Baggage allowance explained: 1PC, 2PC and kg
Last reviewed 16 October 2026. Your e-ticket and your airline's website show your exact allowance.
Your ticket shows checked baggage in one of two ways: by the number of pieces (PC) or by total weight (kg). Here is what each means.
1PC, 2PC: the piece system
- 1PC means one checked bag. In economy each bag is usually up to 23 kg.
- 2PC means two checked bags, each usually up to 23 kg, so up to 46 kg in total. You cannot put 30 kg in one bag and 16 kg in the other.
- Bags usually also have a size limit, often 158 cm when you add length, width and height.
- Flights to and from the UK, USA and Canada mostly use the piece system.
20 kg, 30 kg, 40 kg: the weight system
- A number in kg means the total weight of all your checked bags.
- With 30 kg you could take one 30 kg bag or two 15 kg bags, as long as each bag is within the airline's limit per bag.
- No single bag can be heavier than 32 kg on most airlines, to protect baggage handlers.
- Flights between Pakistan and the Gulf often use the weight system.
0PC, "no bag" and hand carry only
The cheapest fares on budget airlines often include no checked baggage, only hand carry. If you see 0PC or "cabin bag only", add a bag when you book: paying for it at the airport costs more.
Hand carry (cabin baggage)
- Usually one bag of about 7 kg in economy, plus a small personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag.
- Power banks, vapes and spare batteries must go in hand carry. See what you can carry on a plane.
Babies and children
Children with their own seat usually get the same allowance as adults. Babies on a parent's lap often get a smaller allowance, and many airlines carry a pushchair free. Check your airline's rules.
How to check your allowance
- Look at your e-ticket or booking confirmation for "Baggage" or "Bag allowance".
- If you change planes, the allowance of the main airline on your ticket usually applies to the whole trip.
- Check your airline's own page: see baggage allowance by airline for PIA, Emirates, Saudia, flydubai and more.