Air Mauritius Baggage Policy
Air Mauritius allows Economy Class passengers one carry-on bag up to 7 kg (15 lbs) with maximum dimensions of 55 × 35 × 25 cm, plus one small personal accessory. Business Class passengers receive two carry-on bags up to 7 kg each. Standard international checked baggage includes one 23 kg (50 lbs) piece in Economy and two 32 kg (70 lbs) pieces in Business, while inter-island flights on ATR aircraft enforce stricter hold limits.
Baggage Allowance Snapshot
Air Mauritius operates a standard piece concept on long-haul routes and tighter limits on regional island flights. Exact allowances depend on your cabin class and aircraft type.
What can change: Regional turboprop flights, promotional ticket types, partner codeshares, and frequent flyer status change these allowances.
Baggage Size Visual
Use the airline's stated order of dimensions. Measurements may include wheels and handles only when the official source says so.
Cabin Carry-On Bag
Published limit: 55 × 35 × 25 cm, 7 kg (15 lbs)
All cabins (Business permits 2 bags of this size)
Visual guide - not to scale. Use the published numerical limit as the controlling rule.
Official Source Verification
Baggage rules can vary by fare, cabin, route, operating carrier, traveler status, and purchase channel. BaggageBase separates published rules from practical guidance.
How BaggageBase Checks This Information
Air Mauritius connects its primary hub at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) with long-haul destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, as well as regional Indian Ocean islands. Our team reviews published conditions of carriage, aircraft operating limits, and tariff frameworks to document exact luggage rules.
We separate wide-body jet policies (Airbus A350-900 and A330-900neo) from regional turboprop rules (ATR 72-500 and ATR 72-600). Because route partnerships and ticket bundles shift, we highlight verified allowances and label dynamic fees as requiring official verification.
Carry-On Baggage: Size, Weight, and Cabin Allowances
Air Mauritius enforces specific cabin limits to keep overhead bins safe and uncluttered. Every ticketed passenger, except infants without their own seat, has an included cabin baggage allowance.
Cabin Allowances by Class of Service
Your cabin baggage allowance depends on the cabin class listed on your ticket:
- Economy Class: You may carry one piece weighing no more than 7 kg (15 lbs). The outer measurements must not exceed 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.6 × 13.7 × 9.8 inches), including wheels, handles, and outer pockets. This limit matches the standard international carry-on size used by most global carriers. The total sum of length, width, and height must not exceed 115 cm.
- Business Class: You may carry two pieces, each weighing up to 7 kg (15 lbs), for a total of 14 kg. Each piece must stay within the 55 × 35 × 25 cm dimension limit. You cannot pack one 14 kg bag; you must split your luggage to meet the standard carry-on weight limit of 7 kg per bag.
| Cabin Class | Number of Bags | Weight Limit Per Bag | Maximum Dimensions | Personal Item Allowed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Class | 1 bag | 7 kg (15 lbs) | 55 × 35 × 25 cm | Yes |
| Business Class | 2 bags | 7 kg (15 lbs) | 55 × 35 × 25 cm each | Yes |
| Infant (No Seat) | None | Not applicable | Not applicable | Diaper bag only |
Personal Item Rules
Passengers in both Economy and Business Class may bring one small personal accessory in addition to their carry-on bag. Acceptable personal items include:
- A small handbag, purse, or pocketbook.
- A slim laptop sleeve or compact briefcase.
- An infant food carrier or small diaper bag.
- Duty-free goods bought at the airport in reasonable amounts.
- An umbrella, walking cane, or pair of crutches.
Your personal accessory must fit under the seat in front of you. It cannot block the aisle or emergency exit rows.
Regional Flights on ATR Turboprop Aircraft
Flights between Mauritius (MRU) and Rodrigues Island (RRG), or regional hops operated on ATR 72 aircraft, have much smaller overhead bins. Even if your trolley bag fits the standard 55 × 35 × 25 cm limit on an international flight, it might not fit in an ATR cabin.
On these regional sectors, airline staff often collect standard roll-aboard bags at the aircraft steps. Ground crew tag the bag, put it in the aircraft hold for the flight, and return it to you on the tarmac when you step off the plane.
Checked Baggage Allowances by Cabin and Route
Air Mauritius uses the Piece Concept for international flights. Under this system, your ticket covers a specific number of bags, with limits on the weight and size of each bag.
Standard Dimensions and Maximum Limits
- Maximum Dimensions: The total linear size ($Length + Width + Height$) of any checked bag must not exceed 158 cm (62 inches).
- Maximum Weight Per Piece: Health and safety rules state that no single checked bag can weigh more than 32 kg (70 lbs), even if you pay excess fees. Bags over 32 kg must be split into separate bags or shipped as air freight.
Checked Baggage Allowance by Fare and Class
| Route / Cabin Class | Free Checked Pieces | Max Weight Per Bag | Max Dimensions | Key Policy Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Class (International) | 1 piece | 23 kg (50 lbs) | 158 cm (62 in) | Standard long-haul ticket rules |
| Economy Class (Flexible / Select) | 1 or 2 pieces | 23 kg (50 lbs) each | 158 cm (62 in) | Depends on specific ticket terms |
| Business Class (All Flights) | 2 pieces | 32 kg (70 lbs) each | 158 cm (62 in) | Full allowance on wide-body jets |
| Mauritius to Rodrigues (ATR) | 1 piece | 15 kg to 20 kg | 158 cm (62 in) | Stricter limit due to aircraft payload |
| Infant Without a Seat | 1 piece | 10 kg to 15 kg | 115 cm (45 in) | Plus 1 collapsible pushchair or car seat |
Always check your electronic ticket confirmation, as promotional or code-share fares may have different allowances.
Connecting Flights and Partner Airlines
Many passengers connect in Mauritius on journeys around the Indian Ocean, including Réunion, Madagascar, and South Africa. If your journey includes flights operated by regional partners, such as those covered under the Air Austral baggage policy, your allowances are governed by IATA Resolution 302.
Under this international rule, the Most Significant Carrier (MSC)-usually the airline flying the longest continuous leg-sets the baggage allowance for through-ticketed flights. If you fly long-haul with Air Mauritius on a single ticket, your piece allowance usually applies to the connecting regional flight as well.
Traveling with Infants and Children
Air Mauritius has specific baggage rules for families flying with young children.
Infants Under Two Years (Sitting on an Adult's Lap)
If your infant does not occupy their own seat, their ticket includes:
- One Checked Bag: One bag weighing up to 10 kg or 15 kg (depending on the route), with linear dimensions under 115 cm (45 inches).
- One Foldable Stroller: One fully collapsible pushchair, buggy, or stroller carried free of charge in the cargo hold. You can use your stroller through the airport until you reach the boarding gate.
- One Car Seat: An approved infant car seat can be checked into the hold at no extra charge.
Children Two Years and Older (In Their Own Seat)
Children traveling in their own reserved seat pay a child fare and receive the same baggage allowance as an adult in that cabin class. A child ticket in standard Economy includes one 23 kg checked bag and one 7 kg cabin bag, plus one complimentary folding stroller or car seat.
Kestrelflyer Frequent Flyer Baggage Benefits
Members of the Air Mauritius Kestrelflyer loyalty program receive extra baggage allowances on flights operated directly by Air Mauritius:
- Kestrelflyer Red: Base tier; standard ticketed baggage allowances apply.
- Kestrelflyer Silver: Entitled to one extra checked bag up to 23 kg on piece-concept routes, or an extra 10 kg on weight-concept routes.
- Kestrelflyer Gold: Entitled to one extra checked bag up to 23 kg or 32 kg (matching their cabin class limit) or an extra 20 kg of baggage weight, plus priority baggage tags.
To use these benefits, add your Kestrelflyer membership number to your booking before dropping off your bags at the airport. Extra allowances do not always apply on partner airlines or flights operated by codeshare partners.
Excess, Overweight, and Oversized Luggage Fees
If your luggage exceeds your ticket limits, you must pay excess baggage fees at check-in. Air Mauritius charges fees based on weight, dimensions, and total piece count.
Fee Types
- Overweight Bags (Economy Class): Any standard Economy bag weighing between 23.1 kg and 32 kg (51 to 70 lbs) is charged a fixed overweight fee. No bag can exceed 32 kg.
- Oversized Bags: Bags with total dimensions between 159 cm and 300 cm (62 to 118 inches) are charged an oversized handling fee.
- Extra Bags: If you bring more bags than your ticket allows, you must pay an extra piece fee for each additional bag.
Pre-Booking Extra Luggage
Buying extra baggage online through the Air Mauritius website at least 24 hours before departure is usually 20% to 25% cheaper than paying at the airport counter.
Official verification required: Exact fees depend on your route, currency exchange rates, and departure airport. Check your online booking manager for current rates.
Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments, and Surfboards
Mauritius is a popular holiday spot for sports enthusiasts. Air Mauritius has established rules for flying with leisure and sports gear.
Free Golf Bag Policy
Air Mauritius has traditionally offered a dedicated golf allowance: one free golf bag (up to 20 kg) per passenger on non-stop flights operated directly by Air Mauritius.
- The bag must contain only golf clubs, balls, tees, and one pair of golf shoes.
- You cannot pack clothes or other personal items in the golf bag.
- You must notify the airline or your travel agent before departure to add the golf bag to your booking record.
Surfboards and Kitesurfing Boards
- Boards up to 200 cm in length count as part of your standard checked baggage allowance, as long as the weight stays within your ticket limits (23 kg in Economy or 32 kg in Business).
- If your board is an extra piece beyond your free allowance, or measures between 200 cm and 300 cm, you must pay a sports equipment handling fee.
- Remove all fins and pack your board in a padded travel bag to prevent damage during handling.
Scuba Diving Equipment
Diving equipment can be checked into the hold if packed correctly:
- Air tanks must be completely empty with the valve open or removed.
- Regulators, buoyancy jackets, masks, and fins must be securely packed.
- Dive lights and torches must have their batteries or bulbs removed to prevent accidental heat generation during the flight.
Musical Instruments
- Small Instruments: Violins, flutes, and small brass instruments that fit within 55 × 35 × 25 cm and weigh under 7 kg can be taken into the cabin instead of your regular carry-on bag.
- Seat Purchase for Large Instruments: For large or fragile instruments like cellos, you can buy an extra seat next to you. The instrument must be placed in a window seat and secured with a seatbelt extension.
- Checked Instruments: Large instruments traveling in the cargo hold must be packed in a rigid, hard-shell flight case. Standard checked baggage weight and size limits apply.
Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage Procedures
If your baggage does not appear on the carousel or arrives damaged, report it before leaving the airport customs hall:
- Find the Baggage Desk: Go to the Air Mauritius Baggage Services counter or ground handler desk in the arrivals hall.
- File a PIR: Complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Save your reference number (such as MRUMK12345), bag tags, and boarding passes.
- Track Your Bag: Air Mauritius uses the global WorldTracer system. You can check the status of your missing bag online using your PIR code.
- Follow Claim Deadlines:
- Damaged Bags: File a written claim with photos within 7 days of receiving your damaged luggage.
- Delayed Bags: Submit claims for essential expenses (such as toiletries and clothing) within 21 days of the date your bag was returned to you. Keep all itemized receipts.
Air Mauritius Departure Checklist
Use this pre-departure checklist to avoid delays and unexpected fees at airport bag drop.
- Weigh your hand luggage. Keep your cabin bag at or below 7 kg to avoid gate-check fees.
- Measure all three sides. Confirm your cabin bag does not exceed 55 × 35 × 25 cm, including wheels and handles.
- Check regional island weight limits. Make sure bags for ATR flights to Rodrigues stay within the 15 kg to 20 kg limit.
- Pre-purchase extra bags online. Buy extra baggage at least 24 hours ahead to save up to 25% on airport counter fees.
- Keep batteries and valuables in your cabin bag. Pack laptops, power banks, spare lithium batteries, and prescription drugs in your hand luggage.
- Register sports gear in advance. Call the airline early to request your free 20 kg golf bag or register bulky surfboards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hand luggage allowance on Air Mauritius?
Economy Class passengers can bring one carry-on bag up to 7 kg (15 lbs) measuring no more than 55 × 35 × 25 cm, plus one small personal item like a handbag or laptop sleeve. Business Class passengers can bring two carry-on bags up to 7 kg each, plus one personal item.
How many checked bags can I bring on an international flight?
Standard long-haul Economy Class tickets include one checked bag weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs) with total dimensions under 158 cm (62 inches). Business Class tickets include two checked bags weighing up to 32 kg (70 lbs) each.
Can I take my golf bag for free on Air Mauritius?
Air Mauritius allows one free golf bag weighing up to 20 kg per passenger on non-stop flights operated directly by the airline. The bag must contain only golf equipment. You should register the bag with the airline before you travel.
What are the luggage limits for flights to Rodrigues Island?
Flights between Mauritius and Rodrigues use ATR turboprop aircraft, which have tighter cargo limits. Checked bags are usually restricted to 15 kg or 20 kg depending on your ticket class, and larger carry-on bags may be placed in the hold at the aircraft steps.
What happens if my checked bag weighs more than 23 kg?
In Economy Class, bags weighing between 23.1 kg and 32 kg incur an overweight fee at check-in. Any bag weighing more than 32 kg cannot be accepted as checked baggage and must be sent through air cargo.
How much does it cost to add extra baggage?
Extra baggage fees depend on your route, the departure airport's currency, and whether you pay online or at the airport. Purchasing extra bags through the Air Mauritius website at least 24 hours before your flight usually saves around 20% to 25%.
Does an infant ticket include checked baggage?
An infant under two years traveling on an adult's lap receives one checked bag weighing up to 10 kg or 15 kg (depending on the route), plus one fully collapsible stroller or car seat checked free of charge.
Can I travel with a surfboard or kitesurfing equipment?
Surfboards and kitesurf boards up to 200 cm long can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance if they meet the weight limits. Boards between 200 cm and 300 cm, or equipment that exceeds your free piece allowance, require an extra sports equipment fee.
Baggage rules can vary by route, operating aircraft, and booking class. The official policies of the operating airline always take precedence over general guidelines.