Airlines Baggage Policies & Fee

Unless you like spending your hard-earned money on baggage fees that you can avoid, then this piece of information is ideal for you. In today’s times, most airlines have started charging for everything from seat selections to seat reservations, meals, and much more. However, there is one thing you don’t want to be caught with is an overweight baggage fee. We are here to assist you with everything you need to know about the baggage policy of airlines and their fees so you can head to the airport stress-free. 

Checked Baggage

A piece of luggage that is compliant with the airline baggage policy during check-in, is stored in the cargo hold during the passenger’s flight journey. Many airlines charge fees depending on the number of bags the passenger has checked in and how much they weigh. A major US carrier, Southwest Airlines is the only air carrier that allows two free checked items of baggage. 

The Indian Air Travel Association (IATA) has set certain guidelines for baggage, depending on the airlines allowing checked baggage weight, size, and number. Each bag is required to weigh less than 50lbs (23kg) and not more than 158 cm. This is an international guideline set concerning the health and safety of airport workers who are required to lift hundreds of bags on an everyday basis. 

If a passenger’s bag weighs more than the required luggage weight, then they would be asked to repack or label it as ‘heavy luggage.’ Additionally, most airlines do not allow more than two checked baggage, so an individual must check with the airline prior to departure.

The reason baggage usually gets lost is because of the baggage label getting detached from the bag during loading and unloading luggage in cargo. To ensure the safety of your bag, you can stick a paper on the bag that includes your name, number, and email address. 

Checked Baggage Restrictions 

Most airlines recommend not packing valuables (jewelry) and electronic devices (laptops, phones) in checked baggage. One can carry these in the carry-on bag while remembering to keep all the electronic items switched off. It is prohibited to carry lighters, fireworks, bleaches in the checked baggage. Passengers must contact their respective airlines for packing restrictions for checked baggage.

Checked Baggage Size, Weight and Fee w.r.t Popular Airlines

Carry-on Baggage 

A piece of baggage that the passenger will ‘carry on’ or hold in their hand while boarding the aircraft is called carry-on baggage. Many air carriers allow passengers to carry one free piece of carry-on luggage with a personal item such as a computer bag, or backpack. The average personal item size is 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). 

The carry-on luggage size allowance depends on the respective airline, the cabin class you will be traveling with, and the size of the plane. The carry-on weight limit starts from 11lbs (5kg) and the international carry-on suitcase sizes can vary according to the airlines, so it is suggested that passengers must contact the respective airlines for the ideal carry-on size.

What to pack and not pack in carry-on baggage?

• Blunt objects are not allowed to be packed in either carry-on baggage or checked. 
• According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), many countries restrict the allowance of more than 100 ml of liquids, aerosols, and gels. 
• Medications, special dietary requirements, baby milk, or baby food will be exempted. If a passenger needs to use medical syringes such as insulin in the flight, then they can carry documented proof like a medical certificate. First-aid supplies must be packed and identified. 
• It is recommended to keep phones, tablets, laptops in the personal baggage. 

Carry On Luggage Dimensions and Fee w.r.t Popular Airlines

Checked vs Carry On Baggage

There are many factors involved while considering to opt for the right type of baggage. Here are a few factors that can help you decide which suitcase to pack for your next vacation.

• Season: During the summer season, you can easily carry clothes in one carry-on bag. However, the colder the season, the bigger and denser the clothing. 
• Wardrobe: It won’t be feasible to pack a carry-on if you are attending a festive celebration or an occasion like a wedding. 
• Layover: It is completely pointless to carry many items of baggage around while you have long or multiple layovers. Hence, it is ideal to check the baggage and minimize the weight of luggage. 

Here are a few other factors that can help you in deciding which baggage is ideal. 

Both carry-on luggage and checked bags have pros and cons. Ultimately it completely depends on the type of trip the passenger is planning to take. However, with time the flyer would have a better understanding of how to pack for a trip. Whether you choose checked baggage or carry-on, ensure to travel efficiently with your luggage. 

Understanding Restrictions Set by Airlines for Checked and Carry-On Baggage

All airlines have certain packing restrictions that every passenger needs to adhere to. Major airlines like Delta Air Lines’ packing restrictions advise against packing flammable items, ready-to-eat meals, fuels, etc. American Airlines restrict on packing animal products like meat, cheese, sausages, etc. 

Excess Baggage

The cost associated with baggage that is heavier or larger than the standard luggage allowance by weight, size, and number of the luggage. Every airline has an additional baggage fee that charges for every kilo more than the allocated weight. Passengers are required to pay an excess baggage fee on top of the standard baggage allowance and this cost differs concerning the particular airline, flight route, airfare, class or cabin, and the flyer point. Excess baggage fees are incredibly expensive and can burn a hole in your wallet.

However, if the passenger is traveling with items they cannot pack in their bag like pets, vehicles, wheelchairs, or even musical instruments, they must consider contacting the airline beforehand. Every airline is required to operate under certain conditions of carriage. If the passenger fails to plan, then they can get charged with exorbitant international baggage fees at the airport or might be prohibited to travel with the item. 

Here are the following factors when you must get in touch with the airline to know its respective policies.

• Airline Pet Travel: Cannot think of leaving your furry friends behind while going on a vacation? Although pet owners would love nothing better than traveling with their pet in the passenger seat, there are few airline guidelines for pet travel. 

1. Visit the veterinarian and acquire certification ensuring your pet is over eight weeks old, fit, and healthy to travel. Every airline discourages the use of anesthesia. 
2. According to the Indian Air Travel Association, passengers must carry their pets in a crate with adequate spacing to move around, an attached water bowl, good ventilation, and spring locked door. 
3. Attach a sheet on the crate that includes the picture of the pet, the pet’s veterinary information, along with the pet’s name and pet owner’s number, and other flight information. 
4. Passengers should avoid booking flights during extreme temperatures as it is not feasible for a living being to survive the airline cargo travel then.
5. On the day of travel, ask the crew at the gate to confirm your pet is loaded on the plane. Inform the captain and the crew as well that there is a live animal on the plane and the temperature and pressure should be monitored during all times. 

• Sports Gears: Flying with sports gear isn’t always costly. Some airlines waive off the charges of sports equipment. One of the best examples is Delta Airlines that seldom charges extra. Even Alaska Airlines waives overweight fees, Southwest allows two checked baggage for free, and United Airlines allows two pairs of skiboard or snowboard in one bag. 
• Bicycles: It is mandatory to remove the cycle’s pedals, handlebars, and deflate tires before packing them in a cardboard bicycle box or custom bike case. 
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments can be packed as a piece of carry-on baggage but larger items should be carefully packed in a protective hard casing and checked in. If you are unsure of loading it in cargo, then passengers can book a seat for the instrument.
• Mobility Aids and Wheelchairs: Passengers with an impairment are advised to contact the air carrier they are traveling with before and make them aware of the mobility device you will be using and if you need special assistance. Many air carriers allow wheelchairs and mobility devices to be checked in without extra cost. 
• Young Children’s Accessories: Parents of young children are allowed to take a foldable baby stroller for zero charges. 

• Passengers can take the stroller to the aircraft door and the air hostess hands it over after the landing of the flight, for easy movement of the child. 
• Seat Belts designed for adults cannot secure little passengers on the seat. Therefore, passengers with children must carry a child safety seat or contact the airlines to arrange safety seats for children up to 3 years of age. 

Baggage Calculators

Wondering how much luggage is is too much? Certain airlines have introduced ‘baggage calculators’ to assist passengers to calculate accurate fees and baggage allowances while traveling. Before the flight departure, check with the calculator to know the exact number of baggage you can take on your next flight. 

Travel Tips and Hacks

• To prevent someone from walking with your baggage due to identity crisis, choose a bag with either a unique color or stick a paper with your name on the bag. 
• If you’re looking to save space in your luggage then the smartest way to save space in carry-on baggage is to make mini bottles of your toiletries.
• Most airlines allow passengers to take a personal item like a small backpack, messenger bag, laptop bag, etc. Don’t overpack it but carry your necessary documents, toiletries, and other essential items in here. 
• The biggest space-saving tip while packing a carry-on is to wear the heaviest item of clothing in your bag like the heaviest shoes or the heaviest sweater.
• One of the best packing tips one should follow is that if they want to fit items in the bag, they can roll clothes instead of the traditional folding method. This will also leave your clothes wrinkle-free.
• Keep in mind to leave extra room for the items you might buy such as souvenirs at the destination. 

Baggage Policy w.r.t Major Airlines

Different airlines have different baggage policies. While we have the airlines’ baggage policy for you to have an overview, you can know the baggage policies of particular airlines below –

• Spirit Airlines: Wondering how much cabin luggage is allowed on Spirit Airlines? Here’s our ultimate guide to Spirit Airlines’ baggage policy. 
• Delta Airlines: Become a smart traveler with the help of Delta Airlines baggage policy that will limit the stress of exorbitant baggage prices.
• United Airlines: Fly on your next adventure without worrying about United Airlines baggage policy by reading all about it here.
• Air India: Making plans to travel the world? Find out the Air India baggage policy to not overpack or be overcharged here!
• British Airways: Know what British Airways’ luggage allowance is and how you can avoid additional checked baggage charges?
• American Airlines: Find out what the American Airlines’ baggage policy is and how many pieces of checked baggage are free.
• Lufthansa: What is the weight limit to check-in a bag? What are the charges for luggage? Find all about Lufthansa’s luggage allowance here. 
• Emirates: Find out about Emirates baggage policy and grab onto the opportunity to over expend on luggage with Emirates baggage calculator.
• JetBlue Airways: Get the complete guide to JetBlue baggage policy concerning the size and weight restrictions & save yourself from getting overcharged. 
• Etihad Airways: Check out the baggage policy of Etihad Airways and find out the means to escape baggage fees with ease. 
• Virgin Atlantic: Find out which cabin class comes with the advantage of free-of-cost hand baggage at Virgin Atlantic’s luggage policy. 
• Air France: Confused about checked baggage restrictions and limit on carry-ons? Check out Air France’s baggage policy to travel smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How to save on your baggage fees?

• Avoid packing checked baggage and travel light by packing a carry-on bag and a personal item bag only. 
• Avoid booking flights in the basic economy class as in some airlines it is required to pay for carry-on baggage as well.
• Some flights don’t charge for checked baggage up to a certain limit like Southwest Airlines offers the first two checked bags for free.

Q. What is the maximum number of bags that can be taken on a plane?

Ans. The standard baggage allowance for international flights is one checked baggage and one carry-on baggage with a personal item. However, all bags after the first free bag (two free bags in some airlines) come with a particular cost.

Q. What is the average price of checked baggage?

Ans: The cost of checked baggage varies from airline to airline. The average price range is from $25 to $60. Prices can go higher than that, depending on the number and weight of bags.

Q. Is there a weight limit for checked bags?

Ans. Airlines restrict the limit of checked bags as more weight causes the consumption of more fuel which results in an exorbitant amount of fuel prices.

Additionally, there is a lot of labor involved in loading the luggage in smaller planes. Thus, airlines have a checked baggage weight limit. 

Q. Do passengers need to pay for checked baggage twice on a round trip?

Ans. It is important to keep in mind that airline baggage fees are charged both ways. If you are paying a specific amount of money for your baggage one-way, you have to pay the same amount on your return flight as well. 

Q. What to do if your checked baggage goes missing?

Ans. Usually lost baggage is returned to the passenger within two days. Many baggage mishandlings that occur are due to the punctuality issues caused by air traffic control congestion and sometimes other passengers get a hold of baggage identical to theirs. 

If your bag is missing from the baggage claim, then you should immediately file a missing report in the baggage reclaim area.

Q. How to keep your baggage secure?

Ans. Use Transport Security Administration (TSA) approved locks for your bag. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of finding the right lock, you can use zip ties or tape tags as well. 

Q. When is it ideal to pack carry-on baggage?

• While heading to warmer climates or an adventurous trip, pack a carry-on bag only to not feel weighed down with excess luggage.
• If you have found a cheap deal on a flight, you wouldn’t want to spend extra on the checked baggage, that’s when you pack light. 
• Traveling for a mini-getaway? If a weekend escape is in your itinerary, then it is better to carry minimal luggage. 

Q. What is the ideal type of suitcase to travel with?

Ans. There are a handful of factors that are to be considered when opting for the right suitcase to travel with.

• Contact the airline to be informed of the policy for the weight and size.
• Depends on how regularly a passenger flies.
• Ensure that the baggage is equipped with a secure lock system and spinner wheels.
• It is advisable to buy a cabin bag i.e soft rucksack style so that it easily fits in the overhead compartments. 
• The checked baggage, however, should be a hard-shell suitcase and not fragile enough to damage while loading and unloading in the cargo.

Q. Are checked pieces of baggage searched?

Ans: Checked baggage, like carry-on baggage, is screened at the security check-in by an X-ray machine. Make sure to not pack any restricted or suspicious items and if you have any items that you think might raise questions then it is best to inform the security guard beforehand. 

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* While the information displayed here for check-in, and carry-on baggage information is genuine and timely updated, kindly visit the respective airlines for more information. We, hereby, stand unaccountable for any changes introduced by the airlines on the spur of the moment.