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Online Booking
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Travel Tips |
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Travel Links |
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What are the size and
weight restrictions for my luggage?
How many pieces of luggage can I take with
me?
How can I avoid extra charges for my luggage?
How can I find out about my Airlines luggage restrictions
and limits?
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Read our Packing Tips
section for more tips on packing.
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What are the size and weight
restrictions for my luggage?
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- Since the Airlines’ luggage restrictions
are going through a recent period frequent change, you should
check directly with your Airline as to size, weight and number
of bags that you can check and carry-on.
- In many cases, the Airlines have added new
limits on both carry-on and checked baggage. You should check,
but most Airlines limit their carry-on bags to a range of 14"
to 16" high, 21" to 24" wide, and 8" to 9" deep. The lower limits
are for under seat storage and larger limits for the more generous
overhead compartment. A 45" total (height+width+depth) can be
used as a basic guideline to see if your bag will be allowed as
a carry-on.
- Most Airlines have a carry-on weight limit
of 40 pounds and a checked baggage weight limit of 70 pounds.
- Some Airlines allow you a larger size and
weight for your first bag, but have more restrictive limits for
additional bags.
- Many Airlines’ limits vary if you are taking
a domestic or international flight, are flying first, business
or coach class or if you are a member of their premium membership
clubs.
- All limits are much more strictly enforced
then in the past. Bags are weighed at check-in and many Airlines
have placed bag-sizers at their gates. If your carry-on bags are
too big, you’ll have to check them and that might cause them to
be classified as "extra bags" which usually carries
an extra charge. If you bags are too heavy, you can be charged
a rather high overweight luggage charge.
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How many pieces of luggage can
I take with me?
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- Just because you sneaked it on once, don’t
always expect to get away with it. More rigorous enforcement of
the rules and more and more bag-sizer stations will likely catch
you now. This is especially true during the holidays and other
peak flying times when the Airlines are watching closely since
the planes are full and everyone is trying to sneak lots of stuff
on the plane.
- During periods of high security, you may
be required to check items you would normally be allowed to carry
onboard the aircraft.
- Most Airlines allow for a combination of
three bags to be divided among your carry-on and checked baggage.
You’ll want to check with your specific Airline, since there are
differences in their allowance programs. The Airlines also look
at some items differently; some will count a laptop or briefcase
against your allowance, while others will not.
- You may be allowed to bring more luggage
free of charge if you are traveling on a first or business class
ticket or are a member of the Airline’s premium membership club.
- If you plan on bringing extra luggage, you
had better check with the Airline to see if they will allow it
on the plane. Even if you are willing to pay an extra fee, they
can still refuse your extra luggage if the plane is already full.
If you do receive permission to bring the extra luggage, have
the person granting the permission note this on your reservation
and be sure to get their name.
- If you are changing Airlines during your
trip, you’ll need to take into account the luggage limits for
all the Airlines you’ll use. What is acceptable to one Airline
may bring an extra charge on another.
- Check the regulations when making connecting
flights in European or other foreign countries. You may be held
to more restrictive luggage limits while flying within the area
than you did flying into the area.
- If you are flying on a commuter Airline for
any leg of your trip, you’ll need to know their luggage limits.
Many commuter Airlines have limited space and only allow carry-on
baggage, they also have more restrictive weight limits.
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How can I avoid extra charges
for my luggage?
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Know the luggage limits on all the Airlines
you’ll use on your trip and try to stay within those limits.
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Don’t over pack, overweight bags have caused
a great many injuries to baggage handlers. To try to discourage
people, the Airlines often charge a hefty fee for handling an
overweight bag.
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If you really need the items, then you should
check into paying the extra bag fee. It is usually cheaper to
divide your items into two bags and pay the extra bag fee than
pay one overweight bag charge. You might also avoid the embarrassment
of having your luggage explode because they are packed too full.
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can I find out about my Airlines luggage restrictions and limits?
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Check out their web site for information.
Go To: Airlines Links
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Section: Packing
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