All You Need To Know About Bulgaria Air Baggage Allowance In 2026

Bulgaria Air's baggage allowance is structured around travel class, fare tiers, and the standard regulations of the majority of European airlines regarding weight, quantity, and size. Still, there are a lot of European airlines out there, many of which have certain tweaks here and there in their checked and carry-on sizes.

Before you set “wing” for the ancient streets and golden domes of Bulgaria or any other European city in Bulgaria, let’s take a close look at Bulgaria's carry-on and checked baggage allowance, latest changes in 2026, and how to fly seamlessly with the airline.

Furthermore, it’s not just about baggage allowance. A hassle-free journey also starts with packing, especially what you pack your stuff in. For example, would an underseat bag or a cabin bag for your load be a better - in some cases, cost-saving - option on Bulgaria Air?

Bulgaria Air Baggage Policy - Summary

Last update: June 2026

BULGARIA AIR CARRY-ON BAGGAGE

Cabin Baggage Allowance — Metric

Cabin Baggage Allowance — Imperial 

BULGARIA AIR CHECKED BAGGAGE

BULGARIA AIR EXTRA BAGGAGE FEES

BULGARIA AIR EXCESS BAGGAGE FEES

Overview of Bulgaria Air

Bulgaria Air (sometimes also referred to as Air Bulgaria) is the flag carrier of Bulgaria. Bulgaria Air was founded in 2002 after its predecessor, Balkan Bulgarian Airlines, was liquidated that same year.

They have their headquarters at Sofia Airport. From Sofia, they fly to:

• Domestic ports of Varna and Burgas

• Popular international ports of more than 20 cities in Europe, including Porto, Lisbon, London, Barcelona, and Paris

• Over 400 other destinations around the globe (Asia, Africa, and North America) are served in codeshare agreements with other airlines

Air Bulgaria's baggage allowance fees are typically included in the fare and class type (Business and Economy) rather than charged per category, as with a low-cost carrier (LCC, or budget airline). Bulgaria Air offers Business and Economy class, with Economy class consisting of three fare tiers: Light, Saver, and Flex.

Bulgaria Air Cabin Baggage Allowance

Enjoy your smooth journey by following Bulgaria Air's baggage policy.

Bulgaria Air's carry-on baggage allowance is available to all passengers, including Economy Light. The differences in quantity and weight depend on class and fare types offered for the routes. Here’s the baseline, regardless of whichever ticket you purchase. 

• Carry-on size for most flights/routes (Business and Economy): 55 x 40 x 23 cm / 21.6 x 15.7 x 9 in

• Quantity: 1 carry-on + 1 personal item

• Weight: 10 kilograms of carry-on

Domestic flights - Bulgaria Air cabin baggage allowance

International flights - Bulgaria Air cabin baggage allowance

Personal Items On Bulgaria Air

The personal item bag should be small enough to stow into the underseat space.

A personal item is a small bag or item that is a part of your total baggage allowance.

Bulgaria Air baggage allowance allows a maximum of 12 kilograms of hand luggage, which already includes your personal item.

The maximum dimension for personal items on Bulgaria Air is up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm.

What is typically considered a personal item?

• Purse, laptop bag, small backpack, tote bag, and umbrella

• Small bags that fit under the seat in front of you

• Fall within the size and weight limit of the carrier

Special Rules For Riga - Sofia - Riga Route

For specific routes, Bulgaria Air's carry-on baggage allowance has some changes.

In Business:

• 2 cabin bags, up to 8 kilograms each

• Size: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (total dimensions must not exceed 115 cm) each

• Plus 1 personal item up to 40 x 30 x 10 cm

In Economy:

• 1 cabin bag, up to 8 kilograms

• Size: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (total dimensions must not exceed 115 cm)

• Plus 1 personal item up to 40 x 30 x 10 cm

For flights with Bulgaria Air partners, if the flight is operated by Bulgaria Air itself, then Bulgaria Air's baggage policy is applied. If the flight is operated by their partner, you need to check their baggage allowance carefully. 

Can I Wear A Backpack And Have A Carry-On?

Bulgaria Air's baggage allowance allows a backpack as hand luggage. Most airlines accept backpacks as either the main carry-on bag or the personal item, as long as they are within their size and weight restrictions for each category.

If you’re looking for a safe and sound option for not just Bulgaria Air cabin baggage but the majority of airlines, opt for cabin-sized or underseat backpacks.

For example, CabinZero 28L Backpack measures at 39 x 29.5 x 20 cm (15.4 x 11.6 x 7 in) for the classic line and 43 x 30 x 16 cm ( 16.9 x 11.8 x 6.3 in) for the military line.

• ✅Fit most airline limits, even stingy ones.

• ✅Are lightweight (under 905g / 2 lb).

• ✅Are soft and compact.

• ✅Can be a carry-on bag on Bulgaria Air flights.

Bulgaria Air checked baggage allowance

Bulgaria Air baggage allowance for carry-ons is included for all passengers of all fares, while their checked baggage allowance varies by cabin class. For most routes, this is the standard base.

Economy:

• Quantity: 1 checked bag

• Weight: up to 23 kg

• Size: not exceeding 158 cm

Business:

• Quantity: 2 checked bags

• Weight: up to 32 kg

• Size: not exceeding 158 cm each

Free Bulgaria Air checked baggage allowance

For specific routes, Riga - Sofia - Riga, Bulgaria Air's checked baggage allowance in Business is a bit more generous compared to their hand luggage allowance for the same route. This is understandable for most carriers, as certain routes will operate with smaller/bigger fleets.

In Business:

• Quantity: 2 pieces + 1 piece of sports equipment

• Size: not exceeding 158 cm

• Weight: up to 46 kg for 2 pieces of baggage + up to 20 kg for sports equipment

In Economy:

• Quantity: 1 piece

• Size: not exceeding 158 cm

• Weight: up to 23 kg

Excess Bulgaria Air Checked Baggage Allowance

If your ticket does not include checked baggage or your baggage exceeds the limits, it will be flagged as excess baggage.

When carry-on baggage exceeds the limits, you will be asked to check it in and pay for the excess amount. When your checked baggage is overweight/oversized, you also have to pay for the excess baggage.

Bulgaria Air separates additional baggage by number of bags, and excess baggage by size/weight issue 

Baggage over 32 kg can only be transported as cargo.

Knowing that your bags exceed the limit as you pack, and you have no other way to cut down on the load? Purchase additional baggage beforehand. It is usually cheaper to prepay additional baggage before arriving at the airport.

Here’s a quick look at Bulgaria Air's excess baggage fees, which vary between domestic and international routes.

Checked bags are only included on certain fares.

Bulgaria Air Infant Luggage 

• Babies from 0-2 years old: If the baby is accompanied by an adult whose ticket allows checked baggage (Economy Saver, Economy Flex, Business), then he/she is allowed 1 piece of checked baggage, up to 10 kg, subject to the same size and weight restrictions.

• Children with their own seat: baggage allowance as said on the ticket fare, no distinctions from adults.

• Strollers are transported free of charge, but must be handed over and received immediately upon boarding/disembarking.

• Children from 5-under 18 years old without accompanying adults: Bulgaria Air provides accompanying services with fees.

It’s always best to check with Bulgaria Air regarding bulky, unfoldable strollers or mandatory baby seats upon booking. 

Bulgaria Air Sports Equipment

Sports equipment is allowed in Bulgaria. Air baggage allowance for checked bags.

• Ski, snowboard and golf equipment can have a total size of up to 280 cm and a weight of up to 23 kg.

• Bicycles have a maximum package size of 160 x 90 x 25 cm and separate fees.

• Sports equipment must be packed in cardboard boxes or cases.

Sports equipment must be requested and paid for in accordance with Bulgaria Air’s sports equipment rules.

For example, if your fare includes 1 free checked bag up to 23 kg, and you bring:

• 1 regular bag (23 kg)

• 1 sports item (23 kg)

Then your total load is considered excess baggage. Therefore, it will incur an excess baggage fee.

❗As of 2026, if your sports equipment exceeds your baggage allowance, you are strongly advised to purchase additional baggage at home, before arriving at the airport. The airline can refuse your sports equipment at the airport if the total weight and space of the aircraft is at risk. 

CPAP And Wheelchairs

CPAP and wheelchairs are considered special medical devices and might be allowed onboard with Bulgaria Air. Please contact the airlines at least 72 hours before your flight to make sure you can bring CPAP machines on the aeroplanes.

Oassengers may carry their own wheelchair free of charge as part of their checked baggage allowance, with prior request and battery rules where relevant.

If you’re travelling with medical devices, here’s what you have to do:

• Declare your equipment with Bulgaria Air no later than 3 business days before the departure date, and request other assistance for mobility if needed

• Follow their regulations for battery removal (non-spillable wet, dry, and lithium-ion)

Bulgaria Air Booking and Check-in Process  

A screenshot of the Bulgaria Air booking page. Photo taken on official website.

Booking

Booking a Bulgaria Air flight is straightforward, especially if you already know how much baggage you need. You can book directly through the Bulgaria Air website or mobile app, or through a travel agency or flight-comparison platform.

Bulgaria Air operates a tiered fare system. The entry-level Economy LIGHT fare (sometimes listed as a hand baggage-only ticket) covers one cabin bag and a personal itNo hold luggage is included, and you can't add it on later at the counter without paying the higher airport rate.

If you're planning to travel light, this fare works well, provided your bag meets the size and weight rules.

Seat selection isn't included in base fares. Prices for choosing a specific seat start from 10 BGN, rising to 19 BGN or more for seats towards the front of the aircraft. If you don't pick one, you're assigned a seat for free at check-in

If your fare does not include checked baggage, or if you know you will need more than your allowance, it is worth adding extra baggage before you get to the airport.

Check In

Checking in with Bulgaria Air is available through two modes:

Online check-in

• Online check-in is available 24 hours before departure and closes 60 minutes before the scheduled take-off.

Passengers can check in online via Bulgaria Air's website or mobile app. You'll receive a boarding pass to print or display on your phone.

During online check-in, you can also pre-pay for extra luggage and/or request any special assistance you may need.

However, a few passengers cannot use online check-in:

• Those who need wheelchair assistance.

• Unaccompanied minors.

• Those travelling with firearms.

• Groups of more than nine.

• Travelling with pets.

• Carrying an oversized musical instrument requires an extra seat.

If you are in any of these groups, you'll need to check in at the airport desk. 

At the Airport

• Check-in desks open two hours before departure and close 40 minutes before the scheduled take-off.

• At Sofia Airport specifically, check-in can begin up to four hours before departure.

If you've checked in online and have no hold luggage to drop, head straight to border control and the gate. But make sure you're there no later than 40 minutes before the scheduled take-off.

If you do have a bag to check, drop it at the designated baggage counter no later than one hour before departure.

FAQs

1. Is Hairspray Allowed On Flights?

Hairspray is allowed as part of Bulgaria Air's baggage allowance. If it belongs in your carry-on baggage, you must follow standard liquid packing and transportation rules, typically known as the 1-1-1 liquid rule:

• Each container must be 100 ml (or less)

• All containers must be packed inside a 1 litre clear, proof-leak, resealable bag

• Each passenger is allowed 1 liquids bag

Alongside hairspray, these items are typically qualified as liquids safe to board the aircraft:

• Water

• Cologne

• Hairspray

• Deodorant spray

• Shampoo

• Conditioner

• Lotion

• Toothpaste

2. Can I Combine Baggage Weight Across Bags?

Under the Bulgaria Air baggage policy, you cannot combine weights across pieces.

Bulgaria Air's checked baggage allowance is 32 kg per bag in Business. If you count the total, it’s technically 64 kg. However, Bulgaria Air's baggage policy follows a piece concept with a weight limit for each piece. Therefore, if one bag is lighter than 32 kg, it does not equal the other bag, increasing their weight to 34 kg.

 To avoid excess baggage fees, stick to your fare’s baggage allowance or consider these great tips to lighten your load:

• Travel-sized every item you can, especially liquids

• Pack with packing cubes to control your load

• Opt for a capsule wardrobe with versatile outfits

• Always purchase extra baggage at home if you must. Don’t let the carrier weigh and charge your excess baggage at the check-in counter, because it will be more expensive

Understand Bulgaria Air Baggage Allowance With Ease

Bulgaria Air baggage allowance is pretty streamlined once you understand the basics. Everybody gets carry-on baggage (at least 1 cabin bag + 1 personal item) free of charge. Checked baggage varies depending on fare types.

For a smooth trip, pack smart with a cabin-sized bag, like CabinZero’s 28L Backpacks, to avoid last-minute surprises. 

For more airline baggage allowance guides and travel tips, don’t forget to check our Blogs or follow us on social media for the latest updates.

Nguyen Tran Gia Khanh