UK to Africa Flight Baggage Allowance: Which Airline Gives You More?
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UK to Africa Flight Baggage Allowance: Which Airline Gives You More? (2026 Guide)
It’s all very well finding a cheap flight, but when you have to pay £150 at the airport for your bag being too heavy, that bargain ticket suddenly turns into a nightmare.
Baggage allowance is just as important to travelers flying from the UK to Africa, especially if you are going to places like Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, or South Africa. You’ll need to know: Who doesn’t allow 2 bags? And who charges extra?
Good Flights helps you to look past the price of your ticket. Here is the definitive appearance of baggage allowances in 2026.
The Piece Concept vs. Weight Concept
Before you book, understand the rule. Most flights from the UK to Africa operate on the Piece Concept.
- Piece Concept: You are allowed specific bags (e.g., 2 bags of 23kg each). You cannot combine the weight. If one bag is 20kg and the other is 26kg, you will be charged for the heavy bag, even if the total is under 46kg.
- Weight Concept: Rare on these routes, but allows you to split total weight across any number of bags.
Rule of Thumb: Always aim for 2 pieces of 23kg to be safe.
Airline Comparison: Who Offers 46kg?
We compared the standard Economy baggage allowances for major airlines flying from London/Manchester to Africa.
(Note: Rules can change based on ticket type, always check before booking).
Airline | Standard Allowance | Verdict for Heavy Packers |
2 x 23kg (46kg) | Best Choice | |
2 x 23kg (46kg) | Best Choice | |
2 x 23kg (46kg) | Excellent | |
Royal Air Maroc | 2 x 23kg (46kg) | Excellent |
1 x 23kg (Classic) | Check Ticket Type | |
1 x 23kg (Standard) | Check Ticket Type | |
1 x 23kg (often 0kg on Light fares) | Strict |
Winner: If you need to carry a lot of luggage, Ethiopian Airlines and Qatar Airways are usually the safest bets. Check their latest deals on our Flights to Africa.
Warning: The Economy Light Trap
This is where many travelers lose money. European airlines (like Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, and even British Airways) now sell “Economy Light” tickets.
- Price: Looks very cheap on search engines.
- Baggage: 0kg Checked Bags (Hand luggage only).
- Cost to Add Bag: Can cost £50-£80 per bag, one way!
Pro Tip: On Good Flights, use our filters to see the “Total Price” including luggage, so you don’t get tricked by these “Light” fares.
Hand Luggage: Don't Get Caught Out
It’s not just about the roller bags. Carry-on regulations are also stringent.
- British Airways and Virgin: Very generous (it can be 23 kg for some things if you’re able to pick it up).
- Emirates/Qatar/Ethiopian: They are generally tougher and keep the cabin allowance down to 7 kg.
If you pack your heavy electronics—or books! in your hand luggage, find out the weight limit on that too.
What to Do with Excess Baggage?
Do you have 80kg of items to send home? Don’t pay the airline excess fee. It can cost £15-£30 per kilo at the airport.
- Option A: Buy an “Extra Bag” online 24 hours before the flight (usually 30% cheaper).
- Option B (Best): Use a specialized Air Cargo service. It takes a few days longer but costs a fraction of the price.
Can I combine my weight with my travel partner?
Usually, no. If you have 20kg and your partner has 26kg, your partner will be charged for overweight luggage. Balance your bags before you leave home!
Does a laptop bag count as hand luggage?
Most airlines allow 1 Cabin Bag + 1 Personal Item (Laptop bag or lady’s handbag). However, budget airlines are stricter.
How much does an extra suitcase cost?
Depending on the airline, an extra 23kg bag can cost between £120 and £200 at the airport. Always book it online in advance.