Riyadh Air launches flights to Islamabad (August 14), Lahore (August 18), and Manila (September 9, 2026), all operated on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Checked baggage ranges from 25–65 kg depending on cabin and fare tier. Carry-on allowances run from 7–15 kg. Pre-purchasing extra baggage online saves up to 30%.

Saudi Arabia’s newest national carrier is making a major push into South and Southeast Asia. Riyadh Air has opened ticket sales for three new routes Islamabad, Lahore, and Manila marking its first foray into Pakistan and the Philippines. For travelers already booking flights, the next question is almost always the same: how much can I bring, and what will it cost me?

When Does Riyadh Air Start Flying to Pakistan and the Philippines?

Riyadh Air is launching three new international routes in 2026, serving both Pakistani and Filipino communities in Saudi Arabia as well as business and leisure travelers.

Tickets are available through the Riyadh Air website, mobile app, and travel agents. According to Gulf Business (August 4, 2026), Riyadh Air stated these routes support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals by strengthening Riyadh’s role as a regional aviation hub and improving connectivity with key overseas markets.

The carrier currently operates four cabin classes on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and Business Elite.

What Is Riyadh Air and Why Is It Entering These Markets?

Riyadh Air is Saudi Arabia’s second national carrier, led by CEO Tony Douglas, and is rapidly expanding its international network. The Pakistan routes are designed to serve the large Pakistani expatriate community in the Kingdom, while the Manila route targets the substantial Filipino workforce in Saudi Arabia alongside general business and leisure travel between the two capitals.

These routes also offer onward connections to destinations across the Middle East and Europe, positioning Riyadh as a connecting hub not just a destination.

What Are Riyadh Air’s Checked Baggage Allowances by Cabin Class?

Riyadh Air uses a weight concept for all international flights, meaning your allowance is based on the total combined weight of all your bags not the number of pieces. Each individual bag must not exceed 32 kg, regardless of your total allowance.

Key rules that apply to all cabins:

• Each bag’s combined dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 158 cm
• Bags between 158–300 cm in total dimension incur an oversized baggage fee, paid at check-in
• Bags exceeding 300 cm cannot be checked they must be sent via Riyadh Cargo
• Mobility aids travel free of charge and do not count toward your allowance

How does this compare to Emirates? On weight-concept routes (which includes Pakistan and the Philippines), Emirates Economy allowances run from 20–35 kg and Business Class gets 40 kg. Riyadh Air’s Business Elite (65 kg) and Business Flex (50 kg) are notably more generous than Emirates Business Class at 40 kg a meaningful advantage for heavy packers.

What Are Riyadh Air’s Carry-On Baggage Rules?

Every passenger, regardless of cabin class, is allowed one carry-on bag sized at a maximum of 56 x 36 x 23 cm. Weight limits vary by cabin.

The personal item (e.g., laptop bag, handbag, or small backpack) must measure no more than 45 x 35 x 25 cm and weigh under 7 kg across all cabin classes. Both bags must fit in the overhead locker or under the seat in front.

Practical note: Economy travelers should be aware that 7 kg carry-on is lower than some competitors. Pack essentials including valuables, travel documents, and medication in your hand luggage, as Riyadh Air recommends.

How Does Riyadh Air Handle Sports Equipment and Special Baggage?

Riyadh Air accommodates sports equipment within your standard baggage allowance, but there is one notable exception that stands out from competitors.

Golf equipment receives a special bonus: golfers traveling on Riyadh Air get an additional 15 kg of free allowance on top of their standard checked baggage allowance at no extra cost. This is a rare perk in the Gulf carrier market and one that competing airlines typically charge extra for.

Other sports equipment rules:

• Small items (e.g., yoga mats, snorkeling gear): can travel as carry-on if they fit within size and weight limits
• Large items (e.g., surfboards, bicycles): travel as checked baggage, up to 32 kg and 300 cm combined dimensions
• If your equipment exceeds 300 cm, an oversized fee applies and must be paid at the check-in counter
• Unusual items such as musical instruments may require prior approval check Riyadh Air’s Unusual Baggage policy before travel

How Do You Buy Extra Baggage on Riyadh Air?

Riyadh Air allows passengers to pre-purchase additional baggage online in blocks of 5 kg, with discounts of up to 30% compared to airport rates. This must be completed at least four hours before departure.

After the four-hour cutoff, standard excess baggage fees apply at the check-in counter. Riyadh Air uses dynamic pricing, meaning rates vary based on route and timing there is no publicly fixed per-kg fee. Always check current rates at the time of purchase through the Riyadh Air website or app.

Cost-saving scenarios:

• A traveler on an Economy Smart Fare (30 kg) bringing 38 kg of luggage would need to pre-purchase 10 kg (two 5 kg blocks) in advance to save up to 30% versus paying at the airport
• Pre-purchased baggage automatically transfers to a new flight if your itinerary changes
• Pre-purchased baggage is non-refundable unless Riyadh Air cancels the flight or denies boarding

What Are the Benefits of Sfeer, Riyadh Air’s Loyalty Program?

Sfeer is Riyadh Air’s loyalty program, offering members Sfeer Points that never expire, a Best Offer Guarantee when booking direct, and complimentary onboard Wi-Fi on all flights including the new Pakistan and Philippines routes.

Key Sfeer benefits include:

• Sfeer Points earned on every flight and through partner activities (Hilton, Uber, muvi Cinemas)
• Level Points that track your tier progress as the program scales
• Founding Member status for early joiners: a unique membership number starting with “1,” exclusive event invitations, and permanent recognition in Riyadh Air’s history
• Sfeer Priority Assist: priority customer service, live chat, and callback options

While Sfeer does not yet publicly list tier-based baggage upgrades (as the tiered system is still rolling out), higher Fare Bundle selections already provide meaningfully higher baggage allowances. Founding Members are positioned to benefit from additional perks as the program matures through 2026 and beyond.

Top Tips for Avoiding Excess Baggage Fees on Riyadh Air

• Pre-purchase extra baggage online at least 4 hours before your flight to lock in the discounted rate (up to 30% off airport pricing)
• Choose the right fare tier: upgrading from Lite to Smart in Economy adds 5 kg to your allowance and may cost less than paying for excess baggage at the airport
• Use your personal item allowance: the 45 x 35 x 25 cm personal item slot (up to 7 kg) is separate from your carry-on use both
• Pack your lightest bags for carry-on: Economy carry-on is capped at 7 kg, so put heavier items in checked luggage
• Golfers: always declare golf equipment at booking your free 15 kg bonus only applies to confirmed golf bag transport
• Weigh your bags at home: digital luggage scales cost under $15 and can save you hundreds in airport excess fees

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum single bag weight on Riyadh Air?
No single checked bag may exceed 32 kg, regardless of your total allowance or cabin class. Bags within your allowance but over 32 kg per piece will not be accepted at check-in.

Can you bring liquids in carry-on luggage on Riyadh Air?
Yes, standard international liquids rules apply. Liquids, aerosols, and gels must be in containers of 100 ml or less, placed in a transparent, resealable bag no larger than 1 litre. Quantities exceeding this must go in checked baggage.

Does Riyadh Air charge extra for oversized bags on Pakistan and Philippines routes?
Yes. Bags with combined dimensions (length + width + height) between 158 cm and 300 cm incur an oversized baggage fee, paid at check-in. Items exceeding 300 cm cannot be accepted and must be sent via Riyadh Cargo.

What happens to pre-purchased baggage if my Riyadh Air flight is rescheduled?
Pre-purchased extra baggage automatically transfers to your new flight if your itinerary changes. It is non-refundable unless Riyadh Air cancels the flight or denies you boarding.

Does Business Elite class get more baggage than standard Business class?
Yes. Business Elite (Elite Fare) includes 65 kg of checked baggage, compared to 50 kg on the Business Flex Fare and 45 kg on the Business Smart Fare a notable difference for passengers traveling with heavy luggage.

Is sports equipment counted separately from the standard baggage allowance on Riyadh Air?
No sports equipment counts toward your standard checked baggage allowance. The only exception is golf equipment, which receives an additional free 15 kg on top of your existing allowance.

How early should I purchase extra baggage to get the discounted rate?
Extra baggage must be purchased online at least four hours before departure to qualify for the pre-purchase discount (up to 30%). After this window, standard airport rates which are higher will apply.

Does Riyadh Air’s Sfeer loyalty program offer bonus baggage allowance?
Sfeer does not currently publish a tier-based baggage benefit, as its full tier structure is still being rolled out. Sfeer Points can be earned from your first Riyadh Air flight and never expire, positioning early members to benefit as the program expands in 2026.

Can I check in more than one bag on Riyadh Air?
Yes Riyadh Air uses a weight concept, so you can check in as many bags as you like, provided the combined total weight does not exceed your allowance and no individual bag exceeds 32 kg.

Are there any prohibited items specific to Riyadh Air baggage?
Standard international dangerous goods restrictions apply items such as lithium batteries above airline limits, flammable substances, and certain chemicals may be restricted or require special approval. Riyadh Air’s Dangerous Goods and Prohibited Items policy on their website provides a full list.