Airline Check-In: Bag Size Rules And Regulations

When it comes to check-in luggage, different airlines have different rules. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you prepare for your next trip. Firstly, it's important to know that most airlines allow passengers to check one bag and have one carry-on bag. There is usually a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds per checked bag, as well as a size restriction. The most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear inches (or 158 centimetres), with dimensions of 27 x 21 x 14. It's worth noting that some airlines may charge additional fees for overweight or oversized baggage, so it's always a good idea to check the specific policies of the airline you're travelling with.

Maximum weight for check-in bags

When it comes to checking in luggage, different airlines have different rules and allowances. It's important to check your airline's specific policies before packing to avoid unexpected charges.

Most airlines have a maximum weight limit of around 50 lbs (23 kg) for checked bags, with some allowing up to 70 lbs (32 kg) for free, and others charging fees for bags over 50 lbs. These fees can be substantial, so it's important to be aware of them before travelling.

Some airlines allow a total weight allowance, while others restrict passengers to a specific number of pieces. For example, Philippine Airlines allows a total weight of 10kg for Economy, with each piece weighing no more than 32kg (70 lbs). American Airlines, on the other hand, allows up to 10 checked bags, with a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag for most regions.

In addition to weight restrictions, there are also size restrictions for checked bags. The most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear inches (158 cm), with some airlines allowing larger bags and others having different restrictions.

It's worth noting that these allowances can also vary depending on the route and cabin class. For instance, first-class and business-class passengers often have more generous allowances.

To ensure you don't incur any additional charges, it's recommended to review the baggage details on your ticket and check your airline's specific policies before travelling.

Additional fees for overweight or oversized bags

When it comes to additional fees for overweight or oversized bags, it's important to know that these fees can be substantial and vary across airlines. It's always recommended to check the specific airline's policies before packing to avoid unexpected charges. Here are some general guidelines and examples:

Overweight Bag Fees:

• Most airlines consider a bag overweight if it exceeds 50 lbs (23 kg).
• American Airlines charges an additional fee for bags weighing between 51-70 lbs (23-32 kg) and does not accept bags over 100 lbs (45 kg) on their flights.
• Delta Air Lines charges $100 USD/CAD for bags weighing 51-70 lbs (23-31.75 kg) and $200 USD/CAD for bags weighing 71-100 lbs (32-45.36 kg) on domestic flights within the US.
• On international flights, overweight baggage fees can vary depending on the destination. For example, Delta Air Lines charges $100 USD/CAD for bags weighing 51-70 lbs (23-31.75 kg) and $200 USD/CAD for bags weighing 71-100 lbs (32-45.36 kg) when travelling between North, Central, and South America.

Oversized Bag Fees:

• A bag is typically considered oversized when its total linear dimensions (length + width + height) exceed 62 inches (158 cm).
• American Airlines charges a $30 fee for checked bags over 62 inches (158 cm) up to 65 inches (165 cm) in total dimensions.
• Delta Air Lines charges $200 USD/CAD for bags with dimensions between 63-80 inches (161-203 cm) on domestic flights within the US.
• On international flights, oversized baggage fees can vary. For example, Delta Air Lines charges $175 USD/CAD/EUR for bags with dimensions between 63-80 inches (161-203 cm) when travelling between Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and India.

Combined Overweight and Oversized Fees:

• Some airlines, like American Airlines, may charge a single fee for bags that exceed both weight and size limits. For travel before April 16, 2024, they charged the checked bag fee, plus the oversize and overweight fees. However, for travel on or after April 17, 2024, they charge the higher fee between the oversize and overweight fees, in addition to the checked bag fee.
• It's important to note that these fees can be charged per bag and each way, so a round trip with overweight or oversized bags could incur multiple fees.

Calculating linear dimensions

When it comes to air travel, packing the right way is essential to avoid extra fees and delays. Understanding how to calculate the linear dimensions of your luggage is a crucial part of this.

The term linear dimensions refers to the total length, width, and height of an object, in this case, your luggage. It is a measurement system invented by the airline industry to standardise how baggage size is measured. When an airline mentions "maximum linear dimensions" or "linear length", they are referring to the sum of these three dimensions.

How to Calculate Linear Dimensions:

To calculate the linear dimensions of your luggage, you need to take three measurements: length, width, and height. Be sure to include any handles or wheels that stick out when collapsed. Then, simply add these three numbers together. This is the formula:

> Length + Width + Height = Total Linear Dimensions

For example, if your suitcase measures 22 inches in height, 14 inches in width, and 9 inches in height, you would add these numbers: 22 + 14 + 9 = 45 linear inches. This is a typical size for carry-on luggage restrictions.

Linear Dimensions for Checked Luggage:

For checked luggage, the most common size restriction is 62 linear inches (158 cm) in the United States. This means your suitcase's length, width, and height measurements, including wheels and handles, must not exceed a total of 62 inches (or 158 cm).

Some airlines, like Allegiant, allow larger checked suitcases, with a limit of 80 linear inches. It is always best to check your airline's specific restrictions before packing.

The use of linear inches allows for flexibility in the shape of luggage. As long as the total measurement stays within the limit, one dimension can be longer if another is shorter. For example, a suitcase measuring 28 x 19 x 11 inches equals 58 linear inches and is within the limit.

Tips:

• When measuring odd-shaped items, treat them as a box with six flat surfaces and right angles.
• If your suitcase has rounded corners, measure to where the corners would be if they were not rounded.
• For protruding handles, measure the suitcase as if it were a box without these protrusions.
• Always include wheels and handles in your measurements to avoid surprises at check-in.

Weight and size limits for carry-on bags

The weight and size limits for carry-on bags vary depending on the airline and route. It's important to check the specific policies of your airline before packing to avoid unexpected charges and issues during check-in and boarding. Here are some general guidelines and examples from specific airlines to give you a better idea:

General Guidelines:

• The size limit for carry-on luggage is typically around 22" x 14" x 9", including the handle and wheels. Some airlines may allow slightly smaller or larger bags, but it's best to stick to the standard size to ensure your bag fits in the overhead bin.
• Most major domestic airlines do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags. However, several international airlines have weight restrictions, and your bag should be light enough to lift into the overhead bin.
• In addition to your carry-on suitcase, you are usually allowed to bring a personal item such as a laptop bag, purse, briefcase, or diaper bag. These items typically have their own size and weight restrictions and must fit under the seat in front of you.

Examples from Specific Airlines:

• American Airlines: The total size of your carry-on bag, including handles and wheels, cannot exceed 22" x 14" x 9" (56 x 36 x 23 cm). Your personal item, such as a purse or small handbag, should not exceed 18" x 14" x 8" (45 x 35 x 20 cm) and must fit under the seat in front of you.
• Delta Air Lines: Delta does not specify a weight limit for carry-on bags, but the size limit is the standard 22" x 14" x 9".
• Southwest Airlines: Southwest is a generous airline when it comes to carry-on allowances. They allow a personal item and a carry-on bag, with spacier dimensions than most other airlines.
• JetBlue: While JetBlue's carry-on size restrictions are standard, they offer larger personal item dimensions, alleviating some of the carry-on size limit stress.
• EasyJet: EasyJet is a budget airline, and their standard fares only allow customers to bring one small personal item that fits under the seat in front of them. If you want to bring a larger carry-on bag, you need to purchase their Priority & 2 Cabin Bags option.

Prohibited items in check-in bags

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibit many items from check-in baggage to prevent inflight danger. Some items are completely banned from aircraft and should not be brought to the airport, while others may be allowed in checked bags but prohibited from carry-on luggage. Here is a list of prohibited items in check-in bags:

Completely Banned Items:

• Explosive and incendiary materials
• Gases and pressure containers
• Oxidizers and organic peroxides
• Infectious materials
• Radioactive materials
• Marijuana (cannabis)

Prohibited from Carry-On but Allowed in Checked Bags:

• Stick or club type sporting goods
• Firearms (including replicas and parts) and ammunition (must be declared and securely packed)
• Knives and cutting instruments (plastic cutlery and safety/disposable razors are allowed in carry-on)
• Power tools and larger hand tools
• Dry ice (frozen carbon dioxide)

Other Restricted Items:

• Alcoholic beverages: Those with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited to 5 liters per passenger in checked bags and must be unopened.
• Aerosol insecticides: Allowed in checked bags but not in carry-on.
• Batteries: Lithium or lithium-ion batteries should be removed from devices and placed in carry-on bags.
• Electronic devices: Devices containing lithium batteries should be carried in carry-on baggage.
• Lighters and matches: Torch/wind-proof lighters and "strike-anywhere" matches are prohibited. Common lighters and matches are allowed.
• Valuable and essential items: Computers, passports, jewellery, medications, etc., should be kept in carry-on bags.
• Liquids and gels: Most countries restrict liquids and gels in the passenger cabin. Containers must not exceed 3.4 fluid ounces (100 ml) in the US.

Frequently asked questions