Emirates has updated its checked baggage allowances for some economy fares, introducing lower weight limits and reducing the number of pieces permitted for its most restrictive ticket types.
Effective Feb. 4, passengers who purchase the airline’s lowest-priced Special fares will see the allowable weight for checked bags reduced from 44 pounds (20 kg) to 33 pounds (15 kg). Saver fares also face a reduction: the per-bag limit falls from 66 pounds (30 kg) to 55 pounds (25 kg).
The change affects the permitted number of checked items as well. Travelers on Special and Saver fares previously allowed two pieces (each up to 50 pounds/23 kg on some fare rules) are now generally limited to a single checked bag. In contrast, Economy Flex and Flex Plus fares continue to allow two checked pieces, each up to 50 pounds (23 kg) where applicable, while business and first class retain the more generous allowance of two pieces up to 70 pounds (32 kg) per piece on the routes covered by these rules.
These adjusted limits apply to most routes worldwide, with exceptions for travel to and from the Americas and for itineraries originating in Africa, where the previous baggage rules remain in force.
Notably, the weight allowances for Economy Flex and Flex Plus fares remain unchanged at their existing levels (66 pounds/30 kg and 77 pounds/35 kg respectively), and business- and first-class checked baggage allowances stay at 88 pounds (40 kg) and 110 pounds (50 kg) respectively on applicable routes.
Members of the Emirates Skywards loyalty program who hold elite tier status continue to receive their additional checked baggage entitlements; these elite allowances are not affected by the new restrictions.