Michael Turner
Quick recommendation: Buy checked bag allowance online during booking to lock typical fees of $25–$35 for first piece on legacy US carriers; gate or counter purchases usually add $10–$20 per piece.
Low-cost carriers often price initial bag at $30–$80 depending on route and season; carry-on can carry fees on ultra-low-cost airlines. Long-haul full-service carriers frequently include one free checked piece on transoceanic economy fares, while short-haul economy fares may exclude it.
Weight and size limits matter: common weight thresholds are 23 kg (50 lb) for standard checked piece and 32 kg (70 lb) for overweight classification; overweight charges typically range $75–$200. For dimensions, 62 linear inches (158 cm) is a common maximum; oversize fees usually start near $100 and can exceed $400 for very large items.
Special items such as bicycles, skis and musical instruments follow carrier-specific rules; fees span free-with-allowance up to $200–$400, or mandatory cargo handling for very heavy or bulky gear.
Practical tips: weigh suitcases at home, consolidate clothing using compression bags, wear heavy footwear onboard, add bag allowance via airline app for cheapest rate, use travel credit cards with complimentary checked-bag perks when available, and review carrier baggage policy and fare conditions before finalizing purchase.
Checked bag fees: typical first and second bag prices by carrier
Use an airline credit card or buy a fare that includes one checked bag to avoid first-bag charge; expect $30–$35 for first and $40–$45 for second on most legacy U.S. carriers.
Typical fees by carrier
- American Airlines – First: $30; Second: $40 (basic economy often no free checked bag; fees rise at gate).
- Delta Air Lines – First: $30; Second: $40 (Medallion members and certain cards get free first).
- United Airlines – First: $30–$35; Second: $40–$45 (varies by route and fare class).
- Southwest – First: $0; Second: $0 (two free checked bags on most fares; weight limit applies).
- JetBlue – First: $35; Second: $45 (Blue Basic excluded from free-bag benefits).
- Alaska Airlines – First: $30; Second: $40 (MVP elite and select cards waive first fee).
- Spirit / Frontier – First: $30–$60; Second: $40–$80 (prices jump if purchased at counter or gate; buy online early to save).
- Ryanair / Wizz Air (Europe low-cost) – First: €20–€60; Second: €30–€75 (fees vary by route, weight and season).
- British Airways / Lufthansa / Air France (major international) – Many long-haul economy fares include one free checked bag; short-haul and basic fares often charge €20–€70 for first, €35–€100 for second.
Practical tips to cut costs
- Purchase checked-bag allowance during booking or online before arrival to save $10–$30 versus gate prices.
- Use a carrier-branded credit card for free first checked bag on domestic flights when available.
- Weigh and measure cases at home to avoid overweight/oversize surcharges ($50–$200 extra per bag).
- Consolidate items into one case when possible to avoid second-bag fees.
- Compare fare classes: some mid-tier fares include one free checked bag; upgraded seats often carry baggage perks.
Overweight and oversize charges: airline measurement and billing
Weigh and measure every checked bag at home: aim for under 23 kg (50 lb) and 158 cm (62 in) linear to avoid extra charges.
Measurement methods: counters use calibrated scales and typically round up to nearest kilogram or pound; linear dimension equals length + width + height, measured including wheels, handles and external pockets.
Common thresholds and fee ranges: standard checked allowance frequently set at 23 kg (50 lb). Overweight tier 23–32 kg (50–70 lb) usually triggers fees around $75–$150 (domestic) or €50–€150 (international); >32 kg (>70 lb) often carries heavy-item fees from $150–$400 or €150–€400 and in some cases can be refused. Oversize (over 158 cm / 62 in linear) commonly incurs flat fees $100–$300; very large items and special-handling pieces (bikes, kayaks, large instruments) can reach $100–$500 or require freight booking.
Billing mechanics: fees are charged per bag per flight segment; codeshare or connecting flights operated by different carriers may apply separate allowances and separate charges. Online prepayment typically reduces fee by $10–$50 versus counter or gate payment. Overweight/oversize fees apply even when a free checked allowance exists for fare class or promotional offer.
Exceptions and policy variants: elite status, premium-cabin tickets and certain fare classes often include higher weight and size limits or fee waivers. Sports and musical equipment rules vary widely–some carriers treat skis/boards as a single checked item, others require special fees; very large instruments sometimes must travel as cargo or on a purchased seat.
Practical avoidance tactics: use a dedicated luggage scale after packing; redistribute heavy items into a second bag or personal item; wear heavy outerwear while boarding; buy extra allowance at booking when cheapest; compare carrier oversized fees against courier rates for bulky shipments on long routes.
Carry-on rules: size, weight limits and gate-check fees
Pack one carry-on no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches plus one personal item; aim for 7–10 kg if carrier enforces weight limits and purchase cabin-bag allowance during booking to avoid higher gate or check-in charges.
Size and weight standards
Most US full-service carriers set cabin-bag limits at 22 x 14 x 9 in including wheels and handles. Common EU/UK standard sits at 55 x 40 x 20–25 cm. Low-cost operators often require smaller dimensions and enforce weight caps, commonly 7–10 kg for permitted cabin items. Personal-item guidelines typically allow ~40 x 30 x 20 cm and must fit under seat.
| Carrier group | Typical max dims | Typical weight cap | Gate-check / fee practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| US legacy (American, Delta, United) | 22 x 14 x 9 in | usually no weight cap | often gate-check free when bins full; basic fares may limit cabin bag to personal item |
| Southwest | 24 x 16 x 10 in | no standard cabin weight cap | typically gate-check free on request |
| Low-cost US (Spirit, Frontier) | ~22 x 18 x 10 in (varies) | weight often restricted on some fares | carry-on usually paid during booking; adding at gate or airport costs $30–$100 depending on route |
| EU low-cost (Ryanair, easyJet) | 55 x 40 x 20–25 cm (priority vs non-priority differs) | often 7–10 kg for allowed cabin bag | priority holders bring larger bag; non-priority often limited to small personal item; gate-check may incur charge |
| Full-service EU/UK (BA, Lufthansa) | 56 x 45 x 25 cm common | weight caps vary by route, often 7–10 kg on short-haul | gate-check usually free when required; long-haul rules may differ |
Practical gate and packing tips
Measure bag including wheels and handles before travel and weigh it with a portable scale. Buy carry-on allowance at booking for lowest price; adding one at airport or gate frequently costs 2–3 times more. Board early or purchase priority to secure overhead space. Use soft-sided bags for slight compression, store fragile or valuable items in personal item, and place liquids in a single clear 1 L / quart bag to meet security screening rules.
Prepaying bags online vs counter: price comparison and deadlines
Pay for checked bags during booking or via airline app at least 24 hours before departure to save 20–60% versus counter rates.
Typical price ranges: US legacy carriers – first checked bag online ≈ $30, at counter $35–$60; second bag online ≈ $40–$45, at counter $55–$75. Low-cost European operators – online add-on fees commonly €10–€40, counter fees often €60–€100 or higher when added after online check-in. Airlines with included allowances (for example Southwest) rarely require prepayment unless adding extra pieces.
Deadlines vary by carrier: lowest fares when bought during booking; online add window commonly closes between 24 and 2 hours before scheduled departure depending on operator. Low-cost lines frequently set online add cutoff at 2–4 hours pre-departure. Counter additions possible until check-in desk closure but usually incur a premium fee and longer processing time.
Practical rules: if counter rate exceeds online price by $15–25, purchase online. Use mobile app for last-minute adds where available; prefer self-service kiosk tag printing to avoid counter surcharges. Save confirmation email or screenshot of paid bag allowance for faster verification at desk or gate.
Exceptions and final checks: inspect fare rules for baggage limits before buying; confirm add-window and pricing on carrier website or app for connecting carriers on multi-carrier itineraries; when time or fare uncertainty exists, prepay one piece online and add extras later if needed to minimize on-site penalties.
Extra items pricing: sports gear, musical instruments and pet transport
Prebook specialized-item handling: expect fees – sports gear $30–$300, instrument checked as oversized $100–$600 or extra-seat option $100–$700, pet cabin $75–$200 per direction, pet cargo $200–$1,000 depending on route and season.
Sports equipment: typical ranges and packing rules
Skis/snowboards: many carriers accept as checked item within 62 linear inches; fee if treated separately typically $30–$75, oversized surcharge $75–$200 when exceeding size or weight limits. Bikes: pack in hard case or stout cardboard, remove pedals and turn handlebars; expected fee $75–$300, low-cost carriers may charge $150–$400. Surfboards and windsurfing gear: expect $50–$250 based on length and season. Golf clubs: often counted as single checked piece when under weight limit, common fee $30–$100 unless covered by allowance.
Musical instruments: carry-on vs checked vs extra seat
Carry-on is cheapest when instrument fits under seat or in overhead bin; confirm size limits with carrier before boarding. If carry-on not possible, options include purchasing adjacent seat to secure instrument (cost varies by route; typical additional-seat expense $100–$700) or checking instrument in a rigid case as oversized/fragile item with fees $100–$600. Protective steps: use ATA-rated hard case, add interior padding, tape fragile latches, label case with contact info, photograph instrument before travel and declare high-value items for coverage.
Pet transport specifics: cabin rules usually limit combined pet+carrier weight to ~8 kg (17–20 lb) and carrier dimensions near 43×30×20 cm (17×12×8 in). Cabin fee examples $75–$200 per direction. Cargo used for larger animals or restricted breeds; cargo fees range $200–$1,000 domestic, higher for international or temperature-controlled flights. Seasonal embargoes apply for heat or cold; always confirm carrier temperature and breed restrictions prior to booking.
Booking checklist: 1) call carrier to reserve special-item space before online check-in; 2) photograph contents and case exterior; 3) use rigid case for bikes and instruments, soft-sided carrier for cabin pets that meets under-seat size; 4) add flight insurance or declared-value coverage for items over $1,000; 5) arrive early to permit counter inspection and crate acceptance. For small personal items consider compact options such as best folding backpack or, for toddler gear and stroller combos, review best umbrella stroller for new york city before purchase.
Fee reduction and dispute tactics
Minimize charges by keeping packed items within standard checked-bag size and weight, splitting heavy gear across multiple pieces, using elite status or co-branded card benefits that waive extra-item fees, and prepaying any special-item allowance online when available. If charged unexpectedly at counter, request supervisor review and present prior confirmation email or booking reference; retain all receipts for declared-value or insurance claims.
Lost or damaged baggage: filing claims and expected compensation amounts
Report loss or damage at airline desk immediately; obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or incident number and keep boarding pass, tag stubs, photos and receipts.
Submit written claim quickly: Montreal Convention deadlines apply for many international routes – damage claims within 7 days of receipt, delay claims within 21 days after delivery, loss claims 21 days after expected delivery. Liability under Montreal Convention: 1,288 SDR per passenger (approximately USD 1,700–1,900 as of mid-2024; convert at current exchange rate before filing).
Required documentation for a strong claim: PIR or incident number, boarding pass and bag tag copies, itemized list of lost or damaged goods with serial numbers, original purchase receipts or repair estimates, dated photos showing damage, credit card statements for proof of purchase, and any interim purchase receipts for essential items bought during delay.
Interim expenses: keep all receipts for essentials purchased while bags delayed (toiletries, one-off clothing). Typical carrier reimbursements range from USD 50–200 per day with many carriers capping totals between USD 250 and USD 800; policies vary, so attach itemized receipts and request breakdown when sending claim.
High-value items and declared value: declare valuables at check-in and purchase declared-value coverage or separate travel insurance if item value exceeds carrier limits. Many carriers exclude or limit electronics, jewelry and fragile items unless declared; payouts often reflect depreciation unless original receipts prove current value.
Response timeline and escalation: expect initial acknowledgement within 30–45 days and full resolution commonly within 8–12 weeks. If carrier denies or offers insufficient compensation, escalate to carrier customer relations, then to national enforcement authority or small claims court. Under Montreal Convention legal action time limit: two years from date of arrival or scheduled arrival.
Practical note: file claims immediately, keep all original receipts and correspondence, and consider travel insurance for high-value contents. When replacing garments or appliances keep receipts for claim support; for example, a compact option to consider: best graphite 9kg washing machine.
