✓ Policy web-verified 2026-05-31
Brussels Airlines is the Belgian flag carrier and part of the Lufthansa Group, so its baggage rules now mirror the wider group’s fare structure — including a significant 2026 change that adds a charge for full-size cabin bags on the cheapest fares. What you can bring depends entirely on which fare you book, and the gap between the cheapest and the next tier up is mostly about checked baggage, not the carry-on.
On short and medium-haul European routes the fare ladder is Light, Classic, Flex (plus a Green option and the new Economy Basic). On long-haul intercontinental routes it is Basic, Basic Plus, and Flex. The cheapest fares include a personal item and (on Light) a cabin bag, but never a free checked bag — you buy that separately.
Quick facts
| Personal item | 40 x 30 x 10 cm — included on every fare |
| Cabin bag | 55 x 40 x 23 cm, max 8 kg — included on Light/Classic/Flex; not on Economy Basic |
| Checked bag | Up to 23 kg, max 158 cm (L+W+H) |
| Cheapest fare (Light) | Carry-on yes, checked bag NO — buy separately |
| Checked fee (Europe) | ~€25-€45 online, ~€45-€70 at airport |
| Checked fee (long-haul) | From ~€70-€120+ per bag |
| Economy Basic (new 2026) | Personal item only; cabin bag & checked bag both paid extras |
Cabin bag & personal item
| Item | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Personal / under-seat item | 40 x 30 x 10 cm. Included on every fare including Economy Basic. Fits under the seat in front — a handbag, laptop bag or small backpack. |
| Cabin / carry-on bag | 55 x 40 x 23 cm (incl. wheels & handles) · 8 kg Included on Light/Classic/Flex; chargeable extra (from ~€15) on the new Economy Basic fare |
Checked baggage & fees
| Checked allowance | 1 piece on Classic/Flex (Economy); 2 pieces in Premium Economy & Business; none on Light or Economy Basic |
| Weight limit | 23 kg per piece |
| Typical fee | Europe ~€25-€45 online (more at airport, ~€45-€70); long-haul from ~€70-€120+, varies by route and fare |
What each fare includes
| Fare | Personal | Cabin | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Basic (new 2026) | 40 x 30 x 10 cm included | Personal item only — full cabin bag is a paid extra (from ~€15) | Not included — buy separately |
| Economy Light | 40 x 30 x 10 cm included | 55 x 40 x 23 cm, 8 kg + personal item | Not included — buy separately |
| Economy Classic | 40 x 30 x 10 cm included | 55 x 40 x 23 cm, 8 kg + personal item | 1 x 23 kg included |
| Economy Flex | 40 x 30 x 10 cm included | 55 x 40 x 23 cm, 8 kg + personal item | 1 x 23 kg included |
| Premium Economy | 40 x 30 x 10 cm included | Cabin bag + personal item | 2 x 23 kg (1 x 23 kg on Premium Economy Light) |
| Business | 40 x 30 x 10 cm included | 2 cabin bags + personal item | 2 x 23 kg (or more) |
What you actually get on a cheap fare
What you actually get on a cheap Brussels Airlines deal fare: almost always the Light fare (or, increasingly in 2026, the even cheaper Economy Basic). The Light fare gives you the full cabin bag (8 kg) plus a personal item — but no checked bag. If your deal price looks unbeatable, assume you’ll add roughly €25-€45 per checked bag in Europe (more at the airport) or €70-€120+ long-haul when you actually need to check luggage.
Watch for the new Economy Basic fare: it is cheaper still but only includes a personal item — the full cabin bag becomes a paid add-on from about €15. On a headline deal price, always check which fare bundle is quoted before assuming the carry-on is free.
Oversize, sports & special items
Sports equipment: Skis/snowboards travel free as part of your checked allowance (must be within 23 kg / 158 cm) — except on Economy Light fares and routes to/from/via the USA, Mexico and Central America. Max one golf bag on most routes. Bicycles must be boxed and free of any lithium-battery sticker.
Musical instruments: Small instruments count as cabin baggage if within 55 x 40 x 23 cm / 8 kg. Medium instruments such as a guitar can be carried on an extra purchased seat next to you if too large for the overhead bin. Contact the Service Centre in advance, as space is limited.
Oversize / overweight & excess: Bags over 23 kg or 158 cm incur excess/oversize charges. Always pre-book extra bags online — buying at the airport check-in counter is consistently more expensive than online rates.
2026 change to note: As part of a Lufthansa Group move, Brussels Airlines introduced the Economy Basic fare (trial from May 2026 on around 20 short/medium-haul routes) that includes only a personal item; the standard cabin bag is no longer free on that fare.
Frequently asked questions
Does Brussels Airlines' cheapest fare include a checked bag?
No. Neither the Economy Light nor the new Economy Basic fare includes a free checked bag. You must buy it separately — typically around €25-€45 online for European routes and €70-€120+ for long-haul, depending on route and fare.
What is the Brussels Airlines cabin baggage size and weight?
The cabin bag limit is 55 x 40 x 23 cm including wheels and handles, with a maximum weight of 8 kg. You may also bring one personal item of 40 x 30 x 10 cm.
Is the cabin bag free on every Brussels Airlines fare in 2026?
Not anymore. The Light, Classic and Flex fares include the full 8 kg cabin bag, but the new Economy Basic fare (trialled from May 2026 on around 20 short/medium-haul routes) includes only a personal item — the full cabin bag becomes a paid add-on from about €15.
How heavy can a checked bag be on Brussels Airlines?
Each checked piece can weigh up to 23 kg and measure up to 158 cm in total (length + width + height). Bags over these limits incur excess or oversize charges.
How much does an extra checked bag cost on Brussels Airlines?
On European routes, expect roughly €25-€45 per bag when booked online (more at the airport, around €45-€70). On long-haul flights fees start from about €70 and can exceed €120, depending on the route and fare bundle. Pre-booking online is always cheaper than paying at check-in.
Can I bring skis or sports equipment on Brussels Airlines?
Yes. Ski and snowboard equipment travels free within your checked allowance (max 23 kg / 158 cm), except on Economy Light fares and on routes to, from or via the USA, Mexico and Central America. Most routes also allow one golf bag, and bicycles must be boxed without a lithium-battery sticker.
What is the difference between the Light and Classic fares?
Both include the full 8 kg cabin bag and a personal item. The key difference is checked baggage: Classic (and Flex) include one free 23 kg checked bag, while Light does not — you pay for any checked luggage separately.
How many bags do Premium Economy and Business get?
Premium Economy and Business passengers can check 2 pieces of 23 kg each (Premium Economy Light is limited to 1 x 23 kg). Business also allows two cabin bags plus a personal item.
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