✓ Policy web-verified 2026-05-31
Air Arabia is a low-cost carrier, so its base fare is built around cabin baggage only — there is no free checked bag. You get a 7 kg cabin bag plus a 3 kg personal item (10 kg total), and any hold luggage is bought separately as a 20, 30 or 40 kg allowance. Prepaying online is dramatically cheaper than paying at the airport, so the key to flying Air Arabia affordably is adding any checked bag before you reach check-in.
The figures below reflect Air Arabia’s current published policy (verified May 2026). Fees vary significantly by route and currency, and the only allowance you can buy at the airport itself is 20 kg — so prepay online if you need more.
Quick facts
| Personal item | 25 × 33 × 20 cm, up to 3 kg — included free |
| Cabin bag | 55 × 40 × 20 cm, up to 7 kg — included free |
| Total cabin allowance | 10 kg (7 kg bag + 3 kg personal item) |
| Checked bag (base fare) | Not included — buy 20/30/40 kg separately |
| Prepaid 20 kg fee | From ~AED 15 / passenger / one way (varies by route) |
| Per-piece weight limit | 32 kg max per checked piece |
| Max checked dimensions | 160 cm total (L + W + H) |
| Gate excess fee | From AED 100 per piece |
Cabin bag & personal item
| Item | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Personal / under-seat item | 25 × 33 × 20 cm. One personal item up to 3 kg (handbag, laptop bag or small backpack) included free in every fare, in addition to the cabin bag. Infants get one extra small bag up to 3 kg for baby essentials. |
| Cabin / carry-on bag | 55 × 40 × 20 cm · 7 kg Included free (combined cabin + personal item must not exceed 10 kg) |
Checked baggage & fees
| Checked allowance | Not included in base fare — buy 20, 30 or 40 kg when booking or later |
| Weight limit | 32 kg maximum per individual piece; 160 cm total dimensions (L + W + H) |
| Typical fee | Prepaid online from ~AED 15 per passenger one way for 20 kg; rises sharply at the airport (only 20 kg sellable at airport). Fees vary by route and currency. |
What each fare includes
| Fare | Personal | Cabin | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base fare (cabin only) | 3 kg (25 × 33 × 20 cm) | 7 kg (55 × 40 × 20 cm) | None — add separately |
| With prepaid checked baggage | 3 kg | 7 kg | 20 / 30 / 40 kg (chosen at booking or modification) |
What you actually get on a cheap fare
What you actually get on a cheap Air Arabia fare: the headline deal price is a cabin-only fare. You travel free with a 7 kg cabin bag (55 × 35 × 20 cm) plus a 3 kg under-seat personal item — but no hold luggage.
⚠️ If you need to check a bag, budget for it on top of the fare and add it online before check-in: prepaid 20 kg starts around AED 15 and can cost a fraction of the airport price. For a weekend trip the 10 kg cabin allowance is often enough; for anything longer, factor the checked-bag fee into your true ticket cost before comparing Air Arabia against a full-service carrier whose price may already include a bag.
Oversize, sports & special items
Excess and oversize: bags over the prepaid allowance, over 32 kg per piece, or over 160 cm total dimensions are charged at excess baggage rates. A gate fee from AED 100 per piece applies to cabin bags exceeding the cabin limit.
Sports and special items: oversized or special items (sports equipment, musical instruments) are accepted as checked baggage within the 32 kg / 160 cm limits, otherwise excess/oversize charges apply — confirm specifics for your route on Air Arabia’s site, as handling varies.
Note: Air Arabia operates several hubs (Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Casablanca/Air Arabia Maroc, Egypt). Fees and currency differ by departure point.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Air Arabia include a free checked bag?
No. Air Arabia's base fare includes only cabin baggage (7 kg bag + 3 kg personal item = 10 kg total). A checked/hold bag must be purchased separately as a 20, 30 or 40 kg allowance.
What is Air Arabia's cabin baggage size and weight?
One cabin bag up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm and 7 kg, plus one personal item up to 25 × 33 × 20 cm and 3 kg. The combined cabin allowance, including duty-free, must stay within 10 kg.
How much does an Air Arabia checked bag cost?
Prepaid online, a 20 kg checked bag starts from around AED 15 per passenger per one way, though the fee varies by route and currency. Buying at the airport is far more expensive — Air Arabia says prepaying can save up to 90% — and only 20 kg is sellable at the airport.
What is the maximum weight per checked bag on Air Arabia?
Each individual checked piece can weigh up to 32 kg, with total dimensions not exceeding 160 cm (length + width + height). Heavier or larger items are subject to excess baggage rates.
Can I add a checked bag after booking?
Yes. You can add or increase your prepaid checked baggage allowance when modifying your booking, up to 12 hours before departure, at the cheaper online rate.
What happens if my cabin bag is overweight at the gate?
If your bag still exceeds the limit at the boarding gate, a fee from AED 100 per piece may apply, so weigh your cabin bag before you fly.
Do Air Arabia baggage fees vary by route?
Yes. Prepaid and excess baggage fees differ by route, fare and the currency of the departure country, so always check the exact price for your specific flight when booking.
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