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Austrian Airlines offers Economy Light fares for short- and long-haul travel if you only need to take carry-on luggage.
This is handy for making your check-in and airport exit a bit swifter, and the additional bag charges are quite reasonable for domestic and European flights when booked online or with the call center in advance.
When booking an Economy Light fare for flights to and from the U.S. and Europe, there is a flat fee of $75 per bag, per route — regardless of whether you book an extra bag in advance, at check-in, or at the gate.
So feel free to take your chances with your hand luggage; if your bag is a little large or heavy, you can always check it at the last minute knowing that you wouldn’t have paid any less in advance.
1 personal item: FREE
1 standard carry-on bag: Free for economy and premium economy class passengers
2 standard carry-on bags: Free for business class passengers
Size and Weight Restrictions
Lap Infant Carry-on Policy
Stroller Gate Check Policy
| Flights (Per One-way) | Between 50 to 70 Pounds (23 to 32 KG) Or Bags Exceeding a Max Linear Size of 62 Inches (158 CM) | Between 50 to 70 Pounds (23 to 32 KG) AND Bags Exceeding a Max Linear Size of 62 Inches (158 CM) |
| Within Austria | €40/$45 | €80/$90 |
| Within Europe | €50/$60 | €100/$115 |
| Between Europe and Jordan, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel | €75/$85 | €150/$170 |
| Between Europe and U.S. East, Canada East, Seychelles, Maldives | €120/$140 | €240/$275 |
| Between Europe and U.S. West, Canada West, China, Mauritius, Thailand, South Africa | €150/$170 | €300/$345 |
| Between Europe and Japan | Heavier: €100/$150 Larger: €200/$300 | €300/$450 |
First bag:
| Flights (Per One-way) | Advance Purchase (Online or Call Center) | At Check-in | At Gate |
| Within Austria | €15/$20 | €50/$60 | €50/$60 |
| Europe | €25/$30 | €50/$60 | €50/$60 |
| Between selected European destinations and U.S./Canada* | €65/$75 | €65/$75 | N/A |
Bag maximum weight and size: 50 pounds (23 kg) and 62 inches (158 cm).
* Selected European countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Slovakia, Turkey (except from U.S. to Turkey).
| Flights (Per One-way) | Additional Piece | Exceeding Maximum Size OR Weight | Exceeding Maximum Size AND Weight |
| Within Austria | Online: €55/$65 At Check-in: €70/$80 | €110/$125 | €150/$170 |
| Within Europe | Online: €65/$75 At Check-in: €80/$90 | €130/$150 | €180/$205 |
| Between Europe and Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Turkmenistan | Online: €80/$90 At Check-in:€100/$115 | €175/$200 | €250/$285 |
| Between Europe and U.S. East, Canada East, Seychelles, Maldives | Online: €160/$185 At Check-in: €200/$230 | €320/$370 | €440/$505 |
| Between Europe and U.S. West, Canada West, China, Thailand, South Africa, Mauritius | Online: €200/$230 At Check-in: €250/$285 | €400/$460 | €550/$635 |
| Between Europe and Japan | €150/~ ¥21,850 | Heavier: €250 Larger: €350 | €$450 |
For economy class fares to and from or via the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, there is a reduced charge for the second bag: $100 at the check-in counter or $90 when purchased online.
If you’re looking to transport sporting equipment, please refer to Austrian Airlines’ baggage policy.
| HON Circle, Senator, and Star Alliance Gold | Frequent Traveller (FTL Card) | ||
| European Routes | Economy Light | No baggage | No baggage |
| Economy Classic and Flex | 1 extra piece up to 50 pounds (23 kg) | Total allowance — 2 pieces up to 50 pounds (23 kg) each | |
| Business | 1 extra piece up to 70 pounds (32 kg) | Total allowance — 2 pieces up to 70 pounds (32 kg) each | |
| International Routes | Economy Light | No baggage | No baggage |
| Economy Basic, Basic Plus, and Flex | 1 extra piece up to 50 pounds (23 kg) | Total allowance — 2 pieces up to 50 pounds (23 kg) each | |
| Premium Economy Basic, Basic Plus, and Flex | 1 extra piece up to 50 pounds (23 kg) | Total allowance — 2 pieces up to 50 pounds (23 kg) each | |
| Business Saver & Flex | 1 extra piece up to 70 pounds (32 kg) | Total allowance — 2 pieces up to 70 pounds (32 kg) | |
| First | 1 extra piece up to 70 pounds (32 kg) | Total allowance — 3 pieces up to 70 pounds (32 kg) |
Austrian Airlines does allow passengers the ability to prepay for luggage online, via the mobile app, or with its call center.
Here are the ways you can prepay:
We prefer Capital One cards that allow you to redeem miles for 1 cent each as a statement credit for previous travel purchases (within 90 days).
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An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.
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59 comments
Joanna
March 04, 2019
Does it mean that as a Gold star alliance member I will have free 1 piece of checked luggage when flying with Economy Light? I checked on the Austrian website and many other sites and this is the first place I found the information that I should be able to check in my luggage for free. I want to avoid surprises at the airport.
Erin Miller
March 05, 2019
Hi Joana, our information was a bit incomplete on our site – I’ll get this updated right now. The answer to your question depends on where you’re flying to/from…
If you’re flying domestically within Europe, unfortunately, Economy Light passengers are not allowed any free baggage regardless if they’re HON Circle, Senator, and STAR Gold.
However, if you’re flying internationally, it does appear you’ll be allowed one checked bag at 23kg as a Star Alliance Gold Member.
Joanna
March 05, 2019
Hi Erin, since I wrote this comment I found this https://m.austrian.com/?sc_lang=en#home/mobile/freebaggage which states that on intercontinental gold and HON members have one luggage for free 🙂
Erin Miller
March 05, 2019
Yes, sorry Joanna – right after I approved my comment back to you I found that and updated my comment but it may not have notified you of the update!
As of a couple of hours ago, we have amended our piece with a table which is now correct! 🙂
Ritter
April 06, 2021
I’m flying Austrian Airlines from Chicago and I’m curious to know how much it would be if I check 2 bags and have one of them overweight. I don’t mind paying a fee for an overweight checked bag, but I’m going away for work and could use the extra 10-15 lbs. and how much is an overweight checked bag? Thank you
Jarrod West
April 06, 2021
Hi Ritter,
Where will you be flying to from Chicago?
Damian
April 16, 2019
I have booked an economy light ticket with Austrian Air to New York from Vienna.
So, can I buy checked luggage at the airport just before my flight? Or shall I buy it online? Will this luggage charge be for the round-trip flight or just one way for 65$?
Erin Miller
April 16, 2019
Hi Damian – it’s completely up to you whether you pre-pay or pay at the airport. You can see in the table above that it is usually significantly cheaper if you pre-pay online prior to your flight. You can find instructions on how to do so in our “Can I Pre-pay for Baggage?” section above. However, it appears Austrian Airline’s policy pertaining to international flights proposes a €50 regardless of when you pay.
If you have the ability to pre-pay online, it probably wouldn’t be a bad idea – just to be on the safe side. (It may also be worth noting that if you pre-pay for baggage and end up not utilizing everything you paid for, some airlines will not reimburse you the cost.)
Again, as you can see per the Economy Light Excess Baggage table above, the rule is that baggage fees are applied on a ONE WAY basis, so you should expect to pay €50 each way, or €100 total for your baggage. Hope this helps!
YOUNJUNG AN
May 25, 2019
I’d like to book a flight from Paris to Vienna. I am a Star Alliance Gold member and if I buy a flight ticket between Paris and Vienna with one of my pieces of luggage, I wonder if there is additional baggage available for free?
Erin Miller
May 25, 2019
Hi there – this depends on which fare type you purchased (economy light, economy classic/flex, or business). As you can see, we have listed the Star Alliance Gold perks under the “Exclusions & Waivers” section above.
On European routes, economy light would not allow for another bag for free; if you purchased an economy classic/flex or biz fare you should be allowed one extra bag (23kg) for free.
Armen Mkrtumyan
June 04, 2019
If I am in an Economy Class, with Flex, and I want to pay for my second luggage, how much will it cost? Can I pay it with cash or I should pay only with card?
Catherine Luther
June 05, 2019
Hi Armen,
The fee for additional baggage depends on your flight route. Please refer to the table above in this article under the section “Additional baggage (for fare types excluding Economy Light:)” that breaks down the cost by destination. Some airports will accept cash and some will not, so we advise you call the airline directly to check for your departure airport.
Elisabeth Patterson
June 23, 2019
How do I know if I booked regular economy or light, which would be no free checked bags? Yikes! My ticket says at the bottom Tariff: Economy Basic/L
I was not told ‘no baggage’ when I bought the ticket.
Erin Miller
June 23, 2019
Hi Elisabeth, I’ve tried doing some research for you but Austrian’s website does make things a bit confusing! If I were you, I’d go ahead and call their customer service line and inquire with them directly for the most accurate information… at this point (since we’re not Austrian Airlines), we’d just be giving you our best, educated guess from the info they publish online and it’s confusing even to us!
That being said, their FAQ does state: “You can find the booking classes within the online booking section on our website. This is in the detailed information of the selected flight in the basket “Your Selection” on the right edge of the screen. Furthermore the booking class is also cited in the fare regulations – you will find these in the summary via the “Buy Now” button as well as in the booking confirmation, which appears on your screen and which is sent to you via email to the contact email address supplied by you. You can view the booking class of your flight at any time within the online management section of your booking via “My Booking”, as well as being able to amend it, if necessary, after you have entered the relevant booking code.”
Vera Isailovic
July 07, 2019
If my hand luggage exceeds weight limit by 2 kg, is there a chance for me to bring a small bag with me where I could put some stuff?
Also, I have a connection flight in Vienna and there is an option for me to buy extra luggage for 25 euros, but does this mean that this price is for both my flights in one way? Or is it 50 euros in one way and 50 in other?
Thank you and I am hoping for a quick reply.
Regards,
Vera
Catherine Luther
July 08, 2019
Hi Vera,
Austrian Airlines allows passengers to bring a small personal item in addition to your standard carry-on. The size restrictions for the personal item are 40 x 30 x 10 cm.
For the excess luggage, this would depend on whether you booked your 2 flights on 1 ticket or separately. If you booked them together then Austrian should be able to check your bags through to your final destination and you would pay 1 x one way fee. If you booked them separately then you would pay the fee for each leg of the journey.
Hope that helps!
Adam
July 09, 2019
Good evening,
If I have 3 perfumes new in their boxes with each one 100ml, can I take them with me in my handbag luggage if I put them in zip plastic bag together?
Thanks in advance.
Jarrod West
July 09, 2019
Hi Adam,
Per the Austrian Airlines website “Containers with liquids, gels and sprays must not exceed a maximum of 100 ml”, so you should be fine to bring those along in your carry on luggage.
Christine Krzyszton
July 09, 2019
Hi Adam. Since the 3 perfumes are below the limit per liquid item, you can put them together in a zip plastic bag. However, you are allowed just one bag so all liquid items must fit in the same bag.
Beata
July 14, 2019
Hi, I am flying back to the US from Poland as travel US military person, do I get free check in baggage?
Catherine Luther
July 15, 2019
Hi Beata,
There is no mention on the Austrian Airlines website regarding military baggage exclusions; however, providing you haven’t booked an Economy Light ticket, you have a baggage allowance of at least 1 x 23 kg bag included in your ticket.
Benchaloch
July 19, 2019
I would like to add a suitcase of 20 kilos but I did not add when I made the reservation.
I leave from Lyon to Miami via Vienna and my return is to Munich.
I would also like to add three kosher meals. How to do this? I did not have the opportunity to do this when booking.
Did you have a number to call from France?
Catherine Luther
July 20, 2019
Hi Benchaloch,
Please be aware that we are UpgradedPoints.com, not Austrian Airlines. We have checked on the Austrian Airlines contact page and have found a contact number calling from France: +33 820 816 816. Please contact the airline directly with your enquiry.
Janet M Fortino
July 21, 2019
Can I bring makeup and electric curling iron in my carry on bag?
Jarrod West
July 21, 2019
Hi Janet,
Yes, you can bring your curling iron. Your makeup is subject to the same liquid and gel rules as all other substances, meaning if they are liquid, they will need to be 3.4 ounces or smaller.
Fadi
July 31, 2019
I have booked an economy light ticket with Austrian Air to Vienna. The weight of my carry-on bag is 8 kg. How much can my personal bag weigh?
Thank you!
Andrew Kunesh
August 01, 2019
Hi Fadi, Austrian Air doesn’t list a specific weight limit for personal items. However, the bag’s dimensions must be 15.75 in x 11.8 in x 4 in (40 cm x 30 cm x 10 cm) or smaller.
Reza
September 02, 2019
I have a flight from Iran to Canada, how much is the penalty for extra weight in your luggage.
Catherine Luther
September 02, 2019
Hi Reza,
Austrian Airlines’ excess luggage charges are not the clearest for that particular route so we advise you give the airline a call to confirm the charges.
Rageb
October 29, 2019
What is the different between the economy basic and economy flex? I don’t understand
Catherine Luther
October 30, 2019
Hi Rageb,
Economy basic is a restricted fare for changes and cancellations with a chargeable fee for any amendments. Economy flex allows passengers more flexibility to change or cancel their ticket but obviously this comes at a higher cost to purchase the ticket.
Viraj Patel
November 03, 2019
Hi, I have a booking for my parents travelling from EWR to LHR on 8th Dec. We have bought the economy light tickets. I would like to purchase a checked in luggage. When I log in it does not allow me to purchase the checked in bag. Could you please help us? Thanks
Catherine Luther
November 04, 2019
Hi Viraj,
Please be aware that we are not Austrian Airlines so if you having trouble adding luggage when logging in to your booking you will need to contact Austrian Airlines.
Elena
December 11, 2019
I have Economy Classic ticket from Amsterdam, NL to Zagreb, CRO with a stop in Vienna. My checked in baggage allowance is 23 kg, I am just a bit over that. So how much would I have to pay per kilo over my limit? We are taking about possibly 1-2 kg over the limit.
Jarrod West
December 11, 2019
Hi Elenna,
For this route, Austrian Airlines will likely charge you $50 per 1kg your bag is over.
Arezou
January 12, 2020
When I was booked my flight ticket, the website said 2 bags up to 23 kg. After I paid they sent me an electronic ticket that says baggage 50 lbs. Am I allowed just one bag at 50 lbs(22.6 kg) or 2? I called customer support but they keep saying just what your ticket says. I think this is a mistake or a fraud? If anyone can help I would appreciate it.
Jarrod West
January 13, 2020
Hi Arezou,
Usually, the baggage allowance for economy tickets is 1 bag weighing up to 50 lbs (23 kgs). However, if you have a Premium Economy or Business Class ticket your baggage allowance would be higher. Can you tell me what class you’re flying along with where you are flying to?
paul
January 15, 2020
Hello
How much would it cost to have a pair of skis on a flight, if the total weight together with a bag is below 23kg?
Paul
Jarrod West
January 15, 2020
Hi Paul,
Where will you be flying and how long are your skis?
Luan
January 17, 2020
I am traveling from Northern Macedonia to Detroit via Vienna and Chicago . My ticket is Basic Economy, how much it will cost for one piece checked luggage with weight of 50 lb(23 kg)
Jarrod West
January 18, 2020
Hi Luan,
You should have to pay 50 euros to check a bag.
Thanks for reading!
Vjollca
June 22, 2020
I have 1 kg over the limit weight for checked baggage in basic economy class (23 kg ). How should I pay extra for that?
Jarrod West
June 23, 2020
Hi Vjollca,
You can pre-pay for your baggage at the Austrian Airlines website, or by calling their customer service team at 1-800-843-0002.
Shpresa
September 11, 2020
I booked a light fare from Prishtina to Miami, does it include handbags?
Jarrod West
September 11, 2020
Hi Shpresa,
Yes, your flight ticket will include 1 personal item and 1 carry on item.
Sarah Tweed
September 14, 2020
What is the baggage allowance for an economy award ticket (X) from the US to Europe?
Jarrod West
September 15, 2020
Hi Sarah,
The allowance is 50 pounds or 23kgs. Thanks for reading!
karla
September 30, 2020
What are the dimensions for a bag that I can bring on a light fare? I am confused because sometimes it says 55 x 40 x 23 and sometimes 40 x 30 x 10. thank you in advance.
Jarrod West
September 30, 2020
Hi Karla,
The allowable dimensions should be 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Thanks for reading!
Michaela Haringova
October 23, 2020
I am planning to fly in January from Chicago to Vienna. Since I am moving back to Europe I will have 3 big bags 1hand luggage and the dog. I took the same flight over here and my dog was ok. I am concerned about my baggage as I have booked Economy light with 0 bags right now. What would be the additional cost for 3pcs? Also up to how many big bags one passenger can have?
Jarrod West
October 26, 2020
Hi Michaela,
You should need to pay 50 euros for your first bag, 100 euros for the second bag, and 200 euros for the third bag. For a total of 350 euros.
asratsolomon
December 08, 2020
I am traveling from Luxembourg to Ethiopia. How much would an extra bag cost?
Jarrod West
December 08, 2020
Hi Asratsolomon,
For this route, the extra charge should be 100 euros.
Christine Jacob
February 02, 2021
How many extra bags can I pre-book for an international flight? Is extra luggage limited to 23kg?
Jarrod West
February 08, 2021
Hi Christine,
Austrian Airlines does not appear to list on their website the total number of extra bags you can bring, but you can contact them at 1-800-843-0002 for the exact figure. Each extra bag should be no more than 23 kgs though.
Adnan
April 27, 2021
I have a flight ticket Economy/ Coach (W) and I am a bit confused about luggage.
What luggage is allowed in this concept?
Jarrod West
April 27, 2021
Hi Adnan,
As long as you haven’t purchased an economy light ticket, you should be able to bring 1 personal item and 1 carry-on bag weighing up to 8 kgs each, plus 1 checked bag weighing up to 23 kg.
Frederic
June 13, 2021
For a flight from Cairo to Brussels, economy light. Would I be able to use my gold star alliance card to check in 1 luggage?
Jarrod West
June 14, 2021
Hi Frederic,
Yes, you should receive that as a benefit of your Star Alliance status.
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