Biman Bangladesh AirlinesBG

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is the flag carrier of Bangladesh and the country's largest airline. Established on January 4, 1972, just weeks after Bangladesh achieved independence, Biman holds significant national importance and serves as a symbol of Bangladeshi sovereignty. The airline is headquartered at Balaka Bhaban in Kurmitola, Dhaka, with its main operations based at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Biman operates a fleet of approximately 20 aircraft including Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Boeing 777s, Boeing 737s, and Dash 8 turboprops. The airline is not a member of any global alliance but maintains codeshare partnerships with several carriers. Biman is known for serving the large Bangladeshi diaspora communities worldwide, particularly in the Middle East, United Kingdom, and Southeast Asia.

The airline's name "Biman" means "aircraft" in Bengali. Biman provides essential connectivity for millions of Bangladeshi nationals working abroad, especially in Gulf countries where remittance workers depend on reliable air links to Bangladesh.

Carry-On Allowance

Cabin Bag (all fare classes):

• Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (22" x 16" x 8") or 115 cm linear total
• Weight: 7 kg (15 lbs) maximum
• Included: All fares

Personal Item:

• One additional small item (laptop bag, handbag) permitted
• Must fit under seat in front

Class	Cabin Bag	Personal Item	Total Weight
Economy	1 piece	1 item	7 kg max
Business	1 piece	1 item	7 kg max

Note: Weight limits are enforced at check-in and boarding gates. Bags exceeding 7 kg may be required to be checked.

Checked Baggage (Weight Concept)

Biman uses the weight system for all routes—distribute weight across any number of bags (each bag max 32 kg).

Fare Class	Allowance
Economy	30 kg (66 lbs)
Business	40 kg (88 lbs)

Size Limit: 158 cm (62 in) total linear dimensions (L + W + H) Max Per Piece: 32 kg (70 lbs)—bags over this limit are not accepted

Route Variations

International Routes:

• Standard 30 kg Economy / 40 kg Business allowance
• Middle East routes may have promotional increased allowances during peak travel seasons

Domestic Routes:

• Economy: 20 kg (44 lbs)
• Business: 30 kg (66 lbs)

London (LHR) Route:

• 30 kg Economy / 40 kg Business (standard international)
• Additional allowance may apply with promotional fares

Excess Baggage Fees

Route Type	Approximate Fee
Domestic	BDT 200-300 per kg (~USD 2-3)
Middle East	BDT 800-1,000 per kg (~USD 7-9)
Europe/Long-Haul	BDT 1,000-1,500 per kg (~USD 9-14)

Prepaid Baggage:

• Discounts available when purchasing excess baggage in advance through the booking office or website
• Recommended for passengers with heavy luggage traveling to/from Middle East

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard	Counts toward allowance
Skis/snowboard	Standard	Counts toward allowance
Bicycle	Standard	Must be boxed, deflated tires
Car seat	Free	Does not count toward allowance
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair	Free	Medical equipment free
Musical instruments	Standard	Hard case required for checked

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at bfrg.com/baggage-info before traveling.

Business Class

Boeing 787-8/787-9 Dreamliner:

• Configuration: 2-2-2
• Pitch: 45-60" (varies by aircraft)
• Seat type: Lie-flat seats on 787-9
• Screen: 15.4" personal entertainment system
• Features: AC power outlets, USB ports, premium amenity kit

Boeing 777-300ER:

• Configuration: 2-3-2
• Pitch: 60"
• Seat type: Angled lie-flat
• Features: Personal entertainment, premium dining

Business Class Amenities:

• Hot towel service
• Multi-course Bengali and international cuisine
• Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (alcohol not served on some routes)
• Amenity kits
• Priority baggage handling
• Lounge access at DAC

Economy Class

Boeing 787-8/787-9 Dreamliner:

• Configuration: 3-3-3
• Pitch: 32" (81 cm)
• Width: 17-18"
• Screen: Personal AVOD entertainment
• Features: USB charging, larger windows, improved cabin pressure

Boeing 777-300ER:

• Configuration: 3-3-3
• Pitch: 32"
• Width: 17"
• Screen: Personal entertainment on most aircraft

Boeing 737-800:

• Configuration: 3-3
• Pitch: 31-32"
• Screen: Overhead monitors on some aircraft

Dash 8 (Domestic):

• Configuration: 2-2
• Pitch: 31"
• Screen: None (short domestic flights)

Economy Amenities:

• Complimentary meals on all international flights
• Complimentary beverages (soft drinks, tea, coffee)
• Pillow and blanket on long-haul flights
• Headphones provided

In-Flight Entertainment

• AVOD (Audio Video On Demand) on 787 and 777 aircraft
• Movies including Bengali, Bollywood, and Hollywood films
• TV shows, music, games
• USB charging ports on newer aircraft
• Limited entertainment on 737 and Dash 8 aircraft

Dining

Full Meal Service:

• Bengali cuisine featuring regional specialties
• International options available
• Halal meals standard on all flights
• Special meals: Vegetarian, Hindu, low-sodium, diabetic (request 24+ hours in advance)

Signature Dishes:

• Biriyani (rice with spiced meat)
• Fish curry with rice
• Chicken/Mutton curry
• Bengali sweets (mishti)

Note: Biman is a halal airline; alcohol availability varies by route and may not be served on certain flights.

Booking:

• Book directly on bfrg.com for easier changes and refunds
• Middle East routes fill quickly during Eid holidays—book 2-3 months in advance
• Compare prices with Emirates, Qatar, and Gulf carriers on Middle East routes
• Join Biman Loyalty Club before booking to earn miles from first flight

At the Airport:

• Dhaka (DAC) Terminal 2 can be congested—arrive early, especially during peak travel seasons
• Currency exchange available at DAC but rates may be better in city
• Business Class passengers have access to Biman's Balaka Executive Lounge at DAC
• Allow extra time at DAC for security screening on international departures

Baggage:

• Weight limits (30 kg Economy international) are generous compared to many carriers
• Domestic allowance (20 kg) is lower—check your route
• Gate fees for excess baggage are expensive—prepay at ticket office
• Wrap fragile items well; baggage handling can be rough at some airports

In-Flight:

• Request special meals 24 hours in advance through booking office
• Bengali dishes are authentic and recommended
• Entertainment is best on 787 Dreamliner aircraft
• Bring your own entertainment for 737 and Dash 8 flights
• USB charging available on 787 aircraft

Routes:

• London Heathrow (LHR) is the most popular long-haul route—book early
• Sylhet (ZYL) to London route popular with British Bangladeshis
• Middle East routes operate frequently; check multiple dates for best fares
• Domestic flights useful for reaching Cox's Bazar (beach resort) and Sylhet

Frequent Flyer:

• Miles expire after 36 months—any activity resets the clock
• Partner earning options are limited compared to alliance carriers
• Gold status provides lounge access at DAC
• Consider status with Gulf carriers if you fly Middle East routes frequently

Connections:

• Minimum connection time at DAC: 2 hours recommended
• International to domestic connections may require rechecking bags
• Middle East hubs (Dubai, Doha) offer more connection options to other destinations

Common Issues:

• Online check-in may have technical issues—have backup plan to check in at airport
• Flight delays are not uncommon—build buffer time into travel plans
• Customer service response times can be slow outside Bangladesh
• Visa requirements for Bangladeshi passport holders are strict—verify well in advance