Navigating airline baggage rules can often feel like the most stressful part of planning a trip. Turkish Airlines has one of the more generous baggage policies, but its rules can be complex, with different systems for different destinations.
Understanding whether your flight follows a “piece concept” or a “weight concept” is the key to avoiding unexpected fees at the airport.
Turkish Airlines Baggage Policy at a Glance
For a quick overview, here’s a summary of the standard allowances and fees. Remember that allowances can vary based on your route, fare type (EcoFly, ExtraFly, PrimeFly), and Miles&Smiles status.
| Baggage Type | Allowance & Limits | Potential Fees |
| Personal Item | 1 item per passenger (e.g., laptop bag, handbag). Max size: 40x30x15 cm. | Free |
| Carry-On Bag | Economy: 1 bag, up to 8 kg (17 lbs). Business: 2 bags, up to 8 kg (17 lbs) each. Max size: 55x40x23 cm. | Free. Overweight carry-ons may need to be checked, incurring fees. |
| Checked Baggage (Weight Concept) | Domestic: 15–25 kg depending on fare. International: 20–40 kg depending on route and class. | Excess weight fees vary by region, typically $8–$15 per kg. |
| Checked Baggage (Piece Concept) | Economy: 2 bags, up to 23 kg (50 lbs) each. Business: 2 bags, up to 32 kg (70 lbs) each. | Extra bags start from ~$165. Overweight fees apply for bags over the limit. |
| Infant Baggage | 1 bag up to 10 kg (or 23 kg on piece concept routes) + 1 collapsible stroller. | Free |
Note: A single checked bag cannot exceed 32 kg (70 lbs) on any route for safety reasons.
Free Baggage Allowance: What’s Included?
Your free baggage allowance depends on your destination, travel class, and fare package. Turkish Airlines uses two main systems.
The Weight Concept
This system applies to most flights within Europe, Asia, and Africa. Instead of a set number of bags, you get a total weight allowance.
- Domestic (Turkey):
- EcoFly: 15 kg
- ExtraFly: 20 kg
- PrimeFly: 25 kg
- Business: 30 kg
- International:
- Economy: Typically 20–30 kg.
- Business: Typically 30–40 kg.
You can check multiple bags as long as their combined weight doesn’t exceed your allowance.
The Piece Concept
This system is used for flights to and from North and South America, as well as certain destinations in Africa and Asia. You are allowed a specific number of bags, each with a weight limit.
- Economy Class: 2 bags, with each bag weighing no more than 23 kg (50 lbs).
- Business Class: 2 bags, with each bag weighing no more than 32 kg (70 lbs).
For both concepts, the maximum dimension for any single checked bag is 158 cm (62 inches) when you add the length, width, and height.
Extra Baggage Fees: When You Need to Pay More
If your luggage exceeds the free allowance, you’ll face extra charges. Fees depend on the route and whether you’re over in weight or number of pieces.
Overweight Baggage Fees
Weight Concept
Fees are charged per kilogram over your allowance. This can range from approximately $8 per kg on short international routes to over $35 per kg on long-haul flights.
Piece Concept
If a bag is between 23 kg and 32 kg in Economy, an overweight fee (typically around $80) applies.
Extra Bag Fees (Piece Concept)
If you need to check a third bag on a piece-concept route, fees are significant. They generally start around $200 and can exceed $290 per extra bag, depending on the destination.
Special Baggage and Exceptions
Traveling with more than just clothes? Here’s what you need to know.
Traveling with Infants
Passengers traveling with an infant (under 2 years old) are entitled to one additional checked bag of 10 kg (or one 23 kg bag on piece concept routes) and one fully collapsible stroller at no extra cost.
Miles&Smiles Loyalty Perks
Your Miles&Smiles status gives you a more generous allowance:
- Classic Plus: Extra 10 kg on weight concept routes.
- Elite: Extra 20 kg or 1 extra piece.
- Elite Plus: Extra 25 kg or 1 extra piece.
Sports Equipment and Musical Instruments
Turkish Airlines allows you to check sports equipment like surfboards, golf clubs, and skis for a special fee, which is often lower than standard excess baggage charges.
One set of golf or ski equipment is even carried free of charge on many international routes. Large musical instruments like cellos can be transported in a purchased adjacent seat in the cabin.
Tips to Save Money on Baggage Fees
Pre-purchase Extra Baggage Online
You can get significant discounts (up to 30% or more) by purchasing your extra allowance on the Turkish Airlines website or app before you get to the airport.
Pack Smart
Use a luggage scale at home to avoid surprises. Wear your heaviest clothing and shoes on the plane.
Know Your Route
Before you pack, use the baggage calculator on the Turkish Airlines website to confirm if your flight is on a weight or piece concept route. This is the most important step to avoid confusion.
Join Miles&Smiles
Even a basic membership can offer benefits over time. If you fly Turkish Airlines frequently, the extra baggage allowance from elite status is a major perk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine my baggage allowance with another passenger?
No, Turkish Airlines does not permit passengers on different bookings (PNRs) to pool their baggage allowances.
What happens if my carry-on is overweight?
If your cabin bag exceeds the 8 kg limit, you will likely be asked to check it. If this puts you over your checked baggage allowance, fees will apply.
Are there special baggage rules for flights with partner airlines?
Yes. For flights involving another airline (codeshare), the rules of the “Most Significant Carrier” (usually the airline operating the longest leg of the journey) apply. Always check with both airlines.
Can I bring liquids in my checked baggage?
Yes, but they must be properly sealed to prevent leaks. The total amount of non-water liquids cannot exceed 5 liters, and each individual container should be sealed.
Do student discounts apply to baggage?
On some routes, especially flights to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), special baggage allowances or discounted fees are available for students.
This must be arranged at a sales office.
What is the policy for power banks?
Power banks and spare lithium batteries are only allowed in your carry-on baggage, not in checked luggage.
Always Check Before You Fly
Baggage policies can change, and special conditions can apply to your specific flight. The most reliable source of information is always the official Turkish Airlines website.
Use their online baggage calculator with your flight details to get the most accurate and up-to-date information before you head to the airport.
Grace Turner is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. She specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. Her work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
