The amount of checked baggage an airline allows depends on factors such as the airline’s regulations, the type of ticket, and your travel destination. Generally, every airline has its own policies concerning checked baggage, which are quite flexible. Below is an identification of the different aspects that surround the checking-in of bags on airlines.
Baggage Allowance Per The Airlines Cabin Classes
Each airline has its policy on the check-in of baggage, with most companies permitting at least one piece to be checked. Generally, the rules are as follows:
- Standard Economy Class: Most standard economy tickets include a free checked baggage allowance of one bag, but this may differ. Some airlines may not allow check-in baggage at the basic fare, and low-cost airlines will always charge for the service.
- Business and First Class: Business and first-class passengers are often given more baggage allowance. Most flight companies allow these passengers to check in two or more free of charge.
- Frequent Flyer Status: Frequent flyers usually get some privilege, especially when flying with a particular airline; this privilege comes with high status in the loyalty program of the airline which entails a higher baggage allowance. For instance, a program member might be permitted to carry more bags or luggage than a non-member and or might be allowed to carry more luggage than a non-member and or allowed to carry a certain weight of luggage than a non-member. Airline-Specific Policies
Allowance On International vs. Domestic Air Travel
The rules may vary on both local and cross-border flights. Unexpectedly, the carrier of international flights tends to offer more baggage allowance than domestic ones. This is because international flights are often longer and more expensive than regional ones, and thus, the airline companies compensate for this by offering more services.
- International Flights: Virtually every global airline provides passengers with one or two free checked pieces of luggage, and the allowance for each piece of checked baggage is higher than the one found on domestic flights. For example, most airlines permit passengers to check baggage with a weight of up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms) per piece on international flights, while the limit on domestic flights may be less.
- Domestic Flights: On domestic routes, for instance, within the U. S, there are versions where an airline will charge you for checked baggage, or you are allowed to check in baggage for free, though they may be limited to one baggage per passenger. The allowance is normally the same as for international journeys, but the policy regarding carrying baggage might be more rigid. International vs. Domestic Travel.
The provisions can be different depending on the domestic or international flights. Sometimes, the total size of the baggage is much higher than on domestic flights, which proves that the basic allowance on international flights is much higher. This is the case because international flights are relatively longer and are relatively more expensive than domestic ones, and hence, extra services are offered.
Here’s the list of some airlines and their particular baggage allowance:
Airlines | Domestic | International |
Emirates | Carry-on (one piece or bag ) Checked (23 kgs of total luggage) | Carry-on (one cabin bag and one personal item) Checked 32 kgs, two-piece) |
Qatar | ||
El Al Airlines | ||
Delta Airlines | ||
British Airways | ||
Southwest Airways | ||
Turkish Airlines | ||
Qantas | ||
ANA | ||
JetBlue |
Additional Charges and Fees to Carry Luggage On Board
Most airlines have a policy of charging extra fees for checked baggage items more than those allowed weight. Taxes and charges, as with most services, can also change according to the airline company, flight path, and even the time that the ticket is bought. Common additional fees include:
Extra Bags
If your accompanying luggage is more than the permitted check-in baggage allowance as determined by your ticket, you will most likely have to let the company know and pay for each extra piece of luggage. Baggage normally costs between $30 and $60, depending on the airline and the destination.
Overweight Bags
Most airlines have restrictions on the weight of complimentary checked luggage: not more than 50 pounds (23 kg). If your bag weight goes beyond this, you are liable to pay the overweight fee charge. This may be a large amount, varying from $100 to $200 for each additional kilogram of baggage.
Oversized Bags: Over-sized bags
Those bags that have sizes beyond the recommended one that normally has length + width + height of about 62 inches or 158 cm are charged with over-sized baggage fees. These fees can also be high, more than $200. Airlines Baggage Policies and Travel Booking.
When traveling by air, it is important to confirm a booking while checking the baggage charges that apply to your class of travel. Most airlines provide information about baggage and the fees charged as part of the check-out process.
Frequent Flyer Programs
If you are enrolled in a company’s frequent flyer program, it is important that you find out what the particular privileges of your tier level are. This may include extra checked bag entitlements, priority services, and a host of other accompanying benefits.
The baggage allowance depends on various factors, which include the airline’s policies, the fare class, frequent flyer status, and the type of travel. Moreover, most airlines offer at least one free checked bag; additional bags, overweight bags, and oversized items can incur extra charges. Understanding the given rules can help you avoid unexpected fees and ensure a comfortable traveling experience. Always check the ongoing baggage policies of your airline before your trip.
FAQ’s
Delta Airlines passengers should follow the standard 50-lb limit per piece, and Delta One, First, and Business passengers should follow the 70-lb limit per piece.
Each customer is allowed to carry two free checked bags on Southwest Airlines.
Business class tickets include two pieces of checked baggage weighing up to 32 kg each.
Jetblue’s mint fare passengers are allowed to carry two free checked bags, each weighing up to 70 lbs (31.7 kg).