Getting ready to fly with SriLankan Airlines? Before you start packing, you should check their baggage policy. There will be differences on baggage allowance for each ticket type. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about SriLankan Airlines baggage details, including weight limits, carry-on size, and what to do if you need extra luggage.

1. SriLankan Airlines Cabin Luggage Rules

 

Regarding SriLankan Airlines baggage rules, let’s first deep dive into what you can bring on their cabin seat. Remember that any item that’s oversized or can’t fit under the seat or in the overhead bin may have to be checked in.

1. Cabin Luggage Limits

First, your allowance depends on the class you’re flying in:

• Economy Class: 1 piece of hand baggage, up to 7 kg/15lb

• Business Class: 2 pieces of hand baggage, each up to 7 kg/15lb

Moreover, each bag should measure no more than 115 cm / 45 inches in total (the total of length, height and width).

In addition to your main hand luggage, SriLankan Airlines lets you bring a few small personal items for free, some essentials like your laptop, a handbag, or a blanket for extra comfort during the flight. All of these things should be small enough to fit into the overhead bin (larger ones might not be accepted.)

2. Travelling with an infant

If you’re travelling with your little one, SriLankan Airlines makes it easier to bring what your baby needs. Parents can carry a small cabin bag of up to 5 kg (no larger than 56 x 36 x 23 cm) for essentials such as baby food, bottles, and diapers. 

You’re also welcome to bring a foldable stroller or infant carrier, which can be taken into the cabin when space is available. Otherwise, it will be checked in at no extra charge.

2. SriLankan Airlines Checked Bag Allowance

Before you head to the airport, you need to know that the SriLankan Airlines baggage allowance also depends on your travel route and cabin class.

1. Weight-based baggage policy

For most destinations, SriLankan Airlines' baggage rules follow a weight-based system.

• If you travel with a Business Class ticket, you can check in up to 40 kg.

• Economy Class travellers are allowed only 30 kg.

• However, if you’re flying with an infant, you can only bring 10 kg of checked baggage.

Furthermore, each bag should measure a total of 158 cm in size (i.e., length + width + height). For infant baggage, the limit is 115 cm. Even if your total allowance is higher, please note that no single bag can exceed 32 kg due to safety regulations.

2. Piece-based baggage policy

If your journey includes North, Central, or South America, the piece system applies instead.

• In Business Class, you are allowed to bring two checked bags, each weighing up to 32 kg.

• For Economy Class, you can check two pieces, each up to 23 kg.

• Travellers with infants are allowed one piece weighing up to 23 kg.

Each checked bag must also follow the 158 cm size limit. Please try to choose a suitcase that fits comfortably within these dimensions to avoid the need for repacking at the counter.

3. For Loyalty members

SriLankan Airlines operates a loyalty program for its frequent flyers, called FlySmiLes. As a member of this program, you will unlock special baggage benefits that make travelling easier every time you check in.

If you reach Platinum or Gold tier, you will receive an extra baggage allowance beyond the standard SriLankan Airlines baggage limit. Depending on your route, this can mean up to 20 kg of additional weight or one more checked bag at no cost. Even Silver and Classic members can enjoy added baggage privileges when flying with SriLankan Airlines.

Srilankan Airlines bag rates you need to know. Photo by Who is Danny - stock.adobe.com

3. Excess Baggage Rates From Srilankan Airlines

If your bag is slightly larger than the standard limit, you should check the Srilankan Airlines baggage fees policy to prepare for some additional fees.

1. For Oversized baggage 

When a checked bag exceeds 158 cm in total size (length + width + height), a charge of $50 per bag will be applied. Sporting equipment is handled separately and is not included in this policy.

If your luggage goes beyond the free allowance of weight, the price depends on your travel route and is charged at the airport during check-in. For example:

• From Sri Lanka to South East Asia: $19/kg

• From Sri Lanka to Europe or Japan/Korea: $31/kg

• From Sri Lanka to the Middle East: $13/kg

For routes connecting to North, Central, or South America, baggage is charged per piece rather than per kilogram.

• Business Class: $250 for each extra piece, up to 32 kg

• Economy Class: $75 for overweight bags (23 – 32 kg) and $250 for each additional bag up to 32 kg

Every extra piece must still meet the standard checked baggage dimensions, so make sure your suitcase fits within the airline’s usual limits.

For a more detailed answer, please check the carrier’s official website.

2. How to Save Extra Fees

To save money, we recommend purchasing an extra baggage allowance in advance. SriLankan Airlines offers discounts of 20% or more when you pre-purchase online. It’s quick and easy, as you can do it when booking your ticket online, in some ways: 

• Manage My Booking portal

• On the SriLankan Airlines mobile app,

• Calling the Global Contact Centre

• Visiting a ticket office, 

• Or asking your travel agent.

4. Sports equipment And CPAP

If you’re planning to explore the outdoors, you can bring your own sports gear on board, but you’ll need to follow a few simple SriLankan Airlines baggage rules. You can include one set of sporting equipment as part of your free baggage allowance, provided it meets the weight and size limits.

You can pack one set of golf clubs, surfboards, bicycles, diving gear, or ski equipment without paying extra. Also, ensure that all your gear weighs under 32 kg to avoid additional fees. If you bring more than one set, expect to pay around $250 for each additional piece.

How to pack your gear?

• Keep your golf set within 15 kg. You’ll only pay for the extra weight if you exceed it.

• Keep your ski gear under 11 kg to avoid extra charges.

• Prepare your diving gear: your bag can include a wetsuit, flippers, mask, snorkel, and an empty oxygen tank.

• Pack your surfboard or windsurfing set (board, boom, and sail mast) carefully to stay within the allowance.

• For a bicycle, remove or turn the pedals inward, turn the handlebars sideways, deflate the tyres, and pack it in a sturdy bike box or protective case.

For CPAP machines, you can bring them on board. However, they might not be counted towards your baggage allowance.

You can use them in-flight. However, there is a charge for the number of Oxygen bottles carried on board. Get in touch with the airlines at least 72 hours before to arrange carrying your CPAP onto the aeroplane.

CabinZero’s tip: Arrive at least 2 hours early if you’re carrying large or heavy items. Please inform the staff about your equipment so they can assist you in handling it safely. 

5. Booking and Check-in Process

The booking and check-in process from SriLankan Airlines is as simple as other airlines. Here are the detailed steps:

1. Booking your flight

Photo taken from SriLankan Airlines’s website.

Step 1: Choose your booking channel

You can book your ticket in several ways, depending on what is most convenient for you. You can book through:

• The official SriLankan Airlines website (best for direct offers and full control).

• The SriLankan Airlines mobile app (ideal if you prefer managing information on your phone)

• An authorised travel agent (when you want bundled deals or multi-city itineraries)

• The Global Contact Centre (if you need personal assistance with your booking)

Step 2: Fill your flight details

Pick your route and travel dates, then choose your cabin class (Economy or Business). The system will show you all available fares, including flexible and saver options.

Step 3: Customise your trip

Before checkout, you can personalise your booking with:

• Passengers type: adult/children/infant

• Multi cities

• Pre-purchased baggage allowance (with up to 20% discount)

Step 4: Review and pay

After finalising the information, it’s time to review the details carefully. The name on your ticket must match the name on your passport, and your email address should be correct. Then select your payment method and confirm your booking. You’ll receive your e-ticket instantly by email.

CabinZero’s tip: How to find cheaper fares

• Book early: Prices usually rise closer to the travel date.

• Be flexible with dates: Mid-week flights tend to be more affordable than those on weekends.

• Use incognito mode when browsing to avoid dynamic price increases.

2. Check-in process

Most travellers now check in online to save time waiting in queues. As the airports no longer accept check-ins 2 hours after your scheduled flight time, you should complete the process and download or print your boarding pass immediately.

If you’re flying with hand luggage only, the process is even simpler. You can go straight to security and then to your gate. Those with checked baggage just need to visit the baggage drop counter at the airport before heading to the departure gate.

Regarding check-in in person, you can visit counters at SriLankan Airlines airports before departure. We recommend arriving early, especially for international routes or when travelling with sports equipment. 

8. FAQs

1. How much baggage can I carry on SriLankan Airlines?

Actually, it depends on your cabin class and route. Economy Class passengers can usually check up to 30 kg, while Business Class travellers are allowed to check up to 40 kg. If you’re flying to or from the Americas, the piece system applies instead of the weight system.

2. What is the cabin baggage limit?

Economy passengers can bring one bag weighing up to 7 kg, and Business Class travellers can bring two bags, each weighing up to 7 kg. And please keep the total size under 115 cm so it fits easily in the overhead bin or under your seat.

3. Can I buy extra baggage in advance?

Yes! You can pre-purchase additional baggage through the website, app, or ticket offices and get up to 20% off compared to paying at the airport. It’s the best way to save money and avoid surprises.

4. Are sports gear included in the free allowance?

It depends. One set of sports equipment, like a golf bag, surfboard, or bicycle, is usually included in your free allowance. If you bring more than one set or exceed the weight limit, you will be charged the standard SriLankan Airlines baggage fees.

Wrapping Up

To sum up, this article has shown you details of SriLankan Airlines baggage allowance. So, you can pack only what you need, saving money by avoiding extra weight charges. Each trip feels smoother when you understand the rules.

If this guide made your travel prep a little easier, don’t keep it to yourself!

Share it with your travel buddies or drop a comment below with your own packing tips and experiences with SriLankan Airlines. We would love to hear how you make the most of your baggage allowance.

Ha Ngan