Travelling through Dubai Airport with excess baggage can be a stressful experience. Airlines have strict baggage restrictions, and exceeding them can result in hefty fees. Fortunately, there are ways to manage this situation both cheaply and securely. This guide will delve into the intricacies of Dubai Airport excess baggage fees, exploring various airlines’ policies and offering cost-effective solutions to avoid unnecessary charges.
What is Baggage Excess?
Simply put, “excess baggage” refers to any luggage that exceeds the weight, size, or quantity limits set by your airline for both carry-on and checked bags. These limitations vary depending on the airline, your travel route, cabin class, and even the fare type you booked.
What are Dubai Airport Excess Baggage Fees?
Every aircraft has a weight and cargo capacity limit, and airlines need to ensure they stay within those restrictions for safety and operational reasons. To manage this, they charge excess baggage fees for any luggage that goes beyond the free allowance.
Avoiding Excess Baggage Fees
The best way to avoid extra baggage fees is to carefully pack within the airline’s baggage restrictions. This involves
- Checking your airline’s specific baggage allowance: Each airline has its own rules, so ensure you’re familiar with theirs before packing.
- Packing light and efficiently: Utilize your carry-on allowance to its full potential and avoid overpacking checked bags.
- Considering alternative options: If you have extra items, pre-purchase additional baggage allowance online or consider shipping them separately.
Read More: Dubai Airport Rules For Luggage
Dubai Airport Excess Baggage Fees
Dubai Airport itself doesn’t set the excess baggage fees. These are determined by the individual airlines flying in and out of the airport. The table below summarizes the airport excess baggage charges structure for some of the major airlines operating at Dubai Airport.
| Airline | Baggage Concept | Additional Allowance | Pre-booking Discount | Airport Rates (USD per kg) |
| Emirates | Weight Concept | Purchase extra kg | 50% – 60% | Varies |
| Air Arabia | Weight Concept | 20kg, 30kg, 40kg options | Up to 90% | AED 30-180 |
| Flydubai | Weight Concept | Purchase extra kg | Not specified | AED 40-80 |
| Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) | Weight Concept | Pre-purchase additional allowance | Discounted rates | Varies |
| Air India | Weight/Piece Concept | Purchase extra kg/piece | Not specified | USD 20-45/kg |
| Flynas | Weight Concept | Pre-paid options | Up to 50% | SAR 55-420 |
| Etihad Airways | Weight/Piece Concept | Purchase extra kg/bag | Up to 65% | USD 26-70 |
| Spicejet | Weight/Piece Concept | 20kg, 25kg, 30kg options | Pre-booked discount Varies | INR 1000/30kg (Dubai) |
Dubai Airport serves as a hub for numerous airlines, each with its excess baggage policies and fees. Here’s a summary of what you can expect when flying from Dubai.
Dubai Airport Excess Baggage Fees/Charges
- Emirates: If your baggage allowance is based on weight, you can purchase additional kilograms at a discounted rate of 50% to 60% when pre-booking. Airport rates vary.
- Air Arabia: For Air Arabia airport excess baggage rates you have to choose from pre-set baggage weight options (20kg, 30kg, 40kg) and enjoy discounts of up to 90% by pre-booking. Airport rates range from AED 30 to AED 180.
- Flydubai: Purchase extra baggage allowance based on weight, with rates varying by destination zone. Pre-booking discounts are not specified, while airport rates range from AED 40 to AED 80.
- Pakistan International Airlines (PIA): Pre-purchase additional baggage allowance at discounted rates compared to standard excess baggage fees. Rates vary and are determined by weight.
- Air India: Charges for excess baggage depend on whether your allowance is based on weight or piece concept. Rates vary by route, with fees ranging from USD 20 to USD 45 per kilogram. Get more information about Air India Express Extra Baggage Charges Per Kg In UAE.
- Flynas: Save up to 50% by pre-paying for extra baggage, with rates based on weight and destination. Airport rates are significantly higher, ranging from SAR 55 to SAR 420.
- Etihad Airways: Purchase extra baggage in advance to save up to 65% on fees, with rates varying by destination. Fees are calculated per 5kg or per bag.
- Spicejet: Spicejet excess baggage charges at airport vary based on destination and weight allowances. Fees range from INR 600 to INR 1500 per kilogram for flights from India. Extra baggage per piece incurs charges ranging from INR 2000 to AED 110. Additional service provider and handling charges apply at the airport. Payment is required in the local currency of the departure country.
Understanding these fees and policies can help you plan and budget effectively for your journey from Dubai Airport, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.
How to manage Excess Baggage at Dubai Airport Cheaply and Securely?
Travelling through Dubai Airport with excess baggage can be a stressful experience, especially with the potential for hefty fees. Fortunately, there are ways to manage this situation both cheaply and securely.
Lifti App: A Smart Solution for Excess Baggage
Lifti is a revolutionary app that allows you to connect with other travellers and share excess baggage space. This innovative approach empowers you to:
- Avoid Excess Baggage Fees: By sharing luggage with others’s luggage space, you can significantly cut down on the hefty excess baggage charges imposed by other shipping companies.
- Travel Lighter: Lifti encourages you to carry all essentials, knowing you can share the burden with other travellers.
- Enhanced Security and Transparency: Lifti utilizes blockchain technology to ensure secure and transparent transactions between users. All transactions are recorded on the blockchain, providing complete visibility and traceability for both parties involved.
Lifti’s Cost-Effectiveness
Lifti offers a significantly more affordable alternative to traditional excess baggage fees. For example, while the average cost of 25kg excess baggage from the UAE to South Asia can be around $15 per kg, Lifti allows you to bid for the same weight in the range of $200-$212, potentially saving you a substantial amount.
How Does It Work?
Download App:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does extra baggage cost per kg in UAE?
The cost of extra baggage per kg in the UAE varies depending on the airline and the route. It typically ranges from USD 6 to USD 40 per kilogram.
Can I pay for extra baggage at the airport?
Yes, you can usually pay for extra baggage at the airport, but it may come with higher fees compared to pre-purchasing additional baggage allowance online.
What if my luggage is heavier than 23kg?
If your luggage is heavier than 23kg, you will be charged excess baggage fees. The amount you will be charged depends on the airline and the route. It is recommended to check with your airline in advance to avoid surprises at the airport.
How do airlines calculate baggage weight?
Airlines typically calculate baggage weight using a scale at the check-in counter. The weight is displayed in kilograms.
What are the two types of baggage allowance?
The two types of baggage allowance are:
- Carry-on baggage: This is the luggage you can bring on board the aircraft with you. The size and weight restrictions for carry-on baggage vary depending on the airline.
- Checked baggage: This is the luggage that is checked in at the airport and transported in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The size and weight restrictions for checked baggage also vary depending on the airline.
Conclusion
Understanding Dubai Airport excess baggage fees and implementing the strategies outlined in this guide can significantly reduce the stress and financial burden associated with excess luggage. By packing efficiently, pre-purchasing additional baggage allowance when possible, and considering innovative solutions like the Lifti app, you can ensure a smooth and cost-effective travel experience through Dubai Airport.
