I tried searching for EK, Emirates, Bag, and Baggage, but to no avail. I am flying in a few months to DXB and from there taking EK to see the family in HYD. According to the Emirates website, this is what I can expect to take to India with me:

Two checked bags for which the length plus breadth plus height (L+B+H) should not exceed 45ins/115cms per bag. Maximum weight 32kgs/70lbs.
PLUS
1 [carry-on] bag (22 X 15 X 8INS / 55 X 38 X 20CMS). Weight must not exceed 7kgs/15lbs.

Is this true? My beloved Tumi that travels carry-on with me is 22x14x10 - at 46" even that is too big to be checked in in DXB. Plus, I am going to India... 1 salwar would fill an entire bag at that size!!!

Any ways around this without paying some massive excess baggage fee? And on that topic, it appears that you can pay $25 (USD) for overweight bags that are in transit from elsewhere, but I couldn't find the cost for overweight bags when travel originates in DXB. Also, would the same fee apply to oversized bags?

I'm not trying to take the kitchen sink with me or anything, but I had hoped to bring two 25x17x11 suitcases (the next size up from the standard US carry-on rolling suitcase). Unthinkable?

Also, how strictly is this 15lbs carry-on limit enforced? I'll have a backpack with me, which would meet the size requirements, but my t60 and assorted peripherals (charger, backup battery, etc) would eat up the bulk of my 15 lbs... .

Thanks for the help!

I don't think that is entirely correct.

Assuming you are travelling on EK from JFK to DXB and your ticket to India is on the same ticket:

If you are in Y, it is as above, but bags can only be 23K each and the dimensions are as follows.

If you are in J, it would be as above but you would be allowed an additional carryon as shown below:
and the bag sizes would be

There is a 32K allowance when flying to the US from India in economt, but this won't apply to you.

If your DXB-India ticket is separate, you will only be entitled to 20/30/40kg of checked luggage in Y/J/F respectively.

You will be ok for checkin.

For carryon I think you should be fine as well if you can be persuasive. At DXB they are very strict and will measure the bag sometimes. Since you are 1" over overall - you could try and reason with the agent. (Is your bag a wheelie? If so, they don't count individual dimensions, only 45" overall.)

I have got into quite a few fights with the DXB ground staff and have always won: my bag is within the exact limits so I frequently get stopped.

I have never been charged for having 2 bags at 62 inches each, so I don't think it should be a problem. I would assume that the $25 USD charge would also apply to oversize bags but I am not sure - can anyone else confirm?

You should be fine.


ex Dubai, it is enforced very strictly. They have those annoying little scales and make you gate check everything that is over. If you make your bag look light, they are unlikely to stop you.

Cheers

If the GA is a man, she'll be fine; all men are putty in the hands of a smiling 3timesalady!

Thanks for the advice, sadiqhassan (and thanks for the compliment, Sunnyhere!) -- to clairfy, I am flying on NW to DXB and picking up an EK flight a couple of days later. 2 carry-on sized suitcases is simply not going to cut it, given what I need to take there (and hope to bring back!)

So I'm thinking that I still don't qualify for US baggage allowances, but I'll take my chances with the 62" size suitcases and hope to be as lucky as you, or be prepared to pay the $25 oversize (and if anyone can confirm that this is the case, I'd appreciate it) fee.

Thanks for the tip re: scales to weigh carry-ons -- I guess I'll have to figure out how to make my laptop look like a hat before I go!

One last and stupid question that I can't find answered on the EK website -- can I lock my checked luggage or not?

Thanks much (again!)

Yes, you can lock luggage (and I'd strong recommend that you do!)

Cheers