The Importance of Baggage Rules (and Why You Can Get a Little Confused with Pegasus)

Pegasus is a low-cost airline and, as with many low-cost airlines, they differentiate "fare" from "extras" - one of those "extras" is baggage allowance. So depending on what fare class or "package" you purchased, the baggage allowances (how much you can take; if it's free, etc.) will differ.

Recently (starting February 2024), Pegasus implemented changes to their cabin / carry-on baggage allowances on international flights, which was confusing for passengers.

So before we all start packing, let's go step by step through all the ways you can carry your goods, the options, and then how much you might expect to pay if you carry too much.

Baggage categories: What does “baggage” include?

When Pegasus uses the term baggage, most often they will mean two broad types (plus some oddball items):

Cabin baggage (carried onto the plane, hung on a cabin hook, or your carry on baggage). The baggage you take into the cabin with you.

Check-in baggage (or "checked baggage", or "hold baggage"). The baggage you transfer to the check-in agent, so it goes into the cargo hold of the airplane.

In limited cases, Pegasus will add a third sub-category:

Underseat bag / personal item. A bag that is smaller (an underseat bag, a backpack, a laptop bag) that is required to be placed under the seat in front of you.

Much of Pegasus "General Rules", defines these terms, and how many of each type you are allowed.

Cabin Baggage (Carry-On) Rules)

a) Sizes and Weight

• The maximum size permitted for cabin baggage is 55cm × 40cm × 20cm (length x width x height) with a maximum weight of 8kg.
• Disregarding to International and North Cyprus routes and certain fare packs, more restrictive cabin baggage allowances apply (in the form of "underseat bag") with maximum sizes of 40cm × 30cm × 15cm and maximum weight of 3kg.
• An underseat bag is a bag intended to go under the seat in front of you and is not to be used in the overhead bin.

b) Which fares include cabin baggage

This is where it gets a little more complicated:

• On domestic (within Turkey / domestic + Cyprus) flights, all fare packages include one cabin baggage (55×40×20 cm / 8 kg).

• On international / North Cyprus sector flights, base "Light" fare packages do not come with complete cabin baggage allowance. Instead, you only receive the smaller underseat bag (40×30×15 cm, 3 kg) provided.

• Should you select a higher fare (Saver, Saver Plus or Comfort Flex) for the intl / N. Cyprus flights, then you can bring the underseat bag plus a full cabin baggage (55×40×20 cm, 8 kg) too.

In the case of not purchasing cabin baggage on your reservation, occasionally, you can then still add it later (prior to flying) on the Pegasus website, the app, call centre, or from airport sales - subject to availability.

c) What if your cabin baggage is oversized or extra?

If you check-in luggage that exceeds size/weight exceptions and you have additional bags, the surplus luggage will be shifted to the hold and further charges will apply (per bag) at the gate. Fees for oversized carry-on and/or under-seat bags (and any excess) for international / North Cyprus flights is €50 (or local currency equivalent).

For Domestic flights is a similar situation, however, it could be checked for oversized/excess cabin baggage and further charges would apply also (for example, 1,000 TRY charge per bag on domestic; check any general rules for that airline, or look inside the plastic covers on the back of the chairs, those are also noteworthy).

Rarely, during traffic related operational decisions (for example fully loaded overhead compartments, weight / balance reason) may necessitate that cabin baggage be moved to checked luggage and an airline may possibly offer an a refund (even as a airline policy).

4. Check-In Baggage Rules

a) What is allowed

Check-in baggage are those items you give to the airline at the check-in desk. They are placed in the plane’s cargo hold.

The maximum weight for one checked bag (according to IATA and Turkish regulations) is 32 kg. Anything above the 32 kg limit will not be accepted.

Dimensions matter, too. The total dimensions (length + width + height) should normally not exceed 158 cm (a common standard among airlines) even though Pegasus does not typically indicate this, many assume that it applies to baggage carry-on dimensions.

b) What your ticket may include

For flights from Turkey to within the country, or from Turkey to Cyprus, those fare types include: Saver fare: 15 kg Saver Plus / Comfort Flex: 20 kg For international flights, or flights heading to North Cyprus: The "Light" fare does not include check-in baggage (0kg) All other fare types (Saver, etc.) usually include 20 kg of baggage allowance. Remember, this is the weight for each ticket/fare -- e.g. your fare might include "20 kg" which means you can check in at total of 20 kg under that fare entitlement. On some flights, there is the "weight concept" (where you can splice across bags) or a piece concept (a fixed of bags at the weight).

c) Excess or overweight check-in baggage

If your checked baggage exceeds the allowance that is included, then you have to pay extra baggage fees. These fees vary based on your origin, destination, and the amount of overweight your luggage makes.

Generally speaking, excess baggage fees or excess baggage charges are lower if you purchase them in advance than if you purchase them at the airport.

If the checked bag exceeds the absolute maximum weight (32 kg), your bag may be declined.

5. Special / Additional Baggage Considerations

a) Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments, etc.
Sports equipment, musical instruments, bikes, etc., may incur special fees and probably require you to pre-notify Pegasus. The rules and fees for these items should be detailed on the airline's website and/or on the phone with customer service.

b) Items Restricted in Checked Baggage
Hazardous materials: Flammable materials, explosives, compressed gases, acids, etc. You may need to carry loose lithium batteries only in your cabin baggage (if allowed) rather than in your checked baggage. For fragile, collectible, or heartfelt items, having them as carry-on (if allowed) may be best, accounting for that Pegasus' liability for damage while being 'held' in the cargo hold is limited.

c) Carrying for Infants / Special Information When Traveling
Infant passengers generally do not have their own cabin baggage allowance. Special items, such as bassinets, pushchairs, portable wheelchairs and other mobility devices will often be stored in cargo, and typically free of charge.

6. What happens if rules are violated (oversize, excess pieces, etc.)

If, at the gate or during final checks, your bag exceeds (or is perceived to exceed) the dimensions and/or weight described above, Pegasus will place it into checked baggage, and charge you the difference or for an additional piece.

The fee for an extra piece / oversize cabin bag is €50 per piece for international/North Cyprus flights.

For domestic flights, there may be charges for oversize or extra cabin baggage, for example 1,000 TRY per extra piece, for domestic or local flights (per general rules).

If an airline forces the cabin bag into checked baggage on operational grounds, you may be entitled to a partial refund (i.e. the difference between check and cabin).

Advice to avoid hassles

Always look at the fare type/package during the booking process (Light, Saver, Comfort Flex....).

Make sure to measure and weigh your bags from home (and again once packed) to avoid any surprises before boarding.

If your fare does NOT include a FULL cabin bag option, and you need a cabin bag, purchase it in advance because it is cheaper than paying at the gate.

For checked bags, it is cheaper to pay for extra checked bags in advance than paying at the airport.

Be extra cautious on International/North Cyprus flights because (especially those with the base fare) are typically going to be enforced underseat baggage appe as (3 kg).

Be sure to distribute weight evenly in the bags with checked baggage so they do not exceed 32 kg (which will not be accepted at all).

Bring the essential items of value and fragile items you will need to have in your possession with you (in your carry-on/underseat if allowed).

If your cabin bag is moved to checked baggage for operational reasons, keep receipts and potentially request a refund of a fare difference from Pegsus in the form of a claim submission.