Thailand’s Thai Airways Announces Strict New Luggage Rules for 2026 – What This Means for Passengers Worldwide!

Published on December 12, 2025

In early 2026, Thai Airways will introduce a significant change to its baggage policies, affecting all passenger classes, from those flying in the exclusive first class to those booking the lowest-priced economy tickets. This update will replace the current weight-based baggage system with a new policy that counts the number of checked bags per passenger. However, weight limits will still apply. This move aims to enhance the travel experience and align with the standards set by leading global airlines, as the per-piece baggage policy has become the industry norm. The new rules will initially apply to all domestic routes within Thailand as well as international flights to and from regions such as Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, with plans to expand to additional routes over time.

New Baggage Allowance for Domestic Flights

For passengers traveling within Thailand, Thai Airways has introduced the following baggage allowances, which vary based on the class of service:

• Royal Silk Business Class: One checked bag up to 32kg
• Economy Class: One checked bag up to 23kg

The new baggage policy will apply across all domestic routes. For passengers holding frequent flyer status through Thai Airways’ Royal Orchard Plus program or its Star Alliance partners, additional baggage allowances will be available. Frequent travelers will also benefit from more generous baggage entitlements beyond the standard allocation. This shift is expected to improve the efficiency and consistency of baggage handling for domestic flights.

Changes to International Baggage Allowance

The new baggage rules for international flights are more tailored to the class of service. The changes are as follows:

• Royal First Class: Three pieces of luggage, each weighing up to 32kg (for points-based redemptions, the allowance will be reduced to two pieces of luggage at the same weight)
• Royal Silk Business Class: Two pieces of luggage, each up to 32kg (points-based redemptions will follow the same limits)
• Premium Economy Plus: Two pieces of luggage, each weighing 32kg
• Premium Economy: Two pieces of luggage, each up to 23kg
• Economy: For Full and Flex tickets, two pieces of luggage, each up to 23kg. For Standard, Saver, or points-based tickets, one checked bag of up to 23kg is allowed.

These new allowances reflect a more structured and class-specific approach to luggage, which aligns with practices followed by many international carriers. Travelers can now expect a clearer system based on the type of service they have purchased, which is designed to make travel more predictable and efficient.

Baggage Size Limits

In addition to the number and weight restrictions for checked bags, Thai Airways has also introduced size restrictions for all checked luggage. The total linear dimension, which refers to the sum of the length, width, and height of the bag, must not exceed 158 cm (or 62 inches). This measure will help standardize baggage sizes, preventing overly large or cumbersome items from being checked onto flights. The linear dimension rule applies to all bags checked in at Thai Airways counters, ensuring that luggage fits within the accepted range for safe and efficient handling.

For passengers unfamiliar with the concept of linear dimensions, this simply means that the combined measurement of the bag’s length, width, and height must stay within the prescribed limit of 158 cm. It is important for travelers to check their luggage dimensions before heading to the airport to avoid any complications during check-in.

Impact on Frequent Flyers and Status-Based Allowances

Thai Airways’ frequent flyer program, Royal Orchard Plus, plays a pivotal role in offering added benefits to its most loyal customers. Frequent flyers will enjoy increased baggage allowances on both domestic and international flights, ensuring that those who have earned elite status with the airline benefit from a more flexible baggage policy. Additionally, members of Thai Airways’ Star Alliance partners will also be entitled to enhanced baggage allowances, in line with the airline’s efforts to provide better service to its most frequent passengers.

The airline has outlined specific baggage privileges for status members, with higher status levels providing greater luggage allowances on both domestic and international routes. This change is part of Thai Airways’ broader effort to offer more value to its loyal customer base and bring its services closer to those offered by other major international airlines.

A Shift Toward Global Standards

The move from a weight-based system to a piece-based baggage allowance is being made to streamline the travel experience for passengers while ensuring that Thai Airways aligns with the industry’s global standards. Many international carriers have already adopted the per-piece system, and Thai Airways is joining this trend to offer a more standardized and predictable baggage policy.

This shift is not only about enhancing customer satisfaction but also improving operational efficiency. By moving away from complex weight-based baggage calculations, the airline can simplify its check-in process, potentially reducing delays and making it easier for passengers to understand their baggage entitlements. As part of this transition, Thai Airways has emphasized that the decision was made to enhance its overall service standards in line with other leading global airlines.

Key Takeaways

Thai Airways is set to implement a major overhaul of its luggage policies in early 2026, with a shift from weight-based to per-piece checked baggage allowances. The new system will apply across various flight routes, including domestic flights within Thailand and international flights to numerous regions. Passengers traveling in higher classes, such as Royal First Class and Royal Silk Business Class, will enjoy more generous baggage allowances, while frequent flyers can expect additional perks. The airline’s decision to align its baggage policies with global standards is expected to improve efficiency and enhance the passenger experience.

The new baggage policies will impact travelers on Thai Airways’ network, with a focus on simplifying the travel experience by shifting to a more predictable and easily understood baggage system. Passengers are advised to familiarize themselves with the updated baggage allowances, as these will vary depending on their class of service and status with the airline.