Braathens Regional Airlines Baggage Rules and Allowance Guide
Braathens Regional Airlines, commonly branded as BRA, is a Swedish regional airline connecting regional communities and major airports like Stockholm Bromma (BMA) and Gothenburg (GOT). Most domestic scheduled routes rely on the ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft. Because regional turboprops have compact cabin configurations, understanding the Braathens Regional Airlines baggage policy before packing is essential to avoid boarding delays or gate fees.
Cabin storage on these aircraft is significantly smaller than on mainline narrowbody jets. As a result, ground crews strictly enforce carry-on weight and dimensions, frequently using ramp-side gate checks. In addition, travelers flying on charter routes or wet-lease arrangements operated by BRA for partner carriers must note that baggage limits follow the ticketing airline's contract.
Braathens Regional Airlines allows one carry-on bag up to 8 kg (50 x 40 x 25 cm) plus one personal item (40 x 30 x 15 cm) free of charge on scheduled flights. Checked baggage depends on your fare: light fares include no checked bags, while standard fares allow 23 kg. Because turboprop overhead bins fill rapidly, carry-ons are frequently gate-checked at the aircraft steps.
Baggage Allowance Snapshot
Scheduled flights include one carry-on bag and one personal item under strict size limits. Checked luggage inclusion depends directly on your purchased fare class.
What can change: Allowances depend on ticket tier, wet-lease operating contracts, charter operator rules, and regional aircraft bin capacity.
Baggage Size Visual
Use the airline's stated order of dimensions. Measurements must accommodate external features such as wheels, handles, and packed external pockets.
Carry-on bag
Published limit: 50 x 40 x 25 cm, max 8 kg
All scheduled passenger cabins
Personal item
Published limit: 40 x 30 x 15 cm
Must fit under forward seat
Checked bag
Published limit: 158 linear cm, max 23 kg
Standard piece on included fares
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
BaggageBase cross-references published airline conditions of carriage, customer service documentation, and regional airport handling guidelines. Regional operations involve unique constraints, such as aircraft weight-and-balance limitations on turboprops and wet-lease partnerships.
When airlines adjust excess baggage pricing or seasonal service tiers, specific cash amounts can shift. BaggageBase validates standard dimensional limits and physical policies directly against carrier documentation while flagging fluctuating fee matrices for direct carrier confirmation.
Cabin Baggage and Personal Items
Carry-on rules on regional carriers are stricter than those on large international airlines. Knowing your cabin allowances helps you avoid gate repacking or surprise checked-bag fees.
Standard Carry-On Dimensions and Weight
Every ticket on a scheduled Braathens Regional Airlines flight includes one piece of cabin baggage. The maximum dimensions are 50 x 40 x 25 cm (approximately 19.7 x 15.7 x 9.8 inches). The piece must not exceed 8 kg (approximately 17.6 lbs).
The official source does not clearly state whether wheels and handles are included in the 50 x 40 x 25 cm rule. Because turboprop overhead bins have rigid physical barriers, travelers should measure their bag including all wheels, handles, and exterior hardware. A bag that exceeds 50 cm in length will not fit into an ATR overhead locker wheels-first or sideways.
To compare these dimensions with standard European and intercontinental baggage limits, review our airline carry-on size comparison.
Personal Item Stowage Rules
In addition to your main carry-on, you may bring one small personal item. Permissible items include a compact handbag, small camera bag, or slim laptop sleeve.
- Maximum dimensions are 40 x 30 x 15 cm (approximately 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches).
- The item must fit entirely underneath the seat in front of you.
- It must not block the aisle or restrict footwell access.
If you are seated in an emergency exit row or behind a cabin bulkhead, you cannot place any items on the floor during taxi, takeoff, or landing. You must store your personal item in the overhead compartment for those phases of flight.
ATR 72 Fleet Realities and Delivery at Aircraft
Braathens Regional Airlines relies heavily on ATR 72 turboprop aircraft. The overhead bins on these aircraft are shallower and narrower than those on Airbus or Boeing jets. Standard hard-shell rollaboard bags frequently do not fit inside these overhead bins even when they match published carry-on dimensions.
When bin space is exhausted, gate staff use a ramp-handling process known as Delivery at Aircraft:
- Ground crew attach a specialized luggage tag to your carry-on at the boarding gate.
- You carry the bag across the tarmac to the aircraft steps.
- You leave the bag on the designated luggage cart next to the stairs before boarding.
- Ground handlers stow the bag inside the aircraft hold.
- Upon landing, handlers unload the cart at the aircraft steps, allowing you to pick up your bag immediately after leaving the cabin.
Before handing over your bag at the aircraft steps, remove all spare lithium batteries, power banks, prescription medications, keys, and valuable electronics. These items are strictly forbidden from travel in the cargo hold.
| Item | Allowance | Size or fit rule | Important condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on bag | 1 piece | Max 50 x 40 x 25 cm, up to 8 kg | Subject to ramp gate-check on full flights |
| Personal item | 1 piece | Max 40 x 30 x 15 cm | Must fit fully under the forward seat |
Checked Baggage Allowances by Fare Tier
Checked luggage eligibility on Braathens Regional Airlines is directly tied to the fare class purchased at booking.
Weight and Linear Size Limits
A standard checked bag on Braathens Regional Airlines may weigh up to 23 kg (approximately 50.7 lbs). The maximum size limit is 158 linear centimeters (62.2 inches), calculated by adding the bag's exterior length, width, and height together ($L + W + H$).
Any checked piece weighing more than 23 kg is considered overweight. The maximum permissible weight for any single piece of checked baggage is 32 kg (70.5 lbs). Baggage handlers will not accept pieces exceeding 32 kg due to international airport safety regulations. Items over that limit must be booked as commercial cargo.
Fare Tier Breakdown
Braathens Regional Airlines structures domestic fares into distinct fare families. Each tier provides a specific baggage allowance:
- Bra Bas / Light: This fare includes cabin baggage only. Checked baggage is not included. You must purchase checked baggage as an add-on either online or at the airport desk.
- Bra Standard / Flex: This fare includes one checked bag up to 23 kg in addition to the standard cabin allowance.
- Bra Extra / Premium: Designed for travelers needing maximum flexibility, this fare generally includes two checked bags weighing up to 23 kg each.
Nordic regional networks often have comparable fare family structures. If your route involves connections to other Scandinavian regional operators, compare these policies with the Widerøe baggage policy or review the Danish regional carrier guidelines in the DAT baggage policy.
| Fare Tier | Free Checked Bags | Max Weight per Bag | Dimension Ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bra Bas (Light) | 0 pieces | Add-on required | 158 linear cm |
| Bra Standard (Flex) | 1 piece | 23 kg (50.7 lbs) | 158 linear cm |
| Bra Extra (Premium) | 2 pieces | 23 kg (50.7 lbs) | 158 linear cm |
Excess Baggage, Overweight, and Airport Fees
If your baggage exceeds the limits included with your fare, you will need to pay excess baggage fees. Paying fees ahead of time is significantly less expensive than paying at the airport counter.
Additional Checked Bags
Passengers traveling on a light ticket without checked baggage, or passengers needing a second or third suitcase, can purchase extra allowance.
- Online Purchase: Pre-booking your extra bag through the BRA website or self-service portal is discounted. You can add extra bags up until online check-in closes.
- Airport Desk Purchase: Paying for an additional piece at the airport check-in desk or at the gate incurs a higher fee.
Transactions on domestic flights within Sweden are billed in Swedish Krona (SEK). International charter flights and cross-border operations process payments in Euros (EUR). Because specific fee tables fluctuate by booking channel and route distance, verify the exact rate in your booking management tool prior to check-in.
Overweight Bags (23.1 kg to 32 kg)
If a checked bag weighs between 23.1 kg and 32 kg, you must pay a heavy luggage surcharge. This overweight fee applies per piece and per flight segment.
- Overweight fees do not grant you an extra bag; they only cover the excess weight of your single suitcase.
- Packing two lighter bags is often cheaper than checking one overweight bag.
- Bags over 32 kg are turned away at the counter and cannot travel on passenger tickets.
Cashless Airport Counters
Airport service counters for Braathens Regional Airlines at Swedish airports, including Stockholm Bromma, Gothenburg Landvetter, and Malmö Airport, operate as cashless facilities. You must pay for extra baggage, heavy bag surcharges, or gate-check penalties using a valid debit or credit card. Cash is not accepted.
| Condition | Threshold | Additional Fee | Acceptance Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra checked bag | Up to 23 kg, 158 cm | Varies by booking channel; online is cheapest | Subject to hold capacity |
| Overweight bag | 23.1 kg to 32 kg | Flat overweight fee per piece | 32 kg maximum |
| Oversized bag | Exceeding 158 linear cm | Special baggage fee | Subject to aircraft hold limits |
| Absolute maximum | Over 32 kg | Not accepted as checked luggage | Cargo shipment required |
Special Baggage, Traveling with Children, and Equipment
Traveling with family or carrying specialized sports equipment requires careful planning, especially when flying on regional turboprops with limited cargo holds.
Traveling with Infants and Small Children
Braathens Regional Airlines provides baggage accommodations for families traveling with infants under two years of age seated on an adult's lap:
- Checked Allowance: Lap infants receive a checked bag allowance of up to 10 kg (approximately 22 lbs).
- Infant Equipment: You may check one fully collapsible stroller or pram and one approved child car seat free of charge.
- Cabin Restrictions: Due to the small overhead compartments on ATR 72 aircraft, prams and pushchairs cannot travel inside the passenger cabin. You must check them at the check-in desk or hand them over at the aircraft steps via Delivery at Aircraft.
Sports Equipment
Sweden's domestic travel network carries high volumes of seasonal sports gear, including skis, snowboards, and golf bags.
- Skis and Snowboards: Ski equipment must be packed in a dedicated ski bag. A standard set usually includes one pair of skis, poles, and boots. Boots may be packed inside the ski bag or in a separate boot bag, provided both items do not exceed the carrier's special baggage weight limits.
- Golf Equipment: A golf bag containing clubs, balls, and shoes must be packed in a protective travel cover.
- Advance Reservation: Because regional turboprop aircraft have limited cargo hold volume, Braathens Regional Airlines caps the number of sports items allowed per flight. You should book your sports equipment online well before departure. Arriving at the airport with unreserved sports equipment may result in the item being denied boarding if the cargo hold is full.
Musical Instruments
Musical instruments can be transported as cabin baggage or checked baggage depending on their size:
- In the Cabin: Small instruments (such as violins, flutes, or small brass instruments) may replace your standard carry-on bag if they fit within the 50 x 40 x 25 cm size envelope and weigh 8 kg or less. The instrument case must be designed for travel.
- Extra Seat Purchase: For larger, fragile instruments like cellos or guitars that you do not want in the cargo hold, you must purchase an extra passenger seat in advance.
- In the Cargo Hold: Instruments checked into the hold must be secured in a rigid, heavy-duty flight case to withstand standard ramp handling.
Mobility Aids and Assistive Devices
Certified wheelchairs, walking frames, and other mobility aids are carried free of charge and do not count against your standard baggage allowance.
- Notify customer service at least 48 hours before departure if you are traveling with a battery-powered wheelchair or mobility device.
- You must declare the battery type (dry cell, gel, or lithium) to ensure ground handling follows civil aviation safety protocols.
- Disconnect electric wheelchair drive mechanisms and isolate battery terminals before surrendering the device at the gate or check-in desk.
What Happens if Your Bag Is Too Large or Heavy
Regional airport gates monitor cabin baggage strictly. Because ATR 72 passenger cabins have limited overhead locker volume, ground personnel frequently inspect bag sizes before boarding.
Gate Non-Compliance Procedures
If gate agents find that your carry-on exceeds the 50 x 40 x 25 cm frame or the 8 kg limit, it will not be allowed onboard:
- The bag is tagged for transfer to the cargo hold.
- You are charged an airport gate baggage fee, which is significantly more expensive than pre-purchasing checked baggage online.
- You must immediately remove all fragile items, lithium batteries, and prescription drugs before handing the bag over.
Weight-and-Balance Offloading Risks
Regional turboprop flights operate under precise aircraft weight-and-balance calculations. If weather conditions require extra fuel, or if a flight is operating at maximum passenger capacity, late-checked or excess bags risk being offloaded.
Bags delayed for weight-and-balance reasons are delivered on the next available service. To minimize this risk, pre-register all excess baggage and sports items during booking so dispatch teams can account for the weight ahead of time.
Wet-Lease Flights, Charters, and Partner Operations
Braathens Regional Airlines operates several distinct types of flights, and baggage rules differ depending on the service model.
Wet-Lease Flights (ACMI Operations)
Braathens frequently operates wet-lease (ACMI) flights on behalf of major partner carriers, including Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). On these routes, the aircraft and crew belong to BRA, but the ticket is issued by the partner airline.
- When flying on a flight marketed by another carrier, the ticketing carrier's baggage rules apply.
- Checked baggage allowances, carry-on dimension ceilings, and excess fee structures follow the marketing airline's terms.
- Consult your issuing airline's booking confirmation to verify your baggage entitlements.
Tour Operator Charters
BRA also operates seasonal charter services for Scandinavian holiday tour operators such as Apollo and Ving.
- Charter baggage allowances are set by the tour operator, not BRA's domestic scheduled policy.
- Many package holiday tickets exclude checked luggage unless purchased as a tour add-on.
- Excess baggage allowances and sports gear must often be booked directly through the tour operator's customer portal prior to travel.
Checklist for Packing and Regional Flights
Follow these steps to prevent airport gate fees and boarding delays when flying on regional turboprop routes.
- Measure external dimensions. Ensure your carry-on measures 50 x 40 x 25 cm or less, including all wheels, handles, and bulging pockets.
- Weigh your hand luggage. Keep your primary cabin piece at or under 8 kg to avoid gate-check surcharges.
- Keep essentials in your personal item. Pack keys, medications, and chargers in your small 40 x 30 x 15 cm bag in case your carry-on is ramp-checked at the steps.
- Remove all lithium power banks. Never leave spare batteries or power packs in a bag destined for the cargo hold or the aircraft cart.
- Book checked bags online early. Adding luggage through the official website is substantially cheaper than paying at airport check-in desks.
- Confirm your operating carrier. Check your reservation to verify whether your flight is a scheduled BRA service or a wet-lease segment governed by partner rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum carry-on bag size on Braathens Regional Airlines?
The maximum carry-on size is 50 x 40 x 25 cm with a maximum weight of 8 kg. This piece must fit into the aircraft overhead lockers or be surrendered at the aircraft steps for ramp loading.
Does Braathens Regional Airlines allow a personal item in addition to a carry-on?
Yes, passengers may bring one personal item measuring up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm at no extra cost. This item must fit completely underneath the seat in front of you.
Why was my carry-on bag taken at the aircraft stairs?
ATR 72 turboprops have compact overhead bins that cannot hold full-sized bags when flights are full. Ground staff tag carry-on bags at the gate so you can leave them on a cart at the aircraft stairs and retrieve them on the tarmac right after landing.
Does a Bra Bas ticket include checked baggage?
No, the Bra Bas fare is a light ticket that includes cabin baggage only. You must pay an additional fee if you need to check a bag.
What is the fee for an overweight bag between 23 kg and 32 kg?
Bags weighing between 23.1 kg and 32 kg incur a flat overweight surcharge per piece and flight leg. Fees vary by route and channel, so check your itinerary on the airline portal for current rates.
What happens if a suitcase weighs more than 32 kg?
Any suitcase weighing more than 32 kg cannot travel as passenger baggage due to airport safety regulations. You must repack the contents into multiple bags or book the item as cargo.
What baggage allowance do lap infants receive?
Infants under two years traveling on an adult's lap receive a 10 kg checked bag allowance. Parents may also check one collapsible stroller and one car seat free of charge.
Can I pay for excess baggage with cash at the airport?
No, check-in and service desks at Swedish airports operated by Braathens Regional Airlines are entirely cashless. You must pay all fees using a credit or debit card.
Final Packing Advice
Braathens Regional Airlines enforces tight cabin baggage limits to match the physical constraints of its ATR 72 fleet. Packing a flexible, soft-sided carry-on that fits within 50 x 40 x 25 cm makes it much easier to find overhead bin space. Always pack essential medications, identity documents, and lithium power banks inside your under-seat personal item.
If your trip requires more than the 8 kg cabin allowance, compare the cost of adding a checked bag online against upgrading your ticket tier. Pre-purchasing baggage allowances online is always significantly cheaper than paying at the check-in desk or boarding gate.
Airline baggage rules and fees can change by route, fare, cabin, operating carrier, traveler status, purchase channel, and departure date. Check the airline's official baggage policy or calculator before booking, paying, or traveling. BaggageBase reviews information for 2026 where possible, but the airline's published terms remain the final authority.
