The short answer
- Personal item: free; Economy allows one 7 kg carry-on and lists no separate personal item; a small handbag is generally tolerated.
- Carry-on: free on standard fares, up to 21.6 × 14.9 × 8.6 in (55 × 38 × 22 cm), 15 lb max.
- Checked bag: first bag Included (20–35 kg or 1–2 × 23 kg); up to 50 lb (23 kg) and 59 linear inches.
- Emirates Economy Special: All Economy fares, including Special, include one 7 kg carry-on of 55 × 38 × 22 cm.
Emirates bag fees at a glance
| Bag | Price | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Personal item | Free | Must fit under the seat |
| Carry-on bag | Free | 21.6 × 14.9 × 8.6 in |
| 1st checked bag | Included (20–35 kg or 1–2 × 23 kg) | Up to 50 lb / 23 kg |
| 2nd checked bag | Varies by route | Up to 59 linear in |
| Overweight bag | Weight-concept routes: any number of bags up to your total, each max 32 kg. Piece routes: 23 kg per piece. | |
| Oversize bag | Piece routes: 150–203 cm charged as oversize. Over 203 cm goes as cargo. |
Standard fees for Emirates’s main routes as of our last check. Elite status, co-branded cards and some fares include bags.
Emirates carry-on and personal item size
Carry-on bag
Overhead bin
- Maximum size
- 21.6 × 14.9 × 8.6 in55 × 38 × 22 cm
- Weight
- 15 lb (7 kg)
- Cost
- Free with standard economy
Personal item
Under the seat in frontEmirates does not publish exact dimensions.
- Maximum size
- No published size
- Weight
- No published limit
- Cost
- Free on every fare
- Note
- Economy allows one 7 kg carry-on and lists no separate personal item; a small handbag is generally tolerated.
Checked bags
Each checked bag can weigh up to 50 lb (23 kg) and measure up to 59 linear inches (150 cm), length + width + height. To and from the Americas and Africa, Economy Special includes one 23 kg bag and Saver, Flex and Flex Plus two (Saver one within the Americas and on US–Europe flights). Other routes use a weight allowance.
Rules to know
- Emirates’ 7 kg (15 lb) carry-on limit is strict; a full US roller bag can weigh more than that.
- Business and First add a 7 kg briefcase or garment bag; Premium Economy allows 10 kg.
- Skywards Platinum, Gold and Silver get extra allowance.
- Departing India the Economy carry-on is limited to 115 cm in total.
Will your bag fit Emirates?
Measure your bag at its widest points. Most carry-on bags are 21–22.5 in tall with wheels.
Bags that fit Emirates
- Best Carry-On Luggage for International Travel (EU Sizes)Emirates’s carry-on limit is smaller than the US standard; 55 × 40 × 20 cm bags fit it.
- Best 22x14x9 Carry-On Luggage (Fits Every US Airline)For your US flights: carry-ons built to 22 × 14 × 9 in.
- Best Personal Item Bags & Backpacks for PlanesBackpacks and totes that slide under any seat.
- Best Underseat LuggageSmall wheeled bags that go under the seat.
Emirates compared with similar airlines
| Airline | Carry-on | Personal item | 1st checked bag | Checked weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates | 21.6 × 14.9 × 8.6 in55 × 38 × 22 cm | Not publishedMust fit under the seat | Included (20–35 kg or 1–2 × 23 kg) | 50 lb23 kg |
| Turkish Airlines | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in55 × 40 × 23 cm | 15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in40 × 30 × 15 cm | Usually included (1–2 × 23 kg to the US) | 50.7 lb23 kg |
| Qatar Airways | 20 × 15 × 10 in50 × 37 × 25 cm | Not publishedMust fit under the seat | Included (20 kg+ or 1 × 23 kg) | 50 lb23 kg |
| Wizz Air | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 inPaid55 × 40 × 23 cm | 15.7 × 11.8 × 7.9 in40 × 30 × 20 cm | €10–€122 online (20 kg); €70–€80 at the airport | 44 lb20 kg |
Frequently asked questions
What is Emirates’s carry-on size?
21.6 × 14.9 × 8.6 in (55 × 38 × 22 cm) including wheels and handles. It is free on standard fares.
How much is a checked bag on Emirates?
First bag: Included (20–35 kg or 1–2 × 23 kg). Second bag: Varies by route.
What is the weight limit for checked bags on Emirates?
50 lb (23 kg) in economy. Weight-concept routes: any number of bags up to your total, each max 32 kg. Piece routes: 23 kg per piece.
Can I take a backpack and a carry-on on Emirates?
In Economy, Emirates allows one carry-on of up to 7 kg and 55 × 38 × 22 cm, and doesn’t list a separate personal item. A small backpack or handbag is usually accepted, but it may be counted toward your 7 kg. Business and First Class get a second item.