Packing for a trip to Spain or connecting through Madrid? Understanding the Iberia Airlines baggage policy is essential to avoiding surprise fees at the airport.
Unlike some carriers with a “one size fits all” approach, Iberia’s rules vary significantly based on your ticket class, destination, and whether you are flying mainline Iberia or its regional partners.
At a Glance: Iberia Baggage Allowances
Iberia splits its allowances into three main categories: Personal Items, Cabin Bags, and Checked Luggage.
Note: If you are flying Iberia Regional Air Nostrum (smaller planes), your larger cabin bag may be gate-checked for free due to limited overhead space.
| Cabin Class | Personal Item (40x30x15cm) | Cabin Bag (56x40x25cm) | Standard Checked Bag (23kg) |
| Economy (Basic Fare) | 1 Included | 1 Included (10kg limit) | Not Included (Pay to add) |
| Economy (Standard/Flex) | 1 Included | 1 Included (10kg limit) | 1 Included |
| Premium Economy | 1 Included | 1 Included (10kg limit) | 2 Included |
| Business (Short/Med Haul) | 1 Included | 1 Included (14kg limit) | 2 Included |
| Business (Long Haul) | 1 Included | 2 Included (14kg limit)* | 2 Included |
Business Plus customers on long-haul flights or connecting to long-haul flights are permitted two cabin bags.
Iberia Carry-On Baggage Rules
Iberia is generally generous with carry-on allowances compared to low-cost carriers, as all fares include both a personal item and a cabin bag. However, they are strict about dimensions.
1. The Personal Accessory
Every passenger can bring one personal accessory. This must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Dimensions: Max 40 x 30 x 15 cm.
- Examples: A handbag, laptop bag, small briefcase, or diaper bag.
2. The Cabin Bag
Your main carry-on must fit in the overhead bin and you must be able to lift it yourself.
- Dimensions: Max 56 x 40 x 25 cm (includes wheels and handles).
- Weight:
- Economy & Premium Economy: Max 10 kg (22 lbs).
- Business Class: Max 14 kg (30 lbs).
Warning: If your carry-on exceeds these limits, it will be checked into the hold. If you haven’t pre-booked baggage, you may be charged a gate-check fee which is significantly higher than online rates.
3. Route-Specific Exceptions
- Flights from London: Due to local airport restrictions, items exceeding 190cm in length are not permitted as carry-on or checked baggage.
- Flights from the USA: Due to TSA restrictions, you are strictly limited to one carry-on and one personal item, regardless of class.
Checked Baggage Policy and Fees
The free baggage allowance depends entirely on your fare family.
Free Baggage Allowance
- Economy Basic: 0 bags. You must pay for all checked luggage.
- Economy Optimal/Comfort/Flex: 1 bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
- Premium Economy: 2 bags up to 23 kg (50 lbs) each.
- Business Class: 2 bags up to 23 kg (50 lbs) each.
Overweight and Excess Baggage Fees
If your bag weighs more than 23 kg, it is considered overweight.
- Overweight Fee (23kg – 32kg): A fixed fee applies per bag.
- US/Mexico/Canada: ~€75 / $100 USD / £65.
- Latin America/Asia: ~€100 / $110 USD.
- Europe/Middle East: Often charged per kilo (approx €12–€15 per kg).
- Hard Limit: Iberia will not accept any single bag weighing more than 32 kg (70 lbs) for health and safety reasons. These must be shipped as cargo.
Purchasing Extra Bags
If you are on a Basic fare or need more than your allowance, buying online is always cheaper than at the airport.
- Online: Prices range from €13 to €80 depending on the route.
- Airport: Prices range from €35 to €150, often double the online rate.
- Tip: You can add up to 9 bags total through the Booking Management tool.
Special Items: Sports and Music
Traveling with golf clubs or a guitar? Iberia classifies these as “Special Baggage.”
Sports Equipment
This includes bicycles, ski gear, golf clubs, and surfboards.
Long-Haul
Treated as a standard checked bag. If it falls within your free allowance (e.g., you have 2 bags allowed and the bike is one of them), it flies free. If it exceeds your allowance, you pay the extra bag fee.
Short/Medium Haul
A specific fixed fee usually applies regardless of your allowance.
Bicycles: €45–€55 online / €55–€65 airport.
Surfboards: €45–€55 online / €55–€65 airport.
Golf/Ski: Generally cheaper, starting around €35 online.
Musical Instruments
Carry-on
Small instruments (like a violin or flute) can be your standard carry-on if they fit within 30 x 120 x 42 cm.
Extra Seat
For larger instruments (Cello, Guitar) that you don’t want to check, you can purchase an extra seat. You must contact the Booking Centre to arrange this.
Checked
Maximum dimensions are 190 x 75 x 65 cm with a max weight of 23 kg. Heavier items may incur overweight fees.
Traveling with Infants and Children
Iberia is family-friendly regarding baggage.
- Infants (under 2): You can check one bag (10kg) plus a foldable stroller or car seat free of charge.
- Children (2-11): Same baggage allowance as an adult ticket, plus a collapsible stroller can be carried for free.
5 Tips to Save on Iberia Baggage Fees
Book “Optimal” Fares
If you know you are checking a bag, the “Optimal” or “Standard” fare is often cheaper than buying a Basic fare and adding a bag later.
Pay Online
Never pay for bags at the check-in counter. You can save up to 50% by adding bags via the Iberia app or website up to 24 hours before departure.
Join Iberia Plus
Even lower-tier members (Plata/Silver) get perks.
- Iberia Plus Silver / oneworld Ruby: Often get priority check-in but standard baggage.
- Iberia Plus Gold / oneworld Sapphire: Get one extra checked bag free of charge.
Weigh at Home
The overweight fee (jumping from 23kg to 32kg) is a steep flat rate (~$100). If you are at 24kg, take a jacket out and carry it.
Use the Calculator
Baggage fees are dynamic. Use the Iberia Baggage Calculator for your specific flight date and destination to get the exact price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Iberia charge for carry-on bags?
No. All passengers, including those on the cheapest Basic fare, are allowed one cabin bag (10kg) and one personal item for free.
What is the fee for a 25kg bag?
If your allowance is 23kg, a 25kg bag is considered overweight. You will be charged the flat overweight fee (approx. $100/€75) regardless of whether it is 1kg or 9kg over the limit.
Are CPAP machines counted as carry-on luggage?
No. Medical devices like CPAP machines are allowed in addition to your standard carry-on allowance, provided you have a medical certificate or doctor’s note.
I booked Iberia but the flight is operated by Vueling. Whose rules apply?
If your flight is operated by Vueling (a low-cost partner), Vueling’s baggage rules apply. They are generally stricter about carry-on sizes. Always check the rules of the operating carrier.
Final Thought
Before you fly, verify your specific allowance in the “Manage Booking” section of the Iberia website, as fees can fluctuate based on the season and route.
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.
