Bhutan Airlines, the national carrier of Bhutan, has clear and traveler-friendly baggage policies to ensure a seamless travel experience. Whether you’re flying internationally or domestically, understanding the baggage allowances, restrictions, and guidelines can help you prepare effectively. This guide provides detailed information about Bhutan Airlines baggage policy, with particular reference to checked and hand baggage allowance and a lot more.
Bhutan Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance
Bhutan Airlines baggage policy determines allowance and charges for excess baggage based on the journey’s route and class of service. If a passenger takes a stopover, the baggage assessment resets from the stopover point. Below is the allowance for different classes:
International Flights
- Business Class: 40 kg/88 pounds (combined weight for all pieces)
- Economy Class: 30 kg/66 pounds (combined weight for all pieces)
Gaya-Paro Sector
- Business Class: 30 kg/66 pounds
- Economy Class: 20 kg/44 pounds
Note: When traveling on code-share flights or with partner airlines, the operating carrier’s baggage rules may apply.
Stopover Policy
If a passenger takes a stopover at an intermediate point during their journey, the baggage allowance and any applicable charges will be recalculated from the point of departure after the stopover.
Important Notice Regarding Bhutan Airlines Baggage Policy
If your journey involves multiple airline partners or code-share flights, baggage rules may vary. In such cases, the operating carrier’s baggage rules will apply. Passengers are advised to consult their travel agent or Bhutan Airlines’ ticketing/reservation agents for further clarification.
Bhutan Airlines Hand Baggage Policy
Passengers are permitted one carry-on bag with the following specifications:
- Maximum Dimensions: 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm
- Weight Limit: 7 kg (15 pounds)
Additional Items Allowed in the Cabin
In addition to the carry-on bag, passengers may carry one of the following items:
- Lady’s handbag or gentleman’s satchel
- Overcoat, rug, wrap, or blanket
- A small camera or binoculars
- Infant essentials like feed or a carrying basket
- Collapsible wheelchair or crutches
- A gift item from the duty-free shop
- A walking stick or folding umbrella
- Medications required during the flight, like an asthma inhaler
- Laptop or small electronics
- Cell phones
Odd-sized baggage: Non-compliant hand baggage will be checked in and labeled as “Limited Release Baggage.”
Duty-Free Items
Duty-free items purchased at the airport in Bhutan will only be permitted if:
- Carried in identifiable bags from duty-free shops.
- A cash receipt should be attached to the bag.
Important: Duty-free gels and liquids over 100 ml bought in India may not be allowed during security checks if passengers transfer flights or deplane at a transit point.
Bhutan Air Baggage Policy For Passengers Traveling with Infants
Passengers traveling with infants can carry one additional bag with essential baby items such as a change of clothes, baby food, and nappies. This bag must also meet the size specifications for hand baggage (55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm) and should be stored in the overhead compartment or under the seat.
Bhutan Airlines Excess Baggage Charges
According to the Bhutan Airlines baggage policy, baggage exceeding the free allowance may incur excess fees based on the route:
| Sector | Rate per KG |
| PBH-BKK | BTN 240 |
| PBH-CUU | BTN 120 |
| CCU-BKK | INR 400 |
| BKK-PBH | THB 195 |
| BKK-CCU | THB 225 |
| CCU-PBH | INR 160 |
| PBH-DEL | BTN 190 |
| DEL-PBH | INR 260 |
| PBH-KTM | BTN 120 |
| KTM-PBH | NPR 280 |
| DEL-KTM | INR 300 |
| KTM-DEL | NPR 500 |
| GAY-BKK | INR 355 |
| BKK-GAY | THB 195 |
Note: Taxes may apply to excess baggage fees for departures from India (GST).
You Can Read More: Air Zimbabwe Baggage Policy
Prohibited and Restricted Items On Bhutan Airlines
For safety reasons, certain items are not permitted in either checked or hand baggage. These include:
- Flammable liquids and solids
- Oxidizers and organic peroxides
- Infectious substances
- Tear gas devices or gas cylinders
- Wet-cell car batteries and magnetrons
- Fireworks, non-safety matches, and lighter fuel
- Poisons, radioactive materials, and corrosives
Note: Passengers are advised to pack responsibly to avoid delays or confiscation at security checkpoints.
Restricted Items
Bhutan Airlines enforces strict restrictions on certain items:
- Electrical devices like gas hair tongs (without refills).
- Sharp objects such as scissors and knives are not allowed in hand baggage.
Tips for a Hassle-Free Journey On Bhutan Airlines
Bhutan Airlines advises passengers to plan their baggage and comply with security regulations for a smooth journey. Below are tips to ensure hassle-free travel:
Security Compliance
- Liquids exceeding 100 ml are not permitted in hand baggage. These must be placed in a transparent, resealable bag (20 cm x 20 cm).
- Solid food is allowed, but food with liquid content (e.g., sauces, and soups) must follow the liquid restrictions.
- Electronic devices including laptops and DVD players must be screened at the checkpoints separately.
Items Allowed Onboard
Passengers may bring onboard certain personal items such as:
- Writing materials
- Solid deodorants, lipsticks, and toothbrushes
- Contact lenses (with or without solution below 100 ml)
- Medicines (prescriptions required for quantities over 100 ml)
Smoking Materials
Smoking is not permitted inside the terminal. A single butane lighter or a box of safety matches may be carried on the person but not in baggage.
Conclusion
Bhutan Airlines baggage policy is designed to offer flexibility and convenience while maintaining safety. Understanding the weight limits, excess baggage fees, and prohibited items ensures passengers can travel with ease and confidence. If you have further queries, reach out to Bhutan Airlines staff or visit Bhutan Airlines official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
For international flights, Bhutan Airlines offers a 40 kg allowance for Business Class and 30 kg for Economy Class, applicable for all combined pieces. For domestic flights, the allowance is 30 kg for Business Class and 20 kg for Economy Class.
Yes, as per Bhutan Airlines baggage policy passengers may carry one additional item such as a handbag, overcoat, camera, or laptop, subject to security regulations.
Passengers can carry liquids in hand baggage if they are in containers of 100 ml or less and fit into a single resealable plastic bag with a maximum volume of 1 liter. Items exceeding these limits must be checked in.
Excess baggage charges vary depending on the route. For example, flights from Paro to Bangkok charge BTN 240 per kg, while flights from Bangkok to Paro charge THB 195 per kg. These rates may differ for other sectors.
Prohibited items include flammable liquids, oxidizers, tear gas devices, infectious substances, wet-cell car batteries, fireworks, and poisons.
Yes, duty-free items purchased at the departure airport are allowed as part of hand baggage, provided they are in sealed, identifiable bags with receipts attached. These items are exempt from the standard weight limit.
Passengers traveling with infants are allowed an additional piece of hand baggage for essential items, such as diapers and baby food, provided it complies with the standard size and weight limits for hand baggage.
