New Garuda Indonesia Baggage Regulations: Updated Allowance Per Passenger
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Garuda Indonesia is changing its checked baggage provisions starting 1 September 2026. The system, which previously calculated baggage based on total weight (Weight Concept), will be replaced by a system based on the number of suitcases (Piece Concept).
This change is crucial for prospective passengers to note, as baggage limits will no longer solely depend on total kilograms, but also on the number of suitcases and the maximum weight allowed for each individual piece. The new regulations apply to tickets issued from 1 September 2026 for flights occurring on or after that date.
What is changing?
Under the old system, passengers could utilise baggage allowances based on the total weight stated on their tickets. From September, the number of suitcases will become a key part of the calculation.
This means passengers can no longer simply aggregate the total weight of all items. Each suitcase or piece must adhere to the specified weight limit. For example, if a ticket specifies 1 piece with a maximum limit of 23 kilograms, a passenger cannot split that allowance into two suitcases, even if the combined weight of both does not exceed 23 kilograms.
Domestic baggage allowance
For domestic flights, Garuda Indonesia’s new provisions are as follows:
Economy Class: 1 suitcase with a maximum weight of 23 kilograms.
Business Class: 2 suitcases, each with a maximum weight of 32 kilograms.
First Class: 2 suitcases, each with a maximum weight of 32 kilograms.
Consequently, Business Class and First Class passengers can receive a total allowance of up to 64 kilograms, provided that no single suitcase exceeds 32 kilograms.
For international flights, the baggage allowance under the Piece Concept scheme is:
Economy Class: 2 suitcases, each with a maximum weight of 23 kilograms.
Business Class: 2 suitcases, each with a maximum weight of 32 kilograms.
First Class: 2 suitcases, each with a maximum weight of 32 kilograms.
Under these provisions, Economy Class passengers receive a maximum total of 46 kilograms, while Business Class and First Class passengers receive up to 64 kilograms.
Cabin baggage remains restricted
The change in the checked baggage system does not mean passengers can move excess items into the cabin. Garuda Indonesia maintains the limit for cabin baggage at one bag or suitcase with maximum dimensions of 56 x 36 x 23 centimetres. The total dimensions must not exceed 115 centimetres, with a maximum weight of 7 kilograms.
Therefore, passengers carrying large amounts of luggage must ensure their belongings comply with both checked and cabin baggage regulations.
Another important factor is the ticket issuance date. Passengers who purchase or obtain tickets before 1 September 2026 will continue to follow the baggage provisions stated on their tickets, even if their flight schedule takes place after the new rules are implemented. Meanwhile, tickets issued from 1 September 2026 for travel on or after that date will follow the Piece Concept system.
Passengers must check their e-tickets
Garuda Indonesia reminds passengers to use the baggage information stated in their e-tickets as their primary reference. Allowances may vary based on route, flight class, and ticket type.
Passengers are also advised to weigh each suitcase separately before departure. This is essential to ensure no single suitcase exceeds the weight limit, even if the total weight of all items remains within the permitted allowance. If the number of suitcases exceeds the allowance stated on the ticket, passengers will need to use excess baggage services in accordance with Garuda Indonesia’s regulations.
With this change, Garuda Indonesia passengers starting September 2026 need to focus on two main aspects: the number of suitcases and the maximum weight of each individual piece. This policy aims to provide clearer certainty regarding baggage capacity while aligning with standards widely used by international airlines.