SKY express Baggage Policy: Bag Sizes, Limits, and Fees
SKY express (IATA: GQ) operates domestic flights across Greece and international services across Europe. Your baggage allowance depends on the fare brand you purchase and whether your route uses an ATR turboprop or an Airbus jet.
Every SKY express passenger can bring one free personal item measuring up to 40 x 20 x 25 cm (15.7 x 7.9 x 9.8 inches) that fits under the seat. Basic Joy tickets do not include an overhead cabin bag. Bundled fares include an 8 kg (17.6 lbs) cabin bag and checked luggage of 15 kg or 23 kg (33 lbs or 50.7 lbs). Adding luggage online before departure costs significantly less than paying at the airport desk or boarding gate.
Baggage Allowance Snapshot
All tickets include an under-seat personal item, while overhead bags and checked bags depend on your fare tier. Basic Joy fares exclude overhead carry-on bags and checked luggage.
What can change: Fare class, domestic Greek vs. European international routes, regional ATR turboprop overhead capacity, and whether you pay online or at the airport.
Baggage Size Visual
Use the airline's stated order of dimensions. Measurements may include wheels and handles only when the official source says so.
Small Personal Item
Published limit: 40 x 20 x 25 cm (15.7 x 7.9 x 9.8 in)
All tickets; must fit under the seat in front
Standard Cabin Bag
Published limit: 55 x 40 x 20 cm, up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs)
Included on Joy+ / Enjoy; subject to ramp drop on ATR flights
Standard Checked Bag
Published limit: 158 linear cm, 15 kg or 23 kg tier
Joy+ / Enjoy bundles or pre-purchased add-on
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 monitors official airline channels, published conditions of carriage, and airport operating standards. We separate confirmed dimensional limits from dynamic baggage pricing. When specific routes or turboprop aircraft require different physical baggage handling, we verify those policies against operational airport procedures.
SKY express Carry-On and Personal Item Rules
SKY express enforces specific carry-on limits based on the fare family shown on your ticket. While all travelers receive an under-seat allowance, cabin trolley access is unbundled on basic bookings.
Personal Item Rules and Dimensions
Every passenger flying with SKY express can carry one small personal item free of charge. This item must not exceed 40 x 20 x 25 cm (approximately 15.7 x 7.9 x 9.8 inches). Acceptable items include a handbag, small briefcase, or compact backpack.
The personal item must fit entirely underneath the seat in front of you. The airline does not publish a standalone weight cap for this item, but it must be small enough to leave legroom clear and permit rapid cabin evacuation. Passengers seated in emergency exit rows must place their personal items in the overhead bins during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
Standard Cabin Bag Dimensions and Weight Limits
Passengers who purchase a bundled fare (such as Joy+, Enjoy, or Bliss) or who purchase a cabin bag add-on can bring one larger overhead bag. The standard cabin bag must not exceed 55 x 40 x 20 cm (approximately 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9 inches). The weight limit for this bag is 8 kg (17.6 lbs) on standard fares. Travelers flying on a Bliss fare receive an increased carry-on weight allowance of up to 13 kg (28.6 lbs).
The official source does not clearly state whether the 55 x 40 x 20 cm exterior limit includes handles and wheels in every contractual disclosure. In practice, airport bag sizers measure all exterior extremities. Choose luggage where the outer edges of the wheels and compressed handles stay within these numbers. To see how these dimensions compare with other worldwide carriers, check our international carry-on size guide.
Overhead Bin Limits on ATR Turboprops vs. Airbus Jets
SKY express operates a mixed fleet. Trunk routes and European international flights typically use Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft, which feature standard overhead bins. Many Greek island routes use regional ATR 42 and ATR 72 turboprop aircraft.
The overhead bins on ATR aircraft are significantly smaller than those on standard narrow-body jets. Rigid 55 cm rollaboards often cannot fit sideways or wheels-first into turboprop compartments. Because of this space limit, gate staff frequently tag standard carry-on bags at the boarding gate for Delivery at Aircraft (ramp collection). You leave your trolley at the bottom of the plane boarding stairs, and crew members return it on the tarmac outside the aircraft door when you land. Pack laptops, lithium-ion power banks, passports, and necessary medication in your under-seat personal item so you do not hand them over at the tarmac steps. To review regional turboprop differences across other carriers, consult our airline carry-on size comparison.
| Item | Allowance | Size or fit rule | Important condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal item | 1 piece on all fares | 40 x 20 x 25 cm (15.7 x 7.9 x 9.8 in) | Must fit completely under the seat; Joy fare permits this item only |
| Standard cabin trolley | 1 piece (Joy+, Enjoy, or paid add-on) | 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9 in), max 8 kg (17.6 lbs) | May require ramp drop at aircraft stairs on regional ATR turboprop flights |
| Premium cabin trolley | 1 piece (Bliss fare) | 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9 in), max 13 kg (28.6 lbs) | Space permitting; will be checked at aircraft steps on turboprops |
Checked Baggage Allowance by Fare Family
Checked luggage is not included on basic tickets. SKY express uses fare families that bundle baggage allowances based on travel flexibility and route type.
Fare Categories and Included Checked Allowances
Your checked baggage allowance is determined by the fare class printed on your e-ticket:
- Joy (Basic): Includes 0 kg of checked luggage. Any checked bag must be purchased as an extra service.
- Joy+ (Standard): Typically includes 1 checked bag. On domestic Greek island and mainland routes, this is often set at 15 kg (33.0 lbs), while select routes provide a 23 kg (50.7 lbs) limit.
- Enjoy (Flexible): Typically includes 1 checked bag up to 23 kg (50.7 lbs) with added ticket flexibility.
- Bliss (Premium): Includes elevated baggage limits, granting 1 or 2 checked bags (up to 28 kg or 32 kg depending on the specific route and ticket rules).
This allowance can vary by route, fare, cabin, or operating carrier. Always verify the specific kilogram allotment on your booking confirmation before packing.
Size and Weight Limits for Checked Luggage
Standard checked luggage on SKY express must not exceed 158 linear cm (62.2 inches), calculated by adding the total outside length, width, and height ($L + W + H$).
Regardless of fare tier or excess fees paid, European occupational safety regulations establish an absolute maximum limit of 32 kg (70.5 lbs) for any single piece of luggage. Airport ground handlers will not accept individual bags exceeding 32 kg as checked passenger luggage.
| Fare category | Included personal item | Included cabin bag | Included checked baggage allowance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joy (Basic) | 1 piece (40 x 20 x 25 cm) | None (Paid add-on only) | None (Paid add-on only) |
| Joy+ (Standard) | 1 piece (40 x 20 x 25 cm) | 1 piece (55 x 40 x 20 cm, max 8 kg) | 1 piece (typically 15 kg domestic, 23 kg select/intl) |
| Enjoy (Flexible) | 1 piece (40 x 20 x 25 cm) | 1 piece (55 x 40 x 20 cm, max 8 kg) | 1 piece (typically 23 kg) |
| Bliss (Premium) | 1 piece (40 x 20 x 25 cm) | 1 piece (55 x 40 x 20 cm, max 13 kg) | 1 or 2 pieces (up to 28 kg or route equivalent) |
Baggage Fees and Excess Charges
SKY express prices luggage dynamically based on the route distance, season, and purchase channel. Baggage added during initial ticket booking is always priced lower than baggage purchased at the departure gate.
Cost to Add Checked Bags Online vs. at the Airport
When booking a Joy fare or adding a second bag, purchase your allowance online through the SKY express website or app. If you wait until you arrive at the terminal, rates increase.
- Online advance purchase: A 15 kg bag on domestic routes generally ranges between €15 and €30. A 23 kg bag across domestic and international routes ranges between €20 and €45.
- Airport check-in counter: Adding a bag at the airport check-in desk generally ranges from €30 to €55+, depending on route length.
- Boarding gate surcharge: Bringing an unentitled cabin bag or an oversized bag to the departure gate triggers a penalty fee ranging from €40 to €60+.
The fee shown applies only to the scope listed in the table. Review our checked baggage fee comparison to see how these add-on fees align with other European carriers.
| Condition | Threshold | Additional fee | Acceptance limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 kg bag pre-purchased | Up to 15 kg (33.0 lbs) | €15 – €30 (Domestic booking flow) | Max 158 linear cm |
| 23 kg bag pre-purchased | Up to 23 kg (50.7 lbs) | €20 – €45 (Domestic/intl booking flow) | Max 158 linear cm |
| Airport desk checked bag | 15 kg or 23 kg tier | €30 – €55+ (At terminal check-in) | Added before check-in cutoff |
| Gate baggage surcharge | Non-compliant or unpurchased carry-on | €40 – €60+ (At boarding gate) | Bag sent to hold; card payment required |
| Overweight per kilogram | Kilograms beyond purchased tier | Variable per-kg rate at counter | Strict 32 kg (70.5 lbs) maximum |
Special Baggage: Infants, Medical, and Sports Equipment
Traveling with Infants and Pushchairs
Passengers traveling with an infant under two years of age sitting on an adult's lap may check one fully collapsible stroller or pushchair free of charge.
You can generally use your stroller through airport security and push it to the aircraft boarding door. Ground staff will tag it and place it into the cargo hold at the tarmac steps. Depending on your fare bundle, a small infant diaper bag (up to 5 kg) may also be allowed in the cabin. Verify your specific e-ticket rules to confirm child equipment allowances.
Medical Items and Mobility Equipment
In compliance with European Union regulations, SKY express carries up to two pieces of mobility equipment (such as wheelchairs, crutches, or walking frames) free of charge for passengers with reduced mobility. You must notify the airline's customer service team at least 48 hours prior to scheduled departure. Passengers requiring medical devices in the cabin must ensure their equipment operates on dry-cell batteries and fits under the seat or in the overhead compartment.
Sports Equipment and Musical Instruments
Sports equipment (including bicycles, golf bags, diving gear, and surfboards) is not included in standard checked baggage allowances and requires payment of a special baggage fee.
Because ATR turboprop cargo holds have rigid length and volume restrictions, bulky gear such as windsurfing boards or longboards may be subject to aircraft equipment limits. You should declare sports equipment during online booking to ensure cargo hold availability. Small musical instruments can be carried in place of a cabin trolley if they fit within 55 x 40 x 20 cm and weigh 8 kg or less. Larger instruments require purchasing an extra cabin seat or booking them as cargo.
What Happens if Your Bag Is Too Large or Heavy?
SKY express maintains bag sizers at major hubs, including Athens International Airport (ATH), Heraklion Airport (HER), and Thessaloniki Airport (SKG).
If you hold a Joy fare and bring a rollaboard suitcase to the gate without a pre-purchased cabin allowance, gate agents will stop your bag. You will be required to pay the gate baggage surcharge, and the bag will be transferred to the cargo hold.
If your checked bag exceeds the 15 kg or 23 kg weight limit purchased on your ticket, ground staff will charge a per-kilogram excess baggage fee at the check-in desk. If a single bag exceeds 32 kg (70.5 lbs), ground agents will refuse to check the bag under European occupational safety rules. You will be required to unpack items into another piece of luggage or ship the contents via air cargo.
SKY express Baggage Packing Checklist
Use this pre-departure checklist before packing for a domestic Greek or international European flight.
- Check your fare family. If you purchased a Joy ticket, you only have an under-seat personal item. Pre-book an overhead bag or checked bag online if needed.
- Measure outside extremities. Ensure your cabin bag stays within 55 x 40 x 20 cm, including wheels and handles, to fit inside airport sizers.
- Prepare for ATR ramp checks. If flying on an ATR 42 or ATR 72 to a Greek island, pack all medications, electronics, and chargers inside your under-seat personal item.
- Check your weight tier. Check whether your ticket includes a 15 kg or 23 kg checked allowance to avoid per-kilogram fees at the counter.
- Weigh your cabin trolley. Keep your rolling bag under 8 kg (or 13 kg on Bliss fares), as airport agents spot-weigh carry-on luggage at boarding.
- Add extra bags 24 hours early. Pre-purchase additional baggage allowances online via Manage My Booking to avoid higher airport terminal rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the basic SKY express Joy fare include an overhead carry-on bag?
No. The Joy fare includes only one small personal item measuring up to 40 x 20 x 25 cm that must fit under the seat in front of you. An overhead cabin bag must be purchased as an optional add-on or booked through a higher fare class like Joy+ or Enjoy.
What are the carry-on dimensions and weight limits on SKY express?
Standard cabin bags must measure no more than 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9 inches) and weigh no more than 8 kg (17.6 lbs). Passengers flying on the Bliss fare tier can carry a cabin bag of the same dimensions weighing up to 13 kg (28.6 lbs).
What happens to carry-on bags on SKY express ATR turboprop flights?
Due to smaller overhead bin compartments on ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft, standard carry-on bags are frequently collected at the aircraft boarding steps. Your bag is tagged for ramp delivery and returned on the tarmac outside the aircraft doors upon landing. Always keep valuables and electronics in your personal item.
How much does it cost to add a checked bag to a SKY express flight?
Adding a checked bag online during booking typically costs between €15 and €45, depending on the weight tier (15 kg vs. 23 kg) and flight route. Adding a bag at the airport check-in counter or boarding gate costs significantly more, often ranging from €30 to over €60 per piece.
What is the maximum weight allowed for a checked bag on SKY express?
The absolute maximum weight for any single checked bag is 32 kg (70.5 lbs) due to airport occupational health and safety rules. Any bag heavier than 32 kg will not be accepted at check-in and must be repacked or transported as cargo.
Can I bring a stroller for an infant on SKY express?
Yes. SKY express allows one fully collapsible stroller or pushchair per infant to be checked free of charge. You can generally use the stroller up to the aircraft door, where ramp personnel will load it into the hold.
Can traveling companions combine checked baggage weight on SKY express?
Baggage pooling is generally permitted only for passengers on the same reservation who check in together at the airport counter. However, no single bag may exceed the European 32 kg safety limit, and each bag must fit within the purchased weight allotments.
When booking a flight on SKY express, your first decision is selecting the right fare family. Basic Joy fares work well for day trips with an under-seat backpack, but adding luggage later at the airport will quickly erase your ticket savings. If you need a rolling suitcase or a checked bag, purchase Joy+ or pay for add-on baggage online before arriving at the terminal.
Remember to consider the aircraft operating your route. Passengers flying to smaller Greek islands aboard ATR turboprops should expect to leave their cabin trolley at the aircraft steps for tarmac collection. Keep your essential medications, keys, and battery packs inside your under-seat personal item.
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.
