Garuda Indonesia implements new piece-based baggage policy

Garuda Indonesia has implemented a new baggage policy effective September 1, 2026, transitioning from a weight-based system to a “piece concept.” Under this new regulation, baggage allowances are determined by the number of individual items rather than total combined weight.

Neil Raymond Mills, Director of Transformation at Garuda Indonesia, stated that the change aims to provide passengers with clearer information during the travel planning stage. The goal is to allow travelers to better prepare the number of suitcases and the weight limit for each piece, facilitating a more seamless experience at the airport.

Under the piece concept, if a ticket specifies “1 piece maximum 23 kilograms,” a passenger may only bring one suitcase weighing up to 23 kilograms. Even if two suitcases combined weigh 23 kilograms, they will still be counted as two separate pieces. Similarly, a quota of “2 pieces x 23 kilograms” allows for two suitcases of up to 23 kilograms each, but the weight cannot be consolidated into a single 46-kilogram bag.

Specific allocations vary by flight class and route. For domestic economy class, the allocation is up to one piece of 23 kilograms. International economy class passengers may receive up to two pieces of 23 kilograms each. Business and first-class passengers are permitted up to two pieces with a weight limit of 32 kilograms per piece.