Action: open Manage My Booking on the carrier website or app, enter your PNR and last name, choose the “Add baggage” or “Purchase allowance” option, select either piece-based or weight-based add-on, complete payment by card. Doing this before airport arrival usually saves money versus paying at check-in.
Limits and formats: routes operate under either the piece concept or the weight concept. Typical per-piece maxima are 23 kg for economy-class pieces and 32 kg for premium cabins; weight-based add-ons are commonly sold in 5–10–20 kg increments. Oversize or overweight items may require a special handling fee and separate declaration.
Timing and channels: purchase online up to departure; most online systems accept changes until ~2 hours before scheduled departure (check the carrier page for your specific flight). Alternatives: mobile app, call centre, or airport check-in (counter rates are higher). You can also redeem frequent-flyer miles for additional allowance via the loyalty portal.
Practical recommendations: weigh and measure bags at home, compare per-piece versus per-kilo pricing before paying, combine allowances under one reservation if travelling on a single ticket, and declare sports equipment or musical instruments in advance. Keep the confirmation receipt accessible on your phone and arrive at the airport with extra time if you expect oversize handling.
Reserve additional baggage for your flight
Purchase additional allowance via the carrier’s Manage Your Reservation page or mobile app at least 48 hours before departure; online rates are commonly 15–35% lower than airport counter fees.
- Prepare: have your reservation code (PNR) and ticket number ready, plus route and fare class visible on your itinerary.
- Online steps:
- Open Manage Your Reservation, enter surname + PNR.
- Select “Add baggage” or “Purchase allowance”, choose weight option (commonly 23 kg or 32 kg per piece) or additional piece if applicable.
- Compare totals for 23 kg vs 32 kg options – on many sectors the single 32 kg piece is cheaper than two 23 kg pieces.
- Pay with card; you will receive a revised receipt showing new allowance and baggage tags at check‑in.
- Timing and savings:
- Buy ≥48 hours pre-departure for best online discounts; purchasing at the airport can cost 20–100% more depending on route.
- If itinerary includes multiple carriers, add allowance on the operating carrier’s page for consistent pricing.
- At the airport:
- Weigh bags at self-service or check-in desk; excess weight is usually charged per kg if you exceed the purchased allowance.
- Sporting equipment and musical instruments often require special purchase – select the correct category online to avoid surcharge at the counter.
- Alternatives:
- Call the carrier’s reservations line to modify allowance if online options are unavailable for your fare.
- Use third-party managing tools only if they display the carrier’s confirmation number and issue a carrier receipt.
Typical weight/fee examples (approximate): economy short-haul additional piece 23 kg ≈ $30–60; mid/long-haul 23 kg ≈ $60–150; 32 kg pieces or oversized items can be $100–300 depending on sector and route – check the final price before confirming.
Check the carrier’s specific size, weight and prohibited items pages after purchase and keep the purchase confirmation accessible at check-in. For unrelated consumer nutrition reading see which non dairy milk has the most protein.
Verify ticket class and current baggage allowance on the carrier’s baggage page
Locate the single-letter fare code on your e-ticket or booking confirmation (example: Y, B, H) and match that code against the fare-family table on the airline’s baggage page.
Open the airline website and go to Plan → Baggage (or search “baggage allowance” on the site). Use the interactive tool to select origin, destination, travel date and cabin class; if a fare-family selector appears, choose the family shown on your confirmation.
Check the unit displayed: weight-based entitlements are shown in kilograms; piece-based entitlements list number of items and per-item weight. Confirm which concept applies to your route and fare code before relying on any figures.
Verify carry-on allowance and maximum dimensions for your cabin class; the baggage page lists permitted cabin item count, size limits and any carry-on weight caps for that route.
Enter your frequent-flyer number on the baggage tool or compare the “Frequent Flyer” column: elite status frequently adjusts allowance (additional kg or an extra piece) and the page specifies the exact uplift per tier.
Click dedicated links for special items (sporting equipment, musical instruments, medical devices, infants) to read separate size/weight rules and packing requirements; those entries often override general tables.
If the table on the baggage page and the amount on your booking disagree, capture screenshots of both the confirmation and the baggage table, then contact reservations quoting your e-ticket number and fare code for written confirmation.
Save a dated PDF or screenshot of the baggage-page result and present it at online check-in or at the airport counter if a discrepancy arises; keep the web page URL and timestamp visible in the image.
Estimate additional baggage fees by route, piece vs weight allowance, and weight tiers
Buy extra allowance online before arriving at the airport – typical savings range 20–50% versus counter rates; use Manage Reservation or the carrier call centre to add allowance and get a confirmation code.
Piece vs weight: detect which system applies
- Piece-based routes: flights to/from North America and some transpacific sectors normally use a piece concept (allowance = number of checked bags, each with a maximum weight). Typical per-piece limits: Economy 23 kg (50 lb), Business 32 kg (70 lb).
- Weight-based routes: many intercontinental and regional routes use a total-weight allowance (e.g., 20 kg, 30 kg, 40 kg). You can distribute weight across multiple suitcases as long as total does not exceed the allowance.
- How to check: the reservation’s baggage line will state either “pieces” or “weight (kg/lb)”; if unclear, call the carrier. Frequent-flyer status, fare family or special promotions can change which concept applies.
Fee estimates, weight tiers and quick calculations
- Piece-based extra-item fees (per additional bag, examples): short-haul regional: $50–$120; medium-haul intercontinental: $100–$180; long-haul (to/from North America, Australia): $150–$300.
- Weight-based overage (charged per kg): typical range $12–$25 per kg depending on route. Example: allowance 30 kg, actual 40 kg → 10 kg over × $15/kg = $150.
- Prepaid weight blocks (common options 10 kg, 20 kg): sample prices – 10 kg block: $35–$80 (short), $60–$150 (medium), $80–$220 (long); 20 kg block usually priced at ~1.8–2.5 × the 10 kg rate, making it cheaper per kg than single-kg overage at the airport.
- Overweight single-bag surcharges: 23–32 kg band: $50–$150; 32–45 kg band: $150–$300. Bags over 32 kg may be refused for regular check-in and require cargo arrangements, which raises cost sharply.
- Oversize fees (exceeding linear dimensions): flat charges commonly $100–$400 depending on sector and whether the item is checked or freighted.
Practical examples:
- Route: Middle East → London, weight system, allowance 30 kg. You need 45 kg. Calculation: buy a 20 kg prepaid block for ~$120 (better than 15 kg × $18/kg = $270 at the counter).
- Route: Abu Dhabi → New York, piece system, allowance 2 × 23 kg. You have 3 bags and one bag is 28 kg. Calculation: one additional piece fee ~$200 + overweight fee for 5 kg (~$75) = ~$275 total; cheaper to redistribute or buy a 20 kg block if available.
- Use these rules to decide: if overage is small (<10 kg) and weight-pricing is high per kg, prepaid weight blocks are often better; if you exceed by full extra-bag-worth, paying a single additional piece is usually simpler on piece routes.
- Weigh and measure at home; redistribute items into carry-on where allowed; check frequent-flyer allowances and corporate or credit-card benefits before purchasing.
- Fragile or odd-sized items may require special handling – compare the carrier’s oversized and cargo rates. For bulky outdoor equipment, consider protective covers such as a best sun blocking patio umbrella as part of pre-trip packing strategy.
Add additional baggage via Manage My Reservation – payment & confirmation steps
Use the carrier’s Manage My Reservation portal to purchase additional allowance online at least 24 hours before departure; complete payment by card and keep the electronic receipt plus the EMD that will appear on your itinerary.
1. Access the airline website or mobile app, open Manage My Reservation, enter your PNR/confirmation code and passenger surname, then select the passenger for whom you need more allowance.
2. Choose the allowance type displayed for your fare (piece-based or weight-based). The system shows per-route rates and weight tiers – select the number of pieces or additional kilograms required and confirm the price before checkout.
3. Proceed to payment: accepted methods typically include Visa, Mastercard and American Express; Apple Pay or Google Pay may be offered on mobile; some markets allow PayPal. Expect a 3D Secure or OTP step for card authentication; payment is charged immediately.
4. After successful payment you will receive: (a) an email with a payment receipt and EMD number, (b) an updated e‑ticket/itinerary showing the new allowance, and (c) an updated entry in Manage My Reservation. Save the receipt and EMD reference (screenshot or PDF) for check‑in and departure control.
Verification and airport procedure
Confirm the added allowance appears in your reservation record and in the mobile app check‑in screen. Bring the emailed receipt to bag drop; if the EMD is not visible to the agent, show the payment receipt and card used. Standard maximum per checked item is 32 kg; if any single piece exceeds that, overweight charges or manual acceptance may apply.
Timing and carrier-specific notes
Purchasing via Manage My Reservation before online check‑in usually offers lower rates than airport counters. For itineraries with connections on separate tickets, purchase allowance for each ticket separately. If changes are required after payment, contact the airline contact centre with your EMD number; refunds or adjustments follow the carrier’s ancillary rules printed on the receipt.
Purchase additional baggage during online check‑in: timing limits and accepted payments
Timing limits
Purchase additional baggage during online check‑in no later than the web check‑in cut‑off (commonly between 1 and 3 hours before scheduled departure); for lower fees and guaranteed space, complete the transaction as soon as the online check‑in window opens. Online check‑in opening times vary by route (typically 24–48 hours before departure) and the exact cut‑off is shown on the carrier’s check‑in page – any payment must clear before that cut‑off for the allowance to be attached to the reservation and printed on the boarding pass.
If payment is attempted after the online check‑in deadline, add‑on purchases usually must be handled at the airport and are often subject to higher rates and limited availability. If you expect last‑minute changes, allow at least 1–2 hours buffer for card authorisation and system updates.
Accepted payment methods and practical tips
Online purchases accept major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) in most markets; other options that may appear at checkout include UnionPay, PayPal and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), plus local schemes such as Alipay/WeChat Pay depending on the country. The exact methods offered depend on your billing country and the currency displayed at checkout.
Recommendations: use a card in the passenger’s name where possible; keep the card used for payment available at the airport in case verification is requested; save the payment confirmation and check the booking immediately to confirm the allowance appears. If the payment page shows local‑currency conversion or dynamic conversion, review the exchange rate and any issuer fees before confirming.
Purchase additional baggage at the airport: kiosk, check‑in desk fees, and cut‑off times
Prefer self-service kiosks for fastest processing; choose the counter only for overweight items, oversized pieces, or complex changes that require staff sign‑off.
Kiosk: speed, payment methods, and limits
Most airport kiosks let you add one or more pieces or weight allowances, accept chip/contactless cards and mobile pay, print new bag tags and a payment receipt. Kiosk transactions are usually limited to standard piece or weight increments (e.g., +1 piece or +10/15 kg steps) and will refuse items exceeding the carrier’s maximum per piece. Carry a credit/debit card with PIN or contactless enabled; cash acceptance at kiosks is rare. If the kiosk shows only piece-based options but you need a specific kilogram amount, proceed to the check‑in desk.
Check‑in desk fees, overweight rules and handling
Counter staff handle overweight (commonly charged per kg) and oversized items that kiosks won’t accept. Expect airport counter rates to be higher than pre-paid online rates–typical ranges: short‑haul per additional piece $40–$120; long‑haul per piece $100–$300; overweight charges about $10–$30 per kg depending on route. Maximum allowed weight per checked item is generally 32 kg; standard dimension limit 158 cm (length+width+height). If an item exceeds those limits it may be refused for regular cabin hold and must be shipped as cargo or freight, with separate procedures and costs.
Get a printed baggage tag and a receipt showing the new allowance or weight; confirm the tag number and that your booking record reflects the paid allowance before leaving the counter. If staff decline acceptance at check‑in, ask for a supervisor and retain any written refusal.
Final acceptance and collection deadlines: kiosks typically operate up to the airline’s check‑in close time; counters stop issuing checked items earlier. Common minimums: international flights – counters close 60–90 minutes before departure and gate drop closes ~45 minutes prior; domestic/short‑haul – counters close 45–60 minutes before departure and gate drop closes ~30 minutes prior. For long‑haul or flights to/from busy hubs allow 2–3 hours arrival if additional handling is expected (oversize, excess weight, special items).
Practical checklist for airport purchases: have booking reference and passport, payment card ready, weigh items roughly beforehand, request a printed receipt and updated tag, allow extra time for queues, and avoid leaving final transactions until gate closure windows.
Contact the carrier’s support or local agents to arrange oversized, sports or pet items
Contact the airline’s special assistance, cargo desk or local sales office by phone or email at least 72 hours before departure for bulky or sports gear; allow a minimum of 5 business days for international animal moves to secure permits and veterinary paperwork.
What to provide when you call
Reservation code (PNR), passenger full name and flight number.
Exact item description, declared weight and linear dimensions (length × width × height in cm). State whether the item will be rigid-packed, soft-bagged, or in a crate.
For animals: species, breed, sex, age, microchip number, rabies vaccination date, country of destination and return, and planned crate internal dimensions (cm) plus crate model and material.
Declare any batteries (e.g., e-bike, power tool, or battery in accessories). Provide battery type (lithium-ion, non-spillable), Wh rating or amp-hour value, and whether batteries are removable.
Packing and handling practical rules
Bikes: remove pedals, turn or remove handlebars, secure drivetrain, deflate tires to recommended pressure, and pack in a hard case or bike box with frame padding and protection for derailleur.
Boards and skis: use padded travel bags with nose/tail protection; wrap bindings and separate sharp edges. For surfboards, reinforce fin boxes and use bolt-on fin removal if possible.
Pets: use IATA-compliant crates sized so the animal can stand and turn; include absorbent bedding, attach a water dish accessible from outside, fix a label with name, contact and flight details, and include a recent health certificate inside a document sleeve on the crate.
Battery-powered equipment: remove batteries when possible and carry them in the cabin as carry-on if permitted; if batteries must travel in the hold, confirm carrier acceptance and follow declared capacity limits and packing methods.
| Item type | Minimum notice | Airport arrival/check-in | Core documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulky/oversize items | ≥72 hours | Arrive 2–3 hours early; declare at special assistance or cargo desk | Dimensions, weight, packing description, proof of purchase for high-value items (if requested) |
| Sports equipment (bikes, skis, boards) | ≥72 hours | Arrive 2–3 hours early; present packed item at check-in or designated drop-off | Packing checklist, battery declaration (if applicable) |
| Live animals | ≥5 business days for international moves | Arrive 3–4 hours early; check at cargo or special assistance counter per carrier instruction | Health certificate (typically within 10 days), rabies certificate, import/export permits, microchip data |
When a local agent confirms acceptance, request a written confirmation showing reference number, handling location (check-in desk or cargo terminal) and the agent’s contact details; retain that confirmation and bring hard copies of all veterinary and permit documents to the airport.
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