Travel smart: your straightforward guide to checked baggage regulations
This article outlines everything you need to know about checked baggage rules and regulations, including policies and prices for five major US airlines. Once you're set, don't forget to create a fantastic Out Of Office message using the Dinogo OOO Generator!
What defines a checked bag?
A checked bag refers to luggage that is stored in the cargo hold of the airplane, meaning you won’t have access to it during your flight.
At the check-in counter, your bag will be weighed before it disappears down a conveyor belt into the depths of the airport and (hopefully!) into the cargo hold of your aircraft. Before checking in, ensure your bags adhere to the airline's checked baggage regulations.
After you arrive at your destination, your checked luggage should be available at a carousel in the arrivals hall, once you’ve completed customs and passport control. Your bags are expected to arrive shortly after you, but depending on your destination and the efficiency of baggage handlers, you might experience a longer wait.
What is the weight limit for a checked bag?
Weight restrictions for checked luggage differ among airlines and are influenced by your travel route and class of service.
Generally, the weight limit for a single checked bag is 50 lbs (23 kg), with some business and first class fares allowing two bags up to this weight. Airlines also permit you to pay for checking oversized, overweight, and excess baggage, but most have a cap around 70 to 80 lbs (31 to 36 kg).
Pro tip: It’s more economical to book additional checked luggage when purchasing your plane tickets or even online later. If you find yourself with overweight luggage at the check-in counter, you could face hefty fees to bring it on board.
What constitutes a standard size checked bag?
Like weight limits, the dimensions for checked baggage differ across airlines, so it’s essential to verify with the airline you’re using.
Generally, the standard size limit for a checked bag is 62 linear inches (158 cm). This means the total of your bag’s height, width, and depth should not exceed 62 inches. For instance:
✅ 24 (h) + 20 (w) + 18 (d) = 62 inches✅ 26 (h) + 22 (W) + 14 (d) = 62 inches❌ 30 (h) + 22 (w) + 14 (d) = 66 inches
What items are prohibited in a checked bag?
If you've traveled with carry-on luggage, you know there are numerous restrictions on what can be taken aboard. Similar rules apply for your checked luggage as well.
The primary rule for checked luggage is that you cannot pack anything flammable or explosive. This includes obvious items like fireworks and gas canisters, as well as lithium ion batteries, meaning no power banks, electric toothbrushes, or hair straighteners. Additionally, vapes and e-cigarettes are generally prohibited in the cargo hold on most flights.
Surprisingly, items that can be checked in include guns and ammunition, axes, hatchets, knives, and various household tools. Alcohol is also allowed, although some airlines have restrictions on the quantity, and liquor must not exceed 70% alcohol (or 140 proof). Many items are permissible in checked luggage, but you should inform the airline in advance, so always verify before you fly.
This detailed TSA list of allowed and prohibited items is a valuable resource for ensuring compliance. Remember, you won’t have access to your checked luggage during the flight, so pack essentials like medication and valuables in your carry-on—if permitted, of course.
What are the costs associated with checked baggage?
These days, most airlines impose fees for checking bags on basic and economy fares. A good rule of thumb is to remember that fees apply per bag and are charged each way—so if you're flying round-trip, you'll need to double the cost. You can often secure discounts by utilizing frequent flyer or credit card rewards you've accumulated.
Dinogo provides a summary of airline fees, including detailed price breakdowns for checked baggage, along with a convenient Fee Assistant tool that displays your total ticket price including baggage charges.
Simply search for a flight on Dinogo, and to the left of your results, you'll find the Fee Assistant. Add the carry-on and checked bags you plan to bring, and watch as your results refresh with any updated fees included.
Five expert tips for traveling with checked baggage
Personally, I prefer to fly with only carry-on luggage, as it significantly reduces hassle at the airport. However, if you are checking bags, there are some easy tips to follow that will help make your journey more enjoyable.
1. Invest in a durable, hardshell suitcase
We've all seen clips of baggage handlers carelessly tossing luggage, making it worthwhile to invest in a high-quality suitcase that can withstand the rough treatment. Modern hardshell suitcases are lightweight, exceptionally strong, and do a much better job of protecting your valuables compared to softshell bags, which can be crushed in the chaos of the cargo hold.
2. Familiarize yourself with your airline’s checked baggage policies
This not only includes size and weight limits but also the items you’re allowed to pack. You don’t want to be that person scrambling on the floor at check-in, repacking in front of an annoyed and unsympathetic line. We've all witnessed it!
Pro tip: Take pictures of your luggage and its contents. If your bag goes missing, the airline will ask for descriptions of both the suitcase and what’s inside—photos are the best way to provide that information.
3. Attach a tracker to every bag
Devices like Apple’s AirTags are excellent for keeping tabs on your bags once they’re out of sight and can assist in locating them if lost. They’re compact enough to fit in any luggage and comply with checked baggage regulations due to their minimal lithium battery content.
Pro tip: If you’re using an AirTag, you can often monitor your luggage until it’s safely in the cargo hold beneath you on the plane! This is a fantastic way to alleviate concerns about whether your bags will arrive at your destination.
4. Prepare for the worst-case scenario
Although it’s unlikely that an airline will misplace your checked baggage, it can happen. To be ready, pack essential overnight items like toiletries and a change of clothes in your carry-on. If you’re heading to a warm destination or planning to swim, don’t forget to include appropriate items for that as well.
5. Arrive early and utilize fast-track options
Common pitfalls to avoid with checked baggage
In the hurry to pack and get to the airport, it’s easy to overlook simple details.
- Don’t wait until you’re at the airport to weigh your luggage. Avoid the stress of discovering you’ve overpacked and having to rearrange everything in front of others or pay a hefty excess fee. Pro tip: No luggage scale at home? Neither do I. Weigh yourself on your bathroom scale, then weigh yourself while holding your bag, and subtract the first weight from the second. Voila – you have your luggage weight!
- Remember to label your luggage. Even if you’ve tucked an AirTag inside, it’s crucial to add a proper label on the outside too. Include your name and phone number or email, but never your home address (you don’t want to reveal that you’re away). If your bag gets lost, this will help the airline identify it faster.
- Keep the barcode tag safe. At check-in, the airline staff will give you a small, easily misplaced barcode sticker in exchange for your luggage (they usually attach it to your passport or boarding pass). Make sure not to lose it! This helps airlines trace your bag’s route if it gets lost and serves as your proof of check-in.
- Don’t check in your valuables. Items like house and car keys, travel tickets and documents, jewelry, laptops, and anything fragile should always be kept in your carry-on where you can keep them safe.
Checked baggage policies for the top five US airlines
It may not come as a shock that the checked baggage regulations for most US airlines are complex and often confusing, with numerous factors influencing what you can bring and the associated costs.
Below are the checked baggage policies for five major US airlines. There are some differences in weight limits across cabin classes, but the real confusion lies in the pricing. All prices mentioned here are for paying for your checked baggage when booking your tickets, which is typically more economical than adding them later.
American Airlines
Delta Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Southwest Airlines
United Airlines
If you’re traveling internationally, the fees can vary significantly based on your route and cabin class. In economy class, your first checked bag is typically free on most long-haul flights to destinations across Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe.
What information does Dinogo include in this guide?
For the past 20 years, I’ve been working as a travel writer and journalist. During this time, I’ve gained valuable insights into making the travel experience as smooth and hassle-free as possible. This guide combines extensive research on the latest US and international checked baggage rules with tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years, along with crucial contributions from the global Dinogo team.
If this guide has helped you improve your travel planning, be sure to check out other equally valuable Dinogo articles. These guides, featuring tips for flying and tips for long flights, will enhance both your packing and your travel experience. If you're anxious about the flight itself, here are some suggestions for activities to do on a plane.
What should you do if your checked baggage exceeds the weight limit?
If you've packed too much and your bag is overweight or larger than allowed, you will probably have to pay an excess baggage fee to check it. If it’s only slightly over the limit, consider transferring some items to your carry-on or another bag to distribute the weight more evenly.
Are checked baggage fees applicable for both outbound and return flights?
Yes, these days you do. If an airline imposes checked baggage fees (with Southwest being the sole major US airline that doesn’t), you’ll have to pay for each leg of your journey. To make matters worse, some budget airlines like Norwegian Air charge fees for every segment of your trip, meaning you’ll incur charges for each flight if you have a layover.
Is it possible to pay for baggage at the airport?
Most airlines allow you to pay for your checked baggage at the check-in counter, but this option is always pricier than pre-paying when you book your tickets. If you find yourself needing to pay at the airport, ensure you bring a credit card, as cash is generally not accepted.
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