Knowing your Royal Air Maroc baggage allowance before you fly saves you from nasty surprises at the check-in desk and from often-steep excess fees. Morocco’s national carrier (RAM) applies specific rules that vary by cabin (Economy or Business), fare type and, above all, destination: a domestic hop between Casablanca and Marrakech does not follow the same logic as a long-haul flight to New York or Montreal. This 2026 guide reviews, in a neutral and factual way, the cabin allowance, checked allowance, the “piece” system, overweight fees, special baggage and prohibited items. The figures cited come from Royal Air Maroc’s official pages; they may change, so always check your e-ticket and the airline’s website before departure.
In brief: the essentials of Royal Air Maroc baggage
- Cabin baggage: 1 carry-on bag (10 kg in Economy, 12 kg in Business) + 1 personal item (2 kg maximum).
- Cabin dimensions: 55 × 40 × 25 cm for the main bag; 40 × 30 × 15 cm for the personal item.
- Checked baggage: “piece” system (Piece Concept), 23 kg per piece in Economy, 32 kg per piece in Business.
- Number of pieces: varies by destination (0 to 1 in short/medium-haul Economy, often 2 to North America and Africa).
- Limits per piece: 32 kg maximum and total dimensions ≤ 203 cm, otherwise handled by Cargo service.
- Overweight and excess: charged as an extra, amount varying by destination and number of pieces.
- Always verify: allowances depend on the exact fare shown on your ticket; check royalairmaroc.com.
Royal Air Maroc cabin baggage: weight and dimensions
Cabin baggage is the first thing to master in the Royal Air Maroc baggage policy. It refers to what you keep with you in the cabin, stowed in the overhead bin above your seat. The airline lets each passenger carry one main cabin bag plus one personal item. This dual allowance is standard on most flights, but the weight limits are not identical between Economy and Business.
Cabin weight and dimensions allowed
According to information published by Royal Air Maroc, cabin baggage must not exceed 10 kg in Economy Class and 12 kg in Business Class. Maximum dimensions are set at 55 × 40 × 25 cm, including length, width and height (handles and wheels included). This matches the standard cabin-luggage format on the market, but a slightly larger model may be refused at the desk or at the boarding gate. On full flights, cabin space may run out: your carry-on may then be placed in the hold, with a receipt issued so you can collect it on arrival.
The additional personal item
In addition to the carry-on bag, each passenger may bring one personal item weighing no more than 2 kg with dimensions up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm. It goes under the seat in front of you. This can be a small backpack, a laptop bag, a handbag or a camera case. Note that passengers seated in emergency exit rows must place their personal item in the overhead bin, as the floor space must stay clear for safety reasons. Items bought in duty-free shops after the security check are generally counted on top of this allowance.
Liquids, medication and valuables
International aviation security rules apply to liquids carried in the cabin: each container is limited to 100 ml and the whole set must fit inside a single transparent, resealable one-litre plastic bag. Medication and valuables (laptop, phone, jewellery, documents, keys) must travel with you in the cabin, never in the hold. On flights between Morocco and the United States, a specific rule applies: powder-like substances (cosmetics, powdered milk, coffee, spices) totalling 350 ml or more must go in the hold; smaller amounts, prescribed medical powders, sealed duty-free products and infant formula remain allowed in the cabin. For a deeper look at carry-on rules, see our dedicated guide: Morocco carry-on baggage rules.
Checked baggage and the “piece” system
For checked Royal Air Maroc baggage, the airline applies the so-called “piece” principle (Piece Concept), a system common among carriers serving North America. Understanding this logic is essential to avoid mistakes when packing, because it differs from the “weight” system used by some medium-haul airlines.
Piece concept versus weight concept
Under the piece system, the allowance is expressed as a number of permitted bags, each with its own weight limit. Crucial point: weight cannot be pooled or shared between several suitcases. In other words, if your allowance is two pieces of 23 kg, you cannot present a 30 kg bag offset by a 16 kg one; each piece must individually stay under the limit. The weight limit per piece is generally 23 kg in Economy and 32 kg in Business. As for dimensions, the sum of the three sides (height + length + width) must not exceed 203 cm per piece.
This logic contrasts with the “weight” system (Weight Concept), still used by some carriers on intra-European or African flights, where the total weight of your bags is added up with no strict limit on the number of pieces. At Royal Air Maroc, the focus on the number of pieces reflects the importance of its North American network, where the Piece Concept is the market norm. For travellers, the practical takeaway is simple: it is better to spread your bags evenly, each well under its limit, than to pack a single large, overweight suitcase that would trigger overweight fees even if your total allowance is not reached.
Allowance by cabin and destination
The number of pieces allowed free of charge depends both on your travel class and on the geographical zone served. Flights to North America (United States, Canada), Brazil, sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East or China generally offer a more generous allowance than domestic or intra-Europe flights. The table below summarises the allowances published by Royal Air Maroc; they remain indicative and depend on the exact fare of your ticket.
| Destination / zone | Economy | Business | Safar Flyer status bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic and Europe ↔ Morocco | 0 to 1 piece (23 kg) | 2 pieces (32 kg each) | +1 piece (23 kg Eco / 32 kg Business) |
| USA, Canada, Brazil, Africa, Middle East, China | 1 to 2 pieces (23 kg each) | 3 pieces (32 kg each) | +1 piece (23 kg Eco / 32 kg Business) |
| Qatar | 1 to 2 pieces (23 kg each) | 2 pieces (32 kg each) | +1 piece (23 kg Eco / 32 kg Business) |
Eco Essential fares and Safar Flyer status
Watch out for the cheapest fares: “Eco Essential” (or “Light”) tickets often include no checked baggage on short and medium-haul flights, and just one 23 kg piece on long-haul. If you travel on this fare type, you will need to buy a checked allowance at the time of booking, which is generally cheaper than at the airport desk. Conversely, members of the Safar Flyer loyalty programme at Silver, Gold or Ambassador tiers get one extra piece. Plan ahead with our article on Royal Air Maroc online check-in, which also lets you manage your baggage options.
Overweight and excess Royal Air Maroc baggage
Exceeding your allowance triggers excess fees, a frequent cost that knowing the Royal Air Maroc baggage rules helps you anticipate. Two distinct situations must be separated: adding a piece beyond your allowance, and exceeding the weight or dimension limits of an existing piece.
The principle of excess fees
Any bag presented beyond the allowance included in your ticket is charged as an extra, generally per piece and according to the distance flown. Amounts vary noticeably from one zone to another: excess on a medium-haul flight costs less than excess on a transatlantic long-haul. Royal Air Maroc does not publish a single, universal price: the cost depends on the route, the number of pieces and the purchase channel. To find the exact amount for your trip, the most reliable option is to simulate adding a bag during online booking or to check the official “excess baggage” page. As a rule, buying your allowance online before the flight is much cheaper than at the airport desk.
Oversized baggage: over 32 kg or 203 cm
No single piece of checked baggage may individually exceed 32 kg or a total dimension sum of 203 cm. These limits reflect handling and ramp-agent safety constraints. A heavier or bulkier bag cannot be accepted at the standard passenger desk: it must be shipped via the airline’s Cargo (freight) service, with separate formalities and pricing. If you carry a heavy or bulky item, it is better to split it into several compliant pieces or contact the airline in advance.
Special baggage: sport, music, baby, animals
Some items require special handling and fall outside the standard allowance. Here are the main categories covered by Royal Air Maroc’s policy. The exact conditions (fees, packaging) must be confirmed with the airline, ideally before the day of departure.
| Item type | General principle | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Sports equipment (golf, bicycle, kitesurf, fishing) | Often outside the allowance, separate fees by route | Bicycle: pedals removed, tyres deflated; declare in advance |
| Musical instrument | Small instrument allowed in cabin if within size limit; large instrument in hold or on a purchased seat | Notify the airline for a cello, double bass, etc. |
| Baby equipment | Separate allowance of about 10 kg, plus a foldable stroller or carrycot accepted | Added to the accompanying adult’s allowance |
| Animals | Small animal in cabin (carrier included) under a weight limit; heavier animal in hold; fees apply | A disabled person’s guide dog travels free at their side |
Sports equipment
Sports gear (golf bags, bicycles, kitesurf or surf boards, fishing tackle, skis) is subject to packaging rules and, most often, pricing separate from the standard allowance. A bicycle must travel with pedals removed and tyres deflated, protected in suitable packaging. Fees depend on the destination and can add up significantly on a long-haul flight. It is strongly advised to declare and reserve the transport of your equipment in advance, otherwise its acceptance is not guaranteed and the desk price will be higher.
Musical instruments
A small instrument (violin, flute, ukulele) may be carried in the cabin provided it fits the carry-on dimensions. For a bulky, fragile instrument (cello, guitar, double bass), two options exist: place it in the hold in a suitable hard case, with the risks that entails for a fragile item, or buy an extra seat in the cabin to carry it beside you. Contact the airline ahead of time to find the most suitable solution for your instrument.
Baby and young-child equipment
Families travelling with a baby get a dedicated allowance of about 10 kg, separate from the accompanying adult’s. A foldable stroller or carrycot is also accepted, usually handed over at the foot of the jet bridge and returned when you leave the aircraft. Infant formula is allowed in the cabin, including on flights to the United States subject to the powder rule. Check with RAM for the exact terms regarding approved car seats.
Animals in cabin and hold
Transporting animals is governed by strict rules. A small pet may be admitted in the cabin in a transport bag or carrier, subject to a weight limit (animal and carrier included); heavier animals travel in the hold in an approved crate. Fees apply in both cases, and the number of animals per flight is limited. A guide dog accompanying a person with a disability is carried free of charge at their side. Always book your animal’s transport in advance, as places are limited.
Prohibited items in cabin and hold
Beyond allowances, some items are regulated or fully banned on board, in both the cabin and the hold. Following these rules is essential for flight safety and determines whether your baggage is accepted.
- Cooking oil: its transport is strictly prohibited on RAM flights, both in cabin and in hold.
- Television sets: not accepted without solid, rigid packaging; suitable packing is mandatory.
- Fuels and lighters: unabsorbed liquid fuel, lighters containing such fuel and refill cartridges are prohibited.
- Weapons and ammunition: hold only, unloaded and declared, with the required documents.
- Petrol engines: the fuel system must be completely drained.
- Liquids > 100 ml in cabin: banned above the regulatory limit; place them in the hold.
Sharp objects, high-capacity lithium batteries and certain chemical or flammable products are also regulated under IATA international standards. If in doubt about a specific item, check the baggage page on the official website or contact the airline before heading to the airport.
Practical tips for your Royal Air Maroc baggage
- Weigh your suitcases at home with a luggage scale: the limit applies to each piece individually, with no offsetting possible.
- Buy any extra allowance online before the flight: it is almost always cheaper than at the airport desk.
- Check your ticket’s fare type: an “Eco Essential” may include no checked baggage on short flights.
- Keep valuables and medication in your cabin bag, never in the hold.
- Tag your bags inside and out with your contact details, and remove old tags.
- Plan ahead for special items (sport, instrument, animal) by reserving them in advance with RAM.
- Check in online to save time and lock in your baggage options before reaching the airport.
To organise your whole journey, you can also compare the airlines flying to Morocco, arrange your transfers between the airport and your accommodation, and check what you can bring back through Moroccan customs on your return.
FAQ: frequently asked questions about Royal Air Maroc baggage
What is the cabin baggage weight limit?
Cabin baggage is limited to 10 kg in Economy Class and 12 kg in Business Class, with maximum dimensions of 55 × 40 × 25 cm. On top of that, you may add a personal item of up to 2 kg (40 × 30 × 15 cm) to stow under the seat in front of you.
How many checked bags can I take for free?
It depends on your destination and cabin. In Economy, the allowance generally ranges from 0 to 1 piece of 23 kg on domestic and Europe-Morocco flights, to 1 or 2 pieces of 23 kg to North America, Africa, the Middle East or China. In Business, it reaches 2 to 3 pieces of 32 kg. Check your ticket for the exact detail.
Can I split weight between two suitcases?
No. Under the “piece” system, the weight limit applies to each bag individually. A 23 kg suitcase cannot offset another one of 25 kg: each piece must stay under its own limit (23 kg in Economy, 32 kg in Business).
How much does an extra or overweight bag cost?
The amount varies by route (medium or long-haul), number of pieces and time of purchase. Royal Air Maroc does not publish a single universal price. The most reliable option is to simulate adding a bag during online booking or to check the official “excess baggage” page. Buying in advance is generally cheaper than at the desk.
Does my Eco Essential ticket include a checked bag?
Often not on short and medium-haul flights, where this fare includes no checked piece. On long-haul, it generally includes one 23 kg piece. Check the exact wording on your e-ticket and, if needed, add a checked allowance before departure.
Can I travel with my pet?
Yes, under conditions. A small animal can travel in the cabin in a transport bag, within a set weight limit (animal and carrier included); heavier animals travel in the hold in an approved crate. Fees apply and places are limited, so book in advance. A disabled person’s guide dog travels free of charge.
What are the maximum dimensions of a checked bag?
The sum of the three dimensions (height + length + width) must not exceed 203 cm and the weight must not exceed 32 kg per piece. Beyond that, the bag is not accepted at the passenger desk and must be shipped via the Cargo service.
Can I carry a laptop in addition to my cabin bag?
Yes. A laptop bag can serve as your personal item (2 kg maximum, 40 × 30 × 15 cm), added to the main carry-on bag. The laptop, like other valuables, must stay with you in the cabin.
In summary
The Royal Air Maroc baggage allowance rests on three pillars: a cabin bag of 10 kg (Economy) or 12 kg (Business) plus a 2 kg personal item; a checked allowance under the “piece” system with 23 or 32 kg per piece; and a number of pieces that varies widely by destination, more generous to North America and Africa than on domestic or European flights. Always plan ahead by checking your ticket’s exact fare, weighing each suitcase separately and buying any extra allowance online. These rules and figures may change: before every departure, confirm them via the official sources below.
Official sources
- Royal Air Maroc – Carry-On Baggage
- Royal Air Maroc – Checked Baggage
- Royal Air Maroc – Special Baggage
- Royal Air Maroc – Excess Baggage
- IATA – Passenger baggage rules
Photo credit
Illustrations : « Cathay Pacific check-in counters » — N509FZ (CC BY-SA 4.0) ; « Luggage that’s too heavy at the airport » — Familydestinationsguide.com (CC BY 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons.
