What are the size and weight
restrictions for my luggage?
- 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.
How many pieces of luggage can
I take with me?
- 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.
How can I avoid extra charges
for my luggage?
- Know the luggage limits on all the Airlines you¡¯ll
use on your trip and try to stay within those limits.
- 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.
- 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.
How can I find out about my Airlines
luggage restrictions and limits?
Check out their web site for information.
Go To: Airlines
Links
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