NOVOAIR allows adults and children 20 kg checked baggage (2 pieces max) and 7 kg cabin baggage (1 piece). Infants get 10 kg checked baggage. Excess costs BDT 150/kg domestically and BDT 350/kg (or INR 350/kg inbound) internationally. Umrah passengers and students traveling abroad get an extra 20 kg free.

Packing for a NOVOAIR flight shouldn’t involve guesswork about what fits, what’s forbidden, or what it’ll cost if your suitcase tips the scale. NOVOAIR, Bangladesh’s leading private airline, applies a standardized baggage structure across its domestic and international network, but the fine print covering everything from golf bags to cremated remains rarely gets the attention it deserves.

What Is NOVOAIR’s Baggage Allowance?

NOVOAIR gives adults and children 20 kg of checked baggage across a maximum of 2 pieces, plus 7 kg of cabin baggage in 1 piece. Infants receive 10 kg checked baggage and a small carry-on bag. These allowances apply uniformly across NOVOAIR’s domestic and international routes.

Unlike some carriers that separate domestic and international free allowances, NOVOAIR applies the same base limits system-wide. The distinction comes into play only when you exceed those limits, since excess rates differ by route type (more on that below).

NOVOAIR Domestic Baggage Allowance: What’s Included?

On domestic routes (Dhaka to Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Saidpur, and others), NOVOAIR allows the standard 20 kg checked and 7 kg cabin baggage per adult or child passenger. Excess baggage on domestic flights costs a flat BDT 150 per additional kilogram, both outbound and inbound.

NOVOAIR currently operates daily domestic flights connecting Dhaka to Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Saidpur, and Sylhet, along with routes to Barishal, Jashore, and Rajshahi. Since domestic flights run on ATR 72-500 aircraft with limited hold capacity, sticking to the 20 kg allowance keeps things simple.

Cost example: If you check in 27 kg of luggage on a domestic route, you’re 7 kg over the limit. At BDT 150/kg, that’s an extra BDT 1,050 charged at the counter separate from your ticket price.

NOVOAIR Baggage Policy International: Rates & Rules

On NOVOAIR’s international route (Dhaka–Kolkata, DAC-CCU), excess baggage costs BDT 350 per kg outbound from Dhaka and INR 350 per kg inbound from Kolkata. Standard 20 kg checked and 7 kg cabin allowances still apply; only the excess pricing currency and rate differ from domestic flights.

Cost example: A passenger flying Dhaka to Kolkata with 5 kg of excess baggage pays BDT 1,750 (5 × 350) at check-in. On the return leg, the same 5 kg overage would cost INR 1,750 instead, since the rate is charged in the departure country’s currency.

International liability is also more generous than domestic: NOVOAIR’s conditions of carriage cap compensation for lost or damaged checked baggage at 20 USD per kilogram for international flights, compared to 120 BDT per kilogram domestically worth knowing if you’re checking anything valuable.

NOVOAIR Baggage Policy Carry-On: Size, Weight & What’s Banned

NOVOAIR permits one cabin bag per passenger weighing up to 7 kg, with maximum dimensions of 15 cm (length) × 22 cm (width) × 35 cm (height). Bags exceeding this weight or size are moved to checked baggage, and sharp objects, liquids over restrictions, and several household items are barred from the cabin entirely.

Carry-on dimensions at a glance

• Weight limit: 7 kg (all passengers, including children)
• Piece limit: 1 bag per passenger
• Size limit: 15 × 22 × 35 cm
• Personal items: A handbag, overcoat, umbrella, laptop, small camera, or reading material may be carried in addition to your cabin bag, free of charge

Items banned from hand luggage

These must go in checked baggage instead, or they’ll be confiscated at security:

• Nail cutters, nail files, and razor blades (fixed-blade razors in plastic molding are allowed; removable blades are not)
• Knives and household cutlery (large spoons prohibited; small teaspoons permitted)
• Corkscrews, lighters, and sharp tools including multi-tools and penknives
• Scissors, unless both blades are round-ended or under 3 cm
• Rope, catapults, darts, and billiard/snooker cues
• Sporting bats and toy or replica guns
• Walking or hiking poles
• Hypodermic needles (unless medically required, with proof)
• Body spray, measuring tape, fish, meat, and paint

Edge case: A pocket multi-tool that seems harmless enough for a carry-on will still be confiscated under NOVOAIR’s rules pack it in your checked bag before you reach security, not after.

How Much Does NOVOAIR Charge for Excess Baggage?

NOVOAIR charges BDT 150 per additional kilogram on domestic flights and BDT 350 per kilogram (INR 350 inbound) on its Dhaka–Kolkata international route. There’s no flat “extra bag” fee charges are calculated purely by weight over your allowance, regardless of how many pieces you’re carrying.

This weight-based system rewards packing light in one bag over splitting weight across two. Since the checked allowance already caps at 2 pieces for adults, adding a third bag isn’t an option regardless of total weight you’d need to consolidate or ship items separately.

Comparison scenario: Two passengers each carry 25 kg total. Passenger A packs it into one 25 kg bag; Passenger B splits it into two bags. Both pay the same excess fee (5 kg × applicable rate), since NOVOAIR charges by total weight, not per bag.

Does NOVOAIR Offer Extra Baggage for Umrah Passengers and Students?

Yes. As of August 2025, NOVOAIR offers an additional 20 kg of free checked baggage to Umrah pilgrims and students traveling abroad, bringing their total domestic checked allowance to 40 kg. NOVOAIR Managing Director Mofizur Rahman confirmed the initiative aims to make travel more affordable for these groups (The Business Standard, 2025).

This is a meaningful gap-filler most competitor guides miss entirely, since it’s a relatively recent policy update. If you’re booking a domestic connecting flight ahead of an Umrah trip or study-abroad departure, mention your travel purpose at booking or check-in to confirm eligibility airlines typically require supporting documentation (visa, admission letter, or Umrah visa) for promotional allowances like this.

What Sports Equipment Can You Bring on NOVOAIR?

NOVOAIR accepts bicycles, skis, golf equipment, surfboards, kayaks, scuba gear, and fishing equipment as checked baggage, provided they’re properly packed. Most sports gear travels free if it fits within your normal weight allowance; golf equipment follows special partial-charge rules if it exceeds that allowance.

Cost interpretation: Golf equipment gets uniquely favorable treatment. If your golf bag weighs up to 15 kg over your free allowance, NOVOAIR only charges for 6 kg of that excess effectively discounting golfers compared to standard excess-baggage math. A traveler with 10 kg of excess golf gear pays for 6 kg, not 10.

What Special Items Does NOVOAIR Accept as Baggage?

NOVOAIR accepts musical instruments, portable dialysis machines, baby buggies, wheelchairs, and cremated human remains as baggage under specific conditions. Most require advance notice, proper packing, or documentation, and several carry no additional charge beyond standard excess rates.

• Musical instruments: Must be packed with a fragile label and limited release tag. Instruments over 115 cm require a paid extra seat if traveling in the cabin.
• Portable dialysis machines: Carried in addition to the normal free allowance, but must be stowed in the hold (dimensions up to 50 × 50 × 40 cm).
• Baby buggies and wheelchairs: Usable up to the departure gate; larger buggies that can’t fit in the cabin go into the hold.
• Cremated human remains: Accepted as checked baggage only, with a death certificate and a sealed outer casket or case. Not permitted in the cabin.
• Fragile items (paintings, glassware, valuables): Accepted, but NOVOAIR accepts no liability for damage pack defensively and consider travel insurance.

What Happens If Baggage Is Lost or Damaged?

NOVOAIR’s liability for lost, delayed, or damaged checked baggage is capped at 120 BDT per kilogram for domestic flights and 20 USD per kilogram for international flights, unless a passenger declares a higher value in advance and pays additional charges. The airline assumes no liability for improperly packed, fragile, valuable, or perishable items.

yet it’s critical for anyone checking electronics, jewelry, or fragile goods. If your baggage is damaged or lost, you must report it in writing immediately upon arrival delayed reports won’t be considered valid.

Practical takeaway: For a 20 kg bag lost on a domestic flight, standard compensation tops out at 2,400 BDT (20 kg × 120 BDT) likely far below the replacement cost of a loaded suitcase. Declaring excess value in advance, or carrying separate travel insurance, is the only way to close that gap.

When Should You Check In for a NOVOAIR Flight?

NOVOAIR’s check-in counters open 3 hours before departure for international flights and 1.5 hours before departure for domestic flights. Counters close 30 minutes before domestic departure and 1 hour before international departure. Passengers who miss these windows may be denied boarding.

Arriving right at the closing window is risky baggage processing, security screening, and any excess payment take time. Building in an extra 30–45 minutes beyond the minimum window is a safer bet, especially if you’re checking oversized or special-category items like golf bags or musical instruments that require manual handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does NOVOAIR charge differently for excess baggage on domestic versus international flights?
Yes. Domestic excess baggage costs a flat BDT 150 per kilogram in both directions. International excess (Dhaka–Kolkata) costs BDT 350 per kg outbound and INR 350 per kg inbound priced in the departure country’s currency.

Can I bring a golf bag on NOVOAIR without paying extra?
Yes, if your golf bag (clubs plus shoes) fits within your normal 20 kg allowance. If it exceeds that by up to 15 kg, NOVOAIR only charges for a maximum of 6 kg of the excess, not the full overage.

Is there a weight limit for infants flying with NOVOAIR?
Infants are allowed 10 kg of checked baggage plus one carry-on bag, separate from the accompanying adult’s allowance.

What happens if my carry-on bag is over 7 kg at the gate?
NOVOAIR will weigh and measure cabin baggage as needed. Bags exceeding 7 kg or the 15 × 22 × 35 cm size limit are typically checked into the hold, and standard excess charges may apply.

Can I bring scissors in my NOVOAIR carry-on?
Only if both blades are round-ended or the blade length is under 3 cm. Standard scissors exceeding this must go in checked baggage.

How much extra baggage do Umrah passengers get on NOVOAIR?
An additional 20 kg free, on top of the standard 20 kg allowance bringing the total to 40 kg checked baggage for domestic routes connecting to Umrah travel.

What is NOVOAIR’s liability if my bag is damaged in transit?
Liability is capped at 120 BDT per kilogram for domestic flights and 20 USD per kilogram for international flights, unless you’ve declared a higher value and paid an additional fee in advance.

Are diving cylinders allowed as checked baggage on NOVOAIR?
Yes, but the cylinder’s gauge must read zero (completely empty) before check-in, and it must be properly packed without being placed on the baggage belt.

Do musical instruments count toward my baggage allowance?
Yes. Instruments are treated as checked or cabin baggage depending on size. Instruments over 115 cm require a purchased extra seat if you want them in the cabin; otherwise, normal excess charges apply if they push you over your weight limit.

What items are completely banned from NOVOAIR flights, even in checked baggage?
Dangerous goods under IATA regulations are banned outright, including firearms, explosives, flammable gases and liquids, corrosives, radioactive materials, and lithium-ion batteries in checked baggage. Perishables like fish and meat are only allowed if packed in an airtight, hard-shell container.