logo logo

Avoid airport surprises by mastering your Malaysia Airlines baggage allowance! From carry-ons to checked luggage, infant bags and special items, knowing the rules saves time, money and stress. This guide provides you with insider tips, packing hacks and all the essential baggage information so you can travel smart, light and confidently with Flightsmojo.

Malaysia Airlines Cabin Baggage Allowance

Flying light or carrying everything you need within reach starts with mastering Malaysia Airlines' cabin baggage rules. Cabin baggage refers to the items you can take into the aircraft cabin, including your personal essentials.

  • Economy Class: One piece of carry-on luggage up to 7 kg (15 lbs) and dimensions not exceeding 115 cm (45 in) in total (length + height + width).
  • Business Class & First/Business Suite: Two pieces of carry-on luggage are allowed, with a combined weight limit of 14 kg (31 lbs) and the same dimension limits.

Personal Items

In addition to your main cabin baggage, passengers may hold one personal item free of charge, such as:

  • Briefcase
  • Laptop bag or notebook bag
  • Handbag (male or female)
  • Small camera bag
  • Overcoat or duty-free shopping bag

For travellers with infants, infant amenities (such as food, diapers or a small carrycot) and a fully collapsible stroller can also be brought on board without extra charges. The total weight of these combined items must remain within your cabin baggage allowance.

Bulkhead Seat Tips

Passengers seated in bulkhead rows should note that underseat storage is unavailable during take-off and landing, so all personal items must fit in the overhead bins. Planning your cabin baggage placement ensures a hassle-free experience.

Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs) in Cabin Baggage

Travelling with liquids, aerosols and gels requires careful planning. Malaysia Airlines' hand luggage rules state that:

  • Each container must not outstrip 100 ml (3.4 oz).
  • All LAG items must fit into a single transparent, resealable plastic bag of up to1 liter.
  • Each passenger is permitted only one plastic bag.

Exemptions

Special items such as medicines, baby milk or food and products for dietary requirements can be carried onboard without restrictions. Travelers must present supporting documents during security screening.

Duty-free purchases made at airport shops or onboard the aircraft are permitted, provided they remain in sealed bags with visible proof of purchase. This speeds up clearance through airport security and ensures compliance with Malaysia Airlines baggage rules.

Malaysia Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance

Checked baggage refers to luggage that is stored in the aircraft's hold during your flight. Knowing Malaysia Airlines' checked baggage limits prevents overweight fines and ensures smooth travel.

Weight & Piece Concept

  • Economy Class: Up to 30 kg (66 lb) per passenger.
  • Business Class: Up to 40 kg (88 lb) per passenger.
  • First/Business Suite: Up to 50 kg (110 lb) per passenger.

For flights to and from North/South America, weight limits are slightly lower: Economy 23 kg, Business 32 kg, First 32 kg.

Checked baggage must not go beyond158 cm (62 in) in total dimensions. Oversized luggage (158–204 cm) may incur additional surcharges while extremely large items over 204 cm must be shipped as cargo.

Infant Baggage

Infants are permitted:

  • One cabin bag (≤115 cm / 45 in)
  • One fully collapsible stroller, baby pushchair or carrying basket
  • Total combined weight must not exceed 10 kg (22 lb)

Frequent flyers benefit from additional allowances: Enrich Platinum members get 100% extra baggage, Gold members receive 50% extra and Silver members are allowed 5 kg additional weight. Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members also enjoy enhanced allowances according to travel class.

Special Items and Equipment

Malaysia Airlines' special items allowance ensures that travellers with unique needs or sports equipment can fly comfortably.

  • Medical Equipment: Wheelchairs, walking aids and CPAP/POC devices are permitted onboard. Prior approval may be required for some medical devices.
  • Sports Equipment: Larger or fragile items, such as golf clubs or skis, may incur additional fees even if they replace a standard baggage piece. Contact Malaysia Airlines directly for details.
  • Dry Ice & Perishables: Passengers can carry up to 2.5 kg (5 lb) of dry ice for perishables which must be declared at check-in. Fresh or frozen seafood can be carried as cabin baggage if it complies with quarantine regulations and weight/size limits.
  • Liquid Nitrogen: Only AVMED-approved shippers carrying human embryo samples are allowed in the cabin or checked baggage.

Extra / Excess Baggage Policy

For travellers who need more than the standard Malaysia Airlines baggage allowance, pre-purchasing extra baggage can save time and money.

  • Pre-purchase Options: Up to 24 hours before departure via Manage My Booking online or call center. Online purchases enjoy a 20% discount.
  • Excess Baggage Fees: Charged per kg (or per 5 kg / 11 lb in some regions). Rates vary depending on origin and destination:
    • Domestic Malaysia: MYR 40 - 50
    • ASEAN countries: MYR 60
    • South Asia & China: MYR 85
    • North Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Middle East: MYR 95
    • Europe: MYR 135

Terms and Conditions

  • Extra baggage is non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be exchanged between passengers.
  • Any unused portion of pre-purchased baggage is forfeited.
  • Voluntary changes are allowed only under strict conditions (same booking reference, same origin/destination, aircraft availability).

Tips to Maximise Your Baggage Allowance

Travel smart and make the most of your Malaysia Airlines luggage dimensions and weight limits:

  • Distribute Weight Evenly: Use smaller carry-on bags for heavy items to avoid overweight charges.
  • Pack Strategically: Keep essential items, documents and valuables in your carry-on for easy access.
  • Use Member Benefits: Enrich and oneworld members enjoy extra baggage allowances, leverage these perks to carry more without fees.
  • Check Size Compliance: Always measure your bags before travelling to ensure they meet Malaysia Airlines baggage rules.

Final Words

Mastering your Malaysia Airlines baggage allowance is the first step to stress-free travel. From cabin luggage to checked baggage, infant allowances, special equipment and excess baggage fees, this comprehensive guide ensures you travel smarter and lighter. Always plan ahead, take advantage of membership perks and stay informed about the latest Malaysia Airlines baggage rules. For the most up-to-date information and to book flights with confidence, visit Flightsmojo and make your journey seamless from check-in to arrival.

 

Suggested Read: Malaysia Airlines (MH) Popular Flight Routes: Best Destinations 2025
 

Malaysia Airlines Baggage Policy- FAQs

1. What is the Malaysia Airlines baggage allowance for Economy Class?

Economy Class travellers can carry one cabin bag up to weight of 7 kg and check-in luggage up to 30 kg, depending on the route. Personal items like laptop bag and hand bag are allowed in addition to your cabin bag.

2. How much checked baggage can I bring in Business Class?

Business Class travellers are entitled to 40 kg of checked baggage on most routes. Two pieces of carry-on suitcases with a combined weight of 14 kg are also permitted.

3. What are the Malaysia Airlines cabin baggage size limits?

Cabin baggage must not exceed 115 cm (length + height + width). Economy Class allows one bag while Business and First/Business Suite travellers can carry two bags within this dimension limit.

4. Can I carry a personal item along with my carry-on luggage?

Yes! Air travelers can bring one personal item such as a briefcase, laptop bag, handbag, small camera bag or overcoat. Infants may also carry baby essentials without exceeding cabin limits.

5. Are liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) allowed in cabin baggage?

Yes, but each container must be ≤100 ml and all items must fit into a 1-litre transparent resealable bag. Exemptions include medicines, baby milk and special dietary products. Duty-free items are allowed if sealed with proof of purchase visible.

6. What is the Malaysia Airlines infant baggage allowance?

Infants are allowed one cabin bag up to 10 kg, plus a fully collapsible stroller, baby pushchair or carrying basket. Checked luggage is limited to 10 kg as well.

7. Can I carry medical equipment onboard?

Yes. Wheelchairs, CPAP devices and other approved medical equipment can be carried. Some devices may require prior approval from Malaysia Airlines’ Medical Service and Engineering departments.

8. How is extra baggage charged on Malaysia Airlines?

Excess baggage is charged per kilogram (or per 5 kg in some regions), with rates varying depending on departure and destination. Pre-purchasing online offers a 20% discount.

9. Are there special baggage allowances for frequent flyers?

Yes! Enrich Platinum members receive 100% extra baggage, Gold members 50% extra and Silver members an additional 5 kg. Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members enjoy enhanced allowances based on cabin class.

10. What items are restricted or require special handling?

Special items include sports equipment, dry ice, seafood and liquid nitrogen shipments. Sports equipment may incur extra fees while perishables using dry ice must be declared at check-in.

11. Can I carry duty-free purchases in my Malaysia Airlines hand luggage?

Yes. Duty-free items must remain in sealed bags with receipts clearly visible for quick security clearance.

12. What happens if my checked baggage exceeds the size limit?

Bags over 158 cm but below 204 cm may incur surcharges. Items exceeding 204 cm must be shipped as cargo or freight.

13. Are there regional differences in checked baggage weight?

Yes. Flights to/from North/South America have lower checked baggage limits: Economy 23 kg, Business 32 kg, First 32 kg. Other regions follow standard weight limits.

14. Can I bring liquids or baby milk for children on board?

Yes, infants under seven can carry baby milk or food. Passengers with special dietary or medical needs must carry supporting documents.

15. How can I maximize my Malaysia Airlines baggage allowance?

Pack smart by distributing weight evenly, using smaller carry-ons for heavy items and leveraging frequent flyer bonuses. Always check baggage dimensions and weight before departure to avoid excess fees.