Are you planning to fly with Malaysia Airlines? Are you not sure about the quantity and weight of luggage allowed? Don't worry. As the flag carrier of Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines' baggage allowance is clearly and carefully regulated. Cabin Zero will help you better understand this necessary information about luggage so that you can feel more secure on the flight. Please take careful notes because each airline will have different regulations, like how the Philippines Airlines has its own regulations. Without further ado, read on and start learning. 

Overview

Malaysia Airlines was established 78 years ago and is the national airline that plays an important role in transporting passengers to and from Malaysia. Like other airlines, Malaysia Airlines also has its own baggage regulations to ensure the safety of passengers during the trip. With that being said, Cabin Zero will help you better understand Malaysia Airlines' baggage allowance with the most accurate information to save you time.

Malaysia Airlines Cabin Luggage

Cabin baggage allowance in Malaysia Airlines clearly explained.

Malaysia Airlines has 3 ticket classes, and each class will have different regulations on carry-on baggage as follows:

*Max weight per piece is 7kg (15lbs).

In addition, passengers can bring one more personal item into the cabin for free, these can be:

• 1 briefcase,

• 1 handbag (male/female),

• 1 notebook or a laptop computer bag

• 1 small camera bag

• 1 duty-free shopping bag

• 1 pair of crutches or a walking stick

• 1 overcoat.

Those who travel with an infant can carry these items without being counted towards the carry-on baggage allowance:

• An infant's amenity bag not more than 5 kg

• Small infant carrycot OR

• Cabin size, fully collapsible, lightweight baby stroller.

Note: 

• If passengers want to bring liquids into the cabin, the amount of liquid must not exceed 100ml and must be contained in a transparent, sealable plastic container. 

• If passengers need to bring medication into the cabin, they must prepare full documents proving their medical condition.

• Choose a 28L backpack or a bigger one if necessary, that meets the regulations of most airlines, including Malaysia Airlines. This way, you can bring your essentials without worrying about exceeding the allowed weight or paying extra fees.

Malaysia Airlines Checked Bag Allowance

Checked baggage rules for Malaysia Airlines. Photo by Jumain on Adobe Stock

The allowed linear dimensions of checked baggage are ≦158cm (62in). If a passenger's baggage exceeds these dimensions, it will be considered freight and transported by MASKargo, the cargo arm of Malaysia Airlines. Do check the ticket class and its weight limits carefully to know the allowed quantity of baggage.

There are two main concepts for checked baggage: weight and piece (no piece concept for domestic flights).

• Weight allowance

• On all flights (except for Malaysia to Japan, Japan to Malaysia, Jeddah, Madinah, and AMAL-operated flights, from Economy to Business suite is 20-50kg (44-110lbs).

• On flights from Malaysia to Japan, and Japan to Malaysia routes (except Jeddah, Madinah, and AMAL-operated flights), from Economy to Business suite is 35-55kg (77-121lbs).

• On all flights on a Government (GOM) warrant is 40kg (88lbs).

• Piece allowance:

• Economy class tickets allow ≦23kg (50lbs)/piece and ≦4 pieces

• Business class tickets allow ≦32kg (70lbs)/piece and ≦4 pieces

(Check your ticket carefully to know the accurate baggage allowance)

Note: Personal medical equipment and infant care equipment are free of charge if the following guidelines are followed:

• Personal medical equipment includes a manual or electric wheelchair, crutches, or other orthopaedic devices.

• Infant care equipment, including strollers, baby seats, car seats, and playpens, must not exceed 115cm (45in) and 10kg (22lbs).

Malaysia Airlines Excess Baggage Fees

According to Malaysia Airlines' baggage allowance regulations, excess fees will be applied if passengers carry baggage that exceeds the permitted weight and size.

These fees will apply depending on the flight and range from $11/kg (€9) for domestic flights within Malaysia (except flights with a government warrant of $5) to $60/kg (€51) for flights from/to the United Kingdom and Europe.

Flights will be divided into 5 zones with different destinations, and fees are calculated based on the length from the point of departure to the final destination in a single itinerary. The longer the distance, the higher the fee will be.

Be sure to pick the right luggage.

Sports Equipment And CPAP

Sports equipment

Sports equipment counts as checked baggage and will be shipped free of charge if it does not exceed the weight and size limits. If your equipment has linear dimensions greater than 204cm (80in), it will be transported as freight by MASKargo. The following equipment must be appropriately packed in protective materials:

• Golfing equipment 

• Windsurfing boards and surfboards 

• Masts and sailboards 

• Canoes 

• Non-motorised bikes 

• Fishing gear 

• Archery supplies 

• Bowling equipment 

• Archery supplies 

• Hunting gear 

• Parachutes 

• Sporting weapons and ammunition 

• Scuba gear  

• Snow- and water skiing gear

CPAP

Passengers wishing to bring a CPAP on board must register at check-in, may only use it during the flight, and must stow it during take-off and landing. The CPAP must be carried as a hand-carry item, and the battery must comply with the Dangerous Goods Regulations.

Booking and Check-in process

Booking

You can book your flight tickets directly on the official website of Malaysia Airlines. The booking interface is quite simple and easy to understand, so you can easily navigate yourself.

The necessary information to book a ticket includes: name, phone number, email, and payment method information (credit/ debit card, FPX, or e-Wallets). After booking a ticket, you will receive an e-ticket via email.

If you use a credit card, you can pay in different currencies.

Note:

• You must book your ticket at least 2 hours before departure.

• If you want to book tickets for 10 or more people, you must book through https://groups.malaysiaairlines.com.

• If you are a Senior Citizen, Armed Forces, or Person with Disabilities (OKU), please bring your documents to the airport to check in for a discount on your ticket.

• You can get a refund within 1 year of booking.

• Bookings can be made up to 365 days prior to departure.

• If you require a wheelchair, please select the Extra Services or Manage Booking section at least 48 hours before your flight.

• Be careful when writing your name; if you write it wrong, you may have to pay to have it corrected.

Check-in process

Check-in can be done online or offline at the counter.

Online check-in:

You need to access the official Malaysia Airlines website or mobile app, then enter your Booking Reference or e-Ticket number and traveller’s last name, and follow the instructions in the next steps.

There are 3 options for receiving the boarding pass:

• Download and Print

• Receive boarding pass via email

• Apple Wallet or Google Wallet

To choose, go to the check-in confirmation page and click/tap Send Boarding Passes.

Offline check-in:

• You will check in at the counter with the help of staff or check in yourself at the kiosk; however, please note that for all flights, you need to check in at least 60 minutes before departure time. 

• For international flights, you need to be there at least 3-4 hours before departure time for baggage drop, 2-3 hours for domestic flights, and 4 hours if you depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

FAQs

1. What is the baggage allowance for Economy Class on Malaysia Airlines?

For cabin baggage, you may bring 1 piece and 1 hand carry item. Piece must not exceed 7kg (15lbs) in weight and L56xW36xH23cm (22x14x9in) in dimensions. Choose a seat bag for your peace of mind.

Checked baggage will be calculated by weight or piece. Depending on the ticket class, the weight and quantity allowed will also be different, but the minimum is 20kg and 2 pieces, and the maximum is 35kg and 4 pieces.

The piece concept is not applicable to domestic flights.

2. Can I carry 2 bags in cabin international flight Malaysia Airlines?

Yes. if you fly business class, you are entitled to two pieces of carry-on plus a personal item, so it could lossely technically be considered 3 cabin bags. As for Economy class, you can still carry one cabin bag and a personal item for the flight.

3. What is the baggage allowance for international flights?

Cabin baggage regulations apply to all flights, both domestic and international. Please refer to the detailed regulations above.

For checked baggage, both piece and weight concepts apply, but must not exceed 32kg/piece and 4 pieces in total.

4. What happens if your bag is over 23kg?

Based on the weight concept: If you fly economy value to destinations other than Japan, Jeddah, Madinah, and AMAL-operated flights, you will have to pay excess fees; otherwise, you will not have to pay anything extra. 

Based on the piece concept: Each piece cannot exceed 23kg for economy class and 35kg for business class. So if you fly economy class, you may have to pay excess fees.

5. If I'm flying with an infant, do I have to pay for a bassinet seat?

Yes, and bassinet seats must be requested at least 48 hours before departure. Passengers are not allowed to bring their own bassinet seats on board. Please call their Global Customer Contact Centre:

• 1 300 88 3000 (calls within Malaysia) or

• +603 7843 3000 (calls outside Malaysia) or

Contact the respective travel agent if you booked through a travel agent.

Fly With Malaysia Airlines

Hopefully, with Cabin Zero's summary of Malaysia Airlines baggage allowance, you will know how to prepare your luggage for your next flight. You should still visit the official website of Malaysia Airlines to update the most accurate and detailed information.

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Duyen Pham