✓ Policy web-verified 2026-05-31
Croatia Airlines (IATA code OU) is the Croatian flag carrier and a Star Alliance member, flying a mostly short- and medium-haul European network out of Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik. Its baggage rules follow the now-standard European model: cabin baggage is generous and included on every fare, but a checked bag is only free on the mid- and top-tier FlyOpti and FlyFlexi fares — the cheapest FlyEasy fare carries hand baggage only.
The key figures for 2026: one cabin bag up to 8 kg at 55 x 40 x 20 cm plus a small personal item on all fares; checked bags capped at 23 kg in Economy and 32 kg in Business, with a maximum total dimension of 158 cm (length + width + height). If you book FlyEasy and need to check a bag, you buy it separately — cheaper online and in advance than at the airport.
Quick facts
| Cabin bag | 55 x 40 x 20 cm, max 8 kg — included on all fares |
| Personal item | 40 x 30 x 10 cm — fits under the seat in front |
| Checked bag (Economy) | 1 x 23 kg, max 158 cm total — free on FlyOpti/FlyFlexi |
| Checked bag (Business) | 2 x 32 kg, max 158 cm total |
| FlyEasy (cheapest fare) | Hand baggage only — no free checked bag |
| First checked bag on FlyEasy | From ~€30 online (24h+ before), ~€40 later |
| Extra/overweight bag | Charged per piece; rises with weight and size |
| Oversize (over 158 cm) | Higher fee; sports/instruments handled separately |
Cabin bag & personal item
| Item | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Personal / under-seat item | 40 x 30 x 10 cm (approx. 80 cm total). One personal item — a handbag, small laptop bag or briefcase — is allowed on every fare in addition to the cabin bag, and must fit under the seat in front of you. |
| Cabin / carry-on bag | 55 x 40 x 20 cm (115 cm total) · 8 kg Included on all fares (FlyEasy, FlyOpti, FlyFlexi, Business) |
Checked baggage & fees
| Checked allowance | 1 piece in Economy (FlyOpti/FlyFlexi); 2 pieces in Business. None on FlyEasy unless purchased. |
| Weight limit | 23 kg per piece in Economy; 32 kg per piece in Business. Max total dimensions 158 cm (L+W+H). |
| Typical fee | First bag on FlyEasy from ~€30 online (24h+ before departure), ~€40 later/at airport. Extra and overweight pieces charged per piece, increasing with weight (23–32 kg) and size. |
What each fare includes
| Fare | Personal | Cabin | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlyEasy | Included | 1 x 8 kg (55x40x20 cm) + personal item | None included — buy from ~€30 |
| FlyOpti | Included | 1 x 8 kg + personal item | 1 x 23 kg |
| FlyFlexi | Included | 1 x 8 kg + personal item | 1 x 23 kg |
| Business | Included | 2 x 8 kg + personal item (garment bag option) | 2 x 32 kg |
What you actually get on a cheap fare
What you get on the cheapest fare: Croatia Airlines deal fares are almost always the FlyEasy bucket, which includes only cabin baggage (1 x 8 kg, 55 x 40 x 20 cm) plus a personal item. There is no checked bag — you buy one separately, from around €30 if added online 24+ hours before departure, rising to roughly €40 closer to the flight or at the airport.
For a true like-for-like price comparison on a fare that needs a suitcase, add about €30–€40 each way to a headline FlyEasy price, or step up to FlyOpti/FlyFlexi where the 23 kg checked bag is already bundled. On short Croatian and regional hops, the 8 kg cabin allowance is comfortably enough for a weekend with carry-on only.
Oversize, sports & special items
Excess, overweight and oversize: Extra checked pieces beyond your allowance are charged per piece, with the fee increasing for bags in the 23–32 kg band and again for items exceeding the 158 cm total-dimension limit. Bags over 32 kg are generally not accepted as a single piece and must be repacked. A small same-day surcharge can apply to excess baggage bought at the airport on the day of departure in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Sports and musical equipment: Items such as skis, golf clubs, bicycles and similar sports equipment are accepted as special/non-standard baggage and are best declared and paid for in advance; they count against or in addition to your allowance depending on fare. Small musical instruments can travel as cabin baggage if within cabin limits; larger instruments either go in the hold as special baggage or, for fragile ones, can occupy a purchased extra seat. Always confirm specific sports/instrument fees with Croatia Airlines before travel, as these vary.
Infants: Infants (under 2, not in their own seat) are entitled to one checked bag up to 23 kg plus a foldable stroller/pushchair carried free.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Croatia Airlines include a checked bag in the cheapest fare?
No. The cheapest FlyEasy fare includes only cabin baggage (1 x 8 kg, 55 x 40 x 20 cm) plus a personal item. A checked bag must be purchased separately, from around €30 online if added 24+ hours before departure.
What are Croatia Airlines' cabin baggage dimensions and weight?
One cabin bag up to 8 kg measuring no more than 55 x 40 x 20 cm, plus one personal item (handbag, laptop bag or briefcase) up to about 40 x 30 x 10 cm that fits under the seat. This applies to all fares.
How much does a checked bag cost on Croatia Airlines?
On the FlyEasy fare a first checked bag costs from roughly €30 when added online at least 24 hours before departure, rising to about €40 later or at the airport. FlyOpti, FlyFlexi and Business fares already include a checked bag.
What is the checked baggage weight limit?
23 kg per piece in Economy and 32 kg per piece in Business, with a maximum total dimension of 158 cm (length + width + height) per bag. Bags over 32 kg must be repacked into multiple pieces.
Which Croatia Airlines fares include a free checked bag?
FlyOpti and FlyFlexi each include one free 23 kg checked bag in Economy, and Business includes two 32 kg bags. The cheapest FlyEasy fare includes none — it's hand baggage only.
Can I add a checked bag after booking?
Yes. You can add baggage through Manage My Booking on the website (up to about 2 hours before departure), via the Contact Centre, or at a sales office. Adding it in advance online is cheaper than paying at the airport.
What does Croatia Airlines charge for overweight or oversize bags?
Extra pieces are charged per bag, with higher fees for the 23–32 kg weight band and for bags exceeding 158 cm total dimensions. Same-day excess bought at the airport in Croatia or Bosnia and Herzegovina can carry a small additional surcharge.
How does Croatia Airlines handle sports equipment and musical instruments?
Skis, golf clubs, bicycles and similar items travel as special/non-standard baggage and should be declared and paid for in advance. Small instruments can go in the cabin if within limits; larger ones travel in the hold or on a purchased extra seat. Confirm specific fees before travel as they vary.
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