Bangkok Airways Baggage Policy

Bangkok Airways Baggage Policy 2026: Fees, Limits & Tips 

Bangkok Airways allows Economy Class passengers 20 kg of checked baggage and 7 kg of carry-on luggage. Blue Ribbon (Business) Class passengers receive 40 kg. Domestic excess baggage costs THB 180/kg, while international excess fees range from USD 12–60/kg depending on the zone. Prepaid baggage saves up to 50% over airport rates.

Packing for a Bangkok Airways flight without knowing the rules is a gamble most travelers would rather avoid. Whether you’re hopping between Thai islands on an ATR72 or heading internationally on an Airbus, the weight limits, size restrictions, and fee structures vary more than most passengers expect.

What Is the Baggage Allowance for Bangkok Airways?

Bangkok Airways operates a weight-based baggage system, not a piece-based one. Economy Class passengers are entitled to 20 kg of checked baggage, while Blue Ribbon Class (Business Class) passengers receive 40 kg. Infants receive 10 kg regardless of cabin class. A single checked bag must not exceed 32 kg per Airport of Thailand regulations if it does, repacking at the counter is required.

Here’s a quick summary:

Passenger Type

Economy Class

Blue Ribbon Class

Adult / Child

20 kg

40 kg

Infant

10 kg

10 kg

Max weight per single bag

32 kg

32 kg

Important: For codeshare and interline flights operated by other airlines, the operating carrier’s baggage policy applies not Bangkok Airways’. Always verify before you fly.

What Is Bangkok Airways’ Carry-On Baggage Allowance?

Bangkok Airways permits one carry-on bag per passenger (adult, child, or infant with a seat). The weight limit is 7 kg on most routes, but the allowed dimensions differ by aircraft type.

Aircraft

Max Dimensions (L x W x H)

Max Weight

ATR 72

50 x 36 x 23 cm

7 kg

Airbus A319

56 x 36 x 23 cm

7 kg

Airbus A320

56 x 36 x 23 cm

7 kg

Two things competitors commonly miss:

  • Luang Prabang exception: Flights to or from Luang Prabang, Laos, cap carry-on weight at 5 kg, not 7 kg. This is an airport-specific restriction, not a fare-class restriction.
  • Infants without a seat receive no carry-on allowance at all.

What liquids can you bring in your carry-on?

Under ICAO regulations (which Bangkok Airways enforces), liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAG) must be in containers of 100 ml or less, placed in a single transparent resealable plastic bag with a maximum combined volume of 1,000 ml. This includes water, cosmetics, toothpaste, gels, and pressurized containers like deodorant sprays.

Exemptions include prescription medications, baby formula, and special dietary items needed for the flight duration but you’ll need supporting documentation (such as a doctor’s letter) at the security checkpoint.

What Is Bangkok Airways’ Checked Baggage Allowance for Economy Class?

Economy Class passengers on Bangkok Airways receive a flat 20 kg checked baggage allowance per adult or child. This applies to both domestic and international routes operated by Bangkok Airways. Infants receive 10 kg.

Sports equipment falls within this allowance. If your gear pushes you over 20 kg, excess baggage fees apply from the first extra kilogram.

Practical example: A passenger in Economy flying Bangkok to Singapore (Zone 1 → Zone 2) with 23 kg of checked baggage would owe 3 kg × USD 15/kg = USD 45 in excess baggage fees at the airport or just 3 kg × USD 8/kg = USD 24 if prepaid in advance. That’s a 47% saving from a five-minute online purchase.

What Is Bangkok Airways’ Domestic Baggage Allowance?

On domestic routes within Thailand, Bangkok Airways’ checked baggage allowances remain the same: 20 kg for Economy, 40 kg for Blue Ribbon Class. What differs on domestic routes is the fee structure for excess and prepaid baggage.

Bangkok Airways Prepaid Baggage (Domestic)

Passengers can purchase additional baggage in advance through bangkokair.com or the call center at least 2 hours before departure online, or 4 hours before departure via phone or ticketing office.

Extra Baggage

Prepaid Price (THB)

5 kg

600

10 kg

900

15 kg

1,350

20 kg

1,800

25 kg

2,250

30 kg

2,700

35 kg

3,150

40 kg

3,600

Excess baggage at the domestic check-in counter: THB 180 per kg, per sector. That means a passenger 10 kg over the limit on a domestic flight pays THB 1,800 at the counter—compared to THB 900 if purchased in advance. The saving is exactly 50%.

Prepaid baggage is non-refundable and non-reroutable. If you change your flight, the prepaid baggage does not automatically transfer.

What Is Bangkok Airways’ International Baggage Allowance?

For international flights, Bangkok Airways uses a zone-based pricing system for both prepaid and excess baggage. There are five zones:

Zone

Countries

Zone 1

Thailand

Zone 2

Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Vietnam

Zone 3

Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, Bangladesh

Zone 4

India, Maldives, Japan, China

Zone 5

All others (except USA/Canada)

Prepaid Baggage Rates (International, per kg)

Origin → Destination

Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 1

USD 8

USD 11

USD 16

USD 48

Zone 2

USD 8

USD 11

USD 16

USD 20

USD 48

Zone 3

USD 11

USD 16

USD 20

USD 24

USD 48

Zone 4

USD 16

USD 20

USD 24

USD 28

USD 48

Zone 5

USD 48

USD 48

USD 48

USD 48

USD 48

Prepaid baggage is available in 5 kg increments, up to a maximum of 40 kg.

Excess Baggage Rates at Check-In (International, per kg)

Origin → Destination

Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 1

USD 12

USD 15

USD 20

USD 60

Zone 2

USD 12

USD 15

USD 20

USD 25

USD 60

Zone 3

USD 15

USD 20

USD 25

USD 30

USD 60

Zone 4

USD 20

USD 25

USD 30

USD 35

USD 60

Zone 5

USD 60

USD 60

USD 60

USD 60

USD 60

Cost scenario: A passenger flying Bangkok (Zone 1) to Tokyo (Zone 4) who wants an extra 10 kg would pay USD 200 at the check-in counter versus USD 160 prepaid saving USD 40. On Zone 5 routes, excess baggage costs USD 60/kg at the counter, making prepaid the obvious choice at USD 48/kg.

What Is Bangkok Airways’ Extra Baggage Price?

Bangkok Airways’ extra baggage price depends entirely on whether you purchase it before or at the airport, and which route you’re flying.

Summary of extra baggage pricing:

  • Domestic (prepaid): THB 120/kg on average (e.g., 10 kg for THB 900)
  • Domestic (at check-in): THB 180/kg per sector
  • International (prepaid): USD 8–48/kg depending on zone
  • International (at check-in): USD 12–60/kg depending on zone

The consistent rule: prepaid baggage saves between 30–50% compared to check-in excess baggage rates. There is no scenario where paying at the airport costs less.

What Special Baggage Does Bangkok Airways Accept?

Bangkok Airways accepts a wide range of special items, most of which must travel as checked baggage only. Some of the most commonly requested categories:

Sports Equipment

Golf: One full golf set (bag, clubs, and one pair of shoes) is accepted per passenger on all flights, checked only. No size restriction is listed, but it counts toward your checked baggage allowance any weight over your allowance is charged at excess rates.

Surfboard: Accepted as checked baggage only.

  • Airbus flights: max length 277 cm (109 inches); up to 3 surfboards per aircraft
  • ATR72 flights: max length 170 cm; only 1 surfboard per aircraft

Bicycle: One of Bangkok Airways’ most passenger-friendly policies qualifying bicycles fly free of charge on Airbus-operated flights, provided:

  • The bicycle is collapsible and packed appropriately for air transport
  • Dimensions do not exceed 145 x 160 x 110 cm (Airbus) or 50 x 100 x 50 cm (ATR)
  • Reservation is made at least 24 hours before departure
  • The bike is not being transported commercially
  • This does not replace your normal baggage allowance

Fishing equipment: Accepted as checked baggage. Max total size is 277 cm for Airbus flights and 170 cm for ATR flights. One set includes one fishing box, one landing net, boots, and up to two reels and rods.

Diving equipment: One complete set accepted as checked baggage. Diving lamps must be switched off with batteries removed or packed in cabin baggage.

Medical Equipment (CPAP & POC)

This is an area most competitor blogs skip entirely but it’s critical for passengers with medical needs.

CPAP machines are permitted in the cabin as fragile/valuable items:

  • Water must be fully drained before the security checkpoint
  • CPAP with a lithium-ion battery over 100 Wh but under 160 Wh may be carried as carry-on or in checked baggage (maximum 2 spare batteries per person)
  • No doctor’s certificate is required
  • Notify Bangkok Airways at least 24 hours in advance

POC (Portable Oxygen Concentrators) are permitted in the cabin provided:

  • The device is FAA-approved
  • Same battery rules as CPAP apply
  • 24-hour advance notification is required

Bangkok Airways (IATA code: PG) explicitly states it takes no responsibility for device malfunction or operational failure during the flight.

Baby Strollers

Fully foldable strollers or prams may be accepted as carry-on baggage subject to space availability. They must meet the standard carry-on size (50 x 36 x 23 cm) and weight limit. If space is unavailable, staff will place it in the hold and return it at the aircraft door on arrival.

Is Bangkok Airways Strict About Baggage?

Bangkok Airways enforces its baggage rules consistently, particularly the 32 kg maximum single-bag weight a mandate from the Airport of Thailand, not a Bangkok Airways-specific preference. Bags exceeding this limit must be repacked at the counter before check-in can continue.

On carry-on baggage, ATR72 flights to smaller regional airports tend to see stricter enforcement of both weight and size limits, partly due to smaller overhead compartments and tighter aircraft capacity. The Luang Prabang 5 kg carry-on rule, for example, is applied at the gate.

Where Bangkok Airways shows flexibility:

  • CPAP devices in cabin require no medical documentation
  • Sports equipment like bicycles can fly free under qualifying conditions
  • Prepaid baggage changes can be requested through the call center (though prepaid baggage is non-refundable)

Where Bangkok Airways is firm:

  • No exceptions to the 32 kg single-bag maximum
  • Excess baggage is non-refundable once paid
  • Prepaid baggage does not transfer to new flight bookings if you reroute

Is Bangkok Airways a Good Airline to Fly?

Bangkok Airways holds a Skytrax 4-Star Airline certification, placing it among a select group of carriers globally recognized for quality in seating, cabin cleanliness, catering, and ground service. The airline has also been recognized as World’s Best Regional Airline by Skytrax.

What sets Bangkok Airways apart from other regional carriers in Southeast Asia:

  • Complimentary meals on all flights, including short domestic hops
  • Access to Blue Ribbon Club lounges at Bangkok Airways-owned airports (Samui, Sukhothai, Trat)
  • Self-check-in kiosks and modern in-flight entertainment on domestic routes
  • Strong on-time performance record

For travelers flying within Southeast Asia, Bangkok Airways delivers a full-service experience at a regional price point something budget carriers like AirAsia cannot match in terms of in-flight service.

What Is Better, Bangkok Airways or Thai Airways?

Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways serve different travel profiles, and the better choice depends on what you’re optimizing for.

Factor

Bangkok Airways

Thai Airways

Route network

20+ regional Southeast Asian destinations

60+ destinations globally

Checked baggage (Economy)

20 kg

20–30 kg (varies by route)

Checked baggage (Business)

40 kg

40 kg

In-flight meals

Included on all flights

Included on most routes

Lounge access

Blue Ribbon Club at own airports

Royal Orchid Lounges worldwide

Alliance

None

Star Alliance

Aircraft

ATR72, A319, A320

B787, A350, B777

Choose Bangkok Airways if you’re flying regionally within Southeast Asia, want complimentary meals on short flights, or are transiting through Samui, Sukhothai, or Trat. The baggage allowance is equivalent for Economy travelers on comparable regional routes.

Choose Thai Airways if you’re flying long-haul, connecting internationally, or prioritizing lounge access and a larger network through Star Alliance partners.

5 Tips for Hassle-Free Baggage with Bangkok Airways

  1. Buy prepaid baggage before check-in. The savings are up to 50% versus airport excess fees. Purchase online at least 2 hours before departure.
  2. Check which aircraft operates your flight. ATR72 and Airbus flights have different carry-on size allowances and special baggage limits. This matters for surfers, cyclists, and anglers in particular.
  3. Weigh individual bags, not just total weight. No single checked bag can exceed 32 kg regardless of your overall allowance.
  4. Drain your CPAP water tank before airport arrival. It must be empty to pass security, and forgetting means delays at the checkpoint.
  5. Book special items at least 24 hours in advance. CPAP machines, POC devices, and bicycles all require advance notification or reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many kilograms is allowed on Bangkok Airways Economy Class?
Economy Class passengers on Bangkok Airways receive 20 kg of checked baggage (adults and children) and 7 kg of carry-on. Infants receive 10 kg of checked baggage and the same carry-on allowance as adults, provided they occupy a seat.

What is the carry-on size limit for Bangkok Airways?
Carry-on dimensions depend on the aircraft. On ATR72 flights, the limit is 50 x 36 x 23 cm. On Airbus A319 and A320 flights, the limit is 56 x 36 x 23 cm. The weight limit is 7 kg on all routes except Luang Prabang, where it drops to 5 kg.

How much does Bangkok Airways charge for excess baggage on domestic flights?
Bangkok Airways charges THB 180 per kg per sector for excess baggage on domestic routes. Purchasing prepaid baggage in advance costs THB 900 for 10 kg saving 50% compared to paying at the counter.

Can I bring a surfboard on Bangkok Airways?
Yes. Surfboards are accepted as checked baggage only. The maximum length is 277 cm on Airbus aircraft (up to 3 per plane) and 170 cm on ATR72 aircraft (1 per plane). Any weight over your checked baggage allowance is charged at excess rates.

Does Bangkok Airways allow CPAP machines in the cabin?
Yes. CPAP machines are permitted in the cabin and classified as fragile/valuable items. No doctor’s certificate is required, but you must drain all water from the device and notify Bangkok Airways at least 24 hours before departure.

What is the cheapest way to add extra baggage on Bangkok Airways?
Prepaid baggage purchased online at bangkokair.com is consistently the cheapest option saving up to 50% on domestic routes and between 30–47% on international routes compared to excess fees charged at the airport check-in counter.

Is there a maximum weight for a single checked bag on Bangkok Airways?
Yes. Per a directive from the Airport of Thailand, no single checked bag may exceed 32 kg. If a bag exceeds this limit, the passenger must repack it before check-in proceeds. This applies to all passengers regardless of class or total allowance.

What is the excess baggage fee for a Bangkok to Tokyo flight?
Bangkok (Zone 1) to Tokyo (Zone 4) excess baggage costs USD 20 per kg at the check-in counter. Prepaid baggage for the same route costs USD 16 per kg, purchased in 5 kg increments. For 5 extra kg, that’s USD 100 at the counter versus USD 80 prepaid.

Can I bring a bicycle on Bangkok Airways for free?
Yes, under specific conditions. One collapsible bicycle flies free on Airbus-operated flights when packed to size (max 145 x 160 x 110 cm), reserved at least 24 hours in advance, and not carried for commercial purposes. This allowance is separate from your standard checked baggage.

Does Bangkok Airways charge excess baggage fees on codeshare flights?
No for codeshare or interline flights operated by another airline, Bangkok Airways’ excess baggage policy does not apply. In those cases, passengers should contact the operating carrier directly to confirm applicable baggage rules and fees.

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