What about the laptop ban?

Qatar Airways say that laptops and laptop bags are considered part of the hand luggage allowance and are not personal items. Their hand luggage policy has changed recently as a result of the UK’s ban on laptops and tablets in cabins. This electronics ban affects direct flights to the UK from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. Find the full facts here.

Want to compare Qatar Airways luggage restrictions with other popular airlines?

Take a look at our table of major European airlines’ baggage allowances.

How to beat the Qatar Airways baggage fees

Follow these tips to ensure you and your bags make it on board Qatar Airways flights without a hitch..

1. Invest in smart packing accessories

Always the last one to finish your packing? There are tons of luggage accessories on hand to improve your efficiency these days, so make use of them. It’s not just about rolling your clothes anymore, there are nifty little compartments called packing cubes that could literally shave minutes off your holiday prep, and leave you with more time to celebrate with a cheeky glass of wine at the airport. And who can argue with that? Check out more handy travel accessories, from passport wallets to tangle-free jewellery cases, in our guide.

2. Pack your laptop

Unlike airlines like Flybe and Aer Lingus, laptops and laptop bags are not counted as a ‘personal item’ on Qatar Airways flights, so you might get threatened with an excess baggage fee if you bring them on separately. Pack your computer or tablet inside your cabin bag, within the correct dimensions, even if you want to crack out Minecraft as soon as you’re in your seat.

3. Split the load

On many standard Qatar Airways flights, a single piece of luggage must weigh no more than 23kg in itself. So if you think those souvenir wooden bookends are going to cause a problem on the way home, split your stuff into smaller bags or share with a friend to ensure neither of you exceed the luggage allowance. Of course, flying Qatar Airways first class or business class gives you extra wiggle room of up to 32kg per bag, but if you’re not willing to fork out the extra, we’ve got some other cunning ways you could get an upgrade – and therefore more baggage for free.

4. Know what to do with sports and musical equipment

This is a confusing one for many travellers, as different rules apply depending on the type of equipment you’re carrying. Generally, Qatar Airways accepts items like golf clubs, tennis rackets and fishing tackle as part of – not in addition to – your checked baggage allowance, so long as they fit within the size and weight limitations. If you’re bringing bulkier stuff like bicycles they need to be packed in a closed box or bag and go in the hold, but special fees may apply (see the website for more details) if they exceed the baggage restrictions. On the other hand, you’re free to bring a musical instrument into the cabin – but you will need to buy your guitar/accordion/trombone a seat of its very own if it’s too fragile to go in the overhead lockers, or doesn’t fit within the hand luggage allowance. Phew!

5. Pack your heavy clothing near the top

Worried your chunky cardi might be tipping your bags over the scale? Pack anything heavy near the top or opening of your bag, so if you do go over-weight, you can always pull it out and wear it over (or under) your outfit. ‘Personal items’ like coats, shawls, umbrellas and the like are totally fine to bring on a Qatar Airways flight at no extra charge – even if you’re carrying something over your arm or around your waist. Pack like a pro, with our best ever tips.

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*Published April 2017. Any prices are lowest estimated prices only at the time of publication and are subject to change and/or availability.