SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, operates a baggage policy based on the weight concept for most routes, except for travel to/from North, Central, and South America, where the piece concept applies for interline journeys. Below is a comprehensive overview of the baggage policy, including carry-on, checked baggage, excess fees, and special items, based on the latest available information.
Carry-On Baggage Allowance
Economy Class:
- One piece of carry-on baggage.
- Maximum weight: 7 kg (15 lbs).
- Maximum dimensions: 46 x 36 x 20 cm (18 x 14 x 8 inches), with a total of 115 cm (45 inches), including wheels and handles.
- Must fit in overhead bins or under the seat.
Business Class:
- Two pieces of carry-on baggage.
- Each piece: Maximum weight of 7 kg (15 lbs), same dimensions as Economy (46 x 36 x 20 cm, total 115 cm).
Restrictions:
- Liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) must follow international security rules: containers up to 100 ml in a 1-liter resealable transparent plastic bag (one per passenger).
- Duty-free liquids in Security Tamper-Evident Bags (STEBs) are allowed if purchased at the airport or onboard.
- Exemptions for medications, baby formula, and dietary items may require proof.
- On flights with 50 seats or less, only one personal item is allowed due to limited overhead space.
- Bulkhead seats lack underseat storage during takeoff and landing.
Checked Baggage Allowance
Weight Concept (Most Routes, Excluding North/Central/South America):
- Economy Class: Up to 30 kg (66 lbs) total, no limit on the number of pieces.
- Business Class: Up to 40 kg (88 lbs) total, no limit on the number of pieces
- Infants: Up to 10 kg (22 lbs), with dimensions not exceeding 115 cm (45 inches).
- Maximum weight per piece: 32 kg (70 lbs).
- Maximum dimensions per piece: 158 cm (62 inches, length + width + height).
Piece Concept (Routes to/from North, Central, South America, for interline journeys)
- Economy Class: Two pieces, each up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
- Business Class: Two pieces, each up to 32 kg (70 lbs).
- Maximum dimensions per piece: 158 cm (62 inches).
- Note: The piece concept applies only for through-ticketed itineraries involving other carriers to/from the Americas; otherwise, the weight concept applies for SriLankan-operated flights.
Restrictions:
- Bags exceeding 32 kg are not accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped as cargo.
- Valuable, fragile, or perishable items (e.g., jewelry, electronics, cash) should not be checked, as SriLankan Airlines is not liable for loss or damage.
- Mobility aids (e.g., wheelchairs, crutches) are carried free of charge and do not count toward the allowance.
Special Baggage (Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments, Pets)
Sports Equipment:
- Snow skiing equipment: One set (max 11 kg) is charged as 3 kg of excess baggage (e.g., $30–$90 USD, depending on route).
- Golf equipment: One set (max 15 kg) is charged as 6 kg of excess baggage (e.g., $60–$180 USD, depending on route).
- If within the free allowance (30 kg Economy, 40 kg Business), no additional charge applies.
- Oversized equipment (e.g., surfboards, bicycles) may incur standard excess fees or the $50 USD oversized fee, subject to space.
Musical Instruments:
- Small instruments within carry-on limits (46 x 36 x 20 cm, 7 kg) can be brought onboard.
- Larger instruments (max 75 kg) may require an extra seat purchase for cabin transport or be checked as baggage.
- Checked instruments are subject to standard excess baggage fees if exceeding the free allowance.
Other Special Items:
- Electronic equipment (e.g., mobile phones, hearing aids) is allowed, but radios, TVs, and remote-control toys are prohibited to avoid interference with aircraft navigation.
- Duty-free items are allowed in reasonable quantities, subject to security rules at connecting airports.
Baggage Claim and Compensation
Delayed or Lost Baggage:
- Report issues at the Baggage Services Counter upon arrival, before clearing customs.
- Complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) to track baggage via the WorldTracer system (available online at www.srilankan.com).
- SriLankan Airlines will attempt delivery to your specified address.
- Compensation follows international regulations (e.g., up to 1,131 SDRs under the Montreal Convention for loss, delay, or damage).
Damaged Baggage:
- Report damage immediately at the airport to expedite resolution.
- Claims must be filed within 7 days via the Lost and Found section on www.srilankan.com.
- SriLankan Airlines is not liable for damage to fragile, valuable, or perishable items in checked baggage.
Packing Tips:
- Label bags with contact details and use a colorful identifier for easy recognition.
- Pack valuables, medications, and documents in carry-on to avoid issues with checked baggage.
Prohibited Items
Dangerous Goods:
- Prohibited items include explosives, flammable gases, and lithium-ion batteries (except in approved devices like phones or hearing aids).
- Hoverboards, fireworks, and certain chemicals are banned in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Restricted Items:
- Alcohol-based sanitizers and duty-free liquids must comply with LAGs rules.
- Knives, scissors, and other sharp objects are prohibited in carry-on unless blades are ≤6 cm and approved by security.
