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Malaysia Airlines vs AirAsia Baggage Allowance
Cabin bag size, checked allowance and excess fees for Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia side by side — both from the airlines' official policies, checked 30 October 2026.
Malaysia Airlines
- Cabin bag: Economy: 1 piece, max 7kg. Business/Business Suite: 2 pieces, combined max 14kg (max 7kg each). Larger cabin bag max 56 x 36 x 23cm (115cm total)
- Personal item: 1 personal item (briefcase, handbag, notebook/laptop bag or small camera bag) counted within the cabin weight limit; personal items max 25 x 36 x 25cm for under-seat storage. Crutches/walking stick, an overcoat or a duty-free bag are also allowed free
- Cabin weight: 7.0 kg
- Checked (Economy Value (most routes)): 20kg
AirAsia
- Cabin bag: One cabin bag up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm, must fit in the overhead compartment
- Personal item: One small bag (laptop bag or handbag) up to 40 x 30 x 10 cm, must fit under the seat in front of you
- Cabin weight: 7.0 kg
- Checked (Low Fare): Not included. Pre-book by weight: tiers start at 15 kg on selected (mainly domestic) flights and go up to 60 kg; each single bag may weigh at most 32 kg
- Prepaid vs airport: Pre-booking online is the cheapest option and is possible up to 2 hours before departure. At the airport, the pre-book rate applies only if you buy at least 4 hours before departure; after that the higher airport baggage fee applies
The short verdict
By cabin volume and weight the two are closely matched — the real difference is in the fare tables below.
Both airlines count baggage differently across fares, so compare the checked tables before you book the cheaper ticket: a fare with no bag included can end up costing more.
Malaysia Airlines checked baggage by fare
| Fare / class | Checked baggage allowance |
|---|---|
| Economy Value (most routes) | 20kg |
| Economy Basic (most routes) | 25kg |
| Economy Flex (most routes) | 35kg |
| Business Basic (most routes) | 40kg |
| Business Flex (most routes) | 50kg |
| Business Suite (most routes) | 55kg |
| Economy (Malaysia-Japan routes) | 35kg across Value/Basic/Flex brands |
| Economy (Jeddah/Madinah and AMAL flights) | 30kg |
Weight concept for domestic Malaysia and most international routes, per Malaysia Airlines' official AskMH free baggage allowance page: passengers may check as many pieces as needed within the total weight. Extra baggage can be pre-booked online in 5kg, 10kg, 15kg, 20kg, 25kg and 30kg packs (official ancillary page).
AirAsia checked baggage by fare
| Fare / class | Checked baggage allowance |
|---|---|
| Low Fare | Not included. Pre-book by weight: tiers start at 15 kg on selected (mainly domestic) flights and go up to 60 kg; each single bag may weigh at most 32 kg |
| Value Pack | Checked baggage is included with the fare bundle (exact weight shown at booking) |
| Premium Flex | Checked baggage is included with the fare bundle (exact weight shown at booking) |
| Premium Flatbed | Checked baggage is included with the fare bundle (exact weight shown at booking) |
Weight concept: you may check as many bags as you wish within your purchased allowance. If you purchased more than 30 kg, each bag must be within 119 x 81 x 119 cm and 32 kg. Guests on the same booking who check in together may pool their allowance.
Policy checked: 30 October 2026. Airlines change allowances and fees — confirm on the official page before you travel.
Policy checked: 30 October 2026. Airlines change allowances and fees — confirm on the official page before you travel.