Understanding Airline Baggage Allowances Before You Fly

Airline baggage allowances vary widely between carriers, routes, and ticket classes. What one airline includes, another charges extra for. Understanding these differences before booking prevents airport surprises.

Standard Allowances by Region

European budget carriers typically allow one small personal item (fitting under the seat) with checked baggage and larger carry-ons requiring additional fees. Full-service European airlines generally permit one checked bag (23kg) and one carry-on (8-10kg) in economy.

North American carriers often include one personal item and one carry-on on most fares, but basic economy tickets may restrict overhead bin access. Checked bag fees typically start at $30-35 for the first bag.

Asian airlines frequently offer more generous allowances. Many include 20-30kg checked baggage even on economy tickets, though this varies by route and fare type.

Weight vs Piece System

Airlines use two primary systems. The piece system (common on transatlantic routes) allows a specific number of bags regardless of weight, typically up to 23kg each. Exceeding this weight triggers overweight fees.

The weight system (common on Asian routes) permits a total weight allowance distributed across any number of bags. A 30kg allowance could be one 30kg bag or three 10kg bags.

Carry-On Restrictions

Carry-on size limits typically fall around 55x40x20cm, but enforcement varies dramatically. Some carriers strictly measure and weigh every bag. Others rarely check unless the bag appears obviously oversized.

Liquid restrictions (100ml containers in a clear 1-liter bag) apply globally for security, not airline policy. These rules remain consistent regardless of carrier.

Hidden Costs

Baggage fees compound quickly. A bag that weighs 24kg instead of 23kg might cost $50-100 in overweight fees. Sports equipment often incurs additional charges regardless of weight allowance.

Some budget carriers charge for printing boarding passes at the airport or checking in at the desk rather than online. These operational fees can exceed baggage costs.

Practical Packing Strategies

Invest in a luggage scale. Weighing bags at home prevents airport repacking. Digital scales cost $10-15 and pay for themselves in a single avoided fee.

Wear heavy items during travel. Boots and jackets don't count toward baggage weight when worn. This strategy recovers 2-3kg of allowance.

Packing cubes compress clothing effectively. Rolling clothes tightly and using compression bags maximizes space within weight limits.

Checking Policies Before Booking

Baggage allowances appear during booking on most sites, but verify directly with the airline afterward. Third-party bookings sometimes display generic information that doesn't match specific routes.

Allowances can differ on the same airline depending on route. A carrier might include checked bags on long-haul but charge for them on short regional flights.

Managing Multi-Airline Itineraries

Codeshare flights follow the operating carrier's baggage policy, not the marketing airline. If you book with Airline A but Airline B operates the flight, B's rules apply.

Separate tickets mean separate baggage allowances. Booking two one-ways instead of a return doesn't combine allowances. Each ticket stands alone with its own fees.

Overweight and Oversized Fees

Overweight fees typically start at 23-32kg (50-70lb) range. Bags exceeding this threshold cost $50-200 extra depending on the airline and route.

Oversized bags (exceeding length + width + height limits) trigger separate fees even if weight stays within limits. Some airlines charge both overweight and oversized fees on the same bag.

Special Items

Strollers and car seats usually fly free on airlines serving families, but policies vary. Some allow gate-checking, others require advance arrangement.

Medical equipment generally doesn't count toward baggage allowances, but advance notification helps ensure smooth processing. Documentation may be required for certain items.

Musical instruments face inconsistent policies. Small instruments fitting overhead usually count as carry-on items. Larger instruments may require purchasing an extra seat.

Status and Credit Card Benefits

Frequent flyer status often includes extra baggage allowance. Even basic tier membership might add one free checked bag or increase weight limits by 5-10kg.

Travel credit cards sometimes include free checked bags when you purchase tickets with the card. These benefits typically extend to companions on the same reservation.

International Connection Considerations

Through-checked baggage on connecting flights follows the most restrictive airline's policy in the itinerary. If one carrier allows 30kg but the connecting carrier permits only 23kg, the lower limit applies.

Minimum connection times don't account for baggage transfer delays. Tight connections risk bags missing flights even when passengers make them.

Shipping as Alternative

Shipping luggage ahead via postal services or dedicated luggage shipping companies sometimes costs less than airline fees for very heavy bags. This works well for sports equipment or moving between locations.

Compare total costs including return shipping. A $100 round-trip shipping cost beats two $75 overweight fees, but barely beats two $50 fees.

Regional Variations

Middle Eastern carriers often provide generous allowances (30-40kg economy) competing on service quality. Budget carriers in the region match low-cost European models.

South American airlines vary dramatically. Some include generous allowances, others charge for everything beyond a small personal item.

Baggage allowances change periodically as airlines adjust revenue models. Policies valid when booking may change before travel, though significant reductions usually trigger notification.

Travel information changes frequently. Verify details before booking. Travel involves risk.