Baggage allowance on international flights usually includes 7–10 kg cabin baggage and 20–35 kg checked baggage per passenger, depending on the airline, route, and fare class. Full-service airlines like Emirates, Etihad, PIA, and Saudi Airlines often include free checked baggage, while allowances vary by ticket type and destination. Always check airline-specific rules before flying internationally.
Understanding baggage allowance international flights is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — parts of air travel. Every year, thousands of travelers face extra fees, delays, or stress at airports simply because they didn’t fully understand how much baggage is allowed, what items are restricted, or how airline rules differ.
For travelers flying from Pakistan to international destinations, baggage rules become even more critical. Airlines operating international routes follow different weight concepts, cabin restrictions, and prohibited item lists. What’s allowed on one airline may not be accepted on another.
In this detailed 2026 guide by TripWizard.pk, you’ll learn exactly how much baggage is allowed in international flights, airline-specific baggage policies, cabin vs checked baggage rules, food item restrictions, and what you must never pack. This article is written using real-world booking patterns, airline policies, and airport experience — not theory.
How Much Baggage Is Allowed on International Flights?
Most international flights allow one cabin bag (7–10 kg) and one or two checked bags (20–35 kg total), depending on the airline, route, and ticket class.
In practice, international baggage allowance depends on three main factors: the airline you’re flying with, your fare class, and your destination. Unlike domestic flights, international airlines often use either the weight concept or the piece concept to calculate baggage limits.
Travelers flying from Pakistan commonly encounter both systems, especially on Middle East, Europe, China, and North America routes.
Generally, economy class passengers receive a base baggage allowance, while business and first-class travelers are entitled to higher limits. Infants, students, and special fare categories may also have different allowances.
Allowed Baggage Weight for International FlightsÂ
Allowed baggage weight for international flights ranges from 20 kg to 35 kg in economy class, with higher limits for business class.
There are two global systems airlines use:
Weight Concept
Under this system, passengers are allowed a total weight limit, regardless of the number of bags. For example, you may carry up to 30 kg split across multiple suitcases, as long as no single bag exceeds airline size limits.
This system is commonly used on:
- Middle East routes
- Asia routes
- Africa routes
Piece Concept
Here, passengers are allowed a fixed number of bags, each with a maximum weight (usually 23 kg per bag). This is common on long-haul routes to North America and parts of Europe.
For example:
- 2 bags × 23 kg each = 46 kg total
Always verify which system applies to your ticket when booking through TripWizard.pk, as excess baggage fees can be high.
Emirates International Flight Baggage Allowance
Emirates offers generous baggage allowances, typically 20–35 kg in economy and higher for business and first class.
Emirates uses the weight concept on most routes from Pakistan. Economy class passengers usually receive between 20 kg and 30 kg of checked baggage, depending on fare type. Business and First Class travelers enjoy significantly higher limits.
Cabin baggage typically includes one carry-on item weighing up to 7 kg in economy class. Emirates strictly enforces cabin size and weight, especially on busy international routes.
A major advantage of Emirates is clarity baggage details are clearly displayed during booking on TripWizard.pk, helping travelers avoid surprises at the airport.
Saudi Airlines International Flight Baggage Allowance
Saudi Airlines usually allows 25–30 kg checked baggage in economy class and follows international safety standards strictly.
Saudi Airlines applies different baggage policies based on route and ticket category. Flights between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia often come with a 25 kg or 30 kg allowance in economy class.
Cabin baggage is generally limited to one piece, up to 7 kg. Saudi Airlines is known for strict enforcement of baggage rules, especially during peak Umrah and Hajj seasons.
For religious travelers, understanding baggage restrictions is essential, as certain religious items must be packed carefully to comply with airline and airport security rules.
Etihad International Flight Baggage Allowance
Etihad offers flexible baggage options, with economy class allowances starting around 25 kg. Etihad follows a hybrid baggage policy, sometimes using the weight concept and sometimes the piece concept, depending on destination. For Pakistan-origin flights, economy class travelers usually receive 25–30 kg checked baggage.
Cabin baggage rules allow one carry-on item, typically up to 7 kg, plus a personal item. Etihad is particularly strict about cabin baggage size.
Booking through TripWizard.pk allows you to compare Etihad baggage benefits against Emirates and Saudi Airlines side by side.
Air China Baggage Allowance on International Flights
Air China typically follows the piece concept on long-haul routes and weight concept on regional routes.
For international flights involving China, Air China often allows:
- Economy class: 1–2 pieces of checked baggage
- Each bag: up to 23 kg
Cabin baggage is usually limited to 5–7 kg, depending on aircraft type. Air China enforces lithium battery and electronics regulations strictly, making it important to understand what goes in cabin vs checked baggage.
Baggage Allowed in PIA International Flights
PIA generally allows 20–30 kg checked baggage in economy class on international flights. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) remains popular among Pakistani travelers due to familiar service, Urdu-speaking crew, and relatively generous baggage allowances.
On most international routes:
- Economy class: 20–30 kg checked baggage
- Cabin baggage: 7 kg
PIA’s baggage allowance varies by destination, fare class, and promotional ticket types. Always confirm details at the time of booking on TripWizard.pk to avoid confusion.
What Is Not Allowed in Checked Baggage for International Flights?
Dangerous goods, lithium batteries, flammable items, and certain electronics are not allowed in checked baggage. International aviation safety regulations strictly prohibit certain items in checked baggage. These include power banks, spare lithium batteries, e-cigarettes, flammable liquids, fireworks, and compressed gas cylinders.
Sharp objects, firearms, and ammunition are either restricted or require special clearance. Violating these rules can result in baggage confiscation or legal penalties.
Always follow airline and airport authority guidelines, as rules may vary slightly by country.
Are Food Items Allowed in Cabin Baggage on International Flights?
Yes, most solid food items are allowed in cabin baggage, but liquids and gels are restricted. Dry food items such as snacks, biscuits, chocolates, and sealed dry goods are usually allowed in cabin baggage. However, liquids like sauces, curries, or gravies must follow liquid restrictions (100 ml containers).
Different countries have agricultural restrictions, so fresh food, fruits, and meat products may be confiscated upon arrival.
When traveling internationally, it’s safest to pack food items in checked baggage unless airline rules state otherwise.
Conclusion: Know the Rules, Pack Smart, Fly Stress-Free
Understanding baggage allowance international flights is no longer optional it’s essential for smooth, stress-free travel. Airline baggage rules differ widely based on carrier, route, fare type, and even season. What works on one international flight may lead to excess fees or confiscation on another.
For travelers flying from Pakistan to global destinations, paying attention to baggage weight limits, cabin restrictions, and prohibited items can save both time and money. Airlines like Emirates, Etihad, Saudi Airlines, Air China, and PIA each follow their own baggage frameworks, and staying informed helps you avoid last-minute surprises at the airport.
The smartest approach is always to check baggage allowance at the time of booking, pack according to airline rules, and pre-purchase extra baggage if needed. Platforms like TripWizard.pk make this easier by showing real-time baggage details alongside flight prices, allowing you to compare airlines not just on cost, but on value and convenience as well.
FAQs: Baggage Allowance International Flights
How much baggage is allowed in international flights from Pakistan?
Most international flights from Pakistan allow 20–30 kg checked baggage and 7 kg cabin baggage in economy class, depending on airline and fare type.
Is baggage allowance the same for all airlines internationally?
No, baggage allowance varies significantly by airline, route, aircraft type, and ticket class. Always check airline-specific policies before travel.
Can I carry two suitcases if the total weight is within limit?
Yes, under the weight concept, multiple bags are allowed as long as total weight stays within the limit and individual bag size rules are followed.
Do business class passengers get extra baggage?
Yes, business class travelers usually receive higher baggage limits, often 40 kg or two checked pieces, depending on airline policy.
Are laptops allowed in cabin baggage on international flights?
Yes, laptops are allowed and recommended to be carried in cabin baggage. Power banks must also stay in cabin baggage.
What happens if my baggage exceeds the allowed weight?
You will be charged excess baggage fees, which can be expensive. Pre-purchasing extra baggage through TripWizard.pk is often cheaper.
Are medicines allowed in international cabin baggage?
Yes, essential medicines are allowed, but carrying a prescription is recommended, especially for liquid medications.
Do infants get baggage allowance on international flights?
Most airlines allow 10 kg checked baggage for infants plus a stroller or carrycot, but policies vary.
Can baggage rules change after booking?
Yes, airlines may update policies. Always recheck baggage rules before departure.
Where can I see baggage allowance while booking flights?
TripWizard.pk clearly displays baggage rules for each flight option during booking and comparison.
Planning an international trip? Don’t let baggage rules catch you off guard. Search and compare international flights on TripWizard.pk to see real-time baggage allowances, airline policies, and the best fares all in one place. Travel smarter, pack confidently, and fly stress-free.