Turkish Airlines Baggage Policy 2026: Complete Guide

Turkish Airlines is known for its generous baggage allowances, especially on long‑haul routes connecting through Istanbul. In 2026, most Economy passengers on intercontinental flights receive two checked bags, each up to 23 kg, plus an 8 kg carry‑on and a personal item. Business Class travelers enjoy even higher limits, with 2 x 32 kg checked bags and up to two 8 kg carry‑ons.

This guide breaks down Turkish Airlines baggage policy by cabin and route, explains carry‑on and checked bag rules, covers sports equipment and musical instruments, and highlights the unique Istanbul layover benefits. Use it to plan your packing, avoid overweight fees, and make the most of your allowance when booking Turkish Airlines flights on Travorio.

Every Turkish Airlines passenger may bring one personal item into the cabin, regardless of fare class. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and should be compact enough to slide in and out easily.

Typical personal items include a small backpack, handbag, laptop bag, or briefcase. While Turkish Airlines does not publish a strict size template for personal items, gate agents may ask you to place it under the seat to confirm it fits. If it is too large, it may be counted as your carry‑on or even checked.

Turkish Airlines primarily uses a piece‑based system on intercontinental routes, meaning your allowance is defined by the number of bags and the maximum weight per bag. On many shorter regional routes, the same piece‑based system applies but with fewer included bags.

Economy Class checked baggage on most intercontinental routes (including North America, South America, Africa, and much of Asia):

- 2 checked bags included.

- Each bag up to 23 kg (50.7 lbs).

- Total potential allowance: 46 kg across two bags, provided no single bag exceeds 23 kg.

Economy Class checked baggage on many European and Middle Eastern routes:

- 1 checked bag included.

- Up to 23 kg per bag.

Business Class checked baggage on intercontinental routes:

- 2 checked bags included.

- Each bag up to 32 kg (70.5 lbs).

- Total potential allowance: 64 kg across two bags.

Business Class checked baggage on European and Middle Eastern routes:

- 2 checked bags included.

- Each up to 32 kg, matching the long‑haul Business allowance.

These allowances are among the most generous in global aviation, especially for Business Class, where many competitors limit bags to 23–30 kg each or charge for a second piece.

Turkish Airlines, like most carriers, uses a standard maximum size for checked baggage of 158 cm linear dimensions (length + width + height). Bags that exceed this combined measurement are considered oversized.

Oversized bags incur an additional fee on top of any standard checked bag or overweight charges. This is especially relevant for large suitcases, sports equipment, and musical instruments in bulky cases.

Very large items such as bicycles, surfboards, and some ski or snowboard bags often exceed 158 cm and are charged as oversized items. Turkish Airlines recommends contacting the airline before travel if you plan to check unusually large or fragile items so you can confirm current fees and any space limitations on your specific aircraft type.

Turkish Airlines allows musical instruments both in the cabin and as checked baggage, depending on size and weight.

Small instruments (such as violins or some guitars) that fit in the overhead bin and remain under the 8 kg carry‑on limit may be brought on board as your carry‑on item. You must still respect the standard carry‑on dimensions and weight.

If an instrument is too large for the overhead bin but can fit safely in a passenger seat, you may purchase an extra seat to transport it in the cabin. This is often used for cellos and other delicate instruments.

Larger instruments that cannot be accommodated in the cabin must be checked. If the case exceeds 158 cm linear dimensions or the standard weight limit, oversize and/or overweight fees apply. Turkish Airlines strongly recommends using a hard‑sided, well‑padded case for any instrument that will be checked.

One of Turkish Airlines’ most distinctive perks is its Istanbul layover program. For passengers connecting through Istanbul Airport (IST) with qualifying layover times, the airline may offer complimentary hotel accommodation and city tours via its Touristanbul program.

Typical eligibility includes:

- Daytime layovers of 6 hours or more, or overnight layovers of 8 hours or more, on a single Turkish Airlines ticket.

- A connection in Istanbul between two international Turkish Airlines flights.

For travelers who want to explore Istanbul without carrying luggage, Turkish Airlines offers free baggage storage at Istanbul Airport for passengers on connecting itineraries. You can check your bags through to your final destination and then use the layover time to join a tour or explore the city, knowing your luggage is safely handled by the airline.

Because program details can change, always verify current Touristanbul and layover hotel rules on Turkish Airlines’ official channels before you travel.

Travorio makes it easy to book Turkish Airlines flights and leverage the airline’s generous baggage policy while paying in the way that suits you best. You can pay with major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and USDT, or choose buy now, pay later options like Sezzle, Klarna, or PayPal Pay Later to spread the cost over time.

Start by searching cheap flights on Travorio to find the best Turkish Airlines fares. If you want to optimize your timing for the lowest prices, refer to Travorio’s guide on when is the best time to book a flight. When you are ready to check out, select your preferred payment method, including Sezzle for installment payments on flights.

By combining Turkish Airlines’ baggage benefits with Travorio’s flexible payment options, you can travel with more luggage and less financial stress.