Malawi Airlines Baggage Allowance, Fees & How to Add Extra Baggage

3W / MLW · Malawi

Malawi Airlines charges excess baggage at its sales outlets or during check-in - no online prepaid baggage purchase is documented; on sectors to/from Johannesburg and Nairobi an extra piece costs USD 75.00 (up to 23 kg Economy / 32 kg Business) and oversized baggage USD 100.00 per piece, while the charge varies by sector on other routes. Use the official links below to review baggage rules, booking access, and related airline services.

Baggage PolicyOfficial website

Updated Aug 6, 2026

Malawi Airlines Baggage Allowance

Free checked and carry-on baggage allowances by cabin class and route. Allowances vary by route, ticket type, and frequent flyer status — always confirm with the official baggage policy before you fly.

Checked baggage

Free allowance on all other international routes and within Malawi: Piece concept 2 pieces @ 23 kg each; Weight concept 30 kgs total (23 kg per piece max).

  • International & Malawi (Domestic)Piece concept: 2 @ 23Kgs each m (23kg/50Lb max per piece, 158cm/62In L+W+H); Weight concept: 30Kgs each (23kg per piece max)

Carry-on baggage

One (1) piece, max 7 kg, sum of dimensions (L+W+H) not exceeding 115 cm / 45 inches.

  • All routes1 piece, maximum weight 7 kg, sum of 3 dimensions (L+W+H) ≤ 115 cm / 45 inches

How to Add Extra Baggage & Prices on Malawi Airlines

Buy Baggage
  1. Go to www.malawian-airlines.com and open the 'Excess Baggage' page under Baggage Information to review the applicable charges for your sector.
  2. Retrieve your reservation via 'Manage Booking' (booking reference + last name) to confirm the free baggage allowance on your itinerary.
  3. Before the day of travel, visit a Malawi Airlines sales outlet - Lilongwe, Blantyre or Johannesburg ticketing offices are listed under 'Our Offices' - and pay the applicable excess baggage charges.
  4. Alternatively, pay the excess baggage charges during check-in at the airport.
  5. Keep the excess baggage receipt as proof of payment for your additional allowance.

Prices

Malawi Airlines applies a piece or weight concept depending on the sector. On sectors to/from Johannesburg and Nairobi a published rate of USD 75.00 applies for each additional piece; on all other sectors the charge varies per sector and no fixed amount is published.

LabelAmountNotes
Flights to/from Johannesburg & NairobiUSD 75.00
  • Per additional piece (bag) on sectors between all destinations and Johannesburg/Nairobi, up to 23 kg in Economy and 32 kg in Business class.
  • For passengers originating from outside the Malawi Airlines network, the first carrier should be contacted for excess baggage information.
Other sectorsSee official pricing
  • The applicable charge for baggage in excess of the free allowance varies for each sector and no fixed amount is published on the official site.
  • The actual charge is applied at the airline's sales outlets or during check-in.

FAQ

Can I buy extra baggage online?

No. Malawi Airlines does not document an online prepaid baggage purchase. The official Excess Baggage page states that excess baggage charges must be paid at the airline's sales outlets or during check-in at the airport.

Where do I buy extra baggage?

At a Malawi Airlines sales outlet before departure, or during check-in at the airport. The airline's Excess Baggage page lists these two payment points; it does not describe an online purchase channel.

How does Malawi Airlines calculate excess baggage charges?

The charge for baggage in excess of the free allowance varies for each sector and no general rate is published. On sectors between all destinations and Johannesburg/Nairobi, a published rate of USD 75.00 applies per additional piece up to 23 kg (Economy) or 32 kg (Business). The free allowance itself is set by piece or weight concept depending on the sector.

What is the free baggage allowance and what are the bag limits?

Piece concept: Business 3 x 23 kg and Economy 2 x 23 kg, max 158 cm (L+W+H) per piece. Weight concept (as published): Business 2 x 20 kg and Economy 30 kg per piece. On equipment downgrade to a Q-400 (e.g. the Johannesburg route) the free allowance is 1 piece of max 30 kg. Carry-on: Business 2 x 8 kg and Economy 1 x 7 kg, max 115 cm total dimensions. Infants not occupying a seat get 10 kg checked baggage plus one fully collapsible stroller or pushchair.

When should I pay for extra baggage?

Malawi Airlines publishes no prepayment deadline. Excess baggage is settled when you pay at a sales outlet before travel or during check-in on the day of departure.

What are the overweight or oversized baggage rules?

A bag within the free piece allowance but weighing over 23 kg and less than 32 kg is charged excess baggage per bag. Oversized baggage is charged USD 100.00 per piece on flights to/from Johannesburg or Nairobi within the network. Extremely bulky and oversized bags may be forwarded by freight.

Do partner-operated or codeshare flights have different baggage rules?

Malawi Airlines excess baggage rates apply only on Malawi-operated flights. For passengers originating outside the network, the first carrier should be contacted for excess baggage information.

Can I get a refund for extra baggage if I change or cancel my booking?

Malawi Airlines does not publish a refund or cancellation policy for excess baggage payments.

Are there any important exceptions or restrictions I should know?

Excess baggage charges are applicable per sector and only on Malawi-operated flights. A stopover on an international itinerary may incur additional baggage fees. Sporting equipment is carried free when it is the 2nd checked piece alongside 1 checked bag, weighs at most 32 kg and is within 158 cm total dimensions; on domestic routes prior arrangement with the station is required. Jet skis are not carried.

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