Baggage Allowance Guide for UK to Africa and Asia Flights

Baggage can make a cheap ticket expensive. Here's how long-haul baggage allowances work on flights from the UK to Africa and Asia, and what to check before you book.

For many of our customers, baggage matters as much as the fare. Families flying to Lagos, Accra, Harare or Dhaka often carry gifts, food and goods for relatives. A fare that looks £40 cheaper can end up costing £150 more once an extra bag is added. Here's how to avoid that.

Piece Allowance vs Weight Allowance

Airlines use one of two systems:

• Piece concept: you can check a set number of bags, each with a maximum weight, often 23kg in economy. For example, "2PC" means two bags of up to 23kg each. This is common on routes to and from Africa.
• Weight concept: you get a total weight, such as 30kg or 40kg, which you can split across bags.

The allowance depends on the airline, the route, the fare type and your cabin class. Two people on the same flight can have different allowances if they booked different fares.

How to Compare Fares the Right Way

1. Check how many checked bags are included for each passenger, including children. Infants under two usually get a reduced allowance plus a pushchair.
2. Check the maximum weight per bag.
3. Check the price of an extra bag on that airline if you need one.
4. Add it all up. The cheapest fare with the bags you need is the real cheapest fare.

When you get a quote from World Travel & Tours, we tell you the baggage allowance with the price, so you can compare like with like.

Extra and Overweight Bags

• Pre-book extra bags online or through your agent. It is almost always cheaper than paying at the check-in desk.
• Overweight fees are steep. Paying for a second bag is often cheaper than paying for one overweight bag.
• Weigh your bags at home with a luggage scale. It costs a few pounds and can save you a lot.
• Business class usually includes a much bigger allowance. On some routes, a discounted business class fare is worth it once baggage is counted.

Hand Luggage Rules

Most long-haul economy fares allow one cabin bag, usually 7kg to 10kg depending on the airline, plus a small personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag. Some airlines weigh cabin bags at the gate on full flights.

Liquid rules at UK airports have been changing as new security scanners are introduced, and they can differ between airports. Check your departure airport's website before you pack, and remember that your connecting airport may apply stricter rules on the way back.

Items You Can't Pack (or Must Carry On)

• Power banks and spare lithium batteries must go in hand luggage, never in checked bags. Many airlines now also limit how you can use them on board.
• Flammable items, aerosols beyond small toiletries, and gas canisters are restricted.
• Some countries restrict importing certain foods, plants and medicines. Check the destination's customs rules and carry prescriptions for medicines.

Frequently Asked Questions