How do you check in an extra luggage

Purchase the allowance online 24–48 hours before departure to reduce cost: typical savings range from 30–60% versus airport rates. For many US domestic carriers the first additional bag pre-book fee usually sits between $30–$75; buying the same service at the airport or gate often increases the charge to $50–$200. For international itineraries expect pre-book fees of approximately $60–$150, with higher surcharges applied on-site.

Primary sequence at the airport: (1) use the airline mobile app or kiosk to add an item to the reservation and complete payment; (2) proceed to the bag drop or counter with boarding documents and payment confirmation; (3) place the item on the scale for staff to tag and accept; (4) receive a tag receipt and routing label for connections. If the booking was updated online, show the confirmation QR or reference code at the counter for immediate processing.

Standard allowance and surcharges to check before arrival: most economy fares limit a registered bag to 23 kg / 50 lb and linear dimensions up to 158 cm / 62 in. Overweight fees commonly apply for weights between 23–32 kg / 50–70 lb (typical surcharge $75–$200); items exceeding 32 kg / 70 lb may be refused or require cargo handling. Oversize surcharges for combined dimensions over 158 cm usually fall in the $100–$400 range.

Practical tips: weigh and measure at home with a luggage scale to avoid surprise charges; shift dense items into hand baggage if under airline limits; use a TSA-approved lock for flights to/from the United States; keep valuables, medications and travel documents in carry-on. Allow extra time for drop-off: plan to arrive at least 45–60 minutes before domestic departures and 90–120 minutes before international departures if an additional item must be processed.

When an item contains fragile or high-value contents, declare it at the counter and request specialized handling or a fragile sticker; if transporting sports equipment or musical instruments, confirm route-specific rules and potential cargo handling fees in advance to secure correct routing and insurance options.

Registering Additional Baggage

Purchase an additional-bag allowance online at least 24 hours before departure; typical savings versus airport counter rates range 30–60%. Common domestic US fees: first checked piece $30, second $40; additional piece fees for economy often $100–200. Prepaying via airline website or app usually locks a lower flat fee.

Adhere to standard size and weight caps: most carriers set 23 kg (50 lb) per piece for standard allowance and 32 kg (70 lb) as a maximum accepted for checked items. Linear dimension limit (length + width + height) is commonly 158 cm (62 in). Oversize charges commonly run $100–400; overweight fees $75–200 depending on zone and carrier.

Prepare at home: weigh and measure baggage with a digital scale and tape measure; redistribute heavy contents into another bag or worn garments to avoid overweight surcharges. Fasten zippers, lock with TSA-approved locks, and place an external ID tag plus an internal paper with contact details.

Purchase or add allowance during online boarding-pass issuance or via the airline mobile app–self-service kiosks at airports also permit purchases but at higher rates. If buying at the counter, arrive earlier than usual: allow 90–120 minutes for domestic flights and 180–240 minutes for international departures when bag-drop or payment is required.

Keep high-value items and travel documents in the cabin bag: electronics, cash, medication and passports should not be placed in checked pieces. Spare lithium batteries must travel in the cabin only (terminals insulated); batteries up to 100 Wh are generally permitted in carry-on, 100–160 Wh require airline approval, over 160 Wh are prohibited.

For oversize items (skis, golf clubs, musical instruments) pre-book special baggage services; many airlines treat these as a regular piece plus a surcharge or require cargo handling above certain dimensions. Sporting equipment often needs advance notice and packaging rules–check carrier-specific size limits and fees.

If a bag is delayed, damaged or lost, report at the airline’s baggage service counter before leaving the airport and obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) and claim reference. Retain payment receipts for allowance purchases and take photos of damaged items; standard claim windows for delayed delivery typically follow IATA guidance (file within 21 days for delay-related compensation processes).

Verify booking’s baggage allowance and paid additional-bag options

Confirm the booking reference (PNR) and fare code on the airline’s Manage Booking page, then purchase any paid additional-bag allowance online at least 24 hours before departure to secure lower rates.

Locate the allowance details in the e‑ticket or confirmation email: fare conditions list either piece-based or weight-based rules. Common limits: piece system usually allows 1–2 items; weight system commonly uses 23 kg (50 lb) or 32 kg (70 lb) per item; linear dimension cap typically 158 cm / 62 in (sum of length + width + height).

Price guidance (ranges only): short-haul domestic first hold-bag $25–60, second $35–100; international/long-haul first hold-bag $60–150, second $100–300. Overweight surcharges commonly $50–200 depending on excess weight or fixed slab. Purchasing the allowance online frequently reduces fee by ~30–60% versus airport counter rates.

If booking was made via an online travel agency or metasearch platform, verify whether the OTA or the operating carrier must add the paid allowance. Ensure the receipt shows the same PNR/e‑ticket number; if not, contact the carrier with the booking reference and e‑ticket to reconcile the allowance.

Keep a screenshot or printout of the paid allowance confirmation and the transaction ID; present that at the bag drop or ticket counter. Expect immediate reflection of the purchase in the Manage Booking record for most carriers, but allow up to 24 hours for some interline or code‑share reservations.

Tip: look for bundled fare options (fare + seat + hold-bag) during initial booking, since bundling frequently offers lower total cost than adding allowances later.

Weigh and measure your bag at home to meet airline weight and size limits

Weigh and measure the bag at home with a handheld bag scale or a bathroom scale; target at least 2 kg (4–5 lb) below common hold limits and 1 kg (2 lb) below typical cabin allowances to avoid surcharges and repacking at the airport.

Tools and quick setup

Handheld bag scale (accuracy ±0.1 kg), tape measure (cm or inches), digital kitchen scale for small items, zip compression straps, and a luggage cover or tape to mark external dimensions. Calibrate the bathroom scale by stepping on then off, or use tare on digital scales before placing the bag.

Step-by-step procedure

1. Empty external pockets and zip closed compartments before measuring dimensions; measure length + width + height including wheels, handles and external pockets. Record linear total for hold items and the single longest side for cabin pieces.

2. Weigh via handheld: lift bag by the handle-mounted hook until stable; read weight once display stops fluctuating. For bathroom scale method: place bag on scale and if size prevents full placement, weigh a person holding the bag and subtract body weight measured separately.

3. Allow a margin: add 1–2 kg to the measured weight to account for scale variance and in-transit shifts. Add 2–3 cm to each measured dimension for protective covers and protruding wheels.

4. If measured weight exceeds the target, remove dense items (canned goods, bulk powders, heavy toiletries), redistribute heavy items into smaller carry pieces, or replace with lighter materials. For notes on packing protein sources, see which is not a good source of protein.

Final notes: label the bag with weight and dimensions on a note inside the main compartment for quick reference at departure, weigh again after final packing, and keep heavy items close to the wheel base to improve stability and reduce perceived bulk during measurement.

Purchase additional baggage online: where to find and add it to reservation

Buy additional baggage on the carrier’s Manage booking page at least 24 hours before departure to typically save 30–70% compared with airport rates.

• Required information: booking reference (PNR), passenger surname, flight date, payment card.
• Primary route: carrier website or mobile app → Manage booking / My trips → Add-ons / Baggage → select piece or weight option → complete payment.
• Alternate routes: online travel agency (Expedia, Skyscanner booking link) via the OTA’s Manage booking section; carrier call centre (expect hold times and occasional service fees); official airport portal only when carrier redirects there.
• Codeshare / multi-carrier itineraries: purchase through the operating carrier listed on the flight segment that actually provides the service. If onboarding airline differs from ticketing airline, confirm via the operating carrier’s Manage booking.
• Group or multi-passenger bookings: add allowances individually per passenger; some systems require one transaction per PNR passenger.

1. Open carrier site → enter PNR and surname → locate Manage booking.
2. Select baggage/hold item option: choose piece-count or weight-based bundle; note that some low-cost carriers sell only weight blocks (e.g., 10–20 kg increments) while legacy carriers sell per-piece (standard: 23 kg / 50 lb).
3. Compare available weights and sizes in the same screen: typical limits – 23 kg (50 lb) standard piece, 32 kg (70 lb) max before oversized/overweight surcharge; linear dimension commonly 158 cm / 62 in.
4. Complete payment and save the updated itinerary and e-receipt; the confirmation must show the added allowance code or explicit piece count per passenger.

Fee benchmarks (online pre-departure):

• Low-cost carriers (Europe/US): €10–€60 / $10–$60 per piece online; gate/airport tariffs often 2–5× higher.
• Legacy carriers (domestic): $25–$35 for first piece, $35–$60 for second piece; overweight surcharges $75–$200; oversize $100–$300 depending on route.
• International routes commonly allow 1–2 pieces at 23 kg each for checked-baggage fares, otherwise weight-based fees apply.

Practical tips:

• Make the purchase during initial booking or within 7 days of booking for the lowest published rates; last-minute purchases at airport kiosks or gates incur substantially higher charges.
• Retain the e-receipt and screenshot the Manage booking page showing the added allowance; some airports require proof if boarding pass QR does not display the update.
• For special items (sports equipment, musical instruments), select the specific add-on category – flat-rate surcharges apply and dimensions/packing rules differ from standard pieces.
• For recommended suitcase options that fit common airline limits and hold up on cold-weather voyages, see best luggage for alaska cruise.

At the airport: kiosks, airline counters and bag-drop for additional pieces

Self-service kiosks and automated bag-drop

Start at a kiosk: retrieve the reservation by scanning passport, boarding QR or entering confirmation code; choose Manage bags/Add baggage, complete payment with card or contactless wallet, print boarding pass and baggage tags. Attach tag to the outside handle loop, not inside a pocket; place the tag barcode facing up for scanner readability. Use the automated bag-drop lane when available: scan boarding pass at the machine, place the tagged item on the scale conveyor and wait for confirmation label or conveyor acceptance. If the machine flags overweight or irregular dimensions it will unlock instructions to proceed to a staffed counter.

Typical weight limits applied at the point of acceptance: 23 kg (50 lb) for standard economy pieces and 32 kg (70 lb) for premium/checked allowances; linear dimension limit commonly 158 cm (62 in). When weight exceeds the airline’s per-piece limit by a small margin a surcharge may be applied; amounts vary by carrier and route.

Airline counters, oversized items and transfer routing

Present passport/ID and boarding pass at the airline counter or dedicated bag-drop desk. Staff will verify routing, weigh items on an industrial scale, attach final-destination tags and issue a baggage receipt or tag stub showing tag number and any paid fees. If the itinerary includes multiple carriers, request interline tagging to the final destination; if interline tagging is not available, the item will require collection and re-drop during transfer.

Oversized, overweight or special-item handling (sporting gear, musical instruments, fragile crates) is processed at dedicated desks. Packing requirements: hard case for instruments, foam padding for fragile goods, straps or shrink-wrap for odd shapes. Advance purchase recommended for surfboards, bicycles and similar items; on-site acceptance may be refused or routed to cargo/freight if weight exceeds 32 kg per piece or dimensions exceed the carrier’s oversized policy. Fee ranges observed at airports: USD 30–200 for domestic oversized/overweight, USD 75–400 for long-haul international, varying by carrier and route.

Time windows: bag-drop counters typically open 2–3 hours before departure. Many carriers stop accepting pieces 45–60 minutes prior to departure for short-haul and 60–90 minutes for long-haul flights; automated systems often display the exact cut-off. Retain the baggage receipt and tag number until final collection; the tag number is required for any on-the-spot queries or mishandling reports.

On-site payment options include major credit/debit cards, contactless wallets and, at some airports, cash. Request a printed fee receipt and verify the tag number printed on the receipt matches the tag affixed to the item. Security authorities may open hold items for inspection; clearly label fragile contents and avoid sealed containers that prevent inspection without damage.

Resolve overweight or oversized items at drop-off: repacking, rebooking or paying fees

At the drop-off counter, immediately ask staff to offer repacking, reassignment to another ticket, or fee payment; typical thresholds and fee ranges guide the choice.

• Quick triage (0–15 minutes)
  • If scale shows 23 kg / 50 lb or less (common economy allowance): proceed normally.
  • If between 23 kg (50 lb) and 32 kg (70 lb): request repacking or pay overweight charge – expect US domestic carriers to charge roughly $75–200 per bag; international carrier charges vary widely (€50–€200+).
  • If over 32 kg / 70 lb or linear dimensions exceed 158 cm / 62 in: many carriers refuse standard acceptance; options are repacking, routing as air cargo, or special-handling fees (often $200–$500+).
• Repacking options at counter
  • Move dense items (electronics, shoes, books) into a carry-on or personal item pockets; use vacuum/compression sacks to reduce volume for bulky clothing.
  • Remove nonessential items and consolidate into another passenger’s allowance if both passengers are on the same reservation and agent confirms permission.
  • Ask for tape/plastic or a spare bag from the airport shop; repacking typically takes 5–20 minutes depending on complexity.
• Fee payment vs. rebooking
  • Paying at the counter is usually 1.5–3× pricier than online pre-purchase; expect higher airport rates for additional pieces and overweight penalties.
  • Upgrading to a higher fare class that includes greater allowance can be cost-effective for high overweight charges – request agent to run a fare/upgrade comparison (agent can calculate immediate cost vs. per-bag surcharge).
  • Transferring items to another ticket or purchasing an additional bag on-site: allow 10–30 minutes for processing and payment.
• Shipping as an alternative
  • Domestic ground courier for a 20–30 kg parcel typically costs $30–150 and can arrive next business day; international courier rates commonly start at $100 and rise steeply with weight/dimensions.
  • Airline cargo desks at the airport accept oversized/overweight items but add handling and customs fees; expect longer processing time (30+ minutes) and higher cost than ground courier for long distances.
• Dispute, documentation and timing
  • If scale reading seems incorrect, photograph the scale display and request a supervisor or baggage services verification before paying.
  • Keep receipts and attach photographs to any later claim; retain tag numbers and agent name for reference.
  • With less than 20 minutes to departure, prepare to either pay the counter fee or leave nonessential items behind; freight or re-routing options normally require more time.

Practical rule of thumb: for overweight under 9 kg (20 lb) beyond allowance, repacking or redistributing usually saves money; for overweight above 9 kg or oversized beyond 158 cm, compare immediate counter fees, upgrade cost, and shipping quotes – choose the option with the lowest combined outlay and required time.