Air Tanzania Baggage Policy

Understanding airline baggage policies is an essential step in preparing for a smooth and hassle-free journey. Whether you’re flying within Tanzania or heading to an international destination, being aware of what you can and cannot pack — and how much you can carry — can save you both time and unexpected fees at the airport. The Air Tanzania Baggage Policy outlines clear guidelines on luggage allowances for checked and cabin baggage, including specific rules for different travel classes, infants, excess items, and special equipment.

As Tanzania’s national flag carrier, Air Tanzania operates a growing network of domestic, regional, and international routes, and its baggage policy is designed to cater to a wide range of passenger needs — from occasional travelers to frequent flyers. This article provides a comprehensive look at the Air Tanzania Baggage Policy, ensuring you have all the information you need before heading to the airport. Whether you’re packing light or traveling with extra gear, knowing your baggage rights and limitations is key to a smooth travel experience.

Air Tanzania’s Checked Baggage Allowance by Route and Cabin Class

The Air Tanzania Baggage Policy offers clearly structured baggage allowances, depending on the route and class of travel. This helps passengers prepare in advance and avoid excess baggage fees at check-in.

Domestic

• Economy Class: Passengers are entitled to check in 1 piece of baggage weighing up to 23 kg.
• Business Class: Enjoy a slightly higher allowance with 1 piece up to 30 kg.

International Flights – Within Africa (excluding Comoro Islands):

• For most African routes, both Economy and Business Class travelers are allowed 2 pieces of checked baggage, each weighing up to 23 kg.

International Flights – Comoro Islands:

• A reduced allowance applies, permitting 2 bags of 15 kg each for all fare types.

International Flights – Between Africa and Other Continents:

• Economy Class: Permitted to carry 2 pieces, each up to 23 kg.
• Business Class: A more generous allowance of 3 pieces, each up to 23 kg, is provided.

These allowances are among the most competitive in the region, particularly for long-haul and premium travelers. Passengers are advised to weigh their bags before arriving at the airport, as exceeding these limits may incur additional fees as outlined in the Air Tanzania Baggage Policy.

Air Tanzania Excess Baggage Policy and Overweight Charges

If your checked baggage exceeds the permitted weight limit, Air Tanzania applies standard excess baggage fees depending on your travel route. Passengers are strongly encouraged to weigh their bags before arriving at the airport and consider pre-booking additional weight to avoid unexpected charges.

Overweight Charges by Route

Let us check out the charges of excess baggage on Air Tanzania flights as per the routes. 

• Domestic (Within Tanzania):
  • Passengers are charged TZS 8,000 per additional kilogram.
• Regional (Africa to Africa):
  • The fee is USD 8 per kilogram of excess baggage.
• International (Africa to Asia):
  • Travelers must pay USD 15 per kilogram, making this the most expensive overweight rate in the network.

These rates apply strictly at check-in and are subject to aircraft space availability. Because airport payments may vary based on load factors and aircraft limitations, it’s highly recommended to pre-purchase extra baggage online or through a sales office to lock in lower rates and ensure space.

Special Baggage Considerations under Air Tanzania Baggage Policy

Air Tanzania provides options for transporting special baggage items, but emphasizes space availability and advance coordination due to limitations on certain aircraft. If you’re planning to travel with unusual, oversized, or sensitive items, it’s strongly recommended to contact the airline’s cargo department well ahead of your departure date at +255 754 334 898 to confirm carriage approval.

Below is a detailed breakdown of how various types of special baggage are handled under the Air Tanzania Baggage Policy:

Sporting Equipment

When traveling with sport-related gear, Air Tanzania follows specific rules to ensure safe and efficient handling. Because of limited space in the aircraft you must reserve early. To confirm if your item can be accepted, contact the Cargo Department in advance:

• Bicycles

Air Tanzania allows bicycles as part of the regular baggage allowance, provided they are properly packed. The bicycle’s tires must be deflated, and handlebars aligned parallel with the frame. Pack the bike in a nylon sac or cardboard box to ensure transit safety. If these packing conditions are met, the item travels under your standard allowance—no additional fee.

• Golf & Fishing Equipment

Any golf bag with clubs, as well as fishing gear, must be checked in or dispatched as cargo. These items cannot be carried into the cabin. Properly declaring and checking these items ensures they are handled according to policy and space regulations.

• Pole Vaulting Poles

Transporting pole vaulting poles requires early coordination. Each pole must be individually packed in a textile sack, and approval from the Space Control team is mandatory at booking. Without this pre-authorization, the cargo desk may reject transport at the airport

Musical Instruments

Air Tanzania recognizes that certain passengers may need to travel with fragile musical instruments such as violins, guitars, or flutes. As per the Air Tanzania Baggage Policy, small musical instruments may be brought onboard as cabin baggage, provided they fit within the airline’s size and weight limitations for carry-on items.

Given their delicate nature, these instruments are not handled in the same way as regular checked luggage. Passengers are encouraged to use hard-shell protective cases and to clearly label them. If the instrument exceeds cabin baggage size, it must be checked in, and additional precautions should be taken to prevent damage during transit. For highly valuable or oversized instruments, contacting the airline in advance is advisable to explore special handling or cargo options.

Mobility Aids

Air Tanzania offers support for passengers traveling with personal mobility aids, including manual and electric wheelchairs. According to the airline’s policy, passengers may bring their own wheelchair free of charge as part of their travel accommodation. These aids are accepted either as checked baggage or at the aircraft door for those requiring mobility assistance up to boarding.

It is important to note, however, that Air Tanzania does not provide onboard wheelchairs. Therefore, travelers who need assistance during the flight should plan accordingly. Early notification at the time of booking or during check-in is recommended to ensure proper arrangements are made for ground handling, boarding, and disembarkation support.

Weapons and Ammunition

Transporting firearms and ammunition on Air Tanzania flights is strictly controlled and subject to both aircraft type and government regulations. The airline only permits licensed sporting or hunting firearms under very specific conditions:

• Advance declaration is mandatory. Passengers must inform the airline during check-in that they are carrying a weapon.
• The firearm must be securely packed in checked luggage and cannot be transported in cabin baggage.
• Travelers are required to complete a special declaration form, which is reviewed and must be approved by the airline manager. 
• As per Tanzanian law, passengers may carry one licensed revolver, pistol, or shotgun in their registered baggage, but only after meeting all documentation and safety conditions.
• Ammunition must be stored separately and must comply with aviation and national safety standards. It is not permitted to be packed together with firearms.

To avoid complications, travelers intending to carry weapons should contact Air Tanzania well in advance to confirm eligibility and ensure compliance with their baggage policy. 

Diving Equipment

Passengers traveling with diving gear are allowed to bring their equipment as part of their checked baggage, provided it fits within the free baggage allowance in terms of weight and dimensions. However, strict safety protocols apply:

• Scuba tanks must be completely empty before check-in. Tanks containing compressed air or oxygen are not accepted onboard due to safety regulations.
• Diving lamps must be disassembled: batteries and bulbs must behave to be removed, and the switch secured in the “off” position.
• If all diving gear combined with other luggage does not exceed the allowed checked baggage weight, no extra charge will apply.
• Passengers must ensure that the total dimensions and weight of their equipment are correctly recorded in the Passenger Name Record (PNR) during booking.

To avoid delays or rejection at check-in, it’s advised to notify the airline in advance if you intend to travel with diving gear. Proper packing and compliance with these guidelines will ensure that your equipment travels safely and within policy limits.

High-Value and Perishable Items

Air Tanzania advises all passengers to avoid placing valuable or sensitive items in checked luggage, as these are not covered under standard baggage liability. As part of its safety and security measures, the airline prohibits the check-in of the following items:

• Cash
• Precious metals (e.g., gold)
• Jewelry and gemstones
• Electronic devices like laptops or tablets
• Important personal documents

These high-value items must be carried in your cabin baggage, where you retain direct control and supervision. Air Tanzania assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to valuables placed in checked luggage.

In addition, perishable goods, including fresh or frozen food items, are not allowed in cabin luggage. Such items pose storage and contamination risks and should be arranged through Air Tanzania’s cargo services if they must be transported. This policy helps ensure safety, hygiene, and regulatory compliance during flights.

Also Read: Air Greenland Baggage Policy

Fish Buckets (Domestic Flights Only)

A unique and regionally specific provision under the Air Tanzania Baggage Policy allows domestic passengers to transport sealed buckets of fish on board for a fixed fee. This service is only available on in-country routes and must follow strict guidelines:

• 10-liter bucket: TZS 23,000
• 20-liter bucket: TZS 30,000

These fees are applicable only at the airport and you must pay them during check-in. The policy is limited to buckets containing fish only, and the containers must be securely sealed to prevent leakage or odor. Fish buckets are not considered part of the free baggage allowance and must be declared separately during check-in.

Travelers using this service should arrive early to allow time for inspection and processing. Since this is a special cargo-type item, no prior booking is required, but availability may be affected by aircraft space.

Conclusion 

The Air Tanzania Baggage Policy outlines clear allowances for both domestic and international routes, helping passengers plan their travel with confidence. From standard checked and cabin baggage to special provisions for sports equipment, musical instruments, and valuables, the policy ensures smooth handling and safety. Travelers are encouraged to review baggage limits before departure and make prior arrangements for oversized or restricted items. 

With transparent weight limits and region-specific charges, Air Tanzania promotes efficiency and passenger convenience. Understanding and following these guidelines helps avoid unexpected fees and ensures a stress-free journey from check-in to arrival.

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