Citilink Baggage Policy: Carry-On and Checked Baggage Rules 

Citilink’s baggage policy gives every passenger 7 kg of carry-on baggage. Domestic passengers on A320 aircraft receive 15 kg of free checked baggage (restored March 5, 2026), while ATR 72-600 domestic routes allow 10 kg. International flights include a 20 kg checked baggage allowance. Excess baggage costs IDR 15,000 per kg at the airport pre-booking online saves up to 40%.

Flying Citilink (IATA code: QG) across Indonesia or internationally? Getting your baggage sorted before you arrive at the airport can save you real money and real headaches. As Indonesia’s leading low-cost carrier and a Skytrax 4-Star Low-Cost Airline Citilink operates 93.5% of its fleet using Airbus A320 aircraft, meaning the aircraft type on your route directly affects your baggage allowance.

What Is Citilink’s Carry-On Baggage Allowance?

Every Citilink passenger (excluding infants) is entitled to one carry-on bag weighing up to 7 kg, free of charge, on all flights domestic and international. You may also bring one additional personal item, such as a laptop bag or small handbag, provided it fits under the seat in front of you.

The key detail most travelers miss: carry-on dimensions differ by aircraft type.

If you’re connecting from a major city route (A320) to a smaller regional hop (ATR 72-600), your carry-on must comply with the ATR’s stricter dimensions for the entire journey. Pack accordingly.

Edge case: Passengers travelling with a laptop bag as their personal item should be aware that on ATR routes, the smaller overhead bin means even compliant A320 carry-ons are sometimes gate-checked at no charge but this isn’t guaranteed. Arriving early helps.

What Is Citilink’s Checked Baggage Allowance for Domestic Flights?

Citilink’s domestic checked baggage allowance depends on the aircraft operating your route. For A320 flights, the standard allowance is 15 kg of free checked baggage per passenger. For ATR 72-600 routes, the limit is 10 kg.

This matters because Citilink temporarily reduced its A320 domestic allowance to 10 kg for tickets purchased from March 1, 2026, before restoring the 15 kg allowance from March 5, 2026. If your ticket was issued during that window, confirm your allowance directly with Citilink.

Practical example: A family of three flying Jakarta to Surabaya (A320) has a combined checked baggage pool of 45 kg enough for two large suitcases and a carry-on bag checked as hold luggage.

What Is the Citilink Baggage Allowance for International Economy Flights?

International economy passengers flying Citilink receive 20 kg of free checked baggage plus 7 kg carry-on, for routes such as Jakarta to Singapore. This is notably more generous than many regional low-cost carriers, which often include no free checked baggage on international routes.

Note: Promotional international fares may carry different baggage conditions. Always verify your specific fare class during booking before assuming the 20 kg allowance applies.

What Is the Citilink Extra Baggage Charge for Domestic and International Flights?

Citilink charges IDR 15,000 per kilogram for excess checked baggage paid at the airport counter. For international routes, a per-piece handling fee of IDR 350,000 applies for station-level excess baggage processing.

Pre-booking extra baggage online is significantly cheaper Citilink offers savings of up to 40% compared to counter rates.

Cost example  domestic route:

• Excess: 8 kg over allowance
• Counter rate: 8 × IDR 15,000 = IDR 120,000
• Pre-booked rate (estimated 40% saving): approximately IDR 72,000

Pre-booking in packages (e.g., 5 kg, 10 kg, 20 kg) locks in the lower price and avoids surprise fees at check-in.

How Do You Buy or Pre-Book Extra Baggage on Citilink?

Pre-booking extra baggage on Citilink can be done online via the official website or mobile app, and must be completed at least 4 hours before departure.

Steps to add extra baggage online:

1. Visit citilink.co.id or open the BetterFly Citilink app (available on iOS and Android)
2. Navigate to Manage My Booking
3. Enter your booking reference and passenger details
4. Select Add Baggage and choose your preferred weight package (5 kg, 10 kg, 20 kg)
5. Complete payment and save your updated e-ticket

Alternatively:

• Call Citilink’s international contact center: +62 21 6379 8000 (24/7)
• Email: customercare@citilink.co.id
• Purchase at the airport counter (at higher counter rates)

Tip: LinkMiles members can also redeem miles to cover ancillary add-ons including extra baggage, which is a strong value option for frequent flyers.

What Are Citilink’s Checked Baggage Size Limits?

Citilink does not publish a standard maximum checked bag dimension in the same way some carriers do, but oversized items those exceeding standard handling limits are classified as special baggage and attract individual handling fees.

Key size rules:

• Surfboards: Maximum length of 277 cm on Airbus A320 flights; specific handling fees apply
• Musical instruments: Small instruments may be carried on board if they fit within carry-on dimensions; larger instruments must be checked as special baggage
• Fragile instruments: For items like cellos, purchasing an additional seat to keep the instrument in the cabin is permitted

If your bag is oversized or unusually shaped, contact Citilink’s call center at least 48 hours before departure to confirm handling procedures.

What Special Baggage Rules Apply to Sports Equipment and Musical Instruments?

Citilink accommodates adventure travelers reasonably well. Sports equipment such as bicycles, golf clubs, and diving gear can be checked in as part of your standard baggage allowance. If the equipment pushes you past your weight limit, standard excess baggage fees apply.

Sports equipment quick guide:

• Bicycles: Check as hold baggage; partially disassemble and pack securely
• Golf clubs: Accepted as checked baggage within weight limit
• Diving gear: Tanks must be completely empty; regulators and fins accepted
• Surfboards: Maximum 277 cm on A320; special handling fee applies

Musical instruments:

• Small instruments (ukulele, violin): Acceptable as carry-on if dimensions comply
• Large instruments (guitar, cello): Must be checked or an extra seat purchased
• All special baggage arrangements should be confirmed 48 hours in advance

What Items Are Restricted or Prohibited in Citilink Baggage?

Citilink enforces strict rules on dangerous goods to align with aviation safety standards.

Power banks (carry-on only; prohibited in checked baggage):

• Up to 20,000 mAh (100 Wh): Allowed, maximum 2 per person
• 20,000–32,000 mAh (100–160 Wh): Requires airline approval
• Over 32,000 mAh: Strictly prohibited

Other key restrictions:

• Smart luggage with non-removable lithium batteries: Banned entirely
• Sharp objects (knives, scissors): Prohibited in the cabin
• Liquids over 100 ml: Prohibited in carry-on on international flights
• Durian: Prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage due to odor rules

Prohibited items under Indonesian aviation regulations include:

• Firearms (without prior government authorization)
• Explosive materials
• CITES-protected wildlife

What Time Is Check-In at Citilink?

Domestic flights:

• Online check-in opens 48 hours and closes 3 hours before departure (updated August 1, 2025; domestic flights only)
• Airport counter: Opens 2+ hours before departure; closes approximately 30–45 minutes prior

International flights:

• Online check-in is not available for international departures
• Airport counter opens 3 hours before and closes 1 hour before departure

Arrive early for international flights. The single-hour pre-departure counter closure is stricter than many travelers expect, and late arrivals will not be accommodated.

Is Citilink a Budget Airline? What Should You Know?

Yes Citilink is a low-cost carrier (LCC), operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of Garuda Indonesia. Established in 2001 and independently operating since 2012, the airline has grown to carry over 11.68 million passengers annually and holds a 4-Star Low-Cost Airline rating from Skytrax one of the highest certifications available for budget carriers globally.

Unlike many LCCs, Citilink includes free checked baggage on most fares, operates a modern Airbus A320 fleet, and offers onboard Wi-Fi entertainment (LinkWireless) at no cost. Meals are not included by default but can be pre-ordered via the Green Bistro service.

Pack Smart: 5 Tips for Travelling with Citilink

1. Check your aircraft type before packing. ATR 72-600 routes carry stricter carry-on dimensions and a lower 10 kg checked baggage limit plan for the smallest allowance if you’re connecting.
2. Pre-book extra baggage at least 4 hours before departure to lock in savings of up to 40% versus counter prices.
3. Use the BetterFly Citilink app to manage your booking, add baggage, select seats, and access your mobile boarding pass.
4. Pool your baggage allowance when travelling as a group on the same booking reference Citilink allows combined weight pooling.
5. Label bags inside and out with your name, phone number, and email especially important when transiting through busy hubs like Jakarta or Medan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the March 2026 baggage change affect tickets already purchased before March 1, 2026?
No. The new allowances apply based on the Date of Issue (DoI). Tickets purchased before March 1, 2026 retain the old allowance conditions, regardless of the actual flight date.

Can I pool my baggage allowance with another passenger on the same booking?
Yes. Citilink allows baggage pooling for passengers sharing the same booking reference (PNR), giving groups flexibility if one passenger packs heavier than others.

What happens if my bag is overweight at the Citilink check-in counter?
You will be charged IDR 15,000 per kilogram of excess weight, payable at the counter before boarding. This is up to 40% more expensive than pre-booking the same weight online.

Can I add extra baggage at the airport on the day of travel?
Yes, but only at the airport counter at the higher counter rate. Online pre-booking closes 4 hours before departure, so arriving early gives you more flexibility.

Does Citilink’s 7 kg carry-on allowance apply to infants?
No. Infant passengers do not receive a carry-on baggage allowance. Parents may bring infant food and an approved infant carrier seat; contact Citilink reservations for specific guidance.

Are power banks allowed on Citilink flights?
Power banks up to 20,000 mAh (100 Wh) are permitted in carry-on baggage only (maximum two per person). Power banks are strictly prohibited in checked baggage.

Can LinkMiles members get a higher baggage allowance on domestic A320 flights?
Yes. LinkMiles members booking through official Citilink channels receive a 15 kg domestic checked baggage allowance, even during periods when standard allowances were temporarily reduced.

Is online check-in available for Citilink international flights?
No. As of August 2025, Citilink’s online check-in is available only for domestic flights, opening 48 hours and closing 3 hours before departure. International passengers must check in at the airport counter.

What is the maximum surfboard size Citilink will accept on A320 flights?
Citilink accepts surfboards up to 277 cm in length on Airbus A320 flights. Specific handling fees apply and should be confirmed with Citilink’s call center before travel.

Does Citilink charge for checked baggage on all international fares?
Not necessarily. Most standard economy international fares include 20 kg of free checked baggage. However, heavily discounted promotional fares may carry reduced or zero baggage inclusions always check your specific fare conditions at the time of booking.