Below is a concise overview of Azerbaijan Airlines' baggage policy based on the latest available information.
Carry-On Baggage (Hand Luggage)
Allowance:
- Economy Class: 1 piece, max 10 kg, dimensions not exceeding 55 x 40 x 23 cm (118 cm total).
- VIP Club, Comfort Club, Business Class: 2 pieces, each max 10 kg, same dimensions.
- Additional Personal Item: All passengers can carry one small personal item (e.g., handbag, briefcase, laptop bag) free of charge.
Infants (under 2 years):
- No hand luggage allowance, but can carry baby food, a travel cot, or a collapsible stroller (stroller transported in the cargo hold).
Restrictions:
- Carry-on must fit in overhead bins or under the seat.
- Bulkhead seats lack under-seat storage, so all carry-on must be stowed in overhead bins during takeoff and landing.
- Liquids in hand luggage are subject to airport security regulations (e.g., 100 ml limit for EU/UK/USA routes).
Special Items:
- Tennis rackets, badminton rackets, or musical instruments (max 80 x 40 x 20 cm) can replace the carry-on piece.
- Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs) are allowed with advance notification.
Checked Baggage (Hold Luggage)
Free Baggage Allowance (Piece Concept, depends on fare and route):
- Economy Budget: No free baggage.
- Economy Classic: 1 piece, max 23 kg.
- Economy Plus: 1 piece, max 32 kg.
- Premium Economy: 2 pieces, each max 32 kg.
- Business Class: 2 pieces, each max 32 kg.
- Baku to/from New York (Economy): 2 pieces, each max 23 kg.
- Infants (under 2, no seat): 1 piece, max 10 kg, dimensions not exceeding 115 cm.
- AZAL Miles Platinum/Gold Members: 1 additional piece, max 23 kg.
Size Restrictions:
- Total dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 158 cm per piece.
Special Notes:
- On specific routes (e.g., Moscow to Ganja, Gabala, or Lankaran), no free baggage allowance applies.
- Baggage over 32 kg is not accepted as checked luggage and must be shipped as cargo.
- Collapsible strollers for infants are carried free of charge.
Excess Baggage Fees
Extra Pieces (up to 23 kg, 158 cm):
- To/from New York or Beijing: €80–100 / $100.
- Other routes: €40 / £30 / $50 / 180 AED.
- Discounts may apply if purchased 3+ hours before departure at AZAL offices or agencies.
Overweight/Oversized Baggage:
- Fees apply for bags exceeding 23 kg or 158 cm, varying by route. Contact the airline for exact charges.
- Bags over 99 lbs (45 kg) are not accepted as checked luggage.
Payment Timing:
- Excess baggage fees are cheaper if paid 24+ hours before departure (e.g., €20–94 vs. €30–155 at check-in).
Special Baggage
Sports Equipment:
- One set of golf or skiing/snowboard equipment is carried free of charge, regardless of size/weight, in addition to the free baggage allowance.
- Other sports equipment (e.g., bicycles) is included in the free baggage allowance; excess fees apply if limits are exceeded.
- Bicycles must be disassembled and packed in a cover or hard case.
- Only tennis rackets and rhythmic gymnastics sets can be carried in the cabin.
Musical Instruments:
- Instruments up to 115 cm (total dimensions) and 8 kg can be carried in the cabin free, replacing hand luggage.
- Larger instruments (e.g., cello, max 52 x 40 x 135 cm, 55 kg) require a second ticket and 72-hour advance booking.
TV Sets (Baku-Dubai flights):
- TVs up to 32 inches are included in free baggage allowance.
- TVs 32–55 inches: AED 210 fee.
- TVs over 55 inches or 32 kg are accepted only as cargo.
Pets:
- Cats, dogs, and fancy birds allowed in the cabin (max 8 kg, container max 55 x 40 x 20 cm): €50 per segment (€100 for Baku-New York).
- Pets in the baggage hold (max 75 kg with container): Fees vary, contact the airline.
- Advance notification required.
Additional Notes
Buta Airways Flights: If your flight (J2 code starting with 9, e.g., J2 9101) is operated by Buta Airways, their baggage rules apply.
Advance Booking: Extra baggage, special baggage, or pets should be booked at least 48–72 hours before departure for smooth processing.
Route-Specific Rules: Always check your ticket or itinerary for specific baggage allowances, as they vary by destination and fare type.
Weapons/Ammunition: Only specific unloaded firearms (e.g., hunting guns) are allowed with special permits and must be transported as cargo on direct/transit flights. Cold weapons (e.g., daggers) are generally not accepted.