Malaysia Airlines’ baggage policy varies by cabin class, fare type, route, and Enrich membership status. Below is a detailed summary based on the latest available information as of May 2025. Always check the official Malaysia Airlines website (www.malaysiaairlines.com) or contact their customer service for the most current policy, as rules may change.
Checked Baggage Allowance
- Size Restrictions: Each checked bag must not exceed 158 cm (length + width + height, including handles and wheels).
- Weight Restrictions: No single bag may exceed 32 kg, including sporting or musical equipment. Heavier items must be shipped via cargo.
- Number of Bags: No limit on pieces as long as the total weight is within the allowance, except where piece-based limits apply (e.g., two bags for certain international routes).
Carry-On Baggage Allowance
- Size Restrictions: Each piece must not exceed 115 cm (length + width + height, e.g., 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm) to fit in overhead bins or under the seat.
- Additional Personal Items: Within the weight limit, passengers may carry one of the following (no size limit specified, but must be reasonable):
- Camera bag, laptop bag, handbag, or briefcase.
- Overcoat, crutches, walking stick, or duty-free shopping bag.
- Reading material, pillow, or blanket.
- Strict Enforcement: Malaysia Airlines is known for strictly enforcing carry-on weight limits, often weighing bags at check-in. Avoid drawing attention to overweight carry-ons, as staff may charge for excess.
Excess Baggage Fees
- Pre-Purchase Discount: Save 20% by pre-purchasing excess baggage online, via the Malaysia Airlines app, or through the call center up to 24 hours before departure. Not available for codeshare or interline flights.
- Single Extra Bag: Passengers can purchase one additional bag up to 30 kg, subject to the same 158 cm dimension limit.
Special Items and Sporting Equipment
- Musical Instruments: Accepted as checked baggage; oversized items may incur extra charges.
- Strollers and Infant Items: Collapsible strollers can be checked at the counter or aircraft door.
- Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC): Allowed onboard with approval from Malaysia Airlines’ Medical Service and Engineering departments.
- Prohibited Items: Firearms, dangerous goods, and certain batteries are restricted. Check Malaysia Airlines’ restricted items list for specifics (e.g., some batteries must be in carry-on, others are banned).
Additional Notes
- Prepaid Baggage: Available only for Malaysia Airlines-operated flights. Purchase during booking or via “Manage My Booking” for discounts.
- Lost or Damaged Baggage: Report immediately at the airport or via the Baggage Self-Service Reporting portal. A Property Irregularity Report (PIR) will be issued with a reference number to track status. Limited liability applies for bags with previous damage or Limited Release Tags.
- Valuable Items: Declare high-value items at check-in for an additional fee to exceed standard liability limits.
- Route Variations: Baggage allowances differ by route (e.g., domestic vs. international, or specific destinations like the UK). Always confirm your allowance when booking.
- Economy Lite Restrictions: Since April 2019, Economy Lite fares on domestic flights exclude free checked baggage, though 7 kg carry-on is allowed. International Economy Lite fares may also have reduced or no free checked allowance.
- Check-In Options: Online check-in is available 48 hours before departure via the website, app, or self-service kiosks. Baggage drop-off deadlines vary by airport, typically 45–60 minutes before departure.
Recommendations
- Check Your Fare Type: Economy Lite passengers, especially on domestic routes, should confirm if checked baggage is included. Purchase extra baggage in advance to save on fees.
- Weigh Carry-On: Malaysia Airlines strictly enforces the 7 kg carry-on limit for Economy. Use a portable scale to avoid surprises at check-in.
- Pack Smart: Transfer heavier, foldable items to carry-on to stay within checked weight limits, but keep carry-on discreet to avoid weighing.
- Contact Malaysia Airlines: For special items (e.g., drones, oversized equipment), get pre-approval to avoid issues at the airport.
- Monitor Enrich Status: Enrich members can leverage extra allowances, especially Gold and Platinum tiers, for significant savings.
