SV · Saudi Arabia · Full-service

Saudia Baggage Policy

Cabin Bag, personal item, checked bag fees, overweight, special items, and basic economy rules for Saudia, with every figure cited to the airline's own policy page.

Quick answer

  • Carry-on: up to 22 x 18 x 10", max 7 kg, free
  • Personal item: up to 18 x 14 x 8", free on every fare
  • Checked bag: $0 first, Not published second (domestic economy)
  • Basic economy: Saver allows a carry-on

Carry-on baggage

Max dimensions (in)
22 x 18 x 10"
Max dimensions (cm)
56 x 45 x 25 cm
Weight limit
7 kg (15.4 lb)
Fee
Free
Gate-check risk
Low

Economy passengers get 1 carry-on bag at 7 kg (15.4 lb). Business and First Class passengers are allowed 12 kg for the main bag plus 9 kg for a personal item/briefcase. Dimensions 56x45x25 cm include handles and wheels.

Saudia carry-on maximum size, 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 cm) 22" (56 cm) 10" (25 cm) 18" (45 cm) L H W
Saudia maximum carry-on dimensions, including wheels and handles.

Saudia cabin bag dimensions and bag size

The maximum Saudia carry-on size is 22 x 18 x 10 inches, which works out to 56 x 45 x 25 cm. Those measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Gate sizers on Saudia 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.

Saudia cabin bag weight limit

Saudia 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 Saudia charge for cabin bag bags?

No. Saudia 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.

Saudia carry-on by fare class

Fare Carry-on Personal item Notes
Saver (Economy) Included Included 7 kg cabin bag. No free checked bag on international routes.
Basic (Economy) Included Included 7 kg cabin bag. 1-2 checked bags at 23 kg depending on route.
Semi-Flex / Flex (Economy) Included Included 7 kg cabin bag. 2 checked bags at 23 kg each.
Business Included Included 12 kg carry-on plus 9 kg briefcase. 2 checked bags at 32 kg each.
First Included Included 12 kg carry-on plus 9 kg briefcase. 2 checked bags at 32 kg each.

Saudia overhead bin size by aircraft

Saudia operates Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A330 aircraft on long-haul routes, with generous overhead bin space. Regional routes use A320 narrowbodies with more limited cabin storage.

Avoiding gate-check on Saudia

Saudia boards by class and zone. AlFursan loyalty program Gold and Silver members receive priority boarding. Business and First Class board first, followed by economy zones rear-to-front.

What counts as a personal item on Saudia

Allowed

  • Laptop bag
  • Handbag
  • Briefcase
  • Small backpack

Counts as a second carry-on

  • Full-size backpack
  • Second rolling suitcase
  • Oversized duty-free bags

Common Saudia carry-on mistakes

  • Booking an international Saver fare and expecting a free checked bag. Saver fares include zero checked bags on international routes.
  • Exceeding the 7 kg cabin bag limit. Saudia enforces weight checks at boarding gates, especially at JED and RUH.
  • Assuming Hajj/Umrah flights have extra baggage. While some promotional allowances exist during peak Hajj season, the standard policy applies unless explicitly stated on the booking.
  • Not pre-purchasing extra baggage online. Airport counter fees are 20-40% higher than online prepaid rates.

What happens if your bag does not fit on Saudia

Oversized or overweight cabin bags are tagged at the gate and checked into the cargo hold. A fee may apply if prepaid baggage was not purchased. Bags are retrieved at the baggage carousel on arrival.

Saudia vs Emirates carry-on

Saudia and Emirates compete on Gulf-to-world routes, but Emirates is significantly more generous on checked baggage. Emirates includes 2 checked bags at 23 kg on all Economy fares including the cheapest, while Saudia Saver fares on international routes include zero checked bags. Both allow a carry-on plus personal item, but Saudia enforces a strict 7 kg cabin limit while Emirates has no published weight limit on most routes. Emirates also offers a broader global network through DXB, while Saudia's strength is direct access to JED and RUH for Hajj/Umrah travelers.

See Emirates baggage policy

Personal item

Max dimensions (in)
18 x 14 x 8"
Max dimensions (cm)
45 x 35 x 20 cm
Included
Yes, free on every fare

One personal item such as a handbag, laptop bag, or briefcase. Economy personal item is within the 7 kg total. Business/First get a separate 9 kg allowance for the personal item.

Does your bag count?

Bag typeTypical sizeFit
Standard backpack
Everyday daypack, laptop backpack
 18 x 13 x 8" Fits
Tote bag
Canvas or leather tote
 15 x 14 x 5" Fits
Laptop bag
Messenger or slim briefcase
 16 x 12 x 4" Fits
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" Fits

Checked baggage fees

Compare fees across airlines →
Domestic economy
1st bag$0
2nd bagNot published
Long-haul / international
1st bag$0
Weight limit50 lb
Linear dim62 in
Overweight & oversize
51–70 lb$100
71–100 lbNot published
63–80 in$100

Domestic Economy Basic: 1 piece at 23 kg. Domestic Economy Flex: 2 pieces at 23 kg each. International Economy Saver: no free checked bag. International Economy Basic: 1-2 pieces at 23 kg depending on route. Semi-Flex/Flex: 2 pieces at 23 kg. Business/First: 2 pieces at 32 kg each. Overweight 23-32 kg costs approximately SAR 1,725 (about USD 460). Oversize 158-205 cm costs USD 100. Oversize 205-300 cm adds USD 67 on top (total USD 167). Extra piece on domestic is about USD 27.

Ways to skip the Saudia checked bag fee

  1. Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Saudia carry-on size.
  2. Use a Saudia 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
$100
Pet as cargo
$300

Musical instruments: Small instruments allowed in cabin within standard dimensions. Larger instruments require checked baggage or an extra seat purchase.

Pets in cabin cost USD 100, pets in cargo USD 300 on domestic and most international routes (USA/Canada stations excluded). Sports equipment exceeding 158 cm incurs a flat USD 100 oversize fee. Golf clubs accepted as checked baggage; oversize charges apply if the bag exceeds 158 cm. Service animals are permitted free of charge. Advance booking for special items required 48-72 hours before departure.

Basic economy restrictions

Saver Saudia's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
Yes
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
Not published
  • No free checked baggage on international Saver fares
  • No changes or cancellations
  • No seat selection in advance
  • No mileage accrual on lowest Saver sub-classes

Frequently asked questions

What is the Saudia carry-on size limit?

Saudia allows a carry-on bag up to 22 x 18 x 10" (56 x 45 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels. The weight limit is 7 kg (15.4 lb).

What is the Saudia personal item size?

The personal item on Saudia must fit within 18 x 14 x 8" (45 x 35 x 20 cm) and slide fully under the seat in front of you. One personal item such as a handbag, laptop bag, or briefcase. Economy personal item is within the 7 kg total. Business/First get a separate 9 kg allowance for the personal item.

Does Saudia charge for carry-on bags?

No. Saudia 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 Saudia carry-on weight limit?

Saudia 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 Saudia?

The first checked bag on Saudia costs $0 on most domestic economy fares, and the second bag costs Not published. On long-haul international routes, the first checked bag fee is $0. Domestic Economy Basic: 1 piece at 23 kg. Domestic Economy Flex: 2 pieces at 23 kg each. International Economy Saver: no free checked bag. International Economy Basic: 1-2 pieces at 23 kg depending on route. Semi-Flex/Flex: 2 pieces at 23 kg. Business/First: 2 pieces at 32 kg each. Overweight 23-32 kg costs approximately SAR 1,725 (about USD 460). Oversize 158-205 cm costs USD 100. Oversize 205-300 cm adds USD 67 on top (total USD 167). Extra piece on domestic is about USD 27.

What are the Saudia overweight and oversize bag fees?

Bags weighing 51 to 70 lb incur an overweight fee of $100. Oversize bags between 63 and 80 linear inches are $100. Fees are charged in addition to the standard checked bag fee.

Can I bring a carry-on on Saudia Saver?

Yes. Saudia Saver passengers can bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item.

How can I avoid Saudia checked bag fees?

Four common ways: (1) pack in a carry-on and personal item only (confirm your bag fits the Saudia carry-on size of 22 x 18 x 10"); (2) hold a Saudia 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 Saudia?

Saudia 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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Saudia hubs & focus cities

Major US airports where Saudia operates. Click through for terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips.

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Sources & verification

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