Caspian Airlines operates a weight-concept baggage policy across its domestic Iranian routes and regional international flights. Economy Class passengers on domestic flights generally receive 20 kg of free checked luggage and one 5 kg carry-on bag. International passengers typically receive 25 kg to 30 kg of checked luggage and a 7 kg carry-on bag. Excess weight is charged per kilogram at the airport.
Baggage Allowance Snapshot
Allowances are determined by total cumulative weight rather than piece count. Checked limits depend strictly on whether your flight is domestic or international.
What can change: Exact checked weight allowances vary by route corridor, ticket fare code, and chartered flight status. Always check the baggage column on your printed e-ticket itinerary.
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 analyzes airline rules by reviewing official conditions of carriage, regulatory filings, and airport operational standards. For Caspian Airlines, our research monitors:
- Civil Aviation Baselines: Aligning domestic travel policies with standards set by the Iran Civil Aviation Organization (CAO.IRI) for scheduled flights operating out of Tehran Mehrabad International Airport (THR).
- International Route Allowances: Checking regional route allowances connecting through Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) to hubs in Turkey, the UAE, and Iraq.
- Fleet Constraints: Assessing hand luggage fit across Caspian Airlines' fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series and Boeing 737 Classic aircraft, which feature smaller overhead bins than modern wide-body jets.
- Weight-Concept Policies: Confirming rules where passenger allowances are tracked by cumulative kilograms rather than fixed piece limits.
When specific measurements or excess tariffs are not fixed in public carrier documentation, BaggageBase marks those details as requiring confirmation on your ticket receipt rather than reporting unverified numbers.
Caspian Airlines Cabin Baggage Allowance
Cabin baggage allowances on Caspian Airlines are governed by aircraft safety limits and overhead compartment dimensions. Because the fleet includes classic narrow-body aircraft, cabin storage is more constrained than on newer jetliners.
Carry-On Weight Limits
Passengers on Caspian Airlines are permitted one standard piece of hand luggage inside the aircraft cabin:
- Domestic Flights: Up to 5 kg per passenger.
- International Flights: Up to 7 kg per passenger on select routes.
Ground crew weigh hand luggage at the check-in desk or boarding gate if a bag appears large or heavy. If your bag exceeds these weight caps, it will be moved to the cargo hold. To see how these weight limits compare to global averages, read our complete guide to the carry-on weight limit across airlines.
Carry-On Dimensions and Fleet Storage Constraints
Caspian Airlines does not publish a rigid centimeter-by-centimeter exterior limit on its public website. Under standard commercial aviation guidelines, a standard cabin bag should measure no more than 115 total linear centimeters (roughly 55 × 40 × 20 cm) to fit inside overhead bins. You can see how other airlines measure cabin bags in our guide to international carry-on size rules.
Cabin bin space varies significantly by aircraft type across the Caspian Airlines fleet:
- McDonnell Douglas MD-82 / MD-83: The overhead bins on the port side (left side with two seats) are shallow. Standard hard-shell roller suitcases often cannot fit wheels-first or sideways. Soft duffel bags or compact backpacks fit these lockers much more easily.
- Boeing 737 Classic Series: Overhead bins are deeper than on the MD-80, but they fill quickly on fully booked flights.
If overhead bins reach capacity during boarding, ground staff will gate-check larger carry-on bags into the cargo hold. To compare cabin fit across different planes and carriers, review our airline carry-on size comparison.
Personal Items
In addition to your main carry-on piece, you are generally allowed one small personal item free of charge. This item must fit completely under the seat in front of you. Acceptable personal items include:
- A small handbag, purse, or pocketbook.
- A slim laptop sleeve or compact briefcase.
- A small camera case.
- Infant nourishment needed during the flight.
- Walking sticks, crutches, or folding mobility aids you rely on.
Large sports backpacks, bulky computer bags, and shopping totes do not qualify as personal items. These will be counted as your primary carry-on bag.
Checked Baggage Allowance (Weight Concept)
Caspian Airlines uses the Weight Concept for checked luggage. Under this system, your ticket gives you a total weight limit rather than a restriction on how many suitcases you can bring.
| Route / Passenger Scope | Standard Checked Allowance | Allowance Model | Single Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Flights (Iran) | 20 kg | Weight Concept | 32 kg maximum |
| International Flights | 25 kg to 30 kg (Ticket-dependent) | Weight Concept | 32 kg maximum |
| Infants (Under 2, no seat) | 10 kg | Weight Concept | Plus 1 collapsible stroller |
| Children (Ages 2–11 with seat) | Same as adult allowance | Weight Concept | 32 kg maximum |
(Note: Always check the BAG or ALLOW field on your issued paper or electronic ticket for your specific allowance.)
Domestic Flights Within Iran
On scheduled domestic routes connecting Tehran (Mehrabad), Mashhad, Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, Kish Island, and other domestic cities:
- The standard Economy Class allowance is 20 kg per passenger.
- You may split this allowance between multiple pieces (for example, two 10 kg bags), as long as the combined weight stays within 20 kg.
- Passengers traveling under the same booking reference (PNR) can generally pool their total weight allowance when checking in together at the airport counter.
Regional International Flights
For international flights connecting Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) to regional cities in Turkey, Iraq, or the UAE:
- Standard Economy tickets typically include 25 kg to 30 kg of checked baggage.
- Allowances can vary based on the specific fare code or seasonal charter arrangements. Check your booking receipt before traveling.
Infant and Child Allowances
- Infants (Under 2 years old without a seat): Permitted 10 kg of checked luggage under the weight concept. Parents or guardians may also check one fully collapsible stroller, pushchair, or carrycot free of charge. Strollers can usually be taken to the aircraft steps before being loaded into the hold.
- Children (Ages 2 to 11 with a paid seat): Children receive the full adult baggage allowance printed on their ticket (typically 20 kg domestically and 25 kg to 30 kg internationally).
Excess Baggage & Overweight Fees
If your luggage weighs more than your ticketed allowance, you must pay excess baggage fees at the airport before receiving your boarding pass.
How Excess Fees Are Calculated
Caspian Airlines calculates excess baggage fees per kilogram rather than charging a flat fee per extra bag:
- Domestic Routes: The per-kilogram fee is tied to Iranian civil aviation formulas. It is generally calculated at roughly 1% of the full-fare adult one-way ticket price per excess kilogram. These charges are collected in Iranian Rials (IRR) at airport ticketing desks.
- International Routes: Extra weight is charged per kilogram according to the route corridor. Flights departing foreign stations (such as Istanbul or Dubai) charge fees in local currencies or major international currencies (EUR/USD).
- Rate Fluctuations: Because fuel surcharges, base ticket prices, and exchange rates fluctuate, Caspian Airlines does not publish a permanent online fee chart. Exact per-kilogram charges are calculated at the check-in desk at departure.
The 32 kg Single-Piece Maximum
No single piece of luggage checked with Caspian Airlines may weigh more than 32 kg (70 lbs). This is a strict international safety rule to protect airport baggage handlers from injury.
- If a single bag weighs more than 32 kg, check-in staff will not accept it-even if you are willing to pay excess fees.
- You will need to unpack the bag and move items into a second suitcase or box so that each piece weighs 32 kg or less.
- Cargo shipping services must be arranged in advance for single items that cannot be separated and weigh over 32 kg.
Special Baggage, Sports Gear, and Instruments
Carrying unusual luggage or sports equipment on Caspian Airlines requires extra preparation, especially when traveling through smaller domestic airports.
Musical Instruments
- Small Instruments: Instruments like violins, flutes, or small brass instruments can be carried into the cabin as your hand luggage piece. They must fit inside the overhead locker or beneath the seat, and their total weight must not exceed the cabin weight limit (5 kg domestic, 7 kg international).
- Large Instruments: Large items like cellos or double basses cannot fit in cabin compartments. You must either book an extra passenger seat for the instrument in advance or check it into the hold inside a hard flight case. Checked instruments count toward your total ticketed weight allowance.
Sports Equipment
- Ski and Snowboard Gear: Ski equipment is common on winter flights connecting through Tehran to nearby mountain resorts. Gear must be packed securely in dedicated travel bags. Depending on your fare, ski equipment may be counted as part of your standard weight allowance or assessed an equipment handling fee.
- Bicycles: Bicycles must be packed in a cardboard box or bike case. Pedals must be removed, handlebars turned sideways, and tires deflated before check-in.
- Advance Notice: Inform your booking agent or Caspian Airlines at least 48 to 72 hours before departure if you plan to fly with large sporting gear or oversized items to confirm space in the cargo hold.
Prohibited and Hazardous Items
Like all scheduled airlines, Caspian Airlines must follow strict aviation safety laws regarding hazardous materials in passenger luggage.
Strictly Prohibited Items
The following items are forbidden from both carry-on and checked luggage:
- Explosives, fireworks, ammunition, and flares.
- Flammable liquids and solids, including lighter fluid, strike-anywhere matches, paint, and thinners.
- Compressed gas cylinders (flammable, non-flammable, or toxic).
- Corrosives, such as wet-cell batteries, acids, and mercury.
- Disabling sprays, including pepper spray, mace, and stun devices.
Lithium Batteries and Power Banks
Safety rules for batteries are strictly enforced:
- Power Banks & Spare Lithium Batteries: Must be packed in your cabin baggage only. They are strictly forbidden in checked luggage because of fire risks in the cargo hold.
- Protective Packing: Battery terminals should be insulated with electrical tape or kept inside individual plastic sleeves to prevent short circuits.
- Electronic Devices: Laptops, tablets, e-readers, and cameras should be kept in your carry-on luggage to protect them from damage and theft.
Liquid Limits on Flights
- International Flights: Departures from international airports (such as Tehran IKA) follow standard international rules. Liquids, aerosols, and gels must be in containers of 100 ml or less, packed inside a single clear, resealable 1-liter plastic bag.
- Domestic Flights: Liquid screening rules within Iranian domestic terminals are set by airport security checkpoints. Avoid carrying open containers or unsealed liquids through security.
Caspian Airlines Baggage Checklist
Follow these practical steps to avoid unexpected luggage fees and boarding delays at the airport.
- Check your printed e-ticket allowance. Look for the weight indicator (such as 20K or 30K) to verify your exact checked luggage limit.
- Weigh your packed suitcases at home. Ensure your luggage is under your ticketed threshold to avoid paying per-kilogram excess fees at the desk.
- Keep single bags under 32 kg. Ground handlers will refuse any individual bag over 32 kg, regardless of your total allowance.
- Pack soft-sided carry-on bags. Flexible bags fit the smaller overhead bins of MD-80 and Boeing 737 aircraft much better than rigid hard-shell suitcases.
- Place all power banks in your carry-on. Lithium-ion battery packs are strictly prohibited in checked luggage by aviation safety regulations.
- Arrive early if carrying excess baggage. Excess weight fees must be calculated and paid at airport ticketing desks before boarding passes can be issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the checked baggage allowance on Caspian Airlines domestic flights?
Economy Class tickets on domestic flights within Iran include a standard checked baggage allowance of 20 kg per passenger under the weight-concept system.
How much carry-on baggage can I bring on Caspian Airlines?
Passengers are permitted one carry-on bag weighing up to 5 kg on domestic flights and up to 7 kg on international flights. You may also bring one small personal item that fits under the seat in front of you.
What is the weight limit for an infant bag?
Infants under two years of age traveling without their own seat receive a 10 kg checked baggage allowance, plus one fully collapsible stroller or pram checked free of charge.
How are excess baggage fees charged on Caspian Airlines?
Excess baggage is charged on a per-kilogram basis at the airport check-in desk. On domestic flights, the fee is roughly 1% of the standard adult one-way ticket price per excess kilogram, payable in Iranian Rials at the airport.
Can travel companions pool their baggage allowance?
Yes. Because Caspian Airlines uses the weight-concept model, passengers on the same reservation code who check in together can combine their allowances. However, no single suitcase may weigh more than 32 kg.
Can I pre-pay for excess baggage online?
No. Caspian Airlines does not generally offer online excess baggage purchases through its digital booking systems. Excess luggage must be weighed and paid for at the departure airport check-in and ticketing desks.
What happens if my baggage is lost or damaged?
If your baggage does not arrive or is damaged, report it immediately to the Caspian Airlines baggage service desk or airport ground handling agent before leaving the baggage reclaim area. You must obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) to track the bag or file an official compensation claim.
Baggage rules can vary by route, service, and booking class. Caspian Airlines' official conditions of carriage and ticket terms prevail at all times. Always verify your specific luggage allowance on your official booking confirmation before travel.
