Thai Airways Baggage Allowance: What You Need to Know Before You Fly and How to Avoid Extra Excess Baggage Charges

With Thai Airways changing its baggage allowance from the weight concept to the piece concept this year, there are still travellers getting confused now and then. We definitely want you to have the best time of your lives, maybe a bit like the movie The Hangover(we know you know), but we also do not want you to be stressed like them. 

Whenever you fly from Australia to Thailand, you must be aware of Thai Airways baggage allowance prior to packing, to avoid unwanted penalties and extra charges. And now, when they have moved on from the Weight concept to the Piece concept, it is crucial to check out the rules and allowance before you add on another bag. 

Why Thai Airways Baggage Rules Catch Australian Travellers Out

You aren’t the only one getting tricked by their baggage rules because, as per the Thai Airways International baggage policy, there isn’t one allowance that applies to every passenger. 

The allowance rules vary as per your cabin class, your fare type, itinerary, ticket date, frequent-flyer status, and, of course, the piece concept. Earlier, your baggage under the weight concept would show as total kilograms. With the piece concept, it would be like 1×23 or 2×23, i.e., two bags. They won’t add up to 46kg now and will only show as 2 pieces. 

Which Baggage System Applies to Your Flight? (Weight Concept vs Piece Concept)

Thai Airways, since March 2026, has introduced the popular Piece concept for the baggage system. It applies to journeys within TC3- Asia, Australia and New Zealand, as well as other specified international regions, subject to the ticket and travel-date conditions.

Weight Concept

The Weight Concept expresses your entitlement as a total weight.

For example: 30 kg total baggage allowance

Piece Concept

The Piece Concept specifies how many bags you can check and the maximum weight for each.

For example: 2 pieces × 23 kg

It is important to understand this difference to avoid overweight charges. If, as per your ticket, you are allowed two bags, then understand that each bag must be 23kg; you cannot divide the weight between the two bags in any other way. 

Thai Airways Checked Baggage Allowance

Here’s the standard checked baggage allowance that you must be aware of while travelling via Thai Airways. 

Each checked bag must generally remain within 158 cm total linear dimensions – height + width + length, including wheels and handles. If your ticket allows 2 bags, then make sure they are 23kg or 32kg each as per your cabin/fare. Do NOT divide them into smaller bags or use different weight limits. 

Thai Airways Hand Baggage (Carry-On) Allowance

Your checked baggage allowance is always kept separate from the Thai Airways hand baggage allowance. If you are travelling economy, then you can carry 1 cabin bag with you that must be within the 7 kg limit. Its dimensions must not exceed 56 × 45 × 25 cm (this includes wheels, side pockets, and handles).

A small personal item such as a handbag, purse or laptop may also be allowed, subject to Thai Airways’ size and weight conditions.

Thai Airways Baggage Restrictions and Rules

Knowing your Thai Airways baggage information isn’t only about weight. You will find there are several restrictions on carrying various everyday items too. 

Liquids, Gels and Aerosols (100ml Rule)

Liquids, aerosols and gels in cabin baggage generally need to be in containers of 100 ml or less.

They should be placed in a transparent, resealable bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre, with one such bag generally permitted per passenger. Larger containers aren’t accepted even if they’re only partially full. Exceptions can apply for medicines, baby food and special dietary requirements.

Passenger Comfort Devices (Child Footrests, JetKids BedBox)

Thai Airways permits certain passenger comfort devices for young children, including JetKids, BedBox and Flyaway Kid, subject to conditions.

The device must not exceed:

30.5 × 46.5 × 40 cm in dimensions and 7 kg in weight. 

It can’t be used during taxiing, take-off, landing, turbulence or when the seatbelt sign is illuminated. Restrictions also apply to emergency-exit and bulkhead seating.

Prohibited Comfort Accessories

Thai Airways does not permit certain devices such as:

• Seat recliner preventers
• Baby hammocks
• Leg hammocks
• Knee Defenders

Check the prohibited and restricted items list before you pack

What Happens If You Go Over Your Thai Airways Baggage Allowance?

This is where your baggage knowledge will be put to a test. When you are travelling with Thai Airways and they find that your bag exceeds the permitted weight or dimensions, or you have an additional bag, be aware that you will be charged accordingly. 

For example, if your Economy ticket includes 1 × 23 kg and you arrive with a second 20 kg suitcase, you’ve added another piece.

If your 23 kg suitcase weighs 28 kg, you’ve got an overweight bag instead. As we know, Thai Airways is now using the piece concept, so you will be charged as per the new rules. 

How Excess and Overweight Fees Work

For travellers flying to Thailand:

• Perth is Zone 3
• Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are Zone 4
• Thailand is Zone 1 for this baggage zoning system.

For the first or second additional checked piece, Thai Airways currently publishes:

Similarly, additional pieces will provide you with even higher rates. And that’s why we suggest going through the baggage options and excess fees so that you won’t be surprised at the airport. 

Booking Extra Baggage in Advance vs at the Airport

When you are packing, you already get to know whether you will need additional baggage or not. You might not have this idea, but booking extra baggage in advance instead of buying at the airport will be more cost-effective for you. 

Thai Airways states that prepaid excess baggage can be purchased through its online channels and other eligible channels at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure of the first flight segment. For example, a Sydney → Thailand passenger currently faces a published first/second additional-piece rate of US$190 prepaid versus US$230 at the airport.

Now that’s a big difference. However, you can lower the cost even further by booking and shipping your excess baggage with DTDC Australia. 

The Real Cost of Excess Baggage on a Family or Multi-Bag Trip

One extra suitcase might be manageable.

Several can add up quickly.

For example, two additional pieces from Melbourne to Thailand at the current prepaid rate would be:

2 × US$190 = US$380

At the airport:

2 × US$230 = US$460

And that’s before any applicable overweight or oversized baggage charges.

For families, students or people relocating overseas, this is where it can make sense to compare the airline charge with the cost of sending some belongings separately.

Ship Your Extra Baggage with DTDC Australia Instead of Paying Excess Fees

Paying for extra luggage at the airport would be extremely expensive for you. And even if you are okay with that, handling and managing all the excess luggage is still troublesome. We have heard these complaints and developed our Excess baggage service, which has helped many save on baggage during their journey. 

We always believe that your journey should be stress-free, and you must not be worried about carrying those ten pieces of luggage with you. Thus, shipping your excess baggage with DTDC Australia prior to your journey would seem to be more beneficial. We are much more cost-effective and won’t charge you a fortune for your extra luggage, as most airlines do.

Separate shipping can be particularly useful for:

• Students moving overseas
• Expats relocating with unaccompanied baggage
• Families carrying extra belongings
• Travellers with several bags
• Shoppers sending items that aren’t needed immediately

Get an Instant DTDC Shipping Quote

If your suitcase is already bursting at the seams, don’t wait until check-in to find out what your extra luggage will cost. Get your quote at DTDC Australia site. 

Final Thoughts

Get into researcher mode before travelling, or you might have to pay more than your ticket’s price in extra luggage fees. Keep up with the current pricing or changing baggage allowance so that you do not get surprised by the charges at the airport. If you are okay with spending a ton to carry your excess baggage, then no problem. But if you would rather save on your baggage and also avoid carrying it altogether, DTDC Australia is here for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thai Airways’ current baggage allowance for Australia to Thailand flights?

Your baggage allowance strictly depends on the cabin and fare. As you know, Thai Airways now works with a piece concept instead of a weight concept. Economy fares can have 1 × 23 kg or 2 × 23 kg, while Premium Economy generally has 2 × 23 kg and Royal Silk has 2 × 32 kg. Your ticket can inform you how much baggage allowance you possess. 

What is the difference between the Weight Concept and Piece Concept?

In Weight concept, you are given a weight limit that you can carry with you as baggage allowance. In Piece concept, you are provided with the number of bags you can carry and the maximum weight for each bag. 

How many bags can I check on Thai Airways from Australia?

It depends on your fare. Some Economy fares allow 1 × 23 kg, while other Economy fares allow 2 × 23 kg. Higher cabins can have higher allowances.

What size and weight is Thai Airways’ hand baggage allowance?

Economy passengers can generally take one cabin bag up to 7 kg, measuring no more than 56 × 45 × 25 cm.

Can I bring liquids in my Thai Airways carry-on?

Yes. Liquids, aerosols and gels generally need to be in containers of 100 ml or less and placed in a transparent resealable 1-litre bag.

How much does Thai Airways charge for excess baggage?

It depends on your Australian departure city and the number of additional pieces. For the first or second additional piece to Thailand, current published prepaid rates are US$160 from Perth and US$190 from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Airport rates are higher.

Can I use a JetKids BedBox or similar child footrest device on Thai Airways?

Yes, certain passenger comfort devices are permitted subject to Thai Airways’ conditions, including size, weight, seating and when the device can be used.

How do I get a shipping quote from DTDC for excess luggage or parcels?

It is very convenient to get a quote from DTDC Australia. Visit DTDC Australia site, and you will find our quote tool there. You just have to add your shipping and destination locations, and also add the weight and dimensions of your packages. You will then find a list of various carriers and services to choose from and select whatever pricing service you find better.