Michael Turner
Short answer: You may place a daypack in the aircraft hold on most scheduled carriers provided it does not exceed the carrier’s hold allowance – typically up to 23 kg (50 lb) per piece and 158 cm linear dimensions (length + width + height). Low-cost operators and some domestic routes apply smaller weight limits (15–20 kg) or per-piece fees; verify the specific fare rules before arrival.
If the item fits the cabin or under-seat policy, treat it as hand baggage: common cabin dimensions are approximately 55 x 40 x 20–25 cm and a separate under-seat personal item often limited to ~40 x 30 x 15–20 cm. Wheels, external pockets and laptop sleeves are usually counted in those measurements.
Do not place spare lithium batteries or power banks in the aircraft hold. Keep passports, cash, prescription medicines, cameras and other valuables with you in the cabin. Sharp objects, flammable aerosols and some sporting goods are restricted or forbidden in the hold; consult the carrier and the national aviation authority for a definitive prohibited list.
Practical steps: weigh the pack at home with a luggage scale; use a soft or hard-sided case if extra protection is needed; pad fragile items in clothing; place heavier items near the base to avoid deformation; attach a name tag and photograph the contents and exterior for claims. Use TSA-approved locks where applicable and retain receipts for expensive items.
Fees and procedures vary: excess-weight charges commonly range from roughly $30–$100 per oversized or overweight piece on domestic itineraries; international allowances often include one free piece on certain fares. If traveling on a multi-carrier itinerary, follow the most restrictive allowance posted for your ticketed flights.
Sending a travel pack to the aircraft hold
Most airlines permit placing a rucksack in the aircraft hold if it meets their size and weight limits: common allowances are 23 kg (50 lb) and maximum linear dimensions 158 cm (62 in) for standard checked allowance; premium cabins sometimes allow 32 kg (70 lb). Overweight charges usually apply (per-kg or fixed fee) and oversized items often incur an additional surcharge.
Always keep valuable items with you: passports, cash, jewelry, cameras, laptops and essential medication should remain inside the cabin-borne item. Electronics with removable lithium batteries require special handling: spare cells and power banks must travel in the cabin only; batteries up to 100 Wh are normally acceptable in devices carried onboard, 100–160 Wh often need airline approval, above 160 Wh are generally forbidden on passenger flights.
Liquids exceeding carry-on allowances (over 100 mL per container) are permitted in the hold, but aerosols and flammable liquids may be restricted. Firearms and ammunition must be declared to the carrier, packed in a locked, hard-sided case, unloaded, and comply with destination and transit-country rules; airlines specify quantities and packaging for rounds and may demand advance notice.
Protect fragile contents by placing them in the center of the bag surrounded by clothing or padded inserts; use a hard-case or wrap the pack in a padded dry-bag if transporting cameras, lenses, or glass. Distribute weight so heavier items sit closest to the base; tuck or remove external straps, carabiners and loose attachments to prevent snagging during handling.
Label the item clearly: external tag with name and phone plus an internal copy of your itinerary and contact details. Use a carrier-accepted lock (TSA-recognized for U.S. travel) if you secure the zipper, knowing some authorities may unlock for inspection; tamper-evident straps provide extra visibility if opened.
Before departure, review carrier baggage rules and your fare conditions on the airline website or booking confirmation for applicable fees, size exceptions, prohibited items, and any country-specific restrictions. At the airport desk or gate, present declared items (firearms, oversized gear, etc.) to staff for processing and obtain the appropriate receipt or tag for tracking.
Airlines and fare classes that permit a rucksack in the aircraft hold – typical fees
Pick a fare that explicitly includes a hold allowance (labels used: Main, Standard, Classic, Classic Plus, Flex) or add a hold-item online before travel; expect first-item charges from about $20–$60 on short-haul legacy carriers, €10–€80 on European low-costs, and $60–$200+ on long-haul routes when the fare does not include it.
| Airline / group | Fare types that include a hold item (free) | Typical first-item fee when not included | Quick advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| American / Delta / United (US legacy) | Main Cabin / Main Fare / Standard economy on many international fares | Domestic: $30–$35; second item $40–$45. International (if not included): $60–$150 depending on route. | Buy online before airport to save $10–$30 vs. gate rates; Basic Economy often excludes any free hold allowance. |
| Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant (US ultra-low-cost) | Only paid bundles or specific “corp” fares include hold items | First item online: $30–$60 (short routes) – gate/airport: $60–$100+ | Expect add-on pricing by route and weight; prepay during booking for lowest price. |
| British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM (European/global legacy) | Standard/Main/Classic fares on long-haul usually include one piece or a weight allowance | Intra-Europe: €15–€60; long-haul if sold separately: €60–€150+ or equivalent in USD | Domestic/intra-Europe Light fares often exclude hold items – check fare rules per flight. |
| Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz (European low-cost) | Only higher bundles (Priority & 2 Cabin Bags / Plus / Fast Track) include larger carry items | Hold bag fees: €10–€80 depending on weight (10–23 kg), route and booking time | Prices jump at airport; choose a weight option (10/20/30 kg) when booking to avoid surprises. |
| Emirates, Qatar, Turkish (Middle East & regional) | Many economy fares include either piece or weight allowance on long-haul; light promo fares may not | Extra piece or overweight: $100–$300+ depending on route and weight/size | On long-haul check piece vs. weight system in fare rules – affects whether a travel pack counts as a piece. |
| Singapore Airlines, ANA, JAL (Asia legacy) | Most international economy fares include a weight or piece allowance (check fare type) | Paid extra piece or overweight: $50–$200+ depending on sector and class | Domestic regional flights sometimes charge separately; verify for codeshares and mixed-fare itineraries. |
| AirAsia, Scoot, Cebu Pacific (Asia low-cost) | Only pre-purchased baggage bundles include hold allowance | Typical 15–20 kg bundle: $10–$50 (varies by route and currency) | Weight-based pricing common; add during booking for steepest savings. |
Specifics to follow on booking: select a fare with a hold allowance when you know you will stow a travel pack; if buying an add-on, choose the correct weight tier (10/15/20/23/30 kg) and buy before airport for lowest cost. For mixed-carrier itineraries the most restrictive fare rule often applies – check the operating carrier’s policy. Measure and weigh the pack against the carrier’s permitted dimensions and weight limit to avoid overweight surcharges, which typically exceed the cost of a normal first-item fee.
What maximum dimensions and weight will cause a rucksack or travel pack to be oversized or overweight?
Keep any rucksack or travel bag under 158 cm total linear dimensions (length + width + height) and below 23 kg (50 lb) to avoid most oversize and overweight surcharges on standard economy tickets.
Measurement rules and common thresholds
Measure the item including wheels, external pockets and handles. International standard: 158 cm / 62 linear inches triggers oversize classification. Typical weight breakpoints: 23 kg (50 lb) is the usual economy limit; 32 kg (70 lb) is the maximum permitted per piece on many business/first fares – anything above 32 kg is frequently refused for safety reasons. Low-cost carriers and some regional routes set lower piece-weight limits (10–22 kg). Convertances: 23 kg = 50.7 lb, 32 kg = 70.5 lb.
Consequences and practical fixes
Exceeding linear size usually produces an oversize fee; exceeding weight produces an overweight fee or denial to load. Typical surcharge bands range roughly $75–$400 (or equivalent) depending on airport and carrier policies; extremely oversized or >32 kg items may require cargo services. Reduce risk by weighing with a luggage scale and measuring at home: shift heavy items into a wearable or personal item, swap dense items for lighter alternatives, use compression packing or a soft-sided bag to gain a few centimetres. If limits cannot be met, purchase an extra piece allowance, prepay an oversized fee online (cheaper than airport rates), or arrange courier freight.
If you need unrelated legal information while planning travel, see how can a father get full custody in washington state.
How to pack and protect electronics, batteries, and fragile items before placing items in the aircraft hold
Remove all spare lithium batteries and power banks from items destined for the aircraft hold and carry them in the cabin; only devices with installed batteries may be placed in the hold under watt-hour limits.
Use this formula to convert capacity: Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000. Examples: a 3,000 mAh phone cell at 3.7 V ≈ 11.1 Wh; a typical laptop pack 5,000 mAh at 11.1 V ≈ 55.5 Wh; a 20,000 mAh power bank at 3.7 V ≈ 74 Wh. Rules summary: ≤100 Wh – normally permitted in cabin and often allowed installed in devices; 100–160 Wh – airline approval required and usually a maximum of two spare batteries; >160 Wh – not allowed on passenger aircraft.
Tape exposed battery terminals with non-conductive tape, keep spares in individual resealable plastic bags or original retail packaging, and never place loose spare cells in external pockets. For lithium-metal (non-rechargeable) cells, follow manufacturer markings and airline guidance; many types are restricted or banned as spares.
Pack fragile electronics inside a rigid protective case or a soft sleeve placed inside a hard-shell shell or dense foam compartment. Maintain at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of continuous padding around every side; cut-to-fit foam inserts or molded EVA foam give the best shock protection. Wrap screens with a thin layer of foam or a rigid cardboard protector before soft wrapping to prevent pressure points.
Power devices off completely (no sleep or hibernate), disengage physical switches, and secure moving parts. Remove SIM and media cards, store them in labeled small plastic bags carried in the cabin. For mechanical hard drives and sensitive optical assemblies use anti-static bags and mount in a rigid inner case with 1–2 cm additional clearance and shock-absorbing foam.
Keep fragile or irreplaceable items and primary data carriers in the cabin whenever possible; if placement in the hold is unavoidable, duplicate critical data to an encrypted cloud or a separate device and verify backups before travel. For high-value cameras, lenses, or delicate instruments prefer a purpose-built hard case with custom foam; airline handling and stacking can still transmit heavy impacts.
Control charge state of lithium-ion cells for transport: target roughly 30–50% state of charge for batteries that will be stowed for long periods. Include silica gel packets to limit moisture; avoid packing items that trap liquids or allow condensation against electronics. Declare any devices or batteries that exceed 100 Wh to airline staff at the ticket counter or gate and follow their instructions; failure to declare may result in refusal of carriage or removal.
Secure exterior zippers with TSA-recognized locks to allow inspection without cutting. Label internal compartments with owner contact details and make a concise inventory of fragile contents photographed prior to travel for insurance and damage claims.
Items prohibited, restricted, or requiring declaration when placed in hold baggage
Immediate rule: Declare firearms, ammunition, hazardous materials, large sums of cash and restricted animal/plant products to the airline at bag drop and to customs/inspection authorities on arrival.
Explosives and incendiaries: Fireworks, detonators, gunpowder, military ordnance and replicas containing explosive primers are banned from the aircraft hold. Do not pack pyrotechnics or hobby rocket motors; airline acceptance is not permitted.
Flammable liquids and solids: Petrol, lighter fuel, paint thinners, many solvents and liquid fuels are forbidden. Alcoholic beverages above 70% ABV are not permitted; those 24–70% ABV are typically limited to 5 L per person in retail packaging. Items such as spray paints and paint thinner must be left behind.
Compressed and flammable gases: Butane, propane, oxygen cylinders, aerosol spray cans with flammable propellant and camping fuel cartridges are prohibited. Small non-flammable aerosols for personal hygiene may be allowed if they meet airline quantity limits and are in retail packaging–verify with the carrier.
Oxidizers, corrosives, toxic and infectious substances: Bleach, hydrogen peroxide above household strengths, car batteries (spillable), pool chemicals, and biological samples requiring biohazard handling must not be placed in the hold unless special permits and packaging approved by the airline and regulator are obtained.
Lithium batteries and power banks: Spare lithium-ion and lithium metal cells/packs must travel in the cabin only; they are not permitted in the hold. Installed batteries in devices may sometimes be allowed in the hold but best practice is cabin carriage. Limits: lithium-ion batteries up to 100 Wh are allowed in carry-on without airline approval; 100–160 Wh require airline approval and are normally limited to two spares; >160 Wh are forbidden on passenger aircraft. Lithium metal batteries with ≤2 g lithium content per cell are acceptable in carry-on; >2 g require airline approval.
Portable electronic smoking devices and e-liquids: E-cigarettes, vaping devices and spare lithium cells must stay in the cabin; they must not be placed in hold baggage. E-liquids follow general liquid restrictions in carry-on; check refill volume rules.
Weapons, defensive sprays and related items: Firearms and certain weapons may be allowed in the hold only after prior airline notification, declaration at drop-off, and compliance with local laws: firearm must be unloaded, rendered inoperable, and transported in a locked, hard-sided case. Ammunition must be in secure, purpose-made packaging; many carriers limit ammunition to about 5 kg (≈11 lb) net per passenger–confirm the absolute limit with the airline before travel.
Sharp tools and sporting gear: Knives, machetes, ice axes, large scissors, golf clubs and similar items are normally prohibited in the cabin but may be permitted in the hold when sheathed and securely packed to prevent injury to handlers. Tools exceeding specified lengths (varies by carrier) should be boxed and cushioned.
Wet batteries and spillable power sources: Lead-acid, wet cell, and other spillable batteries are prohibited in the hold unless installed in equipment and with airline approval and special packaging; spare wet batteries are not allowed.
Biological, agricultural and animal products: Fresh fruit, meat, seeds, soil and many animal-derived goods require advance permits and declaration to agricultural authorities. Undeclared agricultural items often incur seizure and heavy fines; check destination import rules.
High-value, controlled and restricted goods: Prescription controlled medicines should be accompanied by original prescriptions and kept in carry-on when possible; if placed in the hold, carry copies of prescriptions and doctor’s letters. Currency or negotiable instruments above typical national reporting thresholds (for example, US$10,000 in the United States) must be declared to customs. Cultural artifacts, antiques, ivory and CITES-listed items require export/import permits.
Packing and documentation tips: Use original manufacturer packaging for batteries and ammunition where available; tape exposed battery terminals or place each spare battery in separate plastic sleeves; lock firearm cases but leave locks accessible for inspection as required by the carrier or authorities; keep prescriptions, permits and airline written approvals in paper or electronic form and present them at bag drop and border control.
Final action: Consult the airline’s dangerous-goods guidance and the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for exact packaging, quantity limits and approval processes prior to travel; when in doubt, transport the item in the cabin or arrange specialized cargo shipment.
FAQ:
Can I check my backpack as checked luggage on a domestic flight?
Yes. Most carriers allow a backpack to be checked as hold baggage if it meets the airline’s size and weight limits. You should weigh and measure the pack before you get to the airport and attach a visible name tag. Some items (valuables, spare batteries) are better kept in the cabin, so plan what stays with you and what goes into the hold.
Will I be charged a fee for checking my backpack instead of carrying it on?
That depends on the airline and the fare you purchased. Full-fare tickets may include at least one checked bag, while many low-cost carriers charge per checked item. Also check for overweight or oversize penalties if your backpack exceeds published limits. Look up your carrier’s baggage rules online or contact customer service before you travel.
Are there rules about batteries, electronics and liquids if I put my backpack in the aircraft hold?
Yes. Spare lithium batteries and power banks are typically not allowed in checked baggage and must travel in the cabin. Installed batteries in devices can usually go in checked luggage, but airlines often recommend placing high-value electronics in carry-on to reduce theft or damage risk. Liquids larger than 100 ml are permitted in checked bags, but aerosols, flammable liquids and other hazardous substances are restricted or prohibited. For precise limits and exceptions (for example, battery watt-hour ratings), consult the airline and national aviation authority guidance before packing.
How should I prepare my backpack for checking to reduce the chance of damage or loss?
Remove irreplaceable items (documents, money, expensive gadgets) and keep them with you. Wrap fragile contents with clothing or bubble wrap and place them near the pack’s center. Use a sturdy bag or an outer protective cover, secure zippers, and apply a durable name tag outside and a second label inside. Take a photo of the packed bag and note its contents so you can describe it if needed. Consider a TSA-approved lock and check the baggage tag at drop-off to confirm the destination is correct.
If I check my backpack, will I need to collect it during a layover or for immigration control?
It depends on your itinerary and the airlines involved. If your flights are on one ticket and the carrier checks bags through, your pack is usually transferred to the final destination without your intervention. You will need to collect checked luggage at the first point of entry into some countries for immigration and customs clearance, and you must reclaim and recheck bags when you have separate tickets or if the airlines have no interline agreement. Check your baggage tag at check-in to confirm the final stop and allow extra time between connections when baggage recheck might be required.
