Iberia Baggage Fees and Policy

Iberia is the flag carrier airline of Spain and one of the largest airlines in Europe. The airline operates a wide range of flights across the globe, including several U.S. cities.

In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into Iberia’s baggage policy. We’ll explore the airline’s carry-on and checked baggage allowances and fees. Sometimes you may want to travel with special gear such as musical instruments and sports equipment – don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Also, we’ll look at items that you aren’t allowed to travel. We’ll close the article by explaining what you should do if your bags don’t make it to your destination when you do.

Carry On Baggage Policy

It’s worth noting that these carry-on rules apply to all flights operated by Iberia, regardless of whether the flight is domestic or international.

Carry On Baggage Allowance

The Iberia carry-on baggage policy allows you to bring one piece of cabin baggage and one personal item, such as a handbag or laptop bag. The cabin baggage must adhere to the following size and weight restrictions:

Personal Item Size

You are allowed to bring one personal item into the cabin. The personal item can be no larger than 15.75 x 11.81 x 5.91 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm). This item must be able to fit, and is stored, under the seat in front of you.

Typical personal items include:

• A briefcase
• Laptop bag
• Purse

It’s important to note that Iberia doesn’t have a specific weight limit for your personal item.

Carry On Bag Allowance

Your carry-on bag can be no larger than 22.05 x 15.75 x 9.84 inches (56 x 40 x 25 centimeters). These measurements include your bags wheels, handles, and straps. If your carry-on bag is larger than these measurements, it will have to be checked, and you’ll be required to pay any applicable fees.

Your carry-on bag’s weight limit depends on the type of fare and travel. For economy cabin classes, your carry-on bag can weigh no more than 22 pounds (10 kilograms). For premium classes, your carry-on bag can weigh up to 31 pounds (14 kilograms). If you’re traveling on a long-haul flight in Business Plus class, you can bring two carry-on bags into the cabin:

Travelers departing the U.S.

If you are flying out from the U.S. and traveling in Business Class Plus, you are limited to 1 carry-on bag only, not two.

Your carry-on bag is stored in the overhead bins during your flight. You must be able to lift and stow your carry-on bag unassisted. Iberia encourages passengers to check their carry-on bags for free.

Hot Tip: If you plan to take advantage of the option to check your carry-on bag for free, pack accordingly. Pack all your essential and important carry-on items into your personal item before you leave for the airport.

Restricted Items in Carry On Baggage

Restriction on Liquids

There are restrictions on liquids, aerosols, and gels in carry-on baggage. These items must be placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag up to 1 liter (1 quart) in volume and cannot exceed 100ml (3.4oz) per item.

Spain is planning to follow the U.K.’s lead in relaxing carry-on liquid restrictions. This will begin in 2024.

Restriction on Powders

Also, for some destinations, there are restrictions on powders in your carry-on. You are limited to 350 ml / 350 grams (12 ounces) of powders when traveling to/from the following countries:

• U.S.
• Costa Rica
• Dominican Republic

Typical powders restricted include:

• Flour
• Ground coffee
• Powdered milk
• Spices

Some powders are excepted. These include:

• Baby formula
• Human remains
• Powders with an accompanying medical prescription

If you need to travel with larger quantities of liquids or powders, they can be packed in your checked bag.

Checked Baggage Policy

Iberia’s checked baggage policy varies depending on the class of travel and the route taken.

Checked Baggage Size Limit

The maximum size of a checked bag on Iberia flights is 158 centimeters (62 linear inches), which is the total sum of the bag’s outside length, width, and height.

Iberia won’t accept any bags that exceed this size limit.

Checked Baggage Weight Limit

The maximum weight allowed for a checked bag on Iberia flights is 50 pounds (23 kilograms). If your checked bag weighs more than 50 pounds, it will be subject to an extra fee.

If you’re traveling in Business class, your checked bag weight limit is 70 pounds (32 kilograms).

Iberia won’t accept checked bags that weigh more than 70 pounds.

Free Checked Baggage Allowance

Free Checked Baggage Allowance for Flights Within Europe

Free Checked Baggage Allowance for Transatlantic Flights

Checked Baggage Allowance on Codeshare Flights

It’s important to note that Iberia’s checked baggage policy may be different on codeshare flights, where Iberia is not the operating airline. In these cases, you should check with the operating airline for their baggage policy.

Baggage Fees

Note: As at the time of writing, 1 Euro (€) = US$1.06 and 1 pound (£) = US$1.19.

Here’s a breakdown of Iberia’s checked baggage fees:

Checked Baggage Fees for Flights within Spain

Basic Economy

• First bag:
  • Online: €18
  • At the airport: €40
• Bags 2 to 9:
  • Online: €28 each
  • At the airport: €60 each

All Other Cabin Classes

For extra bags beyond the class’s free baggage allowance:

• Up to bag 9:
  • Online: €18 each
  • At the airport: €40 each

Checked Baggage Fees for Flights within Europe

Checked Baggage Fees for Transatlantic Flights

Excess Baggage Fees

If your checked bag exceeds 50 pounds (23 kilograms), it will be subject to an excess baggage fee:

Iberia won’t accept checked bags that weigh more than 70 pounds (32 kilograms).

Special Baggage

You should allow more time at the airport to check in your special equipment.

If your special item is oversized and/or overweight, the applicable bag fees must be paid at check-in. They can’t be paid online before reaching the airport.

Musical Instruments

Iberia allows you to travel with musical instruments. You have 3 ways to transport your item:

• As carry-on
• Buy a seat for the musical instrument
• Transported as checked baggage

Musical Instruments in Carry On Baggage

If you’re traveling with a musical instrument, Iberia allows you to carry it on board as hand baggage, provided that it meets certain size and weight requirements. The maximum dimensions allowed for a musical instrument are 47 x 15 in x 12 in (120 x 38 x 30 cm) and the maximum weight allowed is 10 kg.

Buy a Seat for Your Musical Instruments

Iberia allows you to buy a dedicated seat for your musical instruments. However, you must contact the airline to find out the size limit for your specific flight.

Musical Instruments in Checked Baggage

If your musical instrument is larger or heavier than what is allowed in carry-on, you can transport it as checked baggage, subject to the airline’s checked baggage fees.

Musical Instrument Size

Your musical instrument can be up to 75 x 30 in x 26 in (190 x 75 x 65 cm) in size. You must measure your item when it is packed inside its case. If your musical instrument is larger than this limit, it will be treated as excess baggage and be subject to applicable fees. Musical Instruments weighing more than 99 pounds (45 kilograms) will not be accepted.

Musical Instrument Weight

Your musical instrument can weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms) in weight. You must weigh your item when it is packed inside its case. If your musical instrument is heavier than this limit, it will be treated as excess baggage and be subject to applicable fees.

Musical Instruments Fees

If you plan to transport your musical instrument as checked baggage, you must pay for the check-in fee at the airport. Iberia doesn’t allow musical instrument fees to be paid online.

Sports Equipment

Sports Equipment Allowance

Iberia allows you to transport a variety of sports equipment as checked baggage. Unless indicated otherwise, all sports equipment must be no larger than 62 linear inches (158 centimeters) and/or 50 pounds (23 kilograms). If your equipment exceeds either of these limits, it will be subject to excess baggage fees.

Sports Equipment Fees

The fee to check your sports equipment depends on the type of flight. For short- and medium-haul flights, your item is subject to special fees. However, if you are traveling on a long-haul flight, Iberia treats your sports equipment as a standard checked bag.

Oversized and overweight fees can only be paid at the airport. Iberia recommends that you call the airline before you arrive at the airport to confirm that your oversized and/or overweight equipment can be accommodated on your flight.

Hot Tip: There is no discount for paying your bike fees online before you arrive at the airport. It may be best to wait until you arrive at check-in to pay, in case your travel arrangements change.

Types of Sports Equipment Allowed

All sports equipment must be packed in a proper bag or case.

Archery Equipment

You can check 1 set of bow and arrows in a container.

Badminton Equipment

You can check 1 set of badminton racquets and balls.

Bicycles

You can check a non-motorized, single-seated bike and it must be packed in a proper bicycle bag or box. Iberia has bike boxes for sale at select airports. If you plan to use these boxes, it is recommended that you contact Iberia to confirm that your departing airport has them available. The box’s size is 51.6 x 28.4 x 8.3 inches (13 x 72 x 21 cm) and costs €20 ($21 at the time of writing).

Bodyboarding Equipment

You can check 1 bodyboard in a bag that is no larger than 39 x 20 x 8 inches (100 x 50 x 20 cm).

Bowling Equipment

You can check 1 bag of bowling balls and 1 pair of bowling shoes in a separate bag. Iberia will consider the 2 bags as 1 piece of checked baggage.

Diving Equipment

You can check 1 mask, 1 pair of flippers, 1 pressure gauge, 1 hydrostatic vest, 1 snorkel, 1 weight belt, and 1 empty bottle in a single container.

Fishing Equipment

You can check up to 2 fishing rods, tackle box, fishing boots, and other fishing gear. The fishing rods can be packed in a separate container but still be considered as 1 piece of checked baggage.

Golf Equipment

You can check up to 14 golf clubs, 12 golf balls, and 1 pair of golf shoes.

Hang-gliding Equipment

Your hang-gliding equipment must be packed in 1 container that is no longer than 11.5 feet (3.5 meters).

Ice Hockey Equipment

You can check ice hockey sticks, 1 pair of ice skates, 1 set of protectors, and 1 helmet contained in a bag. The hockey sticks can be packed in a separate bag but still be considered as 1 piece of checked baggage.

Inflatable Rubber Boat

You can check 1 rubber boat and 1 pair of oars.

Javelin Equipment

You can check 1 set of javelins in a container.

Life Jacket

You can check 1 inflatable jacket and 1 60g cylinder of CO₂.

Monoski Equipment

You can check 1 monoski, 1 helmet, and 1 pair of boots.

Paragliding Equipment

You must pack your paragliding equipment in 1 container. Iberia won’t accept motorized paragliders at check-in.

Scooter

You can check 1 non-motorized scooter, 1 set of protective equipment, and 1 helmet.

Skateboard

You can check 1 skateboard, 1 set of protective equipment, and 1 helmet.

Skates

You can check 1 pair of skates, 1 set of protective equipment, and 1 helmet.

Skydiving Equipment

You must pack your skydiving equipment in 1 container.

Snowboards

You can check 1 snowboard, 1 helmet, and 1 pair of boots.

Snow Skis and Water Skis

You can check 1 pair of skis, 1 helmet, 1 pair of ski poles, and 1 pair of ski boots.

Squash Equipment

You can check 1 set of squash racquets and balls.

Surfboarding Equipment

You can check 1 surfboard in a bag that is no longer than 11.5 feet (3.5 meters).

Tennis Equipment

You can check 1 set of tennis racquets and balls.

Water Skis

You can check 1 pair of water skis, or 1 slalom water ski.

Windsurfing Equipment

You can check 1 board, boom, and centreboard, mast, and sail in one container.

Prohibited Items

Iberia, like most airlines, has a list of prohibited items that you aren’t allowed to carry on board the plane. These items include:

• Weapons or replicas of weapons, including firearms, explosives, and sharp objects.
• Liquids or gels in containers larger than 100ml, except for medications or baby food.
• Flammable items such as aerosols, fuels, and fireworks.
• Perishable items, including fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, and fish.
• Magnetic materials such as magnets or electronic devices that emit strong magnetic fields.
• Self-balancing devices such as hoverboards or Segways.

If you are unsure if an item is allowed on board, you should contact Iberia customer service for clarification.

Delayed and Damaged Baggage

In the event that your luggage is delayed or damaged during a flight, Iberia offers a baggage claim service. You must report any delayed or damaged baggage to the Iberia baggage claim desk before leaving the airport. Iberia will provide compensation for delayed or damaged baggage, subject to its terms and conditions.

Delayed Baggage

If your checked bag doesn’t arrive at your destination when you do, you should report it to an Iberia representative at the airport as soon as possible. The airline can then begin to search for your missing bag.

However, you have up to 21 days to report the issue.

Damaged Baggage

If you discover that your baggage has been damaged during transit, you should report this to Iberia as soon as possible. Ideally, this should be done at the airport so that an airline representative can assess your bag’s damage. However, you have up to 7 days of reporting the issue.

Final Thoughts

Iberia’s baggage policy is straightforward and easy to understand. The airline has a generous carry-on baggage allowance. However, its checked baggage allowance is comparatively modest, with only 1 free checked bag in Economy class.

As with most airlines, the pain begins if you have to pay excess bag fees – they can quickly add up.

Remember to always check Iberia’s website or contact their customer service for the latest information on baggage allowances and fees.

References

• Iberia