Baggage rules trip up more travellers than anything else at the airport. Here's how allowances work on flights from Sri Lanka, and how to avoid paying extra.
Weight vs piece — two different systems
- Weight concept (common on Gulf, Asian and most routes): you get a total weight, e.g. 30 kg in Economy, and can split it across bags.
- Piece concept (common to the US/Canada): you get a number of pieces (e.g. 2 × 23 kg), each with its own weight cap.
Always check which system your ticket uses — it changes how you pack.
Typical economy allowances
Allowances vary by airline and fare, but as a rough guide: 20–30 kg checked and 7 kg cabin in Economy; Business class is more generous. Low-cost carriers (Air Arabia, IndiGo, flydubai, Scoot) often include little or no checked baggage — you buy it separately.
Avoiding excess-baggage fees
- Pre-purchase extra baggage online — it's far cheaper than at the airport.
- Weigh your bags at home before you leave.
- Ask us to book a fare with the right allowance for a long trip — often worth a slightly higher fare.
Tell us your route and how much you need to carry, and we'll match you to the best fare and allowance.