When it comes to traveling, knowing the luggage policy is very crucial. The last thing you want is to deal with unexpected fees (which can be ridiculously high) and delays because you’re carrying prohibited items. We’ve learned from our past mistakes; you don’t have to go through that. That said, as avid travelers, we love how Qatar Airways, an eight-time World’s Best Airline as of 2024, has a generous policy compared to many other airlines. If you’re planning to fly with Qatar, knowing the Qatar Airways luggage policy is important. Below, you’ll find a detailed overview of the luggage regulations, covering everything from checked luggage allowances to the restrictions. This guide will help you pack more efficiently and confidently!
Luggage allowance
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We’ve flown with Qatar Airways a few times before, and our past experiences have never been anything but great. We have to say that Qatar offers a pretty generous luggage weight, depending on your booking class and destination. Even the Qatar Airways baggage allowance to USA is up to 23kg/50lbs for the cheapest seat. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Carry-on Luggage
| Economy Class | First Class & Business Class | |
| Luggage allowance | 1 luggage max. 7kg/15kg for free | 2 luggage max. 15kg/33lbs in total for free |
Additionally, there’s no size limit for your personal item. However, you should note that the only items permitted are small bags like a handbag or a small briefcase. For the carry-on, it shouldn’t exceed the size of 20x15x10 inches or 50x37x25 cm.
Checked Luggage
- To/from all destinations
| Economy Lite | Economy Classic | Economy Convenience | Economy Comfort | Business Class | First Class | |
| Luggage allowance | 20kg/44lbs | 25kg/55lbs | 30kg/66lbs | 35kg/77lbs | 40kg/88lbs | 50kg/110lbs |
- To/from Africa or the Americas
| Economy Lite | Economy Classic, Convenience, & Comfort | Business & First Class | |
| Luggage allowance | 1 piece, max. 23kg/50lbs | 2 pieces, max. 23kg/50lbs | 2 pieces, max. 32kg/70lbs each |
By the way, did you know that Qatar’s business class is seen as the best in the world? Check out our experience of flying a business-class flight with Qatar Airways!
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Additional luggage
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Qatar Airways allows passengers to purchase additional baggage allowance beyond their standard allotment. This is especially useful whenever we have to travel with larger or heavier items. It’s also a great offer for those who simply need more space for their belongings.
Furthermore, you can do more to save your money aside from hunting for Qatar Airways’ cheap tickets. You can save up to 20% by purchasing an additional luggage allowance online up to 6 hours before your departure. We find this offer to be a great deal, as it gives you a significant cost advantage compared to purchasing at the airport. If you need to add extra baggage at the airport, you can do so at the Qatar Airways offices or check-in counters. However, standard rates will apply, which may be higher than the pre-purchase prices.
That said, the Qatar Airways extra baggage price for international flights is charged per kg (2.2 lbs), ensuring a fair and transparent pricing structure. For more detailed information, you can check the table below.
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Special items
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In addition to the luggage weight for Qatar Airways above, the airline also has some specific guidelines if you want to transport special luggage items to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. These special items are split into a few categories:
Sporting equipment
- Your sporting equipment is categorized as checked luggage and part of your luggage allowance.
- Small and medium sporting equipment shouldn’t exceed 217cm (length + width + height). Meanwhile, larger pieces shouldn’t exceed 300cm.
- The rates are applied according to your travel origin and destination.
- The booking must be made up to 6 hours before your departure.
Musical instruments
- Fragile musical instruments can be carried in the cabin. However, they require a ticket for the seat they occupy.
- The maximum weight for the musical instruments is 75kg per seat, and the maximum length is 120cm.
- Each passenger can book a maximum of 3 extra seats (excluding their seat).
Wheelchairs
- Qatar Airways will transport your wheelchair for free.
- If you bring your wheelchair, please notify the airline when you book your seat or after.
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Restricted items
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Qatar Airways has specific restrictions on items that can be carried in both checked and carry-on baggage. These restrictions are in place for safety and security reasons.
- Weapons: Firearms, replicas, and parts thereof; stun guns, tasers, and other incapacitating devices; knives, scissors, and other sharp objects; and martial arts weapons.
- Dangerous goods: Explosives, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizing agents, toxic substances, corrosive substances, radioactive materials, and infectious substances.
- Pressurized containers: Aerosols, lighters, and butane canisters.
- Liquids, gels, and pastes: Liquids in containers larger than 100 ml (3.4 oz) must be placed in a sealed, 1-liter (33.8 oz) bag.
- Batteries: Spare lithium batteries with a watt-hour rating exceeding 100 Wh up to 160 Wh require prior approval. Batteries exceeding 160 Wh are prohibited.
- Drones: Drones with batteries exceeding 160 Wh are prohibited. Meanwhile, drones with batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh will require prior approval.
For the full list of restricted items, click here.
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Mishandled luggage
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While Qatar Airways generally has a good reputation for handling luggage, mishandled luggage incidents can occur. While we never experience this, it’s important to know what to do and understand the Qatar Airways luggage policy fully.
If your luggage is delayed, Qatar Airways will attempt to locate it as soon as possible. Normally, this process will not take more than 24 hours, and your luggage will be delivered to your destination.
However, if you need to make a report for mishandled luggage, you should do it at the arrival airport. Go to the Qatar Airways baggage services counter to get your file reference number. Then, use the number to view the status update of your luggage. This process is easy thanks to the airline’s automated tracking system. In addition, you can also submit the report online if you’ve already left the airport.
Also, to travel with peace of mind, consider purchasing Qatar Airways’ travel insurance.
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Pet Policy
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One of the things that makes us a huge fan of Qatar Airways is its pet policy. The airline generally accepts domesticated dogs, cats, and birds as checked baggage. As dog owners, we never have to worry as Qatar’s guidelines adhere to the current regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Qatar Airways welcomes service dogs on all flights. They can travel free of charge in the passenger cabin on certain routes or as checked baggage in the hold on others. Please check with Qatar Airways to confirm any country-specific regulations regarding service dogs in the cabin.
Based on our experience, we had to notify the airline about traveling with our dog at least 48 hours before our flight. We also had to prepare all the necessary documents, including our dog’s health certificate and identification. What about the pet container? For the safety and comfort of our pet, we made sure that our container was big enough for our dog to stand up, sit down, and turn around comfortably. We also chose a container that had sufficient openings for ventilation to prevent overheating.
Also, if you’ve never flown with Qatar before, you should read our Travel 101: Qatar Airways Airline Booking Online!
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How to Pack Efficiently According to Qatar Airways’ Luggage Policy?
Before you embark on your journey, it’s important to familiarize yourself with Qatar Airways’ luggage regulations above. Below are some tips to help you pack more efficiently.
Check your ticket
The easiest way to check your luggage allowance is by checking your e-ticket. It’s normally shown there, so you can decide how much to pack. You’ll want to make a list of essentials and pack accordingly.
Weigh your bags
Unless you’re okay with paying more for additional luggage, you should always weigh your bags. Use a proper luggage scale to ensure you’re within weight limits. A little advice from us: choose lightweight, versatile clothing and minimize unnecessary items.
3-1-1 rule
Always remember the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in your carry-on. Containers must be 3.4oz/100ml or smaller, fit in a 1-quart-sized bag, and be limited to one bag per passenger.
While we’re at it, have you read these top Qatar Airways US destinations?
Can you check in 2 bags with Qatar?
Yes, you can typically check in 2 bags with Qatar Airways. However, the exact baggage allowance varies depending on your ticket class, destination, and other factors.
How much baggage is allowed on Qatar Airways?
Qatar Airways offers different baggage allowances based on your cabin class and destination. Economy class passengers typically have a checked baggage allowance of 44-77 lbs, while business and first-class passengers have higher allowances.
Can I bring a backpack and a carry-on in Qatar?
Yes, you can. However, to do this, you should either book a First Class or Business Class flight.
Some images in this article are copyrighted by Qatar Airways.
