Aerolíneas Argentinas allows every passenger one free 3 kg personal item. Carry-on limits are 8 kg (domestic) or 10 kg (international) at 55 x 35 x 25 cm. Checked bags are 15 kg (domestic) or 23 kg (international), and Promo fares often include no checked bag at all.

Packing for a flight to Buenos Aires, Bariloche, or beyond? Aerolíneas Argentinas Argentina’s flag carrier runs two very different baggage systems depending on where you fly. Get it wrong, and you could face fees of up to $100 at the check-in counter.

How much baggage does Aerolíneas Argentinas allow?

Aerolíneas Argentinas uses two systems: the Weight Concept for domestic flights within Argentina and the Piece Concept for regional and international routes. Every passenger gets one free personal item up to 3 kg, but carry-on and checked allowances change based on your route and fare class.

Here’s the quick reference table for standard allowances:

*Promo and Base fares may not include a carry-on or checked bag. Always check your ticket details.

Two exceptions apply to international checked bags: flights to Colombia are capped at 20 kg and flights to Mexico allow 25 kg.

What is the Aerolíneas Argentinas carry-on size and weight limit?

The Aerolíneas Argentinas carry-on size limit is 55 x 35 x 25 cm, including wheels, handles, and external pockets. Weight limits differ by route: 8 kg (17 lbs) for domestic flights and 10 kg (22 lbs) for international and regional flights. Every passenger also gets one free 3 kg personal item.

The personal item

Regardless of fare, every traveler may bring one personal item free of charge. It must weigh up to 3 kg and fit under the seat in front of you. Accepted examples include a purse, laptop bag, small backpack, or diaper bag.

The standard carry-on

This is where travelers get caught out. Domestic carry-on limits (8 kg) are stricter than most US and European standards. Agents at Buenos Aires airports both Jorge Newbery (AEP) and Ezeiza (EZE) frequently weigh cabin bags before boarding.

Watch out for Promo fares. If you booked the cheapest domestic ticket, you may only be entitled to a personal item, not a full carry-on. Bring a carry-on to the gate anyway, and you could be forced to check it and pay a fee. Look for the words “Includes Carry-On” versus “Personal Item Only” on your booking.

What is the Aerolíneas Argentinas checked baggage allowance?

Aerolíneas Argentinas checked baggage depends on your route. Domestic flights follow the Weight Concept, offering 15 kg for Plus and Flex fares. International flights use the Piece Concept, allowing 1 piece up to 23 kg in Economy. Promo and Base fares typically include zero checked bags, so you’ll need to buy them separately.

Domestic flights (Weight Concept)

For routes within Argentina, such as Buenos Aires to Mendoza:

• Plus/Flex Economy: 15 kg (33 lbs) included
• Premium Economy: 2 pieces, typically up to 23 kg
• Promo/Base fares: 0 kg included purchase required

International flights (Piece Concept)

For flights to the USA, Europe, or wider South America:

• Economy: 1 piece up to 23 kg (50 lbs)
• Business (Club Cóndor): 2 or 3 pieces up to 23 kg, depending on route
• Size limit: Length + width + height must not exceed 158 cm

Children and infants

Children receive the same allowance as adults. Infants not occupying a seat get one free checked bag up to 10 kg and 115 cm. A stroller, walker, or folding buggy travels free in the hold for infants.

What are the Aerolíneas Argentinas baggage fees?

Aerolíneas Argentinas baggage fees vary by route. Extra domestic bags cost roughly $15–$30 USD equivalent (paid in ARS), while international extra bags run $60–$100 USD. Overweight international bags (23–32 kg) incur fees near $100 USD. Buying online saves up to 50% compared to airport rates.

Buying extra bags

You can pre-purchase up to 4 additional bags and 4 special bags online, up to 1 hour before departure through the “My Booking” section or WhatsApp. Only suitcases, bags, and backpacks qualify as additional baggage boxes and similar items don’t count.

Maximum weight per additional bag:

• Domestic flights: 15 kg (Economy and Premium Economy)
• International/regional: 23 kg (Bogotá capped at 20 kg)

Overweight and oversize fees

The 32 kg (70 lb) hard limit exists for handler health and safety. No exceptions.

Cost breakdown example

Say you book a Promo fare from Buenos Aires to Bariloche with one 15 kg bag to add. Pre-paying online might cost the ARS equivalent of ~$20 USD. Wait until the airport, and you could pay closer to $30 USD a 50% penalty for procrastinating.

Which items count as special baggage?

Special baggage includes sports equipment, musical instruments, and audiovisual gear. These items are not part of your standard allowance and carry a fixed fee per segment roughly ARS 34,000 for domestic legs and $60–$150 USD internationally. Weapons, human ashes, and human organs are transported at no extra charge when properly declared.

Sports equipment and instruments

• Skis, snowboards, golf clubs, surfboards (under 300 cm): Fixed fee per leg, checked to the hold.
• Small instruments: May be carried on if they fit the overhead bin and stay under 80 cm this replaces your carry-on.
• Large instruments (e.g., cello): Check as special baggage or buy an extra seat.

Restricted and prohibited items

Hazardous materials are barred from both cabin and hold. A practical Argentine tip: you can bring your mate kit, but the thermos must be empty of water to clear security. Consult the official restricted items list before packing anything unusual.

Domestic vs. international: what changes on connecting flights?

On a single ticket, your international allowance (23 kg) is usually honored on the connecting domestic leg. But if you book separate tickets say Miami to Buenos Aires on one reservation, then Buenos Aires to Mendoza on another the stricter domestic rule (15 kg) applies to the second flight. Single tickets protect your allowance.

Two practical pointers competitors often skip:

• Pool your allowance. Passengers on the same reservation can often combine weight at the agent’s discretion (two 15 kg allowances shared as one 28 kg bag).
• Aerolíneas Plus elite members (Gold/Platinum) frequently receive extra free baggage allowance.

What if my bag is lost or damaged?

Report any baggage problem before leaving the airport. For international travel, file damage claims in writing within 7 days of receipt and delay claims within 21 days. Liability is limited to roughly US$20 per kg for checked baggage and US$400 per passenger for unchecked items, unless you declare a higher value in advance.

This liability detail matters for anyone carrying valuables. If a 23 kg bag is lost, the standard payout caps near $460 far below the value of most travelers’ contents. Consider travel insurance for expensive gear.

Recent Aerolíneas Argentinas changes worth knowing

Aerolíneas Argentinas has undergone major restructuring under President Javier Milei’s government since late 2023. According to Reuters (January 2025), the airline cut roughly 13% of staff, trimmed money-losing domestic routes, and reduced in-flight perks ahead of a possible privatization. Domestic travel fell 9% after subsidies were pulled.

What does this mean for your baggage? Fewer domestic routes and a leaner service model make it more important than ever to confirm your specific allowance in “My Booking” before you travel. Fee structures tied to the Argentine peso also shift with inflation, so verify current rates close to your departure date.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 158 cm linear dimension limit strict?
Yes. Linear dimension equals length + width + height. Standard large suitcases fit within it, but oversized trunks will be measured and may incur fees.

Can I pool baggage allowance with my family?
Generally yes, if you’re on the same reservation. Agents often allow two 15 kg allowances to be combined into one 28 kg bag, though it’s at their discretion.

What’s the maximum weight for any single bag?
32 kg (70 lbs). Bags heavier than this cannot be checked and must be sent as cargo for handler safety.

Do Promo fares include a checked bag?
Usually no. Promo and Base fares typically include zero checked baggage. You must purchase it separately, ideally online.

How many extra bags can I buy?
Up to 4 additional bags and 4 special bags per passenger, per flight. The first additional bag is priced lower than subsequent ones.

Can I bring a stroller for my baby?
Yes. One stroller, walker, or folding buggy travels free in the hold for infants, plus one 10 kg checked bag.

How much cheaper is buying baggage online?
Airport rates can cost up to 50% more than online pre-purchase. Always add bags through “My Booking” before you fly.

What’s the carry-on weight for international flights?
10 kg (22 lbs), compared to 8 kg on domestic routes. Both share the 55 x 35 x 25 cm size limit.

Are baggage fees refundable?
No. All additional baggage services are non-refundable and do not earn miles.

How much does Aerolíneas pay for a lost bag?
Around US$20 per kg for checked baggage, capped near $460 for a 23 kg bag, unless you declared a higher value in advance.