Flying Air Arabia from Bangladesh? Understanding their baggage policy before you pack can save you ৳1,500 or more — and prevent stressful surprises at the airport.
This guide explains everything: what’s free, what costs extra, exact prices in BDT, Bangladesh-specific rules, and how to avoid the most common (and costly) mistakes we see travelers make.
Written by: Munem Tajwar Zaif, Travel Expert at goFLY Limited
Reviewed by: Mahabub Alam Razu, Founder (12+ years, 10,000+ customers served)
Last Updated: December 2025 | Based on handling 30+ Air Arabia passengers monthly
The Most Important Thing to Know
Air Arabia is a low-cost carrier. Checked baggage is NOT included in your ticket price.
This surprises many Bangladeshi travelers who are used to airlines like Biman or Emirates where baggage is included. With Air Arabia:
| What’s FREE | What You MUST PAY FOR |
|---|---|
| ✅ Cabin bag (10 kg) | ❌ Any checked/hold luggage |
| ✅ Small personal item | ❌ Extra cabin bag weight |
| ❌ Oversized cabin bags |
If you show up at the airport without pre-purchased baggage, you’ll pay 50-100% more than online prices.
Quick Reference: Air Arabia Baggage at a Glance
| Baggage Type | Allowance | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin Bag | 10 kg, 55×40×20 cm | ✅ FREE |
| Personal Item | Laptop bag, purse | ✅ FREE |
| Checked 20 kg | 1+ bags totaling 20 kg | ৳1,500 – ৳2,000 online |
| Checked 30 kg | 1+ bags totaling 30 kg | ৳2,500 – ৳3,500 online |
| Checked 40 kg | 1+ bags totaling 40 kg | ৳4,000 – ৳5,500 online |
⚠️ Bangladesh Rule: Carton boxes NOT accepted on flights departing Bangladesh (since August 2023).
📞 Need help adding baggage? WhatsApp 01713-289178
Cabin Baggage (Hand Luggage) — FREE
Every Air Arabia passenger can carry cabin baggage at no extra cost. Here are the exact rules:
What You Can Bring Free
| Item | Specifications | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Main Cabin Bag | 1 piece, maximum 10 kg | Must fit overhead bin |
| Dimensions | 55 × 40 × 20 cm | Including handles and wheels |
| Personal Item | 1 small bag | Laptop bag, handbag, briefcase |
| Personal Item Size | Must fit under seat | No specific dimensions, but small |
What Counts as Personal Item?
These items can be carried IN ADDITION to your 10 kg cabin bag:
- ✅ Laptop bag or sleeve
- ✅ Small handbag or purse
- ✅ Small backpack (must fit under seat)
- ✅ Camera bag
- ✅ Duty-free shopping bag
Infant Cabin Baggage
Traveling with an infant (under 2 years)?
| Item | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Infant cabin bag | 1 bag, same as adult (10 kg, 55×40×20 cm) |
| Collapsible stroller | Allowed (gate-checked free) |
| Car seat | Allowed if infant has own seat |
⚠️ Strict Enforcement Warning
Air Arabia enforces cabin baggage rules strictly. At the gate:
- Weight check: Bags over 10 kg will be checked
- Size check: Oversized bags will be checked
- Cost: Gate-checked bags cost MUCH more than pre-purchased baggage
What happens if your cabin bag is overweight/oversized:
| Where Caught | Consequence | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Check-in counter | Moved to checked baggage | Airport baggage rates (high) |
| Boarding gate | Forced gate-check | Highest rates + inconvenience |
Pro Tip: Weigh your cabin bag at home. If it’s over 8 kg, consider purchasing checked baggage online — it’s cheaper than being caught at the gate.
Checked Baggage (Hold Luggage) — Must Purchase
Air Arabia does NOT include checked baggage in the ticket price. You must purchase it separately.
Checked Baggage Options & Prices
Prices for Dhaka routes, December 2025. May vary by destination and season.
| Weight | Online Price | Airport Price | You Save Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 kg | ৳1,500 – ৳2,000 | ৳3,000+ | ৳1,000 – ৳1,500 |
| 30 kg | ৳2,500 – ৳3,500 | ৳5,000+ | ৳1,500 – ৳2,000 |
| 40 kg | ৳4,000 – ৳5,500 | ৳7,000+ | ৳2,000 – ৳2,500 |
Key Rules for Checked Baggage
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum per bag | 32 kg (aviation safety requirement) |
| Total dimensions | L + W + H must not exceed 160 cm |
| Multiple bags | Allowed within purchased weight |
| Fragile items | Limited liability — pack carefully |
How Weight Allowance Works
Your purchased weight is total allowance, not per-bag:
Example 1: You buy 30 kg allowance
- ✅ 1 bag of 28 kg — OK
- ✅ 2 bags of 15 kg each — OK
- ❌ 1 bag of 35 kg — NOT OK (exceeds 32 kg per-bag limit)
Example 2: You buy 40 kg allowance
- ✅ 1 bag of 25 kg + 1 bag of 15 kg — OK
- ✅ 2 bags of 20 kg each — OK
- ❌ 1 bag of 40 kg — NOT OK (exceeds 32 kg per-bag limit)
What If You Exceed Purchased Weight?
If your bags weigh more than your purchased allowance at check-in:
| Excess Weight | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1-5 kg over | Pay per-kg excess fee (expensive) |
| 5+ kg over | Pay excess fee OR upgrade allowance (if available) |
| Significantly over | May be denied boarding |
Excess baggage fees are very high — often ৳500-1,000 per kg. Always weigh bags at home and purchase adequate allowance in advance.
🚨 Bangladesh-Specific Rule: No Carton Boxes
Effective August 2023: Air Arabia does NOT accept carton boxes on flights departing from Bangladesh.
What’s NOT Allowed
- ❌ Cardboard boxes of any size
- ❌ Carton packaging used as luggage
- ❌ Boxes wrapped in plastic/tape
What IS Allowed
- ✅ Hard-shell suitcases
- ✅ Soft-sided luggage bags
- ✅ Duffel bags
- ✅ Proper travel bags
Why This Rule Exists
- Cartons damage easily during handling
- Contents often shift and break
- Causes delays during loading
- Security screening issues
If You Usually Travel with Boxes
Many Bangladeshi travelers traditionally pack items in carton boxes when traveling to UAE or Middle East. For Air Arabia flights, you must use proper luggage.
Alternatives:
- Buy affordable luggage bags (available at New Market, Gulshan markets)
- Use large duffel bags
- Ship items separately via cargo
When to Buy Baggage: Price Comparison
The timing of your baggage purchase significantly affects the price:
Price by Purchase Timing (20 kg Example)
| When You Buy | Approximate Price | vs. Best Price |
|---|---|---|
| During flight booking | ৳1,500 | ✅ Cheapest |
| After booking (online) | ৳1,800 | +৳300 |
| At airport counter | ৳3,000+ | +৳1,500 |
| At boarding gate | ৳3,500+ | +৳2,000 |
Best Practice: Add Baggage When You Book
When booking your Air Arabia ticket:
- Select your flight
- Before payment — add baggage allowance
- Choose 20/30/40 kg based on your needs
- Complete booking with baggage included
This locks in the lowest baggage price.
Already Booked Without Baggage?
No problem — you can still add baggage online before your flight:
Option 1: Air Arabia Website
- Go to Manage Booking
- Enter booking reference (PNR) and last name
- Select “Add Baggage”
- Choose weight and pay
Option 2: Get Help from goFLY
If the English website is confusing, we can add baggage to your booking:
- 📞 Call: 01713-289171
- 💬 WhatsApp: 01713-289178
“Baggage add korte airport e gele onek charge. goFLY diye online add kore almost half save korlam.”
— Imran S., Sylhet ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
How Much Baggage Do You Need?
Use this guide to estimate your needs:
Baggage Calculator
| Traveler Type | Typical Need | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend trip | Cabin bag only | 10 kg cabin (free) |
| 1-week vacation | 12-18 kg | 20 kg checked |
| 2-week trip | 18-25 kg | 30 kg checked |
| Extended stay | 25-35 kg | 40 kg checked |
| Moving/relocating | 35+ kg | 40 kg + extra bags |
| Shopping trip (UAE) | Depends on return | 30-40 kg (for return) |
Common Scenarios for Bangladeshi Travelers
| Scenario | Outbound | Return | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work trip to UAE | Light (work clothes) | Same | 20 kg round-trip |
| Family visit to Sharjah | Gifts for family | Return gifts | 30 kg round-trip |
| Shopping trip to Dubai | Light | Heavy (shopping) | 20 kg out, 40 kg return |
| Student going abroad | Heavy (belongings) | Light | 40 kg out, 20 kg return |
Pro Tip: You can purchase different baggage weights for outbound vs. return flights.
Special Items: What’s Allowed?
Sports Equipment
| Item | Allowed? | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Golf clubs | ✅ Yes | Counts toward checked weight |
| Skis/snowboard | ✅ Yes | Counts toward checked weight |
| Bicycles | ✅ Yes | Special handling fee may apply |
| Surfboards | ✅ Yes | Oversized fee may apply |
Note: Sports equipment counts toward your total checked baggage weight. If you have 30 kg allowance and your golf bag weighs 15 kg, you have 15 kg remaining for other luggage.
Musical Instruments
| Instrument Size | Policy |
|---|---|
| Small (violin, flute) | Cabin baggage if fits dimensions |
| Medium (guitar) | Buy extra seat OR check as baggage |
| Large (cello) | Must buy extra seat |
Medical Equipment
| Item | Policy |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair | ✅ Free (mobility aid) |
| Crutches, walkers | ✅ Free (mobility aid) |
| CPAP machine | ✅ Cabin (in addition to allowance) |
| Medical oxygen | Contact airline 48+ hours before |
Restricted Items in Baggage
Never pack in checked baggage:
- ❌ Lithium batteries (laptop, power bank) — cabin only
- ❌ E-cigarettes/vapes — cabin only
- ❌ Valuables (jewelry, cash, electronics)
- ❌ Medication you need during flight
Never pack in cabin baggage:
- ❌ Liquids over 100ml
- ❌ Sharp objects (scissors, knives)
- ❌ Lighters (1 small lighter allowed on person)
Packing Tips to Maximize Your Allowance
Tip 1: Weigh Everything at Home
Buy a luggage scale (৳300-500 at any travel goods store). Weigh:
- Main suitcase when packed
- Cabin bag when packed
- Any additional bags
Leave 1-2 kg buffer — airport scales may differ slightly.
Tip 2: Wear Heavy Items
On travel day, wear your heaviest:
- Jacket/coat
- Boots or heavy shoes
- Heavy sweater
This reduces bag weight without sacrificing items.
Tip 3: Use Packing Cubes
Benefits:
- Organize clothing by category
- Compress clothes to save space
- Easy to repack quickly
Tip 4: Roll, Don’t Fold
Rolling clothes:
- Uses less space than folding
- Reduces wrinkles
- Allows tighter packing
Tip 5: Cabin Bag Strategy
Maximize your FREE cabin bag (10 kg, 55×40×20 cm):
Pack in cabin bag:
- Electronics (laptop, tablet, phone)
- Chargers and cables
- Valuables
- Medication
- One change of clothes (in case checked bag is delayed)
- Entertainment for flight
Pack in checked bag:
- Toiletries (liquids over 100ml)
- Shoes (heavy, space-consuming)
- Bulky clothing
- Gifts
What If Baggage Is Lost or Damaged?
Delayed Baggage
If your bag doesn’t arrive with you:
- Report immediately at Air Arabia baggage counter (before leaving airport)
- Get PIR number (Property Irregularity Report)
- Track online using PIR number at Air Arabia website
- Keep receipts for essential purchases (may be reimbursed)
Most delayed bags arrive within 24-48 hours.
Lost Baggage
If bag isn’t found within 21 days:
- File claim with Air Arabia
- Provide documentation:
- Original PIR
- Boarding pass
- Baggage tag receipt
- List of contents with values
- Compensation based on airline liability limits
Damaged Baggage
If bag is damaged during handling:
- Report immediately at airport (before leaving)
- Document damage with photos
- Get damage report from airline staff
- File claim for repair or replacement
Liability Limits:
Air Arabia’s liability for lost/damaged baggage is limited by international conventions. For valuable items, consider travel insurance.
📖 Related: Travel Insurance Bangladesh
Air Arabia Baggage vs. Other Airlines
How does Air Arabia compare to other airlines from Dhaka?
Checked Baggage Comparison
| Airline | Type | Baggage Included | If You Need 25 kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Arabia | Low-cost | None (buy separately) | ~৳2,500-3,000 extra |
| flydubai | Low-cost | 20 kg (most fares) | Included in fare |
| Emirates | Full-service | 30 kg | Included in fare |
| Etihad | Full-service | 23 kg | Included in fare |
| Qatar Airways | Full-service | 30 kg | Included in fare |
Total Cost Comparison (Including Baggage)
Dhaka to UAE, economy class, with 25 kg checked baggage:
| Airline | Base Fare | Baggage Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Arabia | ৳20,000 | +৳2,500 | ৳22,500 |
| flydubai | ৳35,000 | Included | ৳35,000 |
| Etihad | ৳55,000 | Included | ৳55,000 |
| Emirates | ৳60,000 | Included | ৳60,000 |
When Air Arabia Is Best Value
✅ Traveling light (cabin bag only): Air Arabia unbeatable at ৳20,000
✅ Light packer (20 kg or less): Air Arabia still cheapest at ~৳21,500-22,000
✅ Central Asia/Russia routes: Best prices via Sharjah
When Other Airlines May Be Better
✅ Heavy luggage (30+ kg): Fare gap narrows significantly
✅ Need included meals: Full-service airlines include everything
✅ Premium experience: Emirates/Etihad offer more comfort
📖 Detailed comparison: How to Book Air Arabia at Best Price
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Air Arabia’s free baggage allowance?
Air Arabia is a low-cost carrier — checked baggage is NOT free. You get free cabin baggage: 1 bag up to 10 kg (55×40×20 cm) plus 1 small personal item. Any checked/hold luggage must be purchased separately.
How much does checked baggage cost on Air Arabia?
Online prices: 20 kg costs ৳1,500-2,000, 30 kg costs ৳2,500-3,500, and 40 kg costs ৳4,000-5,500. Airport prices are 50-100% higher. Always pre-purchase online.
Can I add baggage after booking Air Arabia?
Yes. Go to Air Arabia Manage Booking, enter your booking reference and last name, then select “Add Baggage.” Alternatively, contact goFLY for assistance.
Are carton boxes allowed on Air Arabia from Bangladesh?
No. Since August 2023, carton boxes are not accepted on Air Arabia flights departing from Bangladesh. You must use proper luggage (suitcases, duffel bags, etc.).
What happens if my cabin bag is overweight?
If your cabin bag exceeds 10 kg, it will be checked at the gate and you’ll pay baggage fees at airport rates (very expensive). Weigh your cabin bag at home to avoid this.
Can I carry 2 cabin bags on Air Arabia?
No. You can carry 1 cabin bag (10 kg, 55×40×20 cm) plus 1 small personal item (laptop bag, purse). The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.
What’s the maximum weight for a single checked bag?
32 kg per bag — this is an aviation safety rule, not Air Arabia-specific. If you have 40 kg allowance, you can have multiple bags but none can exceed 32 kg individually.
Is baggage allowance different for infants?
Infants (under 2 years) without their own seat get: 1 cabin bag (10 kg), and typically 10 kg checked baggage (included). A collapsible stroller is also allowed.
How do I track delayed baggage?
Report missing baggage at Air Arabia’s counter before leaving the airport. Get a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) number. Track at Air Arabia’s website or contact their customer service.
Should I buy travel insurance for my baggage?
If you’re carrying valuable items, yes. Air Arabia’s liability for lost/damaged baggage is limited by international conventions. Travel insurance provides better coverage. See Travel Insurance Bangladesh.
Step-by-Step: Adding Baggage to Your Booking
Already Booked? Here’s How to Add Baggage Online:
Step 1: Visit airarabia.com/en/manage-booking
Step 2: Enter your details
- Booking reference (PNR) — 6-character code from your e-ticket
- Last name — as shown on booking
Step 3: Click “Retrieve Booking”
Step 4: Select “Add Baggage” or “Modify Booking”
Step 5: Choose baggage weight
- 20 kg, 30 kg, or 40 kg
- Can choose different weights for outbound/return
Step 6: Complete payment
- Credit/debit card required
- Note: Some BD cards may have issues
Step 7: Receive updated e-ticket via email
- Verify baggage is shown on new e-ticket
- Save/print for airport
Need Help? Contact goFLY
If the English website is difficult or your card doesn’t work:
| Method | Contact |
|---|---|
| 📞 Call | 01713-289171 |
| 01713-289178 | |
| hello@goflybd.com |
We regularly add baggage for customers — it’s a quick process.
Baggage Checklist: Before Your Flight
1 Week Before Travel
- Check your e-ticket — is baggage purchased?
- If not, add baggage online now (cheapest option)
- Start packing, weigh as you go
2-3 Days Before Travel
- Final packing
- Weigh all bags
- Cabin bag: Under 10 kg and 55×40×20 cm?
- Checked bags: Under purchased weight? Under 32 kg each?
- Remove prohibited items (batteries in cabin, liquids in checked)
Day of Travel
- Final weight check
- Attach luggage tags with contact info
- Keep valuables and essentials in cabin bag
- Arrive 3+ hours early for international flights
At the Airport
- Go to Air Arabia check-in counter
- Bags weighed and tagged
- Get boarding pass
- Keep baggage tag receipt (needed if bag is lost)
Summary: Air Arabia Baggage Essentials
What’s FREE
| Item | Limit |
|---|---|
| Cabin bag | 1 piece, 10 kg, 55×40×20 cm |
| Personal item | 1 small bag (under seat) |
What Costs Extra
| Weight | Online Price | Airport Price |
|---|---|---|
| 20 kg | ৳1,500 – ৳2,000 | ৳3,000+ |
| 30 kg | ৳2,500 – ৳3,500 | ৳5,000+ |
| 40 kg | ৳4,000 – ৳5,500 | ৳7,000+ |
Critical Rules
- ⚠️ Maximum 32 kg per single bag
- ⚠️ No carton boxes from Bangladesh
- ⚠️ Pre-book online to save 50%
Need Help with Air Arabia Baggage?
goFLY Support
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| Add baggage to existing booking | WhatsApp 01713-289178 |
| Baggage questions | Call 01713-289171 |
| New booking with baggage | 01713-289177 |
| hello@goflybd.com |
Our Credentials
- ✅ IATA Certified: 42337956
- ✅ 10,000+ customers since 2017
- ✅ 30+ Air Arabia passengers monthly
- ✅ ⭐ 4.8 Google rating (431+ reviews)
Related Guides
Air Arabia Guides:
- Air Arabia Dhaka Office — Address, contact number, routes, fares
- How to Book Air Arabia at Best Price — Booking strategies, fare tips
- Air Arabia Flight Date Change — How to change tickets
Compare Other Airlines:
- Emirates Dhaka Office — 30 kg baggage included
- Qatar Airways Dhaka Office — 30 kg baggage included
- Etihad Airways Dhaka Office — 23 kg baggage included
- flydubai Dhaka Office — 20 kg baggage (most fares)
Travel Resources:
Official Resources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Air Arabia Baggage Info | airarabia.com/en/baggage-information |
| Manage Booking / Add Baggage | airarabia.com/en/manage-booking |
| Air Arabia Contact | airarabia.com/en/contact-us |
Written by Munem Tajwar Zaif | Reviewed by Mahabub Alam Razu | goFLY Limited (IATA: 42337956)
This guide is based on Air Arabia’s published baggage policy and our experience handling 30+ passengers monthly. Policies and prices subject to change. Last verified December 2025.
