Excess Baggage Fees per Kg and How to Avoid Extra Charges

Understanding airline baggage fees per kilogram is essential before traveling, especially if you plan to carry a lot of items. Each airline has its own policies and pricing, and excess baggage fees can eat into your travel budget. Here is a breakdown of baggage fees and useful tips to help you avoid overspending.

Garuda Indonesia Baggage Fees

Garuda Indonesia, a full-service airline, offers generous free baggage allowances depending on the travel class. Economy class passengers usually get up to 20 kg, business class up to 30 kg, and first class up to 40 kg of free baggage.

If your baggage exceeds the free allowance, extra charges will apply based on the weight and route. According to their official site, excess baggage fees for domestic routes start from around IDR 17,000 per kg. For international flights, the cost ranges from IDR 66,000 to IDR 242,000 per kg.

Garuda Indonesia also offers prepaid baggage at lower prices than at the airport. Domestic prepaid baggage starts from IDR 15,000 per kilogram, while international routes range from IDR 60,000 to IDR 220,000 per kilogram. Always check the airline’s latest policies before your flight, as baggage fees and regulations may change.

Citilink Baggage Fees

Citilink allows up to 20 kg of free baggage for economy class and up to 30 kg for business class. Extra baggage charges vary depending on the route and ticket type.

For domestic routes such as Jakarta to Surabaya or Denpasar, excess baggage costs range from IDR 50,000 to IDR 75,000 per kilogram.  On longer domestic routes like Manado, the fees can go up to Rp140000 per kilogram.

For international flights, the rates also depend on the route. For example, flights from Jakarta to Singapore cost around IDR 65,000 per kilogram, and Denpasar to Perth costs about IDR 125,000 per kilogram.

Citilink also offers Pre-Book Baggage, which allows travelers to purchase baggage in advance at cheaper rates. Prepaid packages start in 5 kg increments with a maximum of 40 kg. On some domestic routes, a 5 kg package starts at Rp225000. For international routes, prices begin at Rp135000 per 5 kg, depending on the destination.

For international routes, fees may vary based on the daily exchange rate. Always check the official website for the latest prices.

Lion Group Baggage Fees

Lion Group includes airlines such as Lion Air, Batik Air, Wings Air, and Super Air Jet. Each airline sets different baggage fees depending on the route. You can pay for excess baggage at the airport or use prepaid options available through the airline's website.

Prepaid baggage allows travelers to book additional baggage in advance at lower prices. Bookings must be made at least six hours before departure, starting from 5 kg and up to 30 kg per passenger.

Here is a breakdown of baggage costs for each airline within the Lion Group based on their official websites.

Lion Air

Passengers receive a free baggage allowance of up to 20 kg. Additional baggage at the airport costs between  IDR 19,000 to IDR 114,000 per kilogram, depending on the route. Prepaid baggage costs range from IDR 14,000 to IDR 110,000 per kilogram.

Batik Air

Batik Air also includes 20 kg of free baggage. Excess baggage at the airport ranges from  IDR 25,000 to IDR 215,000 per kilogram. Prepaid baggage prices start at IDR 13,000 and go up to  IDR 215,000 depending on the route.

Wings Air

Unlike other airlines in the group, Wings Air does not provide free baggage. Fees start from  IDR 31,000 to IDR 150,000  at the airport, and from  IDR 25,000 if booked in advance.

Super Air Jet

Super Air Jet offers 20 kg of free baggage. Excess baggage costs range fromIDR 21,000 to IDR 110,000 per kg at the airport and from IDR 14,000 per kg if booked as prepaid.

These are estimated price ranges based on different routes. For full details, visit Lion Air’s official website.

TransNusa Baggage Fees

According to its official site, TransNusa provides 20 kg of free baggage. If you exceed this limit, you can purchase additional baggage in advance. For domestic flights, you must buy a minimum of 10 kg, with prices varying by route. For instance, Jakarta to Denpasar starts from IDR 199,000 for 10 kg. On international routes to Malaysia, the minimum baggage purchase is 4 kg, starting from IDR 159,000.

Etihad Airways Baggage Fees

Etihad Airways offers free baggage allowances of 23 kg for economy, 30 kg for business, and 40 kg for first class. If your baggage exceeds the limit, additional fees apply based on your ticket type and destination.

On some routes, including those in Asia, the cost is calculated per 5 kg. For example, flights from or to Indonesia start from USD 44 or around IDR 700,000 for every 5 kg. Make sure to check the airline's latest policy before traveling, as fees and calculation methods may vary.

Malaysia Airlines Baggage Fees

Malaysia Airlines provides 20 kg of free baggage for economy and 40 kg for business class. Additional baggage fees are calculated based on travel zones and weight.

For flights from Malaysia to nearby countries like Singapore or Indonesia, the extra charge is around USD 8 or approximately IDR 125,000 per kilogram. For longer routes such as Malaysia to the United Kingdom, fees start from USD 28 or about IDR 440,000 per kilogram. Prices may vary depending on the travel zone.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) Baggage Fees

ANA provides free baggage according to travel class. Economy and premium economy passengers can bring two bags of up to 23 kg each. Business class allows two bags of up to 32 kg, while first class allows three bags of up to 32 kg each.

For international flights such as Japan to the United States, excess baggage fees are around USD 35 to USD 40 per kilogram. Oversized or overweight baggage may cost between USD 150 and USD 200 per additional item. Rules and fees may vary depending on the route and current airline policy.

Qatar Airways Baggage Fees

Qatar Airways offers different baggage allowances depending on ticket class and route. Economy class passengers are typically allowed between 25 and 35 kg, business class 40 kg, and first class 50 kg.

If you exceed the baggage limit, Qatar Airways charges additional fees per kilogram. These fees vary depending on the route and whether the baggage is purchased online or at the airport.

Based on the official Qatar Airways website, here is a general overview of the airline's baggage fees.

Always make sure to check the airline’s official website for the latest baggage fee updates before your flight.

Japan Airlines Baggage Fees

According to the official Japan Airlines website, economy class passengers are allowed to bring two checked bags, each weighing up to 23 kilograms. Business and first class passengers can bring up to three checked bags, each with a maximum weight of 32 kilograms.

The airline charges for extra baggage based on the number of bags, not by kilogram, when the limit is exceeded. Below is a breakdown of the extra baggage fees based on weight and flight routes.

Extra Bag Fees

• Flights between Japan and Asia, India, Oceania, Hawaii, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa:  JPY 20,000 (approximately $200 USD or IDR 3,130,000) per bag
• Flights between Japan and Asia, Guam, Oceania: JPY 10,000 (approximately $100 USD or IDR 1,565,000) per bag
• Within Japan (subject to international carriage conditions): JPY 5,000 (approximately $50 USD or IDR 783,000) per bag

Overweight Baggage Fees

• For specific routes with weight between 23 and 32 kilograms: JPY 10,000 (approximately $100 USD or IDR 1,565,000)
• For bags weighing between 32 and 45 kilograms: JPY 60,000 (approximately $600 USD or IDR 9,392,000)
• For flights between Japan and destinations in Asia, Guam, or Oceania, excess baggage fees depend on the weight. If your bag weighs between 23 and 32 kilograms, you’ll be charged around JPY 6,000 (about $60 USD or IDR 940,000). If it weighs more than 32 and 45 kilograms, the fee jumps to JPY 30,000 (roughly $300 USD or IDR 4,695,000).

• If you're flying within Japan, the excess baggage charges are lower. Bags weighing 23 to 32 kilograms will cost JPY 1,000 (around $10 USD or IDR 156,000), while those between 32 and 45 kilograms will cost JPY 15,000 (about $150 USD or IDR 2,347,000).

Oversized Baggage Fees

 When the total outer dimensions exceed 203 cm:

• JPY 20,000 (approximately $200 USD or IDR 3,130,000) for international routes
• JPY 10,000 (approximately $100 USD or IDR 1,565,000) for routes within Asia, Guam, Oceania
• Within Japan: JPY 5,000 (approximately $50 USD or IDR 783,000)

Each Japan Airlines passenger may check in up to seven additional bags beyond the free allowance, with a combined weight not exceeding 45 kilograms. First and business class passengers may bring up to 10 extra bags, while premium economy and economy class passengers may bring up to 9. If more than one type of excess fee applies, passengers are responsible for all applicable charges.

What to Do If Your Baggage Exceeds the Limit

If your luggage goes beyond the airline’s free baggage allowance, there are steps you can take to avoid high extra fees. First, check the airline’s baggage policy before your trip, including weight limits and charges for excess baggage. If you already know you’ll be carrying more, consider purchasing extra baggage online through the airline’s website or app, as it is usually cheaper than buying it at the airport.

Before heading out, weigh your bags using a portable scale to make sure they are within the allowed limits. If you're already at the airport and haven’t purchased additional baggage, you can still do it at the check-in counter, though the price may be higher.

Lastly, if you’re carrying heavy items that are not essential, consider sending them via cargo or a delivery service as a more budget-friendly option. By following these steps, you can manage your baggage more efficiently and avoid paying extra fees at check-in.

Tips to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees on Your Trip

With a little planning, you can avoid unexpected baggage fees and make your trip a lot more comfortable. Here are some easy tips to help you save on baggage costs when you're flying.

Compare Airlines Before Booking

Different airlines have different baggage rules and fees, especially when it comes to weight limits and extra charges. Some airlines might offer more generous baggage allowances, while others charge lower fees for extra bags.

Take the time to compare baggage policies before buying your ticket. It can really help you pick the airline that fits your needs and budget. You can also check reviews or feedback from other travelers to get a better idea of what to expect.

Plan Your Souvenir Shopping

Before you leave, make a list of the souvenirs or items you plan to buy during your trip. It’ll help you figure out how much space you’ll need in your luggage.

Try to go for items that are light and compact so they don’t take up too much room or push you over the baggage limit. If you know you'll be bringing home a lot, consider packing extra luggage or a foldable bag that you can use as a carry-on. It’s a simple way to avoid overweight baggage fees at the airport.

Choose Travel-Friendly Luggage

The type of luggage you bring can make a big difference. Opt for one that’s easy to carry but still sturdy, so you can fit more without exceeding baggage limits.

Look for practical features that make your journey smoother, like 360° spinner wheels, ergonomic handles, and expandable compartments that give you extra packing space when you need it.