Buy Extra Baggage
Updated Aug 6, 2026
Steps
- Go to www.malawian-airlines.com and open the 'Excess Baggage' page under Baggage Information to review the applicable charges for your sector.
- Retrieve your reservation via 'Manage Booking' (booking reference + last name) to confirm the free baggage allowance on your itinerary.
- 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.
- Alternatively, pay the excess baggage charges during check-in at the airport.
- Keep the excess baggage receipt as proof of payment for your additional allowance.
Prices
Extra checked bags (excess baggage)
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.
| Label | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flights to/from Johannesburg & Nairobi | USD 75.00 |
|
| Other sectors | See official pricing |
|
Overweight baggage
A bag that is within the free piece allowance but weighs over 23 kg and less than 32 kg is charged excess baggage per bag; amounts vary by sector and are not published.
- Over 23 kg but under 32 kg (within piece allowance)See official pricing
- In Economy/Business, when the number of pieces is within the free baggage allowance but a bag weighs over 23 kg and less than 32 kg, excess baggage charges apply per bag.
- Charge amounts vary per sector and are applied at the airline's sales outlets or during check-in.
Oversized baggage
Oversized baggage is charged USD 100.00 per piece on flights to/from Johannesburg and Nairobi within the network; no rate is published for other sectors.
- Flights to/from Johannesburg & NairobiUSD 100.00
- Per piece for oversized baggage on flights to/from Johannesburg or Nairobi to any destination within the Malawi Airlines flight network.
- For passengers originating from outside the network, the first carrier should be contacted for excess baggage information.
Special baggage (sporting equipment)
Sporting equipment is carried free when it is the passenger's 2nd checked piece alongside only 1 checked bag, weighs at most 32 kg and is within 158 cm total dimensions. Otherwise fixed charges apply: USD 50.00 per ski or surfboard set under the weight concept, golf is free up to 15 kg, bicycles follow normal excess rates, and jet skis are not carried.
| Label | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Snow skiing equipment | USD 50.00 per set |
|
| Surfboard equipment | USD 50.00 per set |
|
| Golf equipment | Free up to 15 kg |
|
| Bicycle | See official pricing |
|
| Jet ski | See official pricing |
|
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.