Garuda Indonesia will introduce a new piece-based baggage allowance system, known as the Piece Concept, for tickets purchased or issued from 1 September 2026. The new policy replaces the current weight-based system and will apply to all flights operated by the national carrier.
The airline said the change is intended to simplify baggage regulations and improve the overall travel experience, while maintaining passengers’ free baggage allowance. In some cabin classes, the maximum weight permitted per bag will also increase.
In an official statement released on 17 July, Garuda Indonesia stressed that the new system would not reduce passengers’ baggage entitlement.
“Through the Piece Concept, baggage information is clearer, more precise, and easier to understand. This update is designed to provide a more comfortable travel experience, help passengers prepare their luggage before departure, and support a faster and smoother check-in and baggage claim process,” the airline said.
New Baggage Rules and Weight Allowances
Under the new policy, Economy Class passengers will be entitled to one checked bag weighing up to 23 kilograms, an increase from the previous 20-kilogram allowance.
Business Class and First Class passengers will be allowed one or more checked bags weighing up to 32 kilograms per piece, depending on their ticket entitlement. This represents an increase from the previous maximum of 30 kilograms per bag.
Garuda Indonesia said the higher weight limits provide passengers with greater flexibility when packing for their journeys.
If a suitcase exceeds the maximum permitted weight for each piece, passengers may redistribute their belongings into another suitcase within their free baggage allowance or transfer some items to their cabin baggage, which remains subject to a maximum weight of 7 kilograms.
Passengers requiring additional baggage beyond their free allowance will be able to purchase an Additional Piece before departure or pay Excess Baggage charges at the airport.
For Economy Class travellers carrying a suitcase weighing more than 23 kilograms but no more than 32 kilograms, Garuda will continue to offer a Heavy Bag service, which can be purchased through the airport’s Excess Baggage service.
Policy Aligns with International Airline Standards
Garuda Indonesia said the introduction of the Piece Concept is designed to improve operational efficiency rather than increase company revenue.
With the new system, any additional baggage purchased will no longer be calculated by weight but by the number of additional bags carried, in accordance with the baggage allowance applicable to each fare class and ticket type.
The airline said the revised policy would make baggage rules easier for passengers to understand while also improving baggage handling and airport operations.
“This update is designed to provide a more comfortable travel experience, help you prepare your luggage before departure, and support a faster and smoother check-in and baggage claim process,” Garuda stated on its official website.
Garuda also noted that adopting the Piece Concept brings its baggage policy in line with practices already used by many international airlines.
“This provides a more consistent travel experience, especially for those continuing their journey on international flights,” the airline added.
According to Garuda Indonesia, future baggage allowances will continue to be adjusted based on route characteristics, passenger requirements, and operational standards for both domestic and international services.
To help passengers understand the new policy, baggage allowances will be displayed clearly throughout the booking process and on issued tickets, allowing travellers to see both the number of permitted bags and the maximum weight allowed for each piece before they fly.
The airline expects the updated baggage system to simplify travel preparations, reduce confusion over baggage limits, and contribute to a smoother airport experience for passengers from check-in through to baggage collection.
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