Knowing the Air Tanzania baggage allowance before you pack saves money and stress at the airport. The national airline publishes separate allowances for domestic flights, flights within Africa and intercontinental routes, plus a hand-luggage limit. This guide summarises the published rules, explains how they compare with Precision Air and other airlines, and gives practical packing tips.
Air Tanzania baggage allowance at a glance
According to the airline’s official baggage allowance page, the standard free allowances are:
- Domestic flights: economy 1 bag of up to 23 kg; business class 1 bag of up to 30 kg.
- International flights within Africa: economy 2 pieces of up to 23 kg each; flights to and from the Comoros have a lower limit of 2 pieces of 15 kg each.
- Intercontinental flights: economy 2 pieces of up to 23 kg each.
- Hand luggage: 7 kg free.
Allowances can depend on your fare type and route, and the airline may change them, so always check the baggage information on your ticket or booking confirmation before you travel.
Baggage on domestic Air Tanzania flights
On domestic routes such as Dar es Salaam to Kilimanjaro, Mwanza, Zanzibar, Dodoma or Mbeya, economy passengers get one checked bag of up to 23 kg plus 7 kg of hand luggage. Smaller Dash 8-400 turboprops have less overhead locker space than jets, so a compact carry-on is easier to stow.
Air Tanzania baggage allowance on international flights
On international routes, including flights within Africa and intercontinental services, economy passengers normally get two pieces of up to 23 kg each. If your journey combines Air Tanzania with another airline, the allowance usually follows the rules of the airline that issued your ticket or the most significant carrier, so check each segment. Business-class passengers on international flights should check their fare details for the exact allowance; our guide to Air Tanzania’s 787 business class covers the premium cabin.
Precision Air baggage allowance
Precision Air, Tanzania’s main private airline, publishes its own baggage rules, which differ from Air Tanzania’s and can vary by fare. If you are flying Precision Air, see our guide to Precision Air baggage rules and confirm the current allowance on the airline’s website. On light aircraft used for safaris, limits are much lower, often around 15 kg in soft bags.
Excess, special and lost baggage
- Excess baggage: extra weight or pieces are charged according to route; paying in advance is often cheaper than at the airport.
- Special items: sports equipment, musical instruments and fragile items may need advance notice and extra fees.
- Restricted items: lithium batteries, power banks and dangerous goods must follow aviation security rules; power banks go in hand luggage only.
- Delayed or lost bags: report them at the airport baggage desk before leaving the arrivals hall and keep your baggage tag receipt.
For more on the rules, see our article on Air Tanzania’s baggage policy.
How Air Tanzania compares with other airlines
Many international airlines serving Tanzania also use piece-based allowances of 23 kg per bag in economy on long-haul routes, but rules differ by airline, route and fare family, and some low fares include no checked bag at all. Compare the allowance as part of the total price when choosing between airlines.
Packing tips to stay within your allowance
- Weigh your bags at home and leave a little margin for souvenirs.
- Wear your heaviest shoes and jacket on the plane.
- Keep medicines, valuables and documents in your hand luggage.
- Use soft bags if you are connecting to a safari light aircraft.
- Label your bags inside and out with your contact details.
Final word on the Air Tanzania baggage allowance
For most economy passengers the rule of thumb is simple: one 23 kg bag on domestic flights, two 23 kg bags on international flights and 7 kg of hand luggage. Confirm the details for your fare on the Air Tanzania website before you fly, especially for special items or connecting itineraries.
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