Malaysia Airlines Baggage Policy: What You Need to Know

Malaysia Airlines baggage policy

Planning to go on a trip after a long time, and flying with Malaysia Airlines? Have you double-checked all the details? Your important travel documents, like your passport, visa, and luggage weight. Yes, you read that correct – luggage weight. One of the most common problems people face during air travel is with their luggage. No one wishes to pay the hefty amount for being just a little over the allowed limit, especially when traveling on a budget. To cut your costs, you must be aware of the baggage regulations of the different airlines. This article provides you with all the vital information about Malaysia Airlines baggage policy. Read and know all, from allowances, fees, limitations, exemptions, and more. 

Malaysia Airlines Baggage Regulations 

When flying with Malaysia Airlines, the baggage allowance depends on the class of cabin you are traveling in. Different class cabins have different baggage allowances. Most locations allow people to check in multiple baggage up to a specified weight restriction. However, there are restrictions on the number of luggage items, their weight and size, and what may be brought on board the airline with you. Let’s know them in detail: 

Malaysia Airlines Checked Baggage

There are some specific guidelines for every bag the passengers carry. The check-in bags should have a linear dimension (length + height + width) of less than 158 cm (62 inches). Bags with dimensions of 158cm-204cm (62in-80in) will be considered oversized and may incur a surcharge. 

When it comes to the weight allowance, there are two standard  concepts:

  • Weight Concept (WC), determined by the entire weight of checked luggage (given as a weight amount on the ticket).
  • Piece Concept (PC), calculated by the number of checked Baggage pieces (shown as PC on the ticket).

The table below summarizes the weight concept for all MH routes (except Malaysia to Japan, Japan to Malaysia, Jeddah, Madinah, and AMAL-operated flights). 

CabinFare classFree baggage allowance
EconomyValue20 kilograms
Basic25 kilograms
Flex/Shuttle35 kilograms
GroupDomestic: 20 kilogramsInternational: 30 kilograms
BusinessBasic40 kilograms
Flex/Shuttle50 kilograms
Business suiteAll55 kilograms

The free baggage allowance for piece-concept routes is as follows:

CabinFree baggage allowance
Economy2 pieces, maximum 50 pounds (23 kilograms) per piece
Business2 pieces, maximum 70 pounds (32 kilograms) per piece

Malaysia Airlines baggage policy also state that all ticket holders are eligible for free additional transportation of personal medical equipment and infant-related items. Passengers with infants may bring one bag and one collapsible baby carriage, stroller, or carrying basket as carry-on items, provided the total weight does not exceed 10kg (22 lbs). Children and adults have the same luggage allowances. Disabled travelers using conventional or electric wheelchairs, crutches, or similar orthopaedic devices are eligible for an additional free carry-on item. 

Malaysia Airlines Cabin Baggage

Cabin baggage or carry-on bags are the luggage that passengers can take with them in their cabins, which can then be stored in their overhead compartments (or under the seat in front of them). The bags should have dimensions (length + height + width) that do not exceed 115 cm (45 inches). Here is the Malaysia Airlines cabin baggage weight limit for the different fare classes:  

Cabin classNo. of pieces allowedTotal max. weight
Economy Class17kg (15lbs)
Business Class214kg (31lbs)
Business Suite214kg (31lbs)

Apart from this, the passengers are allowed to take one personal item free of charge, up to the Malaysia Airlines cabin baggage limit. It might be one of the following: a briefcase, a handbag (for men or women), a notebook or laptop computer bag, or a compact camera bag.

All of these items must fall within the permitted travel category. Passengers traveling with an infant can bring an infant amenity bag, a compact infant carrycot, or a completely foldable, lightweight baby stroller at no additional cost. 

Other complimentary products include a duty-free shopping bag, crutches or walking sticks, and an overcoat. The overall weight of the articles must not exceed the cabin baggage allowance.

What items are not allowed in the cabin bags? 

The regulations regarding liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) on airplanes are stringent. They limit the number of goods to 100ml each, which must be packaged in a resealable, clear plastic bag. Each individual is permitted one plastic bag with a capacity of no more than one liter. Exempt products include needs-specific items such as medicine, infant formula, or food, as well as those that adhere to dietary preferences throughout the journey. However, these things must be handed to airport security together with the required documentation. Families with children under seven may bring baby milk or food into the chalet. LAGs purchased on board the airplane or from Airport Duty-Free Shops are permitted in the cabin; however, they must be sealed and accompanied by certificates of purchase for simple verification.

Extra Baggage 

If your luggage weight exceeds the free checked baggage allowance, you must check the extra baggage in, which will incur additional fees (per kg, depending on your place of departure). Here is the list of countries in each zone and applicable rates:

Zone Country/DestinationRate/kg (USD)
1*Malaysia (Peninsular, Sabah, and Sarawak)$11
2Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia (Denpasar, Surabaya, Kuala Namu), Myanmar, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam$14
3Bangladesh, India, Indonesia (Jakarta), Japan, Republic of Korea, Nepal, Maldives, Qatar, Sri Lanka$15
4Australia and New Zealand$25
5United Kingdom, Europe$30

* Passengers traveling within Malaysia with an official government warrant or order will pay a discounted fee of $5 per kilogram for extra luggage. 

From/ToZone 1Zone 1Zone 1Zone 1Zone 1
Zone 1$11$14$15$25$30
Zone 2$14$28$29$39$44
Zone 3$15$29$30$40$45
Zone 4$25$39$40$50$55
Zone 5$30$44$45$55$60

Special Baggage 

Malaysia Airlines baggage size follows strict regulations that cover large items, checked baggage, carry-on baggage, and sporting equipment. Bags bigger than 158cm or 62in or weighing more than 32kg or 70lb are deemed oversized and may incur a fee. Customers seeking assistance with heavier baggage should contact MASKargo or a logistics service partner for further assistance. 

Checked luggage has a single-item weight limit dependent on local safety and health rules and regulations. Some types of luggage require reservations, and Malaysia Airlines may refuse to accept certain goods if specified. Musical instruments, artwork, electrical equipment, and diplomatic or other costly items are all considered cabin baggage. Musicians can bring small instruments as cabin baggage. Bigger or delicate instruments can also be carried in the cabin.

Larger, heavier instruments should be brought as checked luggage.Items like golf clubs, windsurfing gear, sailing equipment, canoes, bicycles (without motors), archery sets, bowling balls, parachutes, and similar gear should be packed properly with protective materials to keep them safe during travel.

Why do Airlines Charge Extra?

You may wonder why Malaysia Airlines baggage limit guidelines are so strict, or why airlines charge so much for extra luggage. There are three main reasons for it: 

Safety: Aircraft weight and balance are crucial for safe flight, as the weight of luggage, fuel, passengers, and other onboard objects all contribute to the calculations. Manual handling workers must move and store luggage safely and efficiently.

Operations: Excess carry-on baggage can cause delays in boarding. Hence, rigorous baggage limitations are essential for operational efficiency. Airlines are also Inspired to maximize cargo room for freight, resulting in more effective use of space. 

Revenue: Baggage fees serve as a significant source of revenue for airlines, as passengers may incur charges for exceeding weight or size limits or for checking extra bags.

Expert Packing Tips for Air Travel

Want to be a smart packer and save some dollars? Here are some excellent tips that can help you be one. 

  • Create a list of all your essential items. This will keep you organized, ensuring that you don’t miss out on anything. 
  • Get a distinguishable bag for yourself. This will help you locate it easily at the baggage claim area, while saving you time.
  • Don’t overpack! If you do, then instead of enjoying your vacation, you’ll probably just be dumping your luggage from one place to another. Once everything is done, try to reduce your luggage by removing items such as toiletries (if you plan to stay in a hotel, you will likely receive these), extra clothes, etc. 
  • Check your airline’s baggage allowance and weight limits to ensure you comply with them. Most airlines charge very high for extra luggage, so be smart and save yourself the money and last-minute stress. 
  • There are several things that are not allowed on Airplane. To ensure safe flight travel, gather the required knowledge on what to pack and avoid bringing redundant stuff. To minimize additional difficulty, contact the airlines and check out the airport’s luggage advice website. 
  • Packing for a trip may be hectic, making it challenging to zip up luggage. To pack efficiently, begin by arranging stuff along the sides and working your way towards the middle. This approach allows you to determine how much can fit in your bag, enabling you to zip it correctly. 

Conclusion

Now that you’ve reached this point, you should have a good understanding Malaysia Airlines baggage policy. So, next time you plan to fly with them, make sure to check your luggage weight according to your cabin class and pack accordingly to avoid unnecessary charges. Travel light, travel right! If you still have some doubts, you can contact the airline’s team through the Malaysia Airlines customer care number. Their team can help you with all your queries. 

Frequently Asked Questions – Malaysia Airlines Baggage Policy

Can I check in two bags with Malaysia Airlines International?

As per the Malaysia Airlines baggage policy, there is no limit on the number of bags. 

What are the weight requirements of carry-on baggage?

Malaysia Airlines cabin baggage size and weight can vary for the flight classes. In economy class, you can bring a cabin bag up to 7 kg. In business class or business suite, you can bring up to 14 kg.

What are prohibited items on a flight?

Items that could bother others or be dangerous, like weapons, are not allowed on the plane.

Why do airlines have baggage limits?

Airlines follow baggage limits to keep flights safe and running smoothly, and to earn money from extra bags.

How can I contact the Malaysia Airlines team? 

Call the Malaysia Airlines toll free number provided on the airline’s official website to contact their team. 

What is the maximum baggage weight for Malaysia Airlines? 

Economy, business, and business suite classes often have weight limits of 30 kg, 40 kg, and 50 kg, respectively. The maximum weight for each piece of luggage is 32 kilos.

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