Baggage allowance explained for flights from Dhaka

Few things spoil the start of a trip like being told at the check-in desk that your bag is overweight. The fix is rarely complicated. Baggage rules feel confusing because they are not the same everywhere: they depend on the airline, the route, the fare you bought and sometimes even the date. Once you know where to look, you can pack with confidence.

Cabin baggage and checked baggage

Cabin baggage is what you carry on board: usually one bag that fits in the overhead locker, plus a small personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag. Airlines set limits on both size and weight, and they do check, especially on busy flights.

Checked baggage goes in the hold and you collect it at your destination. Your allowance for it depends entirely on your ticket. Some cheaper fares include no checked bag at all, so never assume.

Keep valuables, documents, medicines, chargers and a change of clothes in your cabin bag. If your checked bag is delayed, you will be glad you did.

Weight system or piece system

Airlines use one of two ways to count your allowance:

• The weight system gives you a total number of kilos. You can usually split it across more than one bag, as long as each bag stays within the airline's limit for a single piece.
• The piece system gives you a number of bags, each with its own maximum weight and size. A light bag and a heavy bag each count as one piece, so a single overweight bag can be a problem even if your total is low.

Which system applies depends on the airline and the route. Flights to and from North America, for example, commonly use the piece system, while many routes within Asia and the Middle East use weight. On a journey with connections, the rules of the main carrier usually apply, but this varies.

Read what your ticket actually says

Your e-ticket or booking confirmation shows your allowance, often in short form. A number followed by K or KG means kilos. A number followed by PC means pieces. If the box shows zero or is blank, checked baggage is not included.

1. Check the allowance for every flight on your ticket, not just the first one.
2. If you have separate tickets on different airlines, each ticket has its own rules, and you may need to collect and re-check your bags between flights.
3. Infants and children may have a different allowance from adults. Check before you pack the pram.
4. Weigh your bags at home with a luggage scale, and leave a little room for shopping on the way back.

Middle East and Umrah routes

Routes to the Gulf and Saudi Arabia are some of the busiest from Dhaka, and allowances differ widely between airlines and fare types. Pilgrims returning from Umrah often want to carry Zamzam water. Airlines have their own rules for this, usually requiring a sealed container handled in a specific way, so check with your airline or ask us before you travel.

Power banks and banned items

Some items are restricted no matter how much allowance you have:

• Power banks and spare lithium batteries must go in your cabin bag, never in checked baggage. Many airlines also limit how many you can carry or ban using them during the flight.
• Liquids in the cabin are limited to small containers at most airports, packed together in a clear bag for security screening.
• Sharp objects, such as knives and scissors, belong in checked baggage, if they are allowed at all.
• Flammable items, including gas canisters, fireworks and most aerosols other than small toiletries, are generally banned.

Some countries also restrict certain foods, plants and medicines on arrival. Carry prescriptions for any medicines you bring.

Excess baggage, and buying extra ahead

If you know you will need more, buying extra baggage before you fly is usually cheaper and simpler than paying at the airport, where excess rates tend to be highest. Many airlines let you add it through the booking up to a certain time before departure.

A cheaper fare without a checked bag can end up costing more than a slightly higher fare that includes one. Compare the full price, not just the headline fare.

Baggage rules are set by each airline and can change, so Softway Travels checks the current allowance when you book and shows it clearly on your ticket. If you need extra baggage or are unsure what your fare includes, our flights team can help. For more ways to compare fares properly, read our tips on finding cheaper flights from Dhaka.