THAI AIRWAYS: Baggage changes. What you need to know

Baggage rules are changing at Thai Airways. In a major move, the airline is changing from weight-based allowances to a piece-based system, with weight and dimension limits for all passengers from 2 March 2026. Whatever class you are flying in first, business or the cheapest economy fare, your checked bags will now be counted and not just judged by weight. This will bring Thai in line with most major international carriers.

For Australian travellers heading to Bangkok or connecting onwards through Thailand, this means your old 30kg-or-so guide is being replaced with stricter per-bag limits. Frequent flyers will still continue to enjoy extra allowances.

Domestic Thailand flights: the basics

Every passenger on a Thai domestic flight gets one checked bag, with:

• 32kg allowed for Royal Silk business class
• 23kg in economy

Royal Orchid Plus members (and Star Alliance elites) receive additional complimentary baggage, though allowances vary by status tier.

International flights: your new baggage allowance

Thai’s long-haul baggage rules now hinge heavily on your cabin:

• Royal First Class – 3 bags at 32kg each (reward bookings trimmed to 2 bags)
• Royal Silk Business – 2 bags at 32kg each
• Premium Economy Plus – 2 bags at 32kg each
• Premium Economy – 2 bags at 23kg each
• Economy –
  • Full & Flex fares: 2 bags at 23kg each
  • Standard, Saver & reward tickets: 1 bag at 23kg

Frequent flyers again score extra pieces on top of these base allowances.

Routes covered at launch include Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, with more to follow.

Don’t get caught by the fine print

Regardless of class or status, each bag must stay under 158cm total linear dimensions. That’s the sum of length + width + height. Oversized luggage will incur fees, even if the weight still fits within your allowance.

2PAXfly takeaway

Thai’s new rules are mostly a win for premium travellers and frequent flyers, but economy passengers on cheaper fares will need to plan ahead. That second bag now costs extra. If you’re flying to Bangkok or transiting through Suvarnabhumi from March onwards, check your fare type and pack accordingly.

Thai has done a lot of work to streamline its processes as part of the recovery administration plan, which has brought it back from the brink of disaster during the pandemic.

It used to be one of my favourite airlines with a reasonable Business Class, but at great prices with outstanding service. It then entered a period of declining quality and rising prices.

I have travelled with Thai twice, in 2024 and 2025 on their Airbus A350s in Business Class. On both occasions, the improvements in service and the more competitive product, albeit without doors, were impressive, putting it back on my list of desirable carriers.