Gulf Air’s baggage policy based on ticket fare, travel class, destination, and Falconflyer membership status. Below is a comprehensive overview based on the latest available information:
Checked Baggage Allowance
Economy Class:
- For flights to/from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, or the Philippines, the allowance remains 40 kg.
- Dimensions: Maximum 95 cm (L) x 75 cm (W) x 45 cm (H) or total linear dimensions of 158 cm (62 inches).
Falcon Gold (Business Class):
- Standard allowance: 40 kg.
- Piece concept (e.g., codeshare with American Airlines to/from USA/Canada): 2 bags, up to 32 kg each, with total linear dimensions not exceeding 158 cm per piece.
Infants (under 2 years):
- 10 kg checked baggage, plus a collapsible stroller and car seat.
- Cabin baggage: 1 piece, up to 3 kg, max dimensions 44 x 35 x 20 cm.
Children (2 years and above):
- Same allowance as adults, plus a collapsible stroller and car seat.
Students:
- Requirements: Valid student ID, student visa, or university acceptance letter must be presented at check-in.
- This applies only on Gulf Air-operated flights and not to other destinations in the network.
Falconflyer Members:
- Additional baggage based on membership tier (e.g., Silver: +15 kg, Gold: +20 kg).
- Specific allowances may vary; check the Gulf Air website for details.
Special Items:
- Zamzam Water: Up to 5 kg/liter allowed on select departures (e.g., Jeddah, Medina), securely wrapped. Not permitted at some airports.
- Sporting Equipment: Accepted within free allowance if within 158 cm total dimensions. Oversized items (e.g., surfboards, bicycles) may incur fees.
- Televisions: Up to 50 inches allowed, subject to fees if exceeding allowance.�neys for oversized items.
- Pets: Dogs, cats, and household birds (birds on domestic Bahrain flights only) can be carried in the cabin for $125 one-way (most destinations) or $200 (outside Bahrain). The carrier counts as one piece of carry-on luggage and must fit under the seat.
- Bicycles: Must be in a protective case, pedals detached, handlebars aligned, tires deflated.
- CPAP/POC Devices: Require medical clearance 48 hours prior to flight.
Restrictions:
- No single bag can exceed 32 kg (70 lbs) per IATA regulations.
- Cartons are not accepted as checked baggage to/from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, or Pakistan.
- Irregularly shaped items (e.g., fabric-wrapped, ball-shaped, or bags with loose straps) are prohibited.
Carry-On Baggage Allowance
Economy Class:
- 1 bag, up to 6 kg, max dimensions 45 x 40 x 30 cm (17 x 15 x 12 inches).
- 1 personal item (e.g., laptop, purse, umbrella, book).
Falcon Gold (Business Class):
- 1 bag, up to 9 kg, max dimensions 55 x 40 x 30 cm (22 x 15 x 12 inches), or 1 garment carrier (max width 20 cm).
- 1 briefcase (max 45 x 40 x 30 cm).
Infants:
- 1 piece, up to 3 kg, max dimensions 44 x 35 x 20 cm.
General Rules:
- Carry-on must fit in overhead bins or under the seat.
- Liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a zip-top plastic bag, are allowed.
- Smart bags are permitted if the battery is removable and the bag is powered off. Non-removable battery smart bags are prohibited.
- Prohibited items include disabling devices (e.g., mace, pepper spray), electroshock weapons, fireworks, petrol-operated tools, and firearms.
Excess Baggage Fees
Prepaid Excess Baggage:
- Available up to 25 hours before departure via gulfair.com, mobile app, Gulf Air offices, or contact center.
- Offers up to 30% discount compared to airport rates.
- Sold in multiples of 5 kg, valid for one year, non-transferable, and changeable up to 24 hours before departure.
- Falconflyer members can redeem miles for excess baggage (23 kg for Economy, 32 kg for Falcon Gold).
Airport Rates:
- Overweight bags (50–70 lbs/23–32 kg): $50 per piece.
- Extra bags: $85–$165 per bag, depending on route and fare.
- Oversized bags (exceeding 62 inches/158 cm): Additional fees apply.
- Bags over 99 lbs (45 kg) are not accepted.
Codeshare Flights:
- If Gulf Air operates the first segment, its baggage policy applies. If another carrier operates the first segment, their policy applies.
- For codeshare with American Airlines to/from USA/Canada, a piece concept applies (see Falcon Gold/Economy allowances above).
Baggage Handling and Liability
Damage/Loss:
- Report physical damage immediately upon collection or within 7 days in writing. Failure to report within 7 days may result in Gulf Air denying responsibility.
- Gulf Air is not liable for scratches, minor cuts, dents, or protruding items (e.g., wheels, straps).
- Liability for loss, delay, or damage is limited to 1,288 Special Drawing Rights per passenger unless a higher value is declared at check-in (additional fees apply).
Delayed/Missing Baggage:
- Submit a missing baggage form at the nearest Gulf Air office. Track status online.
Inspections:
- Passengers must allow customs/government inspections and security checks. Gulf Air is not liable for losses/damages during such inspections.
Recommendations
- Always check your ticket for specific baggage allowances, especially for codeshare flights or complex itineraries.
- Use Gulf Air’s baggage calculator for precise details.
- Pre-purchase excess baggage online to save costs.
- Ensure student IDs or visas are ready at check-in to avail student allowances.
- Review prohibited items and packing guidelines on Gulf Air’s website to avoid issues.
