Checking 46 kilos in economy class? Why some airlines are generous on luggage limits

Aircraft baggage policies have become a complex game of trade-offs, with some airlines offering surprisingly generous allowances while others charge extra. Domestic routes with carriers like Qantas allow up to 23 kilograms in economy, with 32 kilograms on Americas-bound flights and 30 kilograms on most other international legs, a standard echoed by Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines. Emirates and Qatar Airways vary by fare and destination, offering up to 35 kilograms on certain fares and two pieces up to 23 kilograms each for Africa or the Americas. Garuda Indonesia allows a hefty 46 kilograms in economy on routes to Japan, and many Chinese carriers offer similar allowances on international routes. In contrast, budget carriers often impose zero checked-baggage allowances, and many fares labeled Lite or Saver reduce or remove checked luggage from the base price. A recent Lufthansa Milan–Bucharest trip illustrated how a single checked bag can nearly double a fare, underscoring the strategic choice travelers face between price and baggage flexibility.