How Strict is Qatar Airways on Baggage? (Carry-On & Checked)

Are you flying via Qatar Airways and packing your personal belongings for the trip? I suggest you read this post a couple of times (or more) to ensure you know your baggage allowance for your carry on luggage and checked baggage right at this time.

Is it a big deal?

Well, to be honest, the answer is yes. Your baggage allowance and other related factors concerning your flight are all must-know. To know how strict is Qatar airways on baggage, plus maybe a few helpful hacks on avoiding, or at least saving some possible cost, are what we are planning to talk about today. So, Keep on Reading…

tsa security check

Baggage Limitations

Let’s tackle this, first and foremost…

For flyers, Qatar Airways is a very well-known and often used option to travel in an extensive route network. Usually, it’s the trip to Asia, Africa, or maybe beyond those. Now depending on the routes, baggage allowance can vary. By the term allowance, I mean weight, size, and fees for baggage. It can be either hand or checked luggage.

Let’s find out about the packing limits and also some stuff about avoiding excess baggage fees.

How Strict is Qatar Airways on Baggage

Hand Baggage Allowance

Qatar Airways limits cabin bags by both size and weight. Economy passengers get one carry-on piece with a fairly low weight limit, plus a small personal item, while First and Business passengers get a larger allowance. Check the exact dimensions and kilograms for your fare on Qatar’s baggage page, since they are enforced at check-in.

If your cabin bag is over the size or weight limit, expect it to be moved to the hold, and excess baggage charges may apply. Fees vary by route, so check before you fly.

Checked Luggage Allowance

Qatar Airways uses two systems for checked bags. On many routes it uses a weight concept, where you get a total weight allowance. On routes to and from the Americas, it uses a piece concept, where you get a set number of bags, each with its own weight and size limit.

Under the piece concept, each bag usually has a 23 kg (50 lb) limit in economy. On any route, a single bag is unlikely to be accepted above 32 kg (70 lb), which IATA notes is the maximum weight for one checked bag in many regions. Heavier items have to be split up or shipped as cargo.

In terms of the number of bags, piece-concept fares to and from the Americas include up to two checked bags, depending on fare type. Under the weight concept, the number of bags matters less than their total weight, but each bag still has a per-piece maximum.

And finally, you don’t need to pay any fee for the required allowance of checked luggage. But for any extra bags or weight, you need to pay excess baggage charges, which depend on the route. Buying extra allowance online before the airport is usually cheaper.

carry on luggage

Musical or Sporting Equipment

In the case of bringing sports or musical gear, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, Qatar Airlines have no problem if you travel with fishing gear, tennis rackets, or even golf clubs. Just make sure the thing is fitting within the size and weight restrictions.

For heavy and/or odd-sized items, for example, maybe a bicycle, you need to bring a closed box or bag for packing them. This type of item will go in the aircraft hold section. And to state the obvious, you have to pay extra. Check out their website to find out more about this.

Now small musical instruments can travel as part of your cabin baggage allowance. Bigger instruments, such as a guitar or cello, either go in the hold as checked baggage or need a separate seat of their own, booked in advance.

Also, if what you’re carrying is too fragile for keeping inside overhead lockers, you also need to get an extra seat. The same goes for instruments that are not fitting inside your hand luggage allowance.

Tips & Tricks on Traveling Smart

Now is it possible to beat these extra charges for baggage? Well, you can follow these quick fixes below and avoid the excess baggage fees.

Get some smart packing accessories. With so many luggage accessories available on the market nowadays, efficient and organized packing is easier and more convenient.

For example, packing cubes that come with smart tiny compartments. You can bring passport wallets, jewelry holding cases, and many other things to help organize and fit things better.

Quick fact: Infants have their own baggage allowance, and items like strollers or car seats are usually accepted at no extra cost. Check the details for your fare.

Keep your laptop in your cabin bag or personal item rather than checked baggage, since spare lithium batteries must travel in carry-on bags only and devices are safer with you.

qatar airways

Avoid packing small or unnecessary things that can cause your luggage to go over your weight limit. For example, some wooden bookends you’re carrying for gifting. Simply put them in an extra bag. Or maybe you can ask your friend accompanying you to carry them. Share the weight, and you can sidestep those extra cost hassle.

Pack clothes around the top of your bag so you can easily take them out if you go beyond the weight limits. You can either wear them, put them in your handbag, or put them inside your plastic bag of duty-free items purchased at the airport.

You can add coats to what you’re wearing, an umbrella on your wrist, shawls, hankies, and fashion accessories, some limited reading material, and avoid any extra charge. If it is on your hand or simply around your waist, there’s still no charge required for those items.

Watch This!

Wrap Up

And that was all about how strict is Qatar airways on baggage. Learning what to do in times like these can help you sidestep and workaround that sudden shock of the additional costs.

And this isn’t applicable only to Qatar Airways. You need to find out how strict American Airlines is with carry on baggage and size, too, in case you’re traveling with them or any other airlines you choose to travel with.

The main point is, why would you pay extra when you can handle those additional items by packing smartly? More importantly, enjoy the trip and have a Safe Journey!

Also Read:

Sources

Checked Baggage, IATA
PackSafe: Lithium Batteries, FAA