Qatar Airways Baggage Policy: A Guide to Checked and Carry-on Allowances and Fees

Founded in 1993, Qatar Airways (QR), is a major flag Middle Eastern carrier from Qatar. They operate an extensive global network via its hub in Doha to Asia, Europe, and the Americas, offering flights to 170+ destinations.

Qatar Airways' baggage policy is primarily determined by a combination of the passenger’s cabin class, fare brand, and specific flight route. Allowances are also influenced by membership in the Qatar Airways Privilege Club or oneworld elite status.

Checked bag vs carry on vs personal item

Packing starts with understanding your bags:

• Checked baggage is the larger luggage checked into the cargo hold; for Qatar Airways, the maximum standard size is 158 cm / 62 in.
• Carry-on bags (also referred to as cabin bags) go into the cabin for essentials, subject to the 100ml liquid rule, with a max size of 50 x 37 x 25 cm.
• The Personal Item is the smallest (like a laptop bag or purse) and must fit under the seat in front of you.

For safety, remember all spare lithium batteries, power banks, and e-cigarettes must be in your carry-on, while sharp objects must always be placed in checked baggage.

Qatar Airways carry-on allowance

The maximum dimensions for each carry-on bag are 50 x 37 x 25 cm. In addition to the standard carry-on allowance, passengers are also permitted one personal item.

Qatar Airways checked baggage allowance

Qatar Airways primarily operates on the Both Weight and Piece Concept for its checked luggage.

The Piece Concept limits the number of bags you can bring (e.g., 2 bags maximum, each up to 23kg), meaning you cannot consolidate one big bag into two small ones without paying extra. Conversely, the Weight Concept limits the total combined weight of all your bags (e.g., a total of 30 kg across any number of pieces).

Piece Concept (Applicable for flights to/from Africa or the Americas)

Under the piece concept for flights to/from Africa and the Americas, individual bags must not exceed 158 cm (62 in) in total dimensions.

Weight Concept (Applicable for all other destinations globally)

For all other destinations under the weight concept, the maximum total dimensions are 300 cm (118 in), with a maximum weight of 32 kg (70 lb) per individual piece.

Qatar Airways extra baggage fees

Qatar Airways' excess baggage fees are determined entirely by whether the route operates under the Piece Concept or the Weight Concept.

For routes following the Piece Concept, excess baggage fees are applied on a per-item basis. If you need to add a bag beyond your standard free allowance, the airport rates typically start at USD 255 for items up to 23 kg (50 lb) and increase to USD 330 for heavier pieces up to 32 kg (70 lb). These rates are standard across all fare types and apply to any additional luggage brought to the check-in counter.

For most other international destinations following the Weight Concept, excess baggage is charged by the kilogram. While these fees vary significantly depending on your specific flight path and cabin class, you can often secure discounts by prepaying for your extra weight online, at least six hours before departure.

Qatar Airways special baggage policy

• Infants (under 2 years old): Infants traveling on a lap ticket (not occupying a seat) are entitled to one piece of checked baggage (up to 23 kg / 50 lb on Piece Concept routes or 10 kg / 22 lb on Weight Concept routes). Additionally, one baby stroller, car seat, or collapsible carrycot is accepted free of charge.
• Sporting Equipment: Generally accepted as part of the checked baggage allowance, provided it fits within the weight and size limits of the ticket. Small to medium items should not exceed 217 cm in total dimensions, and large items should not exceed 300 cm in total dimensions.
• Musical Instruments (Cabin Baggage): Small instruments that fit within the standard carry-on dimensions can be carried as part of the cabin baggage allowance. Larger, fragile instruments require the purchase of an extra seat (CBBG). The instrument must not exceed 75 kg (165 lb) in weight per seat and a maximum length of 120 cm (48 in) per seat.
• Irregular/Odd-Shaped Baggage: Items must be securely wrapped, sealed, and must meet the maximum weight (32 kg) and dimension restrictions (300 cm maximum). Round or irregularly shaped items wrapped in blankets or loose ropes are generally not accepted as checked baggage.

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