EK · United Arab Emirates · Full-service

Emirates Baggage Policy

Carry-on, personal item, checked bag fees, overweight, special items, and basic economy rules for Emirates, with every figure cited to the airline's own policy page.

Quick answer

  • Carry-on: up to 21.7 x 15 x 7.9", max 7 kg, free
  • Personal item: must fit under the seat (no published dimensions), free on every fare
  • Checked bag: $0 first, $0 second (domestic economy)

Carry-on baggage

Max dimensions (in)
21.7 x 15 x 7.9"
Max dimensions (cm)
55 x 38 x 20 cm
Weight limit
7 kg (15.4 lb)
Fee
Free
Gate-check risk
Low

Economy carry-on is strictly 7 kg. Business and First Class passengers get two bags at 7 kg each.

Personal item

Max dimensions (in)
Not published
Max dimensions (cm)
Not published
Included
No

Emirates counts a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack within the single 7 kg carry-on allowance in Economy. There is no separate free personal item.

Does your bag count?

Bag typeTypical sizeFit
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" Too big
Under-seat roller
Mini wheeled bag
 16 x 14 x 8" Too big

Checked baggage fees

Compare fees across airlines →
Domestic economy
1st bag$0
2nd bag$0
Long-haul / international
1st bag$0
Weight limit51 lb
Linear dim118 in
Overweight & oversize
51–70 lbNot published
71–100 lbNot published
63–80 inNot published

On US routes (piece concept), Economy Special includes 1 piece up to 23 kg / 51 lb; Economy Saver/Flex include 2 pieces at 23 kg each. Max single bag 300 cm (118 in) total dimensions; max 32 kg / 70 lb. Elsewhere, Emirates uses weight concept: 20 kg (Special), 25-35 kg (Saver/Flex). Excess baggage priced per kg; USD not uniformly published.

Ways to skip the Emirates checked bag fee

  1. Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Emirates carry-on size.
  2. Use a Emirates co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
  3. Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
  4. 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 count as carry-on. Larger instruments can be purchased as a Cabin Baggage Seat or checked within the standard allowance.

Emirates does not allow pets in the cabin (except falcons on specific Middle East routes and registered assistance dogs). Pets travel as cargo via Emirates SkyCargo; pricing is per shipment, no flat fee.

Basic economy restrictions

Economy Special Emirates's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
Yes
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
Not published
  • Reduced checked allowance (1 piece on US routes, 20 kg on weight-concept routes)
  • Limited or no changes
  • Non-refundable
  • Reduced Skywards miles on some routes

Frequently asked questions

What is the Emirates carry-on size limit?

Emirates allows a carry-on bag up to 21.7 x 15 x 7.9" (55 x 38 x 20 cm), including handles and wheels. The weight limit is 7 kg (15.4 lb).

What is the Emirates personal item size?

Emirates does not publish strict personal item dimensions. Your bag must fit fully under the seat in front of you, which is typically about 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Emirates counts a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack within the single 7 kg carry-on allowance in Economy. There is no separate free personal item.

How much does a checked bag cost on Emirates?

The first checked bag on Emirates costs $0 on most domestic economy fares, and the second bag costs $0. On long-haul international routes, the first checked bag fee is $0. On US routes (piece concept), Economy Special includes 1 piece up to 23 kg / 51 lb; Economy Saver/Flex include 2 pieces at 23 kg each. Max single bag 300 cm (118 in) total dimensions; max 32 kg / 70 lb. Elsewhere, Emirates uses weight concept: 20 kg (Special), 25-35 kg (Saver/Flex). Excess baggage priced per kg; USD not uniformly published.

Can I bring a carry-on on Emirates Economy Special?

Yes. Emirates Economy Special passengers can bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item.

How can I avoid Emirates checked bag fees?

Four common ways: (1) pack in a carry-on and personal item only (confirm your bag fits the Emirates carry-on size of 21.7 x 15 x 7.9"); (2) hold a Emirates 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 Emirates?

Emirates currently has a low gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Overhead bin space is usually sufficient on full flights.

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Sources & verification

Airlines change baggage rules without notice. Always confirm with Emirates before flying.