Thinking of going on a trip with Thai Airways? It is important to learn their baggage policies so as to enable them to plan and have a smooth trip. In this all-encompassing blog, we will try to explain the Thai Airways checked baggage policy as well as the Thai Airways carry on baggage allowance and any potential Thai Airways baggage fees that you may come across.
Understanding the free baggage allowance and the charges will assist you in packing wisely and the charges that you will be subjected to at the airport. Therefore, this blog post will help any traveler that is flying with Thai Airways whether it is a first time or a frequent flyer on the right information about the baggage allowance and charges.
Thai Airways Checked Baggage Policy
While some airlines have a standard baggage policy in which all passengers are provided with the same baggage allowance, Thai Airways has a different policy in which passengers are allowed different weight allowance depending on the class they are traveling in and destination (especially if the journey starts or ends in the USA or Canada). Here’s a breakdown:
Travel on International Sectors to/from USA & Canada:
- Royal First Class & Royal Silk Class: The passengers in these classes are provided with a complimentary baggage allowance of two pieces per person, with a maximum weight allowance of 32 kgs (70 lbs) for each piece of luggage. Checked baggage should not exceed the total linear dimension of 158cms (62 inches) including length, width and height of each checked baggage.
- Economy Class: Just like the USA and Canadian citizens; passengers traveling in the economic class are allowed two checked bags for free too. However, the limit of each bag is less than the previous one and is equal to 23 kgs (50 lbs), while the linear dimensions of the whole luggage do not differ and remain 158 cms (62 inches).
Travel on Other International Sectors (excluding USA & Canada):
While flying on routes other than those between the USA/Canada and Thailand, Thai Airlines Baggage Policy uses a weight concept. This means that depending on the fare, the free checked baggage allowance is calculated on the basis of the total weight permissible for check-in baggage and not the number of pieces.
The amount of weight allowance differs with the travel class and route that you are using. It is recommended to visit the Thai Airways website or better still talk to their customer service team to get the latest information about your desired route. However, here’s a general guideline:
- Royal First Class & Royal Orchid Platinum Elite: Such passengers are typically allowed to carry the most piece of luggage with weights usually ranging from 40 kgs (88 lbs) to 50 kgs (110 lbs).
- Royal Silk Class & Royal Orchid Gold Elite: Such passengers are allowed to carry one checked baggage that can weigh between 30 kgs (66 lbs) and 40 kgs (88 lbs) free of charge.
- Economy Class & Royal Orchid Silver Elite: In the case of economy class passengers and Royal Orchid Silver Elite members, passengers are allowed to carry between 20 kgs to 30 kgs free of charge in check in baggage.
Important Notes:
- However, depending on the airline company and type of ticket, there is a free checked baggage allowance and each individual checked baggage must weigh no more than 32 kgs (70 lbs). Any bag with a weight more than this will be treated as an extra baggage and attract a charge accordingly.
- The total linear dimensions (length + width + height) of each checked bag must not exceed 158 cms (62 inches).
Thai Airways Carry-on Baggage (Hand Baggage) Policy
Thai Airways allows each passenger to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard the aircraft. Here are the size restrictions for these items:
- Carry-on Bag: The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm (22 inches x 17.7 inches x 9.8 inches), including wheels and handles.
- Personal Item: The dimensions for a personal item should not exceed 38 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm (15 inches x 11.8 inches x 7.9 inches).
Examples of carry-on bags:
- Rolling suitcases that do not exceed the regulation size measured from the ground to the top of the suitcase.
- Backpacks only, with a maximum size of the permitted bags.
- Items that can fit large duffel bags for the restricted size measures.
Examples of personal items:
- Purses
- Briefcases
- Laptop bags
- Small backpacks
Things to Remember about Carry-on Bags:
- The carry-on bag must be of a size that can be placed in the overhead compartment or under the passenger seat.
- If overhead bins are full, your carry-on may be checked at the gate (meaning, it will be taken to the aircraft’s cargo hold at the boarding gate) for free. Just in case there is a possibility that the carry-on may be placed in the belly of the plane, make sure you take out any delicate items from it.
Thai Airways Fee for Extra Bags and Overweight/ Oversized Bags
Thai Airways has a baggage allowance based on your route and cabin class and Thai Airways allows for a free checked baggage allowance but charges for additional baggage or for exceeding the free baggage allowance. Here’s a breakdown of the charges:
- Extra Checked Bag (3rd Bag): This fee differs based on the routes, and the travel class you have opted for. The passenger may check the particularities of the charges on the Thai Airways official website or get in touch with the company’s service center. However, this is usually charged a few hundred Thai Baht (THB) above the usual check-in baggage fee.
- Extra Checked Bag (4th Bag and beyond): The tariffs for exceeding the allowance by more than two bags can be even greater. However, to get the most recent charges on your respective route, check the Thai Airways website or contact customer service.
- Overweight Bag (Exceeding 32 kgs but not more than 40 kgs): For bags above but not exceeding 40 kgs, a flat fee applies to bags above the standard 32 kgs. The amount of the fee may vary depending on the route you choose.
- Overweight Bag (Exceeding 40 kgs): Items above 40 kgs are not allowed to be taken in for check-in.
Oversized Bag (Exceeding 158 cms linear dimensions)
The charges vary depending on the weight and size with a flat fee charged on bags with total linear dimensions of 158 cms or more. The actual amount varies with the flight.
Important Notes:
- If it is both overweight and exceeds the size limit, the fee for the size and the fee for the weight will be charged if the former does not exceed 40 kilos.
- Any baggage which has dimensions exceeding the total perimeter of 158 CMS or the weight of more than 40 kgs cannot be regarded as checked baggage but has to be transported as cargo.
Thai Airways Military Baggage Policy
Thai Airways provides active military personnel on official business with a military ID sufficiency free baggage allowance. Here’s what you need to know about Thai Airways Military Baggage Policy:
- Royal First Class & Royal Silk Class: Military personnel in these premium cabins during active service travel can check as many bags as possible for free provided that the weight of each bag does not exceed 32 kgs (70 lbs) or the combined dimensions of length, width, and height are more than 158 cms (62 inches).
- Economy Class: In addition, the same provision also applies to economy class passengers who are active military personnel as long as they are flying in uniform, and they are allowed to check as many bags as they want for free and with the same conditions like in premium cabins with up to 32 kgs and 158 cms in size.
Important Note: This exception is acceptable only for the active duty military personnel who produce a valid form of identification. This is applicable to dependents of military personnel and even the retired military personnel are charged the same fees as per the baggage allowance policy of the airline.
Tips for Packing and Saving Money on Baggage Fees with Thai Airways
Here are some handy tips to help you pack efficiently and avoid excess baggage fees when flying with Thai Airways:
- Check your specific allowance: Before proceeding any further, it is important to note that Thai Airways has a flexible baggage allowance system depending on the flight route and travel class. However, it is important that you visit their website or speak to their customer service department to know more about the exact allowance for the particular flight you wish to take.
- Pack light: Make good use of the free checked baggage allowance but do this while observing the weight and size restrictions.
- Space-saving techniques: Organize your clothes and other items by placing them inside packing cubes or compression bags for the check-in luggage.
- Wear your bulkiest clothes: Choose to wear and carry with you the heavyweight shoes, jackets, and sweaters may be needed during your trip than packing them.
- Consolidate with travel companions: While traveling, it is useful to pack some items together in one check in bag to avoid having to pay for multiple bags.
- Ship bulky items: For instance, if you are carrying large items such as bicycles, surfboards and the like, it is wise to airlift these items in advance rather than check them in incase you are charged additional fees for excess baggage.
With these tips and proper knowledge of Thai Airways baggage policy, one can easily avoid all the hassle and enjoy the journey. In the next section, we will look at some of the questions that might be asked regarding the policies of the Thai Airways International PLC on baggage allowance.
Conclusion
Thai Airlines have strictly followed certain rules regarding baggage check-in and this information is very important to be known by every traveler. When planning a trip, whether it is within the country or to another country, being familiar with the exact rules of which items are allowed or prohibited in the carry-on or check-in luggage will be very helpful in preventing additional charges.
Always ensure that you check on the size and weight of your luggage before going to airport and if you have extra baggage, you should book for it in advance to qualify for the discounted rates. It is therefore important to make sure that you abide by these rules so that your experience with Thai Airlines can be as pleasant as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can bring one carry-on bag up to 7 kg in economy or two bags up to 7 kg each in Royal Silk Class.
Your carry-on should not exceed 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm, including wheels and handles.
Economy passengers can check in 20-30 kg, while Royal Silk and Royal First Class passengers have a 30-40 kg limit.
Yes, sports equipment can be part of your checked baggage allowance, but check size and weight restrictions beforehand.
No, as long as your baggage meets the weight and size limits for your cabin class, there’s no extra fee.
You’ll need to pay an extra fee for overweight baggage which varies depending on your flight.
You can book extra baggage through the Thai Airlines website, at a service counter, or by calling their reservation center.
Dangerous goods, weapons, and illegal substances are not allowed. Also, items like batteries and liquids have specific restrictions.
Report to Thai Airlines baggage services immediately at the airport, and they will guide you through the process to find or compensate for your baggage.
Yes, pets are allowed but under specific conditions and with prior arrangement. They may be accepted as checked baggage. Always check the latest pet travel policy with the airline.
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