must pay AirAsia the excess baggage fee according to the per-kg price.
Can I carry a baby stroller for my infant?
You can carry a baby stroller as free checked-in baggage for your infant, provided your baby uses it.
Can I carry food or snacks in my cabin baggage on AirAsia?
Though you are generally allowed to carry food and snacks in your cabin baggage on AirAsia, there are some restrictions put on by the airline.
How can I add extra baggage to my AirAsia booking?
You can purchase your AirAsia excess baggage at the airport at a per kg rate; thus, you must reach the airport three hours before the standard check-in time.
What is AirAsia's cabin baggage allowance?
AirAsia’s cabin baggage allows two onboard articles, where the dimensions of the first bag can’t exceed 56 x 36 x 23 cm, and the second bag should adhere to 40 x 30 x 10 cm measurements.
Does AirAsia allow power banks to be carried in checked baggage?
No, AirAsia doesn’t allow you to carry power banks in checked baggage; however, you can bring them in cabin baggage, provided the power bank is within the 160 Wh limit.
Is there a difference in baggage allowance for AirAsia Flexi fares?
The baggage allowance for AirAsia Flexi fares has already been added to the booking, separating it from the other fare classes, where you must buy the baggage separately.
What happens if I exceed the cabin baggage weight limit?
If you exceed the cabin baggage weight limit, you must follow AirAsia's excess baggage rule, which requires you to pay an extra amount per kg.
Can I check in my cabin baggage voluntarily?
You cannot check certain items, including batteries, laptops, lithium-ion, and delicate items, but you can voluntarily check other items.
Are duty-free items allowed in addition to cabin baggage?
Yes, you can carry duty-free items onboard in addition to the standard allowance, provided that the item is packed in a Security Tamper-Evident Bag, sealed, accompanied by the purchase proof, and staying within the duty-free allowance of your destination country.
Can I carry a musical instrument on AirAsia?
Yes, you can carry a musical instrument onboard AirAsia, provided it meets the cabin baggage policy; however, you must buy an extra seat if the instrument exceeds the cabin baggage limit.