Michael Turner
Do this: buy the stowage option during online check-in or at the airline counter, pay the applicable fee, tag the suitcase at the hold desk, then keep passports, medication and high-value items with you.
Typical charges vary by carrier and route: economy short-haul fees often sit between USD 10–60 when purchased online and USD 20–120 at the airport; long-haul economy can range USD 25–150. Common piece weight limits are 23 kg on many international carriers and up to 32 kg on select routes; the usual maximum linear size is 158 cm (length + width + height).
Practical steps: weigh the suitcase at home, redistribute heavy items if needed, place spare batteries, power banks and valuables inside the small personal item you keep with you, pack liquids that exceed cabin allowances inside the stowed piece and seal them according to security rules. Purchase the stowage allowance via the airline app or kiosk to save money; retain the payment receipt and the attached claim tag until reclaim at destination.
Timings and penalties: low-cost carriers typically increase fees at the airport; elite status or premium fares commonly include one piece of stowed allowance. Expect overweight charges if a piece exceeds published limits and oversized surcharges when linear dimensions surpass the limit. Allow extra time at the desk – roughly 20–40 minutes extra at domestic check-in areas and 40–90 minutes extra at international counters – since last-minute transfers into the aircraft hold are often refused after gate closure.
Convert carry-on into hold item
Purchase a hold-item allowance during online check-in or at the ticket desk when your carry-on exceeds the airline’s permitted dimensions; pay the fee and hand the item at the hold drop-off desk prior to security screening.
Expect typical charges and limits: low-cost carriers short-haul online $20–$40, airport $40–$70; legacy carriers short-haul online $25–$60, airport $50–$100; international long-haul rates usually $30–$150 depending on route and class. Standard weight allowances: 23 kg (50 lb) in economy, 32 kg (70 lb) in premium; overweight penalties commonly $50–$200. Standard maximum linear size: 158 cm (sum of length + width + height).
How to complete the switch
1. Measure dimensions and weigh the item at home; compare with the airline’s published limits.
2. Buy the hold-item allowance online during check-in to secure lower fees; add-ons at the airport typically cost more.
3. Label the item with your name and flight details, keep the receipt and tag after drop-off to track the item in transit.
4. If weight exceeds allowance, redistribute contents into personal items carried on body where permitted, or pay overweight charge at the desk.
| Category | Online fee (USD) | Airport fee (USD) | Typical weight limit | Typical size limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-cost, short-haul | $20–$40 | $40–$70 | 10–23 kg | 100–158 cm |
| Legacy, short-haul | $25–$60 | $50–$100 | 23 kg | 158 cm |
| International, long-haul | $30–$150 | $60–$200 | 23–32 kg | 158 cm |
Retain purchase confirmation and the drop-off tag; use the airline’s tracking tool to monitor the stowed item during transit and to report irregularities within the carrier’s stated time limits.
Ask the gate agent immediately to tag an oversize carry-on item as stowage in the hold before boarding closes; present its dimensions and a quick photo if needed.
Typical trigger points when airlines permit this: overhead bins filled to capacity; the item exceeds published size limits (common dimension cap: 22×14×9 inches / 56×36×23 cm); weight limits where carriers set a carry cap near 7–10 kg; discovered prohibited components that cannot remain in the cabin (spare lithium cells must stay with the passenger). Domestic gate handling fees often range roughly $40–$200, carrier dependent; some operators waive the surcharge when lack of space causes the action.
Immediate steps at the gate: request tagging before boarding group is called; have a tape measure or phone with dimension photos; state your frequent-flier status or family/travel class if that may affect waiver eligibility; insist on a written or printed tag stub and retain it until arrival. Remove valuables, medications, travel documents, and spare lithium batteries prior to handing the item over.
How to present the item at the gate
Show the item packed as it will travel, remove external locks, empty outer pockets with electronics removed, and place fragile contents into a protective case. If carrying a compact umbrella or daypack keep them with you: best small lightweight travel umbrella and best backpack for cycling commute. If refrigerated or frozen goods are part of the trip, verify home storage and pre-trip logistics via are there any a rated fridge freezers.
Situations likely to be refused or penalised
Refusal can occur when boarding has closed, when an item contains non-declarable hazardous materials, or when carrier policy explicitly bars gate stowage on a particular fare class or aircraft type. Low-cost carriers often maintain stricter enforcement with no gate waivers. If an agent declines the request, accept instructions, request a written reason, and record agent name plus time to assist any subsequent refund or dispute.
Switch carry-on item to hold storage during online check-in or kiosk
Add a hold item while checking in online whenever possible; online additions usually carry the lowest fee, update your itinerary immediately, and generate the tag barcode to present at bag drop.
- Typical weight allowances: 20 kg common on low-cost European fares; 23 kg (50 lb) standard on many carriers; 32 kg (70 lb) for heavy‑allowance tickets. Linear size limit usually 158 cm (sum of length+width+height).
- Fee ranges (typical): domestic US $25–$60; Europe €10–€70; low-cost carriers may charge less at booking and more at the kiosk or gate. Gate additions often cost 2–3× online rate.
- Cut-off windows: online additions accepted up to the airline’s online check-in close (commonly 24–2 hours prior to departure); kiosk additions accepted while kiosks remain active, commonly until 60–120 minutes prior to departure; bag drop closes earlier on many routes, commonly 45–90 minutes prior.
- Online check-in steps
- Log in with confirmation code or frequent‑flyer number and select passenger.
- Go to the baggage or add‑ons section and choose the hold option, select weight/number of pieces.
- Complete payment via card, digital wallet, or airline account credit; save receipt screenshot.
- Receive updated boarding pass and tag barcode in the app or email; at airport proceed to the bag drop desk and present barcode or boarding pass to staff.
- Kiosk procedure
- Scan passport, ID, or enter PNR at the kiosk screen and confirm passenger name.
- Select Add Items or Manage Baggage, choose number of pieces and weight option.
- Pay at the kiosk using chip card, contactless, or mobile pay; kiosks typically accept major cards only.
- Kiosk prints a paper tag with barcode; attach tag to the handle/strap using the supplied loop, then join the bag drop queue.
- Attach tags: thread the printed loop through the main handle and secure around the case handle; use a second tag inside an external pocket as backup.
- Overweight or oversize surcharges: expect surcharges that escalate by weight band (e.g., +$30 per 5 kg above allowance) or flat oversize penalties; fixed amounts vary by carrier.
- If the booking includes a pre‑paid hold piece, confirm that the system applied it during check-in; if not, add the piece and keep payment confirmation screenshot.
- Carry restricted items: certain batteries, liquids, valuables must remain in carry‑on item or be declared; check airline and national aviation rules before adding to hold.
Calculate fees and pick the cheapest option to stow onboard items
Always prepay the hold-handling fee online; online rates are typically 30–70% lower than at the airport.
How to calculate the total cost
Collect these numbers from the carrier’s site: base stowage fee, overweight charge per kg or slab, oversize surcharge, same-day counter rate, and any onboard-to-hold penalty if gate staff applies one. Use this formula: Total = Base + Overweight + Oversize + Airport surcharge + Special handling.
Example calculation: Base online $25 + overweight (24–32 kg) $40 + oversize +$60 + airport counter surcharge $20 → Total $145. If the carrier sells prepay at $25 but charges gate $60, the online savings ($35) should be compared against potential overweight or oversize charges.
How to pick the cheapest route
Compare three routes: keep the item onboard within allowed dimensions, prepay stowage online, ship via courier. Steps: weigh and measure at home with a scale and tape; match those values to the carrier’s fee table; add any fare bundle that includes the first piece and compare the net price difference.
If Total > $75 and weight >15 kg, run a courier quote; many door-to-door services become cheaper above 18–20 kg. If a credit card benefit or elite status waives the first piece, apply that benefit rather than paying an add-on. Preserve screenshots of quoted online rates in case agents dispute price later.
Practical savings tactics: shift dense items into worn clothing to lower measured weight, remove nonessential items, split contents across two permitted carry items when both meet dimension limits, or buy a slightly higher fare that includes a free first piece when the fare difference is less than the sum of add-on charges. When gate staff threatens an immediate fee, present the online-prepay confirmation or request a supervisor while showing proof of payment availability.
Which items you must remove, declare, or keep with you before stowing in the aircraft hold
Immediate action: before handing any item to the aircraft hold, remove spare batteries and power banks; loose lithium cells; e-cigarettes and refill bottles; prescription medicines and insulin with prescriptions; passports, visas and boarding passes; cash above daily-transaction amounts; high-value jewellery, cameras, laptops and other expensive electronics; fragile items and irreplaceable documents; small portable hard drives and memory cards.
Keep on your person or in your carry-on: passport and travel documents; prescription medicines plus a paper copy of the prescription; required electronics and their spare batteries/power banks (spare lithium-ion units must remain in the cabin); items you would rather not lose (cash, jewellery, sentimental goods); items that require temperature control during the flight (insulin, some samples) unless you have airline-approved cold packaging.
Items to declare to the airline or border authorities: firearms and ammunition (declare and follow carrier procedures; firearms must be unloaded, locked in approved cases); large sums of cash or negotiable instruments above the country threshold (typically ~10,000 EUR/USD or equivalent); agricultural products, meats, plants and animal products subject to import controls; hazardous goods such as compressed gas cylinders, corrosives, flammable liquids or solids, and radioactive materials; dry ice used for perishables exceeding the permitted passenger limit (IATA allowance commonly 2.5 kg – declare and mark package).
Specific battery rules and numeric limits: lithium-ion cells installed in equipment: normally permitted in hold but spare cells/power banks: carry-on only; watt-hour guidance – ≤100 Wh: generally accepted without approval; 100–160 Wh: airline approval required and must be in the cabin; >160 Wh: prohibited on passenger aircraft. Power bank capacity in mAh is not a direct regulatory value; convert using Wh = (mAh × V)/1000 (typical V = 3.7V).
Packing and labeling guidance: sheath or secure sharp tools and blades; discharge fuel from portable stoves and store according to carrier instructions (many airlines forbid fuel in the hold); label packages containing dry ice and state net amount; place fragile items in carry-on when possible; keep original medication containers and bring supporting documentation. Always consult the specific carrier’s dangerous goods list and the destination country’s customs rules before travel.
Gate procedure: repack, tag and track the item you’ll place in the aircraft hold
Request a gate tag at once and transfer passports, cash, prescription medicines, cameras, laptops, and spare lithium cells into your carry-on so those items remain with you onboard.
Repack at the gate
1) Remove liquids over 100 ml (3.4 oz) and keep them in a clear resealable bag on your person; prescription liquids over that limit should be accompanied by prescriptions or a doctor’s note. 2) Take out all loose lithium cells and spare power banks – regulations require spares to stay with the passenger; devices with installed batteries may remain in the item sent to the hold. 3) Put valuables (jewelry, chargers, keys) and travel documents in an inner pocket or a small personal pouch you wear. 4) Redistribute heavy objects toward the base of the container to reduce stress on seams; close zippers and use a TSA‑approved lock if you must secure the case (expect security inspections that may require opening it).
Tagging, handover and tracking
1) Before the agent attaches a tag, verify the printed three-letter airport code and flight number match your itinerary; if incorrect, request reprint. 2) Ask the agent to add priority or fragile stickers if eligible; place any additional fragile labeling on the exterior where staff can see it. 3) Keep the tag stub and get a paper or electronic receipt showing the tag number and claim reference; immediately photograph both the attached tag (visible barcode and code) and the receipt. 4) Enter the tag number in the airline app or provide it to customer service at arrival to enable tracking; many carriers update status via app scans – note that typical arrival to carousel delivery ranges from 0–24 hours, so report a missing item to the airline’s baggage services desk if not located within 24 hours. 5) If the agent requests a fee at the gate, ask for a printed transaction receipt and confirm the fee covers delivery to the destination or next available flight.
FAQ:
Can I switch my cabin bag to checked luggage at the gate if the overhead bins are full?
Yes, gate agents can accept a cabin bag for the hold when overhead space runs out. This happens frequently on full flights or smaller aircraft. If the agent asks you to gate-check, staff will tag the bag and place it in the aircraft hold; you usually retrieve it at the baggage reclaim area after landing. Note that items such as spare lithium batteries, loose lithium cells, and some high-capacity power banks are not permitted in checked baggage and must stay with you in the cabin. Also keep valuables, travel documents, medications and fragile items with you rather than in a checked bag. Whether a fee is charged depends on the airline and your fare class — some carriers gate-check free when space is limited, while low-cost carriers may apply a charge or require prior payment for checked luggage. If you want to avoid gate-checking, board with any priority or early-boarding option your ticket provides or check the bag at the desk before security. Check the airline’s policy ahead of travel and ask the gate agent what will happen to your bag if you are asked to gate-check it.
If my carry-on is slightly oversize, will staff force me to check it and can I get my paid carry-on fee refunded?
Many airlines measure bags at the gate and will require an oversize item to be checked; enforcement is strict on some budget carriers and looser on legacy carriers. Refunds for a paid carry-on are rare — most carriers keep the fee even when a bag is checked at the gate, though policies vary and you can contact customer service afterward to request a review. If you want to avoid this, measure and weigh your bag before travel, move heavy or large items into a personal item, or pay for checked luggage in advance at the check-in desk.
