Emirates cabin baggage rules: hand luggage, checked bags & liquids
Understand Emirates cabin baggage sizes, checked baggage allowances, cabin class rules and airport liquid restrictions before you travel.
Emirates offers one of the most generous baggage policies among major international airlines, with allowances varying according to fare type, route and cabin class.
Unlike many airlines that operate a single baggage system worldwide, Emirates uses both weight-based and piece-based baggage allowances depending on the destination being flown.
Economy Class passengers can bring one cabin bag weighing up to 7kg, while Premium Economy passengers receive a 10kg cabin baggage allowance on eligible routes.
Business and First Class passengers can carry two cabin items on board, typically consisting of a cabin bag together with a briefcase, handbag or garment bag. Cabin baggage dimensions must not exceed 55 × 38 × 22cm, including handles and wheels.
As with all airlines, liquids carried through airport security must be in containers of 100ml or less and comply with local airport security screening requirements.
Most Emirates routes operate under a weight concept checked baggage system, with Economy Class allowances typically ranging from 20kg to 35kg depending on fare type. Premium cabins benefit from significantly larger checked baggage allowances.
Flights to and from the Americas, along with certain other destinations, may instead operate under the piece concept, where passengers are permitted a specified number of checked bags rather than a total weight allowance.
For travellers looking to maximise their baggage allowance and avoid unexpected airport charges, understanding which baggage system applies to your route before travelling can make packing simpler, reduce the risk of excess baggage fees and help you prepare with confidence.
Free Cabin Bag Size
Economy
1 cabin bag
Up to 7kg
Premium Economy
1 cabin bag
Up to 10kg
Business & First
2 cabin items
7kg + 7kg
Maximum size
55 × 38 × 22cm
Checked Baggage Allowance
Most routes - Weight concept
Selected routes - Piece concept
Economy
20kg–35kg
First Class
Up to 50kg
Additional Baggage Fees
Purchase extra baggage before you travel
Online prices areusually lower
Avoid paying higher airport charges
Key Emirates Baggage Tips
Check whether your journey uses the weight concept or piece concept before you start packing.
Economy Class passengers can bring one cabin bag up to 7kg, while Premium Economy passengers receive a 10kg cabin baggage allowance on eligible routes.
Business and First Class passengers can carry two cabin items on board, consisting of a cabin bag together with a briefcase, handbag or garment bag, subject to Emirates' cabin baggage rules.
Ensure your cabin baggage does not exceed the maximum dimensions of 55 × 38 × 22cm, including handles and wheels.
Review your fare type carefully, as checked baggage allowances can vary significantly within Economy Class.
Travellers flying to or from the Americas, and certain other destinations operating under the piece concept, should check the number of checked bags included with their ticket.
Pack liquids in containers of 100ml or less and comply with airport security screening requirements.
Keep passports, medication, valuables and electronic devices in your cabin baggage.
Weigh checked bags before travelling to help avoid excess baggage charges at the airport.
Always check your baggage allowance before departure, particularly on long-haul journeys, as Emirates baggage rules can vary depending on your route, destination and fare type.
Cabin baggage sizes explained
Understanding the difference between small cabin bags, cabin suitcases and checked baggage helps you pack efficiently and avoid delays at the airport.
Emirates baggage allowance by ticket type
Your Emirates ticket type determines how many bags you can bring in the cabin and in the hold. All fares include a cabin bag and a small personal item, while checked baggage depends on your fare.
Economy
1 cabin bag included
Up to 7kg carry-on allowance
Cabin bag size
55 × 38 × 22cm
Including handles and wheels
Typical checked baggage allowance
20kg–35kg
Depending on fare
Best for:
Travellers wanting generous baggage allowances on long-haul journeys
Premium Economy
1 cabin bag included
Up to 10kg carry-on allowance
Cabin bag size
55 × 38 × 22cm
Including handles and wheels
Typical checked baggage allowance
35kg
Best for:
Travellers wanting extra comfort with an increased baggage allowance
Business / First Class
2 cabin bags included
Combined 12kg carry-on allowance
Cabin bag size
56 × 36 × 23 cm
Including handles and wheels
Typical checked baggage allowance
Typically 50kg
Depending on route / baggage system
Best for:
Premium travellers wanting the maximum baggage allowance
Checked baggage with Emirates: what you need to know
Emirates offers one of the most generous checked baggage allowances among major international airlines, particularly on long-haul routes.
Emirates uses two different checked baggage systems depending on your destination: the weight concept and the piece concept.
For most routes, Emirates operates the weight concept, where your checked baggage allowance is measured by the total weight you can check in rather than the number of bags you carry. Economy Class passengers typically receive between 20kg and 35kg, depending on fare type. Premium Economy passengers receive 35kg, while Business and First Class passengers receive 40kg and 50kg respectively.
On routes operating under the piece concept, including flights to and from the United States, Canada and selected other destinations, your allowance is based on the number of checked bags permitted rather than a total weight. Each checked bag must also comply with Emirates' maximum weight and size limits.
No individual checked bag should weigh more than 32kg, in line with international airport handling regulations.
Checked baggage must also remain within Emirates' maximum size limits. Oversized or overweight baggage may incur additional charges at the airport.
If you expect to travel with more luggage than your ticket includes, purchasing additional baggage online before departure is usually significantly cheaper than paying excess baggage charges at the airport.
Before travelling, always check the baggage allowance shown on your booking confirmation, particularly if your itinerary includes multiple destinations or flights operated by partner airlines, as baggage rules may vary depending on your route and fare type.
Emirates Airways cabin baggage rules: liquids, extras and restrictions
Emirates cabin baggage rules: liquids, extras and restrictions
Emirates cabin baggage allowances vary according to cabin class, but all passengers must ensure their hand luggage remains within the airline's published size and weight limits.
Economy Class passengers may bring one cabin bag weighing up to **7kg**, while Premium Economy passengers receive a 10kg cabin baggage allowance.
Business and First Class passengers may carry two cabin items, typically consisting of one cabin bag plus either a briefcase, handbag or garment bag.
Standard Emirates cabin baggage dimensions are 55 × 38 × 22cm, including handles and wheels.
All liquids carried in cabin baggage must comply with international airport security rules. Liquid containers must be 100ml or smaller and fit inside a single transparent resealable liquids bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre.
Passengers transferring through Dubai International Airport may be required to pass through additional security screening. Duty free liquids should remain sealed where possible and comply with any applicable transfer security requirements.
CabinCleared travel toiletries are specifically designed around international cabin baggage liquid restrictions, helping travellers pack efficiently and avoid airport security delays.
Passengers should also ensure their cabin baggage complies with Emirates' published size and weight limits, as oversized or overweight bags may need to be checked into the hold.
Common Emirates cabin baggage mistakes to avoid
Packing liquid containers larger than 100ml in cabin baggage
Exceeding Emirates cabin baggage weight limits
Bringing cabin luggage that exceeds the maximum dimensions of 55 × 38 × 22cm
Forgetting that Business and First Class passengers may carry two cabin items
Assuming duty free liquids can always be carried through connecting security checks
Purchasing additional checked baggage at the airport instead of online
Failing to check route-specific baggage allowances before travelling
Packing medication, passports or valuables inside checked baggage instead of keeping them with you
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What cabin bag size does Emirates allow?
Emirates cabin baggage must not exceed 55 × 38 × 22cm, including handles and wheels.
2. How much cabin baggage can I take on Emirates Economy?
Economy Class passengers may bring one cabin bag weighing up to 7kg.
3. Does Emirates Premium Economy have a larger cabin baggage allowance?
Yes. Emirates Premium Economy passengers receive a 10kg cabin baggage allowance.
4. Can Emirates Business and First Class passengers bring two cabin bags?
Yes. Business and First Class passengers may usually carry two cabin items, typically consisting of one cabin bag plus either a briefcase, handbag or garment bag.
5. What checked baggage allowance does Emirates include?
Checked baggage allowances vary by fare type, cabin class and route. On weight-based routes, Economy passengers typically receive between 20kg and 35kg, while Premium Economy receives 35kg, Business Class 40kg, and First Class 50kg.
6. Does Emirates use a weight or piece baggage system?
Emirates uses both baggage systems, depending on your destination. Most routes operate under the weight concept, while many flights to and from the Americas and selected other destinations use the piece concept.
7. What is the maximum size and weight for Emirates checked baggage?
Individual checked bags should not exceed 300cm (length + width + height) in total dimensions, and no single bag should weigh more than 32kg.
8. Can I buy extra Emirates baggage online?
Yes. Emirates allows passengers to purchase additional baggage before departure, and buying online is usually cheaper than paying excess baggage charges at the airport.
9. Are liquids allowed in Emirates hand luggage?
Yes. Liquids carried in cabin baggage must be in containers of 100ml or less and packed inside a single transparent resealable liquids bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre, in line with airport security rules.
10. Do Emirates passengers go through additional security screening in Dubai?
Some passengers transferring through Dubai International Airport may be required to pass through additional security screening, including checks on liquids purchased before their connecting flight.
11. What happens if my Emirates cabin bag is overweight or oversized?
If your cabin baggage exceeds Emirates' published size or weight limits, you may be asked to check it into the hold and additional baggage charges could apply.
12. Is checked baggage included on all Emirates fares?
Yes. Emirates fares generally include a checked baggage allowance, but the amount depends on your fare type, cabin class, route and the baggage system that applies to your journey.