Kenya Airways Baggage Allowance

Under Kenya Airways baggage policy, your free baggage allowance depends on your route and travel class.

Major highlights of Kenya Airways baggage policy are as follows:

• The cabin baggage allowance is 26lb/12kg on Economy Class (1 carry-on bag + 1 accessory + 1 duty-free bag), but 17lb/8kg on Embraer 145 aircraft. Business Class passengers are allowed a cabin baggage allowance the is 39lb/18kg (2 carry-on bags + 1 accessory + 1 duty-free bag), but 26lb/12kg if you’re flying from East Africa or Kenya.
• The checked baggage allowance on Economy Class is 2 bags of up to 23kg/50lb each on international flights and 1 bag of up to 23kg/50lb on domestic flights within Kenya. For Business Class passengers, the checked baggage allowance 2 bags of up to 32kg/70lb each on international flights and 1 bag of up to 32kg/70lb on domestic flights.
• Lap infants (i.e., children below 2 years not occupying a seat) are allowed a free baggage allowance of 26lb/12kg (only cabin baggage) plus a collapsible stroller and a car seat. 
• Sky Team Elite Plus and Elite members are allowed 1 extra piece of checked baggage on all routes (50lb/23kg for Economy Class and 70lb/32kg for Business Class).
• You can purchase up to 3 additional bags of up to 50lb/23kg each online in advance at a 20% discount if you purchase at least 24 hours prior to your flight’s departure. 
• Checked bags exceeding 70lb/32kg must be repacked or sent as cargo. 
• The combined dimensions of a checked bag must not exceed 158cm (62in), but on select flights (departing from Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Mumbai, and Dubai), the combined dimensions can be up to 180cm (71in).
• Sports equipment, musical equipment, and special items must be approved in advance for carriage. 
• All checked bags must bear your name, physical address, and phone number outside and inside the bag. 
• Passengers using assistive and/or medical devices can carry them free of charge.

For weight and size information, refer to the baggage allowance charts below.

Kenya Airways Baggage Allowance—International and Domestic Flights 

Note

In addition to your carry-on/cabin baggage, you can bring the following assistive devices free of charge if you’re using them: 

• Braces or crutches 
• A cane/walker
• Prosthetic devices 
• Wheelchair 

Kenya Airways Infant Baggage Allowance

What is Kenya Airways baggage allowance for infants?

Lap infants (children below 2 years not occupying a seat) are entitled to a free baggage allowance of: 

• 1 piece of carry-on baggage 

• Max. weight 26lb/12kg
• Max. dimensions 55cm x 25cm x 35cm
• 1 collapsible stroller plus 1 car seat

Excess Baggage Charges

What is Kenya Airways’ extra baggage allowance like?

Per Kenya Airways baggage policy for extra baggage allowance: 

• You can purchase up to 3 baggage pieces (50lb/23kg each) in advance at a 20% discount.
• Excess baggage charges depend on your route and baggage weight.
• The discount applies only to online purchases made at least 24 hours before departure.
• Heavy bags (70lb/32kg) can only be purchased at the airport. 

Note 

• Passengers connecting from a wide body to a narrow-body aircraft may be required to cut down on their excess baggage due to space and weight restrictions.
• Widebody aircraft include B787s.
• Narrow-body aircraft include B737s,738s, and E170s/190s.

How to Purchase Extra Baggage Allowance 

You can pre-purchase excess baggage up to 24 hours before departure and save 20% on the airport rates. You can purchase excess baggage:

• When purchasing your ticket
  • Online via Kenya-Airways.com
  • Via the mobile app
  • Through a Kenya Airways office
  • By phone
    (call or the KQ office in your country)
  • Through your travel agent
• After purchasing your ticket
  • Online via Manage Booking
  • Via the mobile app
  • Through a Kenya Airways office
  • By phone
    (call or the KQ office in your country)
  • Through your travel agent 

To pre-purchase baggage online:

A screenshot of the Manage Booking functionality used for purchasing baggage online 

1. Go to Kenya-Airways.com
2. Click on the Manage Booking tab
3. Enter your: 

1. Last name and booking reference number, or
2. E-ticket number 

4. Click on the Continue button
5. Follow the prompts to add baggage 
6. Pay

Note. 

• You can also pre-purchase excess baggage using Kenya Airways’ mobile app.
• It is cheaper to purchase excess baggage in advance than at the airport.

Kenya Airways Sporting Equipment Policy

Kenya Airways sports baggage policy allows you to carry your sports equipment with your normal baggage. If the weight or size of your sporting equipment is more than your free baggage allowance, standard Excess Baggage Charges (EBC) will apply.

General Conditions 

• Sports equipment such as bicycles, ski equipment, surfboards, etc. is considered standard checked baggage items, subject to:
  • Maximum size of 300cm.
  • The maximum weight applicable to your class of travel.
• Sports equipment exceeding the baggage allowance will be subject to excess baggage charges.
• The following sporting equipment must be booked in advance:
  • Bicycles and tandems 
  • Ski equipment
  • Surf equipment exceeding 107cm in length
• Scuba tanks will not be treated as diving equipment but may be accepted on a chargeable basis.
• Canoes and kayaks will not be accepted as checked baggage.

Conditions of Acceptance 

• Bicycles and Tandems
  • Must be reserved at least 48 hours in advance. 
  • Bicycles and tandems will be included in the normal baggage allowance unless it exceeds your baggage allowance, in which case excess baggage charges will apply. 
  • Bicycles must be securely packed in a sturdy bike box or a hardcover with the handlebar turned sideways along the length; pedals folded back or removed, and the tires deflated.   
  • Bicycles and tandems not packed in hardcovers must bear a limited release tag marked Unsuitably Packed and will be accepted solely at the passenger’s risk. 
  • Restrictions 
    • More than 3 bicycles or tandems will not be accepted on E170s/190s.
    • Electric bicycles will not be accepted on any aircraft.
• Diving Equipment
  • Includes a vest, wet suit, mask, web, socks, shoes, knives, and a regulator. 
  • Treated as part of standard baggage; if more than baggage allowance, it will be subject to excess baggage charges for 1 piece of equipment of up to 44lb/20kg per way. 
  • Empty scuba tank/cylinder is not included in the diving equipment but will be accepted as a piece of baggage on a chargeable basis.
  • Will be accepted under the following conditions:
    • Air cylinders and diving equipment must be marked SPEQ DIVING.
    • The batteries must be carried as part of carry-on or hold baggage and must be cleared by the passenger handling team per PHM 4.0 or DGR 2.3.A
    • The oxygen cylinder(s) must be empty. 
    • The torch’s lamp and batteries must be disconnected. 
• Golf Equipment
  • Includes 1 golf bag, clubs, balls, and 1 pair of shoes.
  • Treated as a standard baggage piece provided that the maximum combined dimensions (L + W + H) do not exceed 300cm.
  • Subject to the piece and weight limits that apply to the class of travel and route. 
  • Excess baggage charges will apply if the free baggage allowance is exceeded.
  • If taking a round trip, the charges will be doubled. 
  • Must bear a SPEQ GOLF remark in the PNR.
• Ski Equipment
  • Treated as a standard baggage piece and as part of the free checked baggage allowance. 
  • Includes:
    • 1 pair of skis and ski poles, securely packed
      OR
      1 snowboard, securely packed
      PLUS
    • 1 pair of individually packed boots

Note 

• The 2 bags (equipment plus boots) will be treated as a single piece of checked baggage. 
• Other items such as avalanche bag/rescue backpack, helmet, etc. must be packed separately in other checked or cabin bags—and within the allowance limits.

• The ski bag’s length must not exceed 300cm/118in.
• If the free baggage allowance is exceeded, a special XBAG fee will be charged. 
• Must be booked in advance. 
• Must be specially reserved and must bear a SPEQ SKI remark in the PNR.
• Caution. The pyrotechnic trigger used in the avalanche airbag’s gas bottle must be pre-approved by sharing the specs with the passenger handling team as it is considered a dangerous good. The approval will be based on PHM 4.0 or DGR 2.3.4.3. The packaging must be such that it prevents any chances of accidental compression of the trigger mechanism. 

• Surf Equipment 
  • Includes 1 board, 1 mast, and 1 kite or sail.
  • The surfing equipment (incl. wave, kite, wind, board, and boogie) not exceeding 107cm in length will be accepted without advance clearance and treated as a standard baggage item. 
  • Restrictions 
    • Surfing equipment exceeding 107cm in length will be treated as special baggage and must be cleared in advance.
    • Surfing equipment exceeding 70lb/32kg in weight or 300cm/118in in length will not be accepted and must be shipped as cargo. 
  • Must be securely packed to prevent damage. 
  • Must bear a SPEQ SURF remark in the PNR.
• Kayak/Canoe 
  • Kayaks and canoes are not accepted as baggage on KQ flights.
  • Contact the cargo department for more information.
• Athletic Equipment 
  • Includes javelin poles.
  • Are accepted if the passenger or group is participating in a sports event. 
  • Must be cleared in advance. 
  • Must bear a SPEQ JAVELIN remark in the PNR. 
  • Must be packed in a softcover.
  • Note. Short puts will not be accepted due to weight limitations and must be transported via cargo. 
• Hockey and Lacrosse 
  • Includes: 1 bag of hockey/lacrosse equipment + 2 hockey/lacrosse sticks taped and packed together. 
  • Will be treated as 1 standard piece of baggage provided that the total combined dimensions (L + W + H) do not exceed 300cm/118in.
  • Will be subject to the maximum baggage allowance by weight and piece that applies to the class of travel. 
  • Must bear a SPEQ HOCKEY or SPEQ LACROSSE remark in the PNR.
  • The sticks must either be taped together or checked in separately in appropriate packaging. If taped together, KQ will not accept any liability for damages. 
• Other Sports Equipment 
  • The following sports equipment will be accepted as standard baggage items—without advance clearance—provided they do not exceed 300cm in combined dimensions (L + W + H) and fall within the weight and piece limits that apply to the class of travel:
    • Fencing equipment comprising sword(s), suit, and helmet.
    • Fishing equipment comprising fishing rods (in a tube or cover) and a tackle box.
    • Rugby ball(s), Football(s), Netball(s), Basketball(s):
      • Must be securely packed.
      • Balls with pressure valves must be deflated. 
      • The SPEQ remark must be used in the PNR.

Note. High-value sporting equipment should be insured before travel.

Special Baggage Items

The Special Baggage items below are accepted under specific conditions due to their nature, weight, or size. Some of them require advance reservations and must be packed in a specific way to ensure they are protected from damage during normal handling. 

Acceptance of odd-sized items is not always guaranteed and is subject to the route and the aircraft’s carrying capacity. Items not suited for accommodation on any aircraft in the itinerary will not be accepted on the entire route. 

If an item is not listed for special clearance in the customer records, the airport staff will take a call on whether it will be accepted for transport.

For special baggage items, different rules will apply (as mentioned below):

1. Bulky baggage
2. Fragile, perishable, and valuable Items 
3. Medicines
4. Helium balloons 
5. Lithium batteries
6. Human remains and ashes 
7. Battery-powered wheelchairs
8. Sports Equipment

How to Carry Special Baggage Items on Kenya Airways

1. Bulky Baggage

1. Bulky baggage refers to items exceeding 300cm (L +W + H) in size or 70lb/32kg in weight. They require prior authorization from the commercial team. For sports equipment, the limit may be lower. 
2. The authorization in the PNR will show up with an XBAG comment/remark. If the bag exceeds 70lb/32kg or 300cms, the following message will be sent to the station, along with the type of baggage and dimensions: Bulky XBAG transportation.
3. Weight limits don’t apply to wheelchairs and mobility devices, but the PNR must bear a suitable comment to ensure that it can be transported in the right aircraft per the correct ground handling procedures.
   
4. Fragile, Perishable, and Valuable Checked Baggage Items 

1. Kenya Airways will not accept any liability for such items. Examples include but are not limited to flowers, food, meat, etc.
2. Fragile baggage items must be packed securely either in their original packing or in a suitable box or case so that they can endure normal handling. They must bear a Fragile limited release tag on the bag. 
3. Perishable items requiring special handling or temperature settings must be pre-cleared or transported as cargo. 
4. The passenger must comply with health requirements and procedures, including hermetically packing the contents to prevent leakage, dripping, or odor release. 
5. Items that might damage the aircraft or other passengers’ baggage, including but not limited to spillable liquid, will not be accepted. 

Note. Fragile and perishable items and valuable items such as jewelry, cameras, money, etc. should not be checked in but carried as carry-on baggage in the cabin.

3. Medicines 
   1. There are no restrictions on carrying medicines, except those classified as Dangerous Goods, such as:
      1. Inflammable liquids
      2. Radioactive, infectious, or toxic substances
      3. Gases
   2. If using, carry the medicines in your hand baggage.
   3. If in doubt, check with Doctors.KQ@Kenya-Airways.com 

4. Helium Balloons 

Although not considered dangerous, they are forbidden on the aircraft as they can explode inside the aircraft. 

5. Lithium Batteries
   1. Spare lithium batteries must be protected individually to prevent chances of short-circuiting. They must be kept in their original retail packaging; alternatively, their terminals must be taped together. Each battery must be placed in a separate plastic bag or pouch and carried as a carry-on item only. This includes devices with lithium cells/batteries as well as power banks.
   2. If checking in a baggage item that is operated by a lithium battery (excluding lithium button cells), the lithium battery must be removed and carried in the cabin; alternatively, the baggage item (after removing the battery) can be carried in the cabin.
   3. If the lithium battery cannot be removed from the baggage item, the baggage item will not be accepted. 

6. Human Remains and a Deceased Person’s Ashes 

1. Human Remains
   1. Will be handled as cargo baggage. 
   2. The PNR must bear the SSR code MAAS followed by ESCORT HUMAN REMAINS. 
2. Deceased Person’s Ashes 

1. Passengers are allowed to carry ashes in the cabin.
2. The ashes must be sealed in an urn.
3. The urn must fit under the front seat or in the overhead bin. 
4. Urns must not be placed on a seat or be in the direct view of a passenger. 
5. Must carry the death/crematorium certificate. 
6. The passenger must obtain all the necessary permissions in advance. 
7. The passenger’s PNR must bear the comment SR OTHS KQ.

7. Battery-Operated Wheelchairs 

1. Must be booked in advance. 
2. The wheelchair passenger’s PNR must bear the following SSR (special service request) codes:
   1. Wheelchairs powered by non-spillable wet batteries: WCBD
   2. Wheelchairs powered by spillable/wet-cell batteries: WCBW
   3. Wheelchairs/mobility aids powered by dry cell lithium batteries: WCLB
3. Passengers traveling with manual wheelchairs must have the following SSR code in their PNRs: WCMP

Note: If traveling on interline flights, advance approval must be obtained from all the carriers.

8. Sports Equipment
   1. Sports equipment such as bicycles, ski equipment, surfboards, etc. is considered standard checked baggage items, subject to a maximum size of 300cm (L + W + H) and the weight applicable to the class of travel.
   2. Sports equipment exceeding the baggage allowance will be subject to excess baggage charges.
   3. The following sporting equipment must be booked in advance:
      1. Bicycles and tandems 
      2. Ski equipment
      3. Surf equipment exceeding 107cm in length
   4. Scuba tanks will not be treated as diving equipment but may be accepted on a chargeable basis.
   5. Canoes and kayaks will not be accepted as checked baggage.
   6. For more information, refer to the section titled Kenya Airways Sporting Equipment Policy. 
9. Media/Entertainment Baggage 

A media bag can consist of: camera, audio equipment, lighting, and photography equipment, trunks, wardrobes, and musical equipment.

The baggage rates for media and entertainment items are given below:

How to Pay Your Baggage Fee on Kenya Airways 

You can pay your baggage fee in the following ways:

• At the time of booking your flight
  • Online 
  • Via the mobile app
  • Through a Kenya Airways office
  • By phone 
  • (call or the KQ office in your country)
  • Through select travel agencies 
• After booking your flight
  • Online through ‘Manage Booking’
  • Via the mobile app
  • Through a Kenya Airways office
  • By phone 
  • (call or the KQ office in your country)
  • Through select travel agencies 
• At the airport (costlier)

Kenya Airways Musical Instruments Policy

Per Kenya Airways’ musical instruments policy, you may be allowed to carry your musical instrument or equipment as a carry-on or checked baggage item if you seek and obtain permission in advance. You may also be allowed to purchase an extra seat for it (as a Special Baggage item), but you must obtain permission before traveling. 

Important points to remember

• You will likely be charged for carrying your musical instrument as carry-on or checked baggage. 
• You must seek advance approval or your musical instrument may not be accepted. 
• If permitted to carry your musical instrument:
  • Pack it securely to prevent damage to it or cause injury to others.
  • Insure high-value musical instruments before travel. 

1. Musical Instrument as Carry-on/Cabin Baggage 

If you get permission to carry a small musical instrument as a carry-on baggage item, you must: 

• Pack it securely in a case. 
• Ensure it is small enough to fit in the overhead bin or under your front seat (with the case).
• Ensure it is within your carry-on baggage limits. 

If space limitations prevent you from carrying your musical instrument as a carry-on item, you can seek permission to carry it as a checked baggage item or book a seat for it.

2. Musical Instrument Cabin Baggage (CBBG) 

You can carry a larger or delicate musical instrument as cabin baggage (CBBG) by purchasing an extra seat for it. In such a scenario, the following conditions will apply:

• You must book an extra seat in advance and seek approval from Revenue Management. 
• You will be entitled to the standard checked baggage allowance for the extra seat. 
• The maximum weight of the musical instrument (incl. case) must not exceed 101lb (46kg).
• The maximum dimensions must not exceed:

Aircraft Type	Maximum CBBG Size Permitted on an Extra Seat
B787	48 x 73 x 40cm (W x H x Side Length)
B737 Series	48 x 60 x 40cm (W x H x Side Length)
E190	43 x 60 x 40cm (W x H x Side Length)

• Musical instruments cannot be placed on emergency exit row seats.
• You must travel in the same cabin class as the CBBG musical instrument.
• The musical instrument must be securely packed to ensure it does not cause any injury to other passengers. 
• The musical instrument must be secured with a seatbelt.
• The musical instrument must not restrict anyone’s path.
• The musical instrument must not obstruct the view of the aircraft signage. 
• The airline will not accept any liability for improperly packed instruments that get damaged in transit.

3. Musical Instrument as Checked Baggage 

Musical instruments that cannot be brought as cabin baggage because of weight and/or size limitations—such as drums, harps, double basses—must be checked in, subject to advance approval. They must be packed securely to prevent damage or cause injury to other passengers. 

Delayed, Lost, or Damaged Baggage Issues

If your checked baggage arrives in a damaged condition or does not arrive, you must report it immediately: 

• In the arrival area of the airport, or 
• By phone or
• By email: Customer.Relations@Kenya-Airways.com 

How to track your missing baggage on Kenya Airways

After you file a report, you will be given a file reference number which you can use to track your baggage or file your claim. 

What to do if your bag is not delivered within 5 days

If for any reason your luggage is still missing after 5 days, you must submit a claim in writing to the Kenya Airways office in your area. Your claim must include these documents:

• Baggage Claim Form
• Property Irregularity Report (filed by you)
• Passenger ticket/coupon
• Baggage tag(s)
• Cash receipts
• Excess baggage ticket
• Your complaint letter 
• Passport copy 

Note

1. To seek compensation, you must file a claim in writing within 7 days of arrival. The claim must be filed with the nearest Kenya Airways airport office. Alternatively, you can contact your insurance company. 
2. When submitting your claim, be sure to describe in detail the contents of your missing baggage, such as clothing items, gadgets, accessories, etc. 

Exceptions

• Minor damages such as scratches, cuts, dents, stains, punctures, etc., will not be covered. 
• Articles contained in overstuffed bags and those not packed properly will not be covered. 
• Damage to parts protruding from bags, such as handles, wheels, name tags, pull handles, etc., will also not be covered. 

Liability for Lost and Damaged Bags

Kenya Airways’ liability for lost, damaged, or delayed bags (including contents) will not exceed the amounts mentioned below unless you’ve declared the items to be of a higher value and paid in advance for them. 

• For flights governed by the Warsaw Convention, Kenya Airways’ liability will be limited to:
  • For checked baggage—USD 20/kg/per passenger up to 40kg (88lb). 
  • For cabin baggage—USD 200 per passenger.
    
• For flights governed by the Montreal Convention, Kenya Airways’ liability will be limited to:
  • For checked baggage—SDR 1,000 per passenger.
    For exchange rates, refer to www.imf.org 

Prohibited Items on Kenya Airways 

Baggage items that have been prohibited by country-specific rules and regulations and items restricted by KQ due to their nature, weight, volume, or quantity will not be accepted. Additionally, the following items, which are considered as dangerous or hazardous, will not be accepted in carry-on or checked baggage:

A view of some of the prohibited items on Kenya Airways 

• Flares, fireworks, munitions, and explosives.
• Cases, briefcases, boxes with pyrotechnics or lithium batteries. 
• Compressed gases—flammable, non-flammable, deeply refrigerated, and poisonous gases. Examples: propane, butane, aqualung cylinders, lighter fuels incl. refills, etc. 
• Oxidizing substances like peroxides and bleaching powder.
• Flammable solids and liquids, thinners, paints, etc.
• Disabling devices like pepper sprays, maces, etc. 
• Poisons like cyanides, arsenic, insecticides, etc.
• Radioactive materials.
• Corrosive substances, such as alkalis, acids, mercury, apparatus containing mercury, alkalis, acids, wet cell batteries, etc.
• Any offensive, irritating, or magnetized materials/substances that may present a danger. 
• Lighters (absorbed fuel, butane, battery-operated, electric, and novelty) are not allowed—on the person, or as a cabin or checked baggage item—for all passengers traveling to/from the United States. 

Restricted Carry-on Baggage Items 

The items listed below will not be accepted in the cabin as hand baggage for safety and security reasons. However, you can pack them in your checked baggage.

• Swords, knives (incl. pocket and hunting knives).
• Sharp or bladed objects such as scissors, nail clippers, ice picks, etc.
• Weapons like stun guns, batons, and whips.
• Toys guns incl. imitations or look-alikes, hand-cuffs, etc.
• Sporting equipment like cricket bats, baseball bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks, billiard cues, etc. 
• Devices operated by spillable batteries.
• Aerosols over 2kg/liters in total weight and 0.5kg/liter per item.
• Baby strollers.
• Any item deemed a security hazard by local regulations.
• Items resembling or functioning like the items above. 
• The above-mentioned items may be confiscated at the boarding gate and not returned to the passenger.

Smart Luggage

If you’re travelling with a smart luggage item with non-removable lithium batteries, you must remove the batteries and comply with the following conditions: 

• If taken as carry-on baggage:
  • Remove the lithium battery/batteries and carry them in the cabin. 
  • Ensure you comply with KQ’s cabin baggage policy.
• If taken as checked baggage:
  • Remove the lithium battery/batteries and carry them in the cabin.

After removing the batteries, you must tape the terminals and pack each battery separately in a plastic bag.

Prohibited Items per the US Transport Security and Administration (TSA)

The US Transportation Security Administration you from carrying certain articles in carry-on and checked bags for safety reasons.

---

Frequently Asked Questions on Kenya Airways Baggage Allowance