G9 · United Arab Emirates · Low-cost
Air Arabia Baggage Policy
Cabin Bag, personal item, checked bag fees, overweight, special items, and basic economy rules for Air Arabia, with every figure cited to the airline's own policy page.
Quick answer
- Carry-on: up to 22 x 16 x 8", max 7 kg, free
- Personal item: up to 10 x 13 x 8", free on every fare
- Checked bag: $11 first, Not published second (domestic economy)
- Basic economy: Basic allows a carry-on
Carry-on baggage
- Max dimensions (in)
- 22 x 16 x 8"
- Max dimensions (cm)
- 55 x 40 x 20 cm
- Weight limit
- 7 kg (15.4 lb)
- Fee
- Free
- Gate-check risk
- High
Total cabin allowance is 10 kg combined across the carry-on bag (7 kg max) and personal item (3 kg max). Dimensions 55x40x20 cm include handles and wheels. Enforced at check-in and boarding gates.
Air Arabia cabin bag dimensions and bag size
The maximum Air Arabia carry-on size is 22 x 16 x 8 inches, which works out to 55 x 40 x 20 cm. Those measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Gate sizers on Air Arabia match the published limits closely, so a bag listed as "22 inch" by a luggage brand can fail if its wheels push the total past 22 inches. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.
Air Arabia cabin bag weight limit
Air Arabia limits carry-on bags to 7 kg (15.4 lb). Most domestic check-in counters do not weigh carry-ons, but gate agents can pull bags that look heavy. If your bag is over the limit, expect to be asked to check it, sometimes at the higher gate-check fee.
Does Air Arabia charge for cabin bag bags?
No. Air Arabia includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. The exception is Basic Economy, where some routes restrict you to a personal item only. Check your specific fare rules before you book.
Air Arabia carry-on by fare class
| Fare | Carry-on | Personal item | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | Included | Included | 10 kg total (7 kg cabin bag + 3 kg personal item). No checked bag included. |
| Value | Included | Included | 10 kg total cabin. Checked bag included (20 kg). |
| Value Plus | Included | Included | 10 kg total cabin. 30 kg checked bag included. Seat selection and meal included. |
| Business | Included | Included | Cabin bag included. 20 kg checked bag included free. |
Air Arabia overhead bin size by aircraft
Air Arabia operates an all-Airbus A320/A321 fleet. Overhead bins on the A320 are standard narrowbody size and fill quickly on full flights, especially from SHJ hub during peak travel seasons.
Avoiding gate-check on Air Arabia
Air Arabia boards by zone with Business Class and passengers needing assistance first. There is no credit card or loyalty-based priority boarding for economy passengers. Boarding early is the best way to guarantee overhead bin space.
What counts as a personal item on Air Arabia
Allowed
- Laptop bag
- Handbag
- Small backpack within 25x33x20 cm
Counts as a second carry-on
- Full-size backpack
- Second rolling suitcase
- Large tote exceeding personal item dimensions
Common Air Arabia carry-on mistakes
- Assuming the 10 kg is per bag. It is 10 kg combined across the carry-on and personal item (7 kg + 3 kg split).
- Not pre-booking checked baggage online. Airport counter fees can be up to 90% more expensive than prepaid rates.
- Bringing a carry-on that meets dimensions but exceeds 7 kg. Air Arabia enforces weight at the gate with an AED 100 penalty.
- Expecting free checked bags. Air Arabia is an LCC; even Value fare checked bags are part of the bundle price, not free.
What happens if your bag does not fit on Air Arabia
Overweight or oversized cabin bags are tagged at the gate and checked into the cargo hold with an AED 100 penalty fee. Pre-booking checked baggage avoids this surcharge. Bags are collected at the carousel on arrival.
Air Arabia vs flydubai carry-on
Air Arabia and flydubai are the two main Gulf-based low-cost carriers operating from neighboring UAE airports (SHJ vs DXB). flydubai offers a slightly larger personal item and more generous cabin allowance on Flex fares, while Air Arabia's 10 kg combined limit is stricter. Both charge for checked bags on base fares. flydubai has a broader route network and codeshare with Emirates, while Air Arabia offers lower base fares on overlapping routes. For budget travelers, Air Arabia is typically cheaper but stricter on baggage enforcement.
See flydubai baggage policyPersonal item
- Max dimensions (in)
- 10 x 13 x 8"
- Max dimensions (cm)
- 25 x 33 x 20 cm
- Included
- Yes, free on every fare
One personal item such as a laptop bag, handbag, or small backpack. Weight limit 3 kg (6.6 lb). Combined with carry-on must not exceed 10 kg total.
Does your bag count?
| Bag type | Typical size | Fit |
|---|---|---|
Standard backpack Everyday daypack, laptop backpack | 18 x 13 x 8" | Too big |
Tote bag Canvas or leather tote | 15 x 14 x 5" | Too big |
Laptop bag Messenger or slim briefcase | 16 x 12 x 4" | Too big |
Small duffel Gym or weekender | 18 x 11 x 11" | Too big |
Purse Handbag or crossbody | 12 x 10 x 5" | Fits |
Under-seat roller Mini wheeled bag | 16 x 14 x 8" | Too big |
Checked baggage fees
Compare fees across airlines →No free checked baggage on base fares. Checked bags sold a la carte in 20, 30, or 40 kg tiers. Maximum 32 kg per single piece. Total dimensions max 160 cm. First bag from AED 40 (approximately USD 11) for 20 kg when prepaid online. Value Plus fare includes up to 30 kg. Airport counter rates are significantly higher than online prepaid. AED 100 penalty for overweight cabin bag at the boarding gate. Extra weight charged at AED 45-70 per kg depending on route.
Ways to skip the Air Arabia checked bag fee
- Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Air Arabia carry-on size.
- Use a Air Arabia co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
- Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
- Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.
Special items & sports equipment
- Ski / snowboard
- Not published
- Golf clubs
- Not published
- Bicycle
- Not published
- Pet in cabin
- Not published
- Pet as cargo
- Not published
Musical instruments: Small instruments allowed in cabin if within carry-on dimensions and weight. Larger instruments can be checked or require an extra seat purchase.
Pets are NOT allowed in the cabin on Air Arabia flights. Animals can only be transported via Air Arabia Cargo as a separate service, priced by crate volume and weight. Sports equipment (golf, bicycles, skis, surfboards) accepted as checked baggage with pre-booking required 48-72 hours before departure. All special items require advance reservation; airport acceptance is not guaranteed without pre-booking.
Basic economy restrictions
- Carry-on allowed
- Yes
- Personal item allowed
- Yes
- Checked bag surcharge
- $11
- No free checked baggage
- Seat selection is paid
- No meals included
- Non-refundable, non-changeable
Frequently asked questions
What is the Air Arabia carry-on size limit?
Air Arabia allows a carry-on bag up to 22 x 16 x 8" (55 x 40 x 20 cm), including handles and wheels. The weight limit is 7 kg (15.4 lb).
What is the Air Arabia personal item size?
The personal item on Air Arabia must fit within 10 x 13 x 8" (25 x 33 x 20 cm) and slide fully under the seat in front of you. One personal item such as a laptop bag, handbag, or small backpack. Weight limit 3 kg (6.6 lb). Combined with carry-on must not exceed 10 kg total.
Does Air Arabia charge for carry-on bags?
No. Air Arabia includes one free carry-on bag plus one personal item on most fares. Basic Economy fares on some routes are limited to a personal item only, so check your fare rules.
What is the Air Arabia carry-on weight limit?
Air Arabia limits carry-on bags to 7 kg (15.4 lb). Overweight carry-ons are typically asked to be checked at the gate.
How much does a checked bag cost on Air Arabia?
The first checked bag on Air Arabia costs $11 on most domestic economy fares, and the second bag costs Not published. No free checked baggage on base fares. Checked bags sold a la carte in 20, 30, or 40 kg tiers. Maximum 32 kg per single piece. Total dimensions max 160 cm. First bag from AED 40 (approximately USD 11) for 20 kg when prepaid online. Value Plus fare includes up to 30 kg. Airport counter rates are significantly higher than online prepaid. AED 100 penalty for overweight cabin bag at the boarding gate. Extra weight charged at AED 45-70 per kg depending on route.
Can I bring a carry-on on Air Arabia Basic?
Yes. Air Arabia Basic passengers can bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item. A checked bag on Basic costs around $11.
How can I avoid Air Arabia checked bag fees?
Four common ways: (1) pack in a carry-on and personal item only (confirm your bag fits the Air Arabia carry-on size of 22 x 16 x 8"); (2) hold a Air Arabia co-branded credit card, which typically waives the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation; (3) reach elite status in the airline's frequent flyer program, where mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction; (4) book a higher fare class (Premium Economy, Business, First) where checked bags are included.
Will my bag be gate-checked on Air Arabia?
Air Arabia currently has a high gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Plan on your carry-on being sized at the gate and be prepared to pay if it does not fit the sizer.
Pack for your Air Arabia flight
Build a packing list that fits within the Air Arabia carry-on and personal-item limits.
Air Arabia hubs & focus cities
Major US airports where Air Arabia operates. Click through for terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips.
Compare other airlines
- Emirates baggage policy EK · United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Airways baggage policy EY · United Arab Emirates
- flydubai baggage policy FZ · United Arab Emirates
- Qatar Airways baggage policy QR · Qatar
- Saudia baggage policy SV · Saudi Arabia
- Azul Linhas Aereas baggage policy AD · Brazil
- Breeze Airways baggage policy MX · United States
- Cebu Pacific baggage policy 5J · Philippines
Baggage guides
Sources & verification
- Carry-on and personal item: https://www.airarabia.com/en/hand-baggage verified 2026-04-16
- Checked baggage: https://www.airarabia.com/en/checked-baggage verified 2026-04-16
- Special items: https://www.airarabia.com/en/checked-baggage verified 2026-04-16
- Basic economy fare: https://www.airarabia.com/en/baggage-information verified 2026-04-16
Airlines change baggage rules without notice. Always confirm with Air Arabia before flying.