Garuda Changes Baggage Rules, Weight Can No Longer Be Combined

JAKARTA — PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk is changing its checked baggage policy effective September 1, 2026. The national flag carrier will switch from the Weight Concept, which is based on total baggage weight, to the Piece Concept, which is based on the number of pieces of luggage.

The new policy applies to tickets purchased or issued starting September 1, 2026. Tickets issued before that date will remain subject to the baggage allowance stated on the ticket, even if the flight takes place after the new policy comes into effect.

Under the Piece Concept, baggage allowances will no longer be determined solely by total weight. Passengers will have an allowance based on the number of bags, along with a maximum weight limit for each individual bag.

This means excess weight in one bag can no longer be offset by another bag that is below its weight limit.

For example, if a passenger is entitled to two bags weighing up to 23 kilograms each, one bag cannot weigh 25 kilograms while the other weighs only 21 kilograms. The 23-kilogram limit applies separately to each bag.

Despite the change in system, Garuda says baggage allowances will actually increase for almost all travel classes.

For domestic flights, Economy Class passengers will be allowed one bag weighing up to 23 kilograms. Business and First Class passengers will receive an allowance of two bags, each weighing up to 32 kilograms, or a total of 64 kilograms.

For international flights, Economy Class passengers will be allowed two bags weighing up to 23 kilograms each, for a total of 46 kilograms. Business and First Class passengers will receive an allowance of two bags, each weighing up to 32 kilograms, or a total of 64 kilograms.

Garuda Indonesia Transformation Director Neil Raymond Mills said the change was intended to provide passengers with greater clarity about the amount of baggage they can bring.

According to him, passengers will know from the outset how many bags they are allowed to check in and the maximum weight for each bag. This will allow them to prepare their luggage before departure.

Garuda also said the implementation of the Piece Concept is intended to align its baggage system with practices widely used across the international aviation industry. The system is expected to make travel easier for passengers, particularly those connecting to flights operated by other airlines.

Passengers who require more baggage capacity than their allowance will still be able to purchase additional baggage before departure or use the excess baggage service at the airport.

Under the new policy, passengers will need to pay attention to two things when preparing their luggage: the number of bags allowed and the maximum weight of each bag. Total weight will no longer be the only consideration.