The Ultimate Guide to Airline Cabin and Checked Luggage Rules

Every airline has different policies when it comes to cabin and checked baggage. These include maximum weight and size restrictions that passengers must follow. Knowing the rules ahead of time can save you from stressful situations during check-in or boarding.

In Indonesia, travelers can choose from a wide range of airlines offering domestic and international routes, from low-cost carriers to full-service airlines. Each has its own baggage policy, so it is always best to be prepared before you fly.

Cabin Luggage Allowance for Major Airlines in Indonesia

Cabin luggage, also known as carry-on, refers to the bag or small piece of luggage you can take with you inside the aircraft cabin. It must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you and stay within the weight allowance for safety reasons.

Here is an overview of cabin baggage rules for popular airlines in Indonesia.

Most airlines set a standard cabin luggage allowance of 7 kg, while a few international carriers allow up to 10 kg. Since rules can change, always confirm the latest updates on the airline’s official website.

Checked Luggage Allowance for Major Airlines in Indonesia

Checked luggage, also known as check-in baggage, refers to the larger bags you hand over to the airline during check-in at the airport. Unlike cabin luggage, these items are stored in the aircraft’s cargo hold and cannot be accessed during the flight until you arrive at your destination. Checked luggage usually allows for more generous dimensions and weight compared to carry-on bags.

Most airlines include a free checked luggage allowance based on your ticket class, while low-cost airlines may require you to pay for every kilo. If your luggage exceeds the allowance, you will need to pay extra fees that can vary widely. Here are some highlights from major airlines in Indonesia.

Garuda Indonesia

Garuda Indonesia offers different allowances depending on the ticket class. Economy Class passengers are entitled to 20 kg of checked luggage, Business Class passengers 30 kg, and First Class passengers 40 kg.

If your luggage exceeds the allowance, additional fees apply. For domestic routes, charges range between IDR 17,000 and IDR 72,000 per kilogram. For international routes, the cost starts from IDR 100,000 per kilogram. These fees are subject to change depending on operating costs, so always confirm the latest rates before departure.

Lion Air

Lion Air grants every passenger a 20 kg free checked luggage allowance. In addition, you can purchase prepaid luggage when booking your ticket or up to six hours before departure.

Prepaid options range from 5 kg up to 30 kg. Keep in mind that bulky items such as surfboards and bicycles are not included in prepaid packages and may incur separate handling charges.

If your total luggage exceeds the free or prepaid allowance, excess baggage fees will apply, starting from IDR 22,000 and going up to IDR 114,000 per kilogram depending on the route.

Citilink

Citilink provides 20 kg of free checked luggage for Economy Class and 30 kg for Business Class.

Excess baggage on domestic flights is charged between IDR 25,000 and IDR 140,000 per kilogram, while international flights may vary depending on destination. To save costs, passengers can pre-book additional luggage allowance up to 40 kg no later than four hours before departure.

Batik Air

Batik Air includes 20 kg of checked luggage for Economy Class and 30 kg for Business Class. If you exceed the allowance, excess baggage fees will apply, starting at IDR 25,000 and going up to IDR 196,000 per kilogram depending on the route.

Sriwijaya Air

Sriwijaya Air passengers receive 20 kg of free checked luggage. Charges apply if you exceed this limit, with rates depending on the flight route. Policies may change without prior notice, so always check the latest updates before booking.

Wings Air

Wings Air has a unique 0 kg luggage policy, meaning there is no free checked luggage. Passengers must purchase prepaid baggage at IDR 25,000 per kilogram, no later than six hours before departure.

If your luggage exceeds what you prepaid, excess baggage fees between IDR 31,000 and IDR 65,000 per kilogram will apply at the airport.

TransNusa

TransNusa provides up to 20 kg of free checked luggage. Additional allowance can be purchased in blocks of at least 10 kg at the time of booking, starting from IDR 99,000 depending on the route.

Excess baggage charges range from IDR 25,000 to IDR 39,000 per kilogram for domestic flights, while flights to Malaysia impose a flat excess fee of IDR 400,000 per kilogram. Sporting equipment such as surfboards, golf sets, or bicycles incur extra charges, starting from IDR 100,000 for domestic flights and IDR 300,000 for international.

Pelita Air

Pelita Air grants every passenger 20 kg of free checked luggage. Additional prepaid luggage can be purchased in packages of 5, 10, 20, 30, or 40 kg, with only one package allowed per passenger per flight. Purchases can be made up to six hours before departure via Pelita’s website or mobile app.

Super Air Jet

Super Air Jet offers 20 kg of free checked luggage. For additional needs, passengers can either:

• Purchase an Excess Baggage Ticket (EBT) at check-in counters, or
• Pre-book prepaid baggage in increments of 5, 10, 15, 25, or 30 kg, up to six hours before departure.

Charges vary depending on the weight and destination.

Scoot

Scoot does not include free checked luggage for Saver or Flex ticket holders. Passengers must purchase baggage allowance separately, ranging from 15 to 40 kg. Scoot Biz passengers, however, receive 30 kg of free checked luggage.

Etihad Airways

Etihad offers varying allowances depending on ticket class. Economy Class passengers receive 23 kg, Business Class 30 kg, and First Class 40 kg. Excess baggage is charged at 15 to 20 USD per kilogram, though fees may vary by route.

Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines allows Economy passengers 20 kg for domestic and 30 kg for international routes. Business Class passengers get 40 kg, and First Class 50 kg.

Excess baggage fees range from MYR 30–45 per kilogram for domestic routes, and 10–30 USD internationally. Prepaid baggage is also available at discounted rates.

ANA (All Nippon Airways)

ANA grants Economy and Premium Economy passengers two checked bags of up to 23 kg each. Business Class allows two bags of up to 32 kg each, while First Class allows three bags up to 32 kg each.

Excess fees vary by destination, ranging from 50 to 200 USD per extra or overweight piece. Prepaid baggage options are available at lower rates if booked in advance.

Emirates

Emirates offers allowances based on route and ticket type. Economy passengers can check in 25–35 kg, Business Class 40 kg, and First Class 50 kg. Excess baggage is charged at 30–50 USD per kilogram, with prepaid options available online for better rates.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways includes 25–35 kg for Economy passengers depending on fare type, 40 kg for Business, and 50 kg for First Class. Excess baggage costs range from 25–55 USD per kilogram. Prepaid purchase online is usually cheaper.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines has one of the most generous allowances. Economy passengers can check in 25–30 kg, Premium Economy 35 kg, Business 40 kg, and First or Suites 50 kg.

Elite members of KrisFlyer and PPS Club enjoy additional allowances up to 50 kg. Any bag over 32 kg must be split or shipped as cargo.

Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines allows Economy passengers to check two bags of up to 23 kg each, while Business and First Class passengers may bring three bags of up to 32 kg each. Excess baggage costs 50–200 USD per item depending on route.

Firefly

Firefly provides 10 kg of free checked luggage. Passengers needing more can purchase additional baggage in increments from 5 to 30 kg. Prices vary by selection.

Vistara

Vistara offers 15 kg for Economy, 25 kg for Premium Economy, 30 kg for Business, and 35 kg for First Class. Excess baggage is charged from INR 300 per kilogram domestically, with international fees depending on the route. Prepaid baggage is available online at lower rates.

Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines allows Economy passengers 23 kg of checked luggage, and Business or First Class passengers 32 kg. Excess baggage charges range from 10 to 30 USD per kilogram depending on the route.

Tips to Save Money on Luggage Fees

Extra baggage charges can be costly, but there are smart ways to avoid them.

1. Check Your Free Allowance Before You Pack

Every airline has its own rules, and allowances can even differ depending on your ticket type or travel route. For example, a budget airline might only allow 15–20 kg of checked luggage, while a premium carrier could offer 30 kg or more. Always check your booking confirmation or the airline’s official website before you start packing.

2. Weigh Your Luggage at Home

Investing in a portable luggage scale or using a digital bathroom scale can save you from costly surprises at the airport. Weigh each bag after packing, and if you are close to the limit, consider redistributing items between bags or removing non-essential things. A quick weigh-in at home is far less stressful than trying to rearrange your belongings while standing in line at check-in.

3. Buy Prepaid Baggage Online

If you know you will be carrying more than the standard allowance, purchase extra baggage in advance through the airline’s website or app. Prepaid baggage is almost always cheaper than paying at the airport. Booking in advance also gives you peace of mind and helps you budget your trip more accurately.

4. Consider Upgrading Your Ticket

It may sound counterintuitive, but if you often travel with heavy luggage, booking a higher class ticket can actually save you money. Business or premium tickets often include an additional 10–20 kg of free baggage allowance, plus other perks like priority boarding and extra legroom. While the ticket price is higher, the added benefits can be worth it for frequent travelers or long international trips.

5. Choose Lightweight Luggage

The weight of your bag itself counts toward your allowance. A heavy hard-shell bag could eat up 4–5 kg before you even start packing, leaving you with less room for your belongings. Switching to lightweight luggage can give you more space for essentials like clothes, shoes, and souvenirs. Many modern travel brands now design durable yet ultra-light options that maximize your allowance without compromising on strength.

6. Pack Smart and Efficiently

Good packing is an art that pays off. Instead of folding, try rolling your clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles. Use compression bags or packing cubes to organize items and squeeze in more without going over the weight limit. Shoes can be stuffed with socks or small accessories, and bulky items like jackets can be worn on the flight instead of packed. These small adjustments can make a big difference, especially when you are traveling for longer periods or bringing gifts home.

Understanding baggage policies makes your trip easier. Whether you're flying with a low-cost airline or a premium carrier, knowing the rules helps you avoid extra fees. To make your travel even smoother, explore lightweight, durable, and stylish luggage from Baller’s Polycarbonate Luggage Collection.