Airlines Baggage Policies: Fees, Rules & Size Limits Guide

When reserving a flight with any airline, it is essential to comprehend the airline's baggage policy to avoid unnecessary inconvenience during the trip. This can help you prevent unnecessary fees and ensure a smooth travel experience. Many airlines have varying baggage policies, with specific rules for carry-on luggage, checked bags, oversized and overweight items, and more.

Types of Baggage Policy for Airlines

Many Airlines generally organize baggage based on size, weight, and other crucial functions. Therefore, if you understand these categories, planning your packing strategy and making your trip unforgettable will be essential. You will find the common types of baggage policies, that are listed below:

Carry-On Baggage:

You will realize that carrying items into the aircraft's cabin is simple. This typically includes small personal items within specified size limits, such as handbags, briefcases, or suitcases.

Checked Baggage:

When traveling with checked baggage, it will be larger and handed to the airline for transport in the aircraft's cargo hold. Many airlines allow you to bring at least one or two checked bags per passenger. But if you get extra baggage, it may incur additional fees, especially with budget carriers.

Overweight and Oversized Baggage:

You will be asked to pay extra charges if your checked or carry-on luggage exceeds the airline's weight or size limits. These fees can vary significantly depending on the airline, but if you understand the policy before packing, you may avoid unnecessary charges expertly.

Special Items:

If you prefer to travel with Special Items, these include sports equipment, musical instruments, medical devices, and pets. Many airlines allow you to travel with these items, but you must know the specific rules and extra charges that apply accordingly. 

You will also find other types of baggage policies, including Infant, restricted, irregularly sized packed baggage, etc. 

Carry-On Baggage Policy:

Understanding the carry-on baggage policies will be essential, as they can vary across airlines but typically follow similar guidelines. You can bring a small bag or personal item into the cabin, subject to size and weight restrictions. You will need to know the procedures for carrying on baggage through the valid points listed below. 

  • Airlines typically allow you to carry one personal item, such as a backpack, purse, or laptop bag, and one carry-on bag. Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you.
  • Some airlines allow you to travel with carry-on baggage with weight limits usually between 7 and 10 kg. Many airlines do not strictly implement weight restrictions unless the bag appears too heavy to place into the overhead compartment.
  • The most common size limit for your carry-on bag is around 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but this can vary depending on the route type of fare and the airline you choose to travel with. Your carry-on baggage must generally fit within the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
  • You can bring a quart-sized bag or container of liquids around 100 milliliters in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. This bag or container contains aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes.  
  • You can bring Special items, such as baby strollers, car seats, or medical devices, which may also be permitted as part of the carry-on allowance, often free of charge.

Checked Baggage Policy:

Traveling with checked baggage refers to larger bags that you generally hand over to the airline for transport in the plane's cargo hold. Airlines typically allow you to bring one or more checked bags per passenger. But if you exceed the number of bags, weight, or size, you pay the fees accordingly. Read the significant points below to clear your doubts about the checked baggage policy.

  • Many airlines allow you to bring one checked bag, 62 linear inches in all dimensions.
  • The standard weight limit for checked baggage in economy class is around 23 kg per bag, but this can vary by airline and route.
  • If you are traveling in First or Business Class, you may have higher weight limits of around 32 kg, and the dimensions of the baggage will be the same.
  • Airlines often charge extra fees for additional checked bags, especially on budget carriers. These fees can be significantly higher at the airport, so it's recommended to initially pre-purchase additional baggage allowances when booking your flight. 

Overweight/Oversized Baggage Policy:

The luggage exceeds the airline's standard size or weight limits if you carry overweight and oversized baggage. With this baggage, you will be asked to pay additional fees if you have bags that do not meet the requirements. So, if you wish to learn more about oversized and overweight luggage, understand the specific baggage policy below.

  • Traveling with bags that exceed 23 kg but are under the airline's size limits may incur overweight fees ranging from $50 to $200. This fee can vary depending on the airline, route, the bag's weight, and fare class. 
  • If oversized bags exceed the maximum size of 62 linear inches, the airlines will incur oversized fees ranging from $100 to $300, which vary depending on the airline, fare class, and size of the baggage. 
  • Specific fees may apply when traveling with certain large or heavy items, like sports equipment, and special handling may be required.

List of Baggage Fees for all Airlines: 

Airlines Carry-on Baggage 1st Checked Baggage 2nd Checked Baggage Overweight/Oversized
Avelo Airlines  22 x 14 x 9 inches 50$    35$ 50-200$
Sun Country Airlines   22 x 14 x 9 inches $30 $60 $100 for 63 linear inches
Breeze Airways 22 x 14 x 9 inches $30 $40  $75 for 51-70 lbs
Copa Airlines 22 x 14 x 9 inches $30 $50 $100 for 51-70 lbs
Avianca Airlines 22 x 14 x 9 inches $35 $50 $100 for 51-70 lbs
Sky Airlines 22 x 14 x 9 inches $30 $45  $75 for 51-70 lbs
Philippine Airlines 22 x 14 x 9 inches  $30 $45  $80 for 51-70 lbs
Frontier Airlines 18 x 14 x 8 inches $39.99  $49.99 $75 for 51-70 lbs
Allegiant Air 22 x 14 x 9 inches $18 $35 $75 for 51-70 lbs
Spirit Airlines 18 x 14 x 8 inches $40 $45 $100 for 51-70 lbs
Qatar Airways 22 x 14 x 9 inches $50 $75 $100 for 51-70 lbs
Arajet Airlines 22 x 14 x 9 inches $25 $40 $80 for 51-70 lbs
Wingo Airlines 22 x 14 x 9 inches $25 $40 $90 for 51-70 lbs
Volaris Airlines 22 x 14 x 9 inches $35 $55 $100 for 51-70 lbs
Vueling Airlines 22 x 14 x 9 inches $30 $40 $75 for 51-70 lbs
Volotea Airlines 22 x 14 x 9 inches $30 $40 $75 for 51-70 lbs
VivaAerobus 22 x 14 x 9 inches $25 $40 $75 for 51-70 lbs
Level Airlines 22 x 14 x 9 inches $35 $50 $90 for 51-70 lbs
Flybondi 22 x 14 x 9 inches $30 $45 $75 for 51-70 lbs
American Airlines 22 x 14 x 9 inches $30 $40  $75 for 51-70 lbs
United Airlines 22 x 14 x 9 inches $35  $45 $75 for 51-70 lbs
Delta Airlines 22 x 14 x 9 inches $35 $45 $75 for 51-70 lbs
Lufthansa Airlines 22 x 14 x 9 inches $50 $75 $100 for 51-70 lbs
Air Canada 22 x 14 x 9 inches $30 $45 $75 for 51-70 lbs
Southwest Airlines 24 x 16 x 10 inches Free Free Free
Alaska Airlines 22 x 14 x 9 inches $30 $40 $75 for 51-70 lbs
JetBlue Airlines 22 x 14 x 9 inches $35 $45 $75 for 51-70 lbs
Air France 22 x 14 x 9 inches $45 $60 $90 for 51-70 lbs
Turkish Airlines 22 x 14 x 9 inches $55 $75 $100 for 51-70 lbs
Ryanair  20 x 15 x 8 inches $30 $40 $50 - 75 for 51-70 lbs                                    
Emirates 22 x 14 x 9 inches $40 $45 $60 - $90 for 51-70 lbs                                                   
British Airways 22 x 14 x 9 inches $30 $40 $50 - $100 for 51-70 lbs                                                  
Envoy Air  22 x 14 x 9 inches $30 $40 $45 - $100 to 200                                           
SkyWest Airlines 22 x 14 x 9 inches $30 $45 $60 - $100 for 62 linear inches.                                                 
Silver Airlines 22 x 14 x 9 inches free $45 $90 to $100 for 62 linear inches
Republic Airways 22 x 14 x 9 inches $30 $40 $100 for 62 inches
PSA Airlines  22 x 14 x 9 inches NA NA NA
GoJet Airlines 55 x 35 x 25 cm NA NA NA
Endeavor Air  22  x 14 in x 9 lines NA NA NA
Horizon Air 22 x 14 x 9 inches NA NA NA

Prohibited and Restricted Items in Airlines Baggage:

Most airlines have strict rules about what items you can bring on board, both in carry-on and checked luggage. You must know the regulations in place to ensure passenger safety and compliance with aviation laws. To get significant information about prohibited and restricted airline baggage items, follow the details below. 

Prohibited Items:

  • Flammable materials, including gasoline, lighter fluid, paint, and fireworks.
  • Explosive materials, Dynamite, gunpowder, and other explosives.
  • Corrosive materials, like Acid, bleach, or other toxic substances, can cause severe damage.
  • Sharp objects include knives, scissors, and razors unless in checked baggage and adequately secured.
  • Self-defense items, including pepper spray or stun guns.
  • You are prohibited from checking baggage if you travel with self-balancing or personal movement devices that operate on a lithium battery.
  • Aerosol cans, including Hairsprays, deodorants, and insect repellents, unless in small quantities for personal use.

Restricted Items:

  • When traveling with lithium batteries, they must be stored properly, especially in large quantities, and avoid fire hazards.
  • If you wish to bring Alcohol, the bottles must be over 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Alcohol is prohibited in carry-on baggage unless it meets the liquid requirements.
  • You can travel with medical devices that may require special clearance.
  • You need to check the guidelines of your specific airline to avoid having items confiscated at the airport. 
  • Traveling with mines and other explosive military stores in your carry-on might replace or limit the weapon. 

Sports Equipment and Special Items

Many airlines allow you to bring sports equipment and unique items and reach your destination securely. Nevertheless, you must check the airlines' specific rules and regulations to avoid unnecessary inconvenience. If you want to clear your doubts before traveling with sports equipment and special items, read up on the crucial points below. 

  • You can travel with golf clubs, which are often allowed with a special fee (typically $30-$50). They must be packed in a hard case to avoid damage.
  • If you have Skis and Snowboards, they are similar to golf clubs; skis and snowboards are generally free and must be packed in a ski bag.
  • To bring Bicycles, you must pack them in a bike box to avoid needless damage. Oversized baggage is often subject to extra fees, which you must check accordingly. 
  • If you bring Surfboards, kayaks, and other large gear, it often asked to pay additional fees and are required to use specific packaging within the limited instructions. 
  • You can travel with Musical Instruments, like guitars or violins, which may be carried as part of your carry-on allowance, or you may need to purchase a seat for larger items.

Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage

Many passengers face trouble with the lost and delayed, or damaged baggage issue upon arrival at the airport. It is mandatory to learn the significant details to recover your baggage, and for that, you need to connect with a travel agent to report your baggage shortly. Check out the details below to prevent any worse situation after your baggage is lost, delayed, or damaged. 

Lost Baggage

  • You must immediately report it to the airline’s lost baggage counter at the airport.
  • Filling out a claim form with detailed information about the bag and its contents is essential.
  • Airlines typically allow up to 21 days for lost baggage to be located after filling out the report and waiting for the solution. 

Delayed Baggage

  • Airlines generally provide temporary necessities, such as toiletries and clothing, while your luggage is delayed.
  • You will get the facility to file a report about your delayed baggage at the baggage desk counter and provide complete details.
  • Keeping receipts for any purchases due to the delay is essential, as airlines may reimburse you during these hours. 

Damaged Baggage

  • If you find your baggage damaged, report it to the airline immediately and fill out a damage report.
  • Most airlines will assess the damage and offer you compensation if they are at fault. 

Tips to Save on Baggage Fees

  • To save money on baggage fees, you must pack your baggage carefully. 
  • You can use frequent flyer status, which often includes benefits like free checked bags.
  • Some airlines offer discounted rates if you pay for checked luggage online before your flight.
  • You can use a luggage scale to avoid hefty fees and ensure your bags stay under the weight limit.
  • If you are looking for budget carriers or flights, they generally include checked baggage in the price and save you money.

Airlines Baggage Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Which airlines allow free carry-on bags?

Some major airlines like Aeroflot, Aeromexico, AirAsia, and Southwest Airlines allow you to bring one free carry-on bag per passenger. As the most significant international carrier,  Qatar Airways offers free carry-on bags within specific size and weight limits.   

How do I avoid paying baggage fees?

If you wish to avoid baggage fees, it is essential to pack your light baggage, which should fit into a personal item or carry-on bag. You may qualify for free baggage allowances depending on your ticket type or frequent flyer status. You can consider a fare upgrade or must check your baggage at the gate when boarding a flight.  

What happens if my luggage exceeds the weight limit?

When your luggage exceeds the weight limit set by the airlines, you will be asked to pay the excess baggage charges at the airport check-in counter. These fees vary depending on the airline, route, and fare class. You also need to understand the specific airline's baggage allowance policy for weight limit before traveling, and the exact costs. 

Are baggage fees refundable if I cancel my flight?

Yes, the baggage fee is refundable if you cancel your flight within 24 hours of the booking. However, it depends on the specific fare type, where baggage is non-refundable on most airlines, which only provide a refund when they cancel your flight. So, when you need to know whether the baggage fee is refundable, understand the airline's policy for specific details. 

Can I take a 22.5-inch carry-on bag?

Yes, you can take a 22.5 carry-on bag, but it depends on the airline's strictness, as it could be a tight fit. Most airlines allow you to carry bags up to 22 inches long, so a 22.5-inch bag may be allowed.

Can I take two bags as hand luggage?

Yes, you can take two bags as hand luggage, but you may incur extra fees if you bring additional bags, even small ones. Most airlines allow you to travel with one carry-on bag and one personal item.

Which airlines do not charge for baggage?

Most airlines, such as Southwest, Delta, American, Alaska Airlines, and JetBlue, offer free checked bags as part of their service. However, you must also understand the baggage policy to avoid inconvenience and extra fees. 

Do you get charged for a carry-on bag?

You must know the weight and baggage size limits when flying on airlines like Spirit or Ryanair with your carry-on bag. Hence, whether you incur the fee for a carry-on bag depends on the airline, type of ticket, and route, which you need to check accordingly. 

Can you take two carry-on bags on a plane?

Yes, you can take two carry-on bags on a plane, but you might be asked to pay the charges for additional baggage. However, it depends on the airline's baggage policy; while traveling in economy, business, or first class, one must take two carry-on bags on the plane efficiently. 

How much luggage is allowed on a flight?

Generally, the baggage allowed on a flight is based on the airline, fare class, and frequent flyer status. Many airlines allow you to travel with one carry-on bag and one checked bag, with specific weight and size limits, which you must check accordingly.

How many bags can you take on a plane for free?

On most airline flights, you can hold one carry-on and one personal item for free. However, adding additional checked bags may incur fees, which you must check based on the airline, types of fare, and routes you choose to travel. 

What should I do if my baggage is lost or delayed?

You must file a report with the airline immediately when you realize your baggage has been lost or delayed. The airline's travel agents will assist you properly by tracking the baggage and updating you on its status. 

Can I buy an extra baggage allowance at the airport?

Yes, you can buy an extra baggage allowance at the airport, but you should scrutinize the baggage allowance policy, which can vary depending on the airline. But to do so, you will have to pay the extra charges at the airport, so you are advised to buy additional baggage at check-in on a particular airline's official website.