Malaysia Airlines has won several awards for its customer service, including the “Best Customer Experience Award 2021.”
It is essential to know their baggage policies and regulations before booking a ticket to ensure a hassle free flight.
Knowing the rules regarding baggage allowance, weight, and size will help you avoid additional fees and penalties.
In this article, we will find out whether Malaysia Airlines is strict on baggage and provide useful tips to help you navigate their baggage policy without facing any inconvenience at the airport.
In this post:
- How Strict Is Malaysia Airlines About Carry-On and Checked Baggage
- What Is Malaysia Airlines Cabin Baggage Allowance?
- Malaysia Airlines Personal Item Allowance
- How Strict Is Malaysia Airlines About Carry-On Weight?
- Malaysia Airlines Liquids Policy
- Malaysia Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance
- How Strict Are Malaysia Airlines About Oversized or Overweight Checked Bags?
- How Strict Are Malaysia Airlines With Checked Baggage?
- How Much Does Malaysian Airlines Charge For Extra Baggage?
- Prohibited Items
- Items not allowed on a plane in hand luggage & checked luggage in Malaysia Airlines
- Helpful Tips to Maximize Your Allowance on Malaysia Airlines
What Is Malaysia Airlines Carry-on Allowance?
Malaysia Airlines cabin baggage allowance is currently:
- Economy Class: One piece up to 7 kg (15 lbs)
- Business Class: Two pieces, combined weight not exceeding 14 kg (31 lbs)
- Business Suite: Two pieces, combined weight not exceeding 14 kg (31 lbs)
Carry-on size should generally allow for the bag to be placed easily in the overhead bin.
Malaysia Airlines Personal Item Allowance
In addition to your main bag, you can bring a smaller personal item, like a laptop bag, handbag, or small backpack that fits under the seat in front of you.
Malaysia Airlines don’t have a super strict size measurements listed for the personal item, but as always, smaller is safer.
Think laptop sized or a small tote bag.
Some airplanes often have more room under the seat, so if you need to, you can squeeze in a few extra essentials.
How Strict Is Malaysia Airlines About Carry-on Weight?
Technically, they do enforce the weight limit, especially on busy flights.
If your carry-on bag looks heavy or large, they might ask you to weigh it particularly in Economy Class.
Business Class and Business Suite guests usually have a bit more leeway.
It will be wise to stay within the 7 kg limit, but if you’re slightly over, wear a heavy jacket with deep pockets (perfect for storing extra items).
Malaysia Airlines Liquids Policy
As with most airlines, Malaysia Airlines applies standard security rules for carrying liquids:
- Each container must be no more than 100 ml.
- All containers must fit in a single quart sized plastic bag.
- The bag must not exceed 1 liter in total volume.
Baby food, medication, and special dietary liquids may be exempt, but it is always best to confirm with the airline before your flight.
Read also:
- Are SAS strict with hand luggage?
- How Strict Is TAP Portugal Carry-on?
- Are Turkish Airlines strict with baggage?
Malaysia Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance
Malaysia Airlines allows generous checked baggage under both the weight and piece concept:
- Maximum weight per checked bag: 32 kg (70 lbs)
- Size limit per bag: between 158 cm and 204 cm (length + width + height)
If your checked bag exceeds these dimensions, it’s considered oversized and you might have to ship it separately through MABkargo.
How Strict Are Malaysia Airlines About Oversized or Overweight Checked Bags?
Malaysia Airlines does keep an eye on bag sizes and weight at check-in counters.
If your bag linear dimensions is above 204 cm, they won’t accept it as regular baggage.
If you bag is slightly over the weight (especially by just 1-2 kg), you might be get away with it but it depends on the staff at the airport.
When in doubt, be prepared to pay an excess baggage fee or consider redistributing your items between your bags if needed.
How Strict Are Malaysia Airlines With Checked Baggage?
According to Malaysia Airlines Any bag with linear dimensions (length + width + height) are between 158 and 204 cm (62 and 80 in) is considered above the size.
Baggage whose linear dimensions exceed 204 cm (80 in) will not be accepted as checked-in or carry-on luggage.
How Much Does Malaysian Airlines Charge For Extra Baggage?
Fees apply to each 11 lb/5 kg of extra baggage.
- Peninsular Malaysia/within Sabah/Sarawak: MYR 40
- Crossing between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah/Sarawak: MYR 50
- Between Malaysia and ASEAN countries: MYR 60
- South Asia and China: MYR 85
- North Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East: MYR 95
- Europe: MYR 135
For Economy Class, baggage weighing over 50 lb/23 kg and up to 70 lb/32 kg, Guests will be charged $25 per piece for the first 2 pieces.
Prohibited Items
Items not allowed on a plane in hand luggage & checked luggage in Malaysia Airlines
- Compressed gasses,
- corrosives,
- poisons, flammable liquids,
- mercury,
- deadly weapons,
- acids,
- oxidizing,
- materials of explosives,
- radioactive materials, magnet materials
- undeclared ammunition
Helpful Tips to Maximize Your Allowance on Malaysia Airlines
1. Use Your Full Personal Item Allowance:
A backpack or large handbag can fit more than you think.
2. Layer Up:
Wear jackets with deep pockets to carry heavier small items.
3. Choose Your Seat Wisely:
Avoid exit rows if you want extra under-seat space for your personal item, I personally prefer to use apps like SeatGuru to find the best seat on the plane.
4. Gate Check if Needed:
If your carry-on bag is borderline too big, gate checking can save you from paying check-in fees.
5. Use a Bag-Inside-Bag Strategy:
Tuck a small bag inside your personal item to maximize what you take onboard
Final Thoughts
Malaysia Airlines generally enforces its baggage rules, especially when it comes to carry-on weight and size.
While you might get a little flexibility here and there, it’s best not to risk it too much especially on busier seasons.
Stick to the allowances, and you will enjoy a smooth check-in and boarding process without any unexpected baggage fees.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
Helpful links
- Malaysia airlines Manage My booking
- Excess baggage alternative
- find a carry on bag that fits your needs
