Iraqi Airways Baggage Policy: Allowances, Fees & Rules

Iraqi Airways allows 30 kg of checked baggage in Economy and 40 kg in Business Class, plus one carry-on bag up to 10 kg measuring 43 x 28 x 23 cm. Excess baggage is charged per kilogram, and rates vary by route, so confirm fees directly with the airline before you fly.

Iraqi Airways, the flag carrier of Iraq and the oldest airline in the Middle East, connects Baghdad to more than 80 cities across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Founded in 1945, it remains the main choice for travelers heading to Iraq and neighboring regions.

What is the Iraqi Airways baggage allowance?

Iraqi Airways offers 30 kg of checked baggage for Economy Class passengers and 40 kg for Business Class on international routes. Every passenger also gets one carry-on bag weighing up to 10 kg. Allowances can vary by route and fare type, so always check your ticket for the exact figures.

Here’s a quick overview by cabin class:

A few things worth noting:

• Iraqi Airways operates only Economy and Business Class. There is no First Class, so 40 kg is the top standard allowance.
• On the London Gatwick route, a single checked bag cannot exceed 25 kg due to UK airport health and safety rules even if your total allowance is higher.
• Checked bags should stay within 158 cm total (length + width + height combined).

What are the Iraqi Airways baggage fees?

Iraqi Airways charges excess baggage per kilogram over your free allowance, with rates that change based on your route and class. The airline does not publish a fixed public fee table online, so the most reliable way to confirm your rate is to contact Iraqi Airways or your booking agent before departure.

Because official per-kg rates aren’t listed publicly, here’s how to plan for the cost:

• Weigh your bags at home before leaving for the airport. A basic luggage scale removes the guesswork.
• Ask at the time of booking. Fees quoted in advance are often lower than airport rates.
• Budget conservatively. Excess charges on comparable Middle Eastern carriers typically fall between $10 and $25 per kilogram, depending on route length. Use this as a rough planning figure only not a guaranteed Iraqi Airways rate.

Cost scenario: Say your Economy allowance is 30 kg, but your bag weighs 36 kg. That’s 6 kg of excess. At an estimated $15 per kg, you’d pay roughly $90 in extra fees often more than the cost of simply shipping the items separately. Redistributing weight or upgrading your allowance in advance can save real money.

What is the Iraqi Airways checked baggage policy?

Iraqi Airways permits 30 kg of checked baggage in Economy and 40 kg in Business Class, with each bag limited to 158 cm in total dimensions. Your allowance appears on your ticket or boarding pass, since it can differ by route, fare, and departure airport.

Key points to remember:

• Check your boarding pass. Your printed allowance is the source of truth for your specific flight.
• Single-bag weight caps apply at some airports. London Gatwick, for example, rejects any single bag over 25 kg for safety reasons.
• Oversized bags exceeding 158 cm may be accepted as special baggage for an additional charge confirm this in advance.

What is the Iraqi Airways carry-on baggage policy?

Iraqi Airways allows each passenger one carry-on bag plus one personal item. The carry-on must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment. Personal items like handbags, laptops, and coats travel free and don’t count toward your carry-on weight.

Alongside your main cabin bag, you can bring the following items at no extra charge:

• Duty-free purchases
• A handbag, purse, or pocketbook
• An overcoat, wrap, or blanket
• An umbrella or walking stick
• A small camera and/or binoculars
• Reading material for the flight
• Infant food for in-flight consumption
• A collapsible wheelchair, crutches, or other prosthetic device you depend on

What is the Iraqi Airways carry-on size?

The Iraqi Airways carry-on size limit is 43 x 28 x 23 cm (about 17 x 11 x 9 inches). Your bag must fit within these dimensions to be allowed in the cabin, and it needs to slide under the seat in front of you or into the overhead bin.

A quick tip: some third-party sites list larger dimensions like 55 x 38 x 20 cm. The airline’s own figure is 43 x 28 x 23 cm, so pack to that measurement to stay safe.

What is the Iraqi Airways carry-on weight?

The Iraqi Airways carry-on weight limit is 10 kg (about 22 lbs) per passenger. This applies across both Economy and Business Class. Your personal item such as a laptop bag or purse is separate and does not count toward this 10 kg limit.

Which items are prohibited or restricted?

Iraqi Airways follows international aviation safety standards, which ban dangerous goods from both checked and carry-on baggage. Prohibited items include flammable liquids, compressed gases, explosives, corrosives, and toxic substances. Certain items are restricted rather than banned, meaning they’re allowed only under specific conditions.

Common categories to watch:

• Banned outright: Flammable liquids and gases, fireworks, bleach, insecticides, and other hazardous materials.
• Batteries and electronics: Spare lithium batteries and power banks must travel in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
• Liquids in the cabin: The standard 100 ml (3.4 oz) container rule applies, with all containers fitting in one clear, resealable bag.
• Sharp objects: Knives, scissors, and similar items belong in checked baggage, not the cabin.

When in doubt about a specific item, contact Iraqi Airways before you travel rather than risk having it confiscated at security.

What special baggage services does Iraqi Airways offer?

Iraqi Airways handles special baggage including sports equipment, musical instruments, and mobility aids on a case-by-case basis. Mobility devices like collapsible wheelchairs travel free, while oversized or extra items usually require advance approval and may carry additional fees.

Edge case worth knowing: Traveling with more than one infant? Only one lap child is allowed per adult, so a second infant under two requires a separate purchased seat and that affects your baggage math too.

How can you avoid excess baggage fees?

The simplest way to avoid Iraqi Airways excess fees is to weigh every bag before leaving home and stay within your allowance. If you’re over, buying extra allowance in advance is almost always cheaper than paying at the airport check-in counter.

Practical strategies:

• Wear your heaviest items. Jackets and boots on your body free up kilograms in your bag.
• Move weight to your carry-on. Shift dense items like books or chargers into your cabin bag, up to the 10 kg limit.
• Label every bag inside and out with your name, phone number, and destination address.
• Photograph your luggage and its contents before check-in useful if a bag goes missing.

What should you do if your baggage is delayed or lost?

If your checked baggage doesn’t arrive, find an Iraqi Airways representative immediately and present your ticket, boarding pass, and baggage tag. You’ll complete a Property Irregularity Report Form to start the trace. Report the issue before you leave the baggage claim area.

Once your delayed bag is located, you have two options:

1. Home delivery – Sign a Passenger Declaration Form authorizing the airline to clear customs on your behalf. If the contents are non-dutiable, the bag is delivered to your address free of charge.
2. Airport collection – Required if customs deems any contents dutiable, in which case you’ll need to clear the bag yourself.

Frequently asked questions

How many bags can I check with Iraqi Airways?
Iraqi Airways sets allowances by total weight rather than a fixed number of bags 30 kg in Economy and 40 kg in Business. Your ticket confirms the exact terms for your route.

Is the carry-on weight limit the same in Business Class?
Yes. Both Economy and Business passengers get one 10 kg carry-on bag. Business Class primarily increases your checked allowance to 40 kg, not your cabin limit.

Does Iraqi Airways have a First Class baggage allowance?
No. Iraqi Airways operates only Economy and Business Class, so 40 kg in Business is the highest standard checked allowance available.

Why is my checked bag capped at 25 kg on some routes?
London Gatwick enforces a 25 kg limit per single bag under UK health and safety laws, regardless of your total allowance. Split heavy loads across two bags to comply.

Can I bring a power bank on an Iraqi Airways flight?
Yes, but only in your carry-on. Spare lithium batteries and power banks are banned from checked baggage under international safety rules.

How much does excess baggage cost on Iraqi Airways?
The airline charges per kilogram over your allowance but doesn’t publish fixed public rates. Confirm your exact fee with Iraqi Airways or your booking agent before departure.

Are strollers and car seats free?
Yes. Families traveling with infants can generally check a collapsible stroller and car seat at no extra charge. Confirm at check-in for your specific route.

Can I travel with a pet on Iraqi Airways?
Pets such as cats and dogs are accepted only in exceptional cases. You must contact the airline’s sales department in advance to arrange approval and any applicable fees.

What is the maximum size for a checked bag?
Checked baggage should not exceed 158 cm in total dimensions the sum of length, width, and height. Larger items are treated as special baggage and may cost extra.

Does Iraqi Airways offer online check-in?
Availability varies. Some sources list online check-in from 24 hours before departure, while others note airport-only check-in. Confirm on your booking, and arrive early since counters typically close 40–60 minutes before departure.