Michael Turner
Bring exact local banknotes plus a backup card and confirm the carrier’s on-site currency policy before you travel. If the operator accepts paper money at the check-in desk, expect counter rates to be higher than online: per-piece counter fees commonly run 2×–3× the web price. Typical ranges you should budget for: domestic additional-piece charges $30–$150; international additional-piece charges $50–$300; overweight/oversize surcharges $50–$250 per item.
Follow this sequence: check the flight operator’s baggage rules on its official page or customer service line; weigh and measure bags at home or at an airport kiosk; if the operator allows payment with banknotes, present exact denominations (large notes sometimes rejected) and request a printed receipt plus an itemized tag. If the operator does not accept paper money, complete the purchase online or use a payment card at the kiosk to avoid being refused at the counter.
Regional patterns: many low-cost carriers require pre-purchase through their website or app and do not accept paper-money settlements at the terminal; many full-service carriers will accept in-person currency on domestic routes but limit this option at major international hubs due to card processing rules. If you must use paper money abroad, use small-to-mid denominations, avoid damaged notes, and locate ATM/exchange points inside the terminal as a fallback.
Quick checklist: 1) verify on-site currency acceptance for your specific flight; 2) compare online vs. counter rates and buy in advance if cheaper; 3) bring exact local notes + backup card; 4) arrive 45–90 minutes earlier for domestic and 90–120 minutes earlier for international departures when adding bags at the desk; 5) always obtain an itemized receipt and keep the baggage tag until arrival.
Purchasing additional baggage at the airport with physical currency
Most carriers accept on‑site purchases using banknotes and coins at check‑in desks and service counters; expect on‑the‑spot charges to be substantially higher than online rates – prebook via the carrier website or app whenever possible to save roughly 20–60%.
- Typical fee ranges (approximate, per segment): U.S. domestic first checked bag online $25–$40; at desk $35–$60. Low‑cost European operators: online €15–€50, at desk €30–€100. International long‑haul additional pieces often $100–$300 depending on route.
- Common weight limits: 23 kg (50 lb) standard for economy checked bags; 32 kg (70 lb) for oversized/extra‑weight allowances. Overweight surcharges usually $75–$200 per bag.
- Accepted locations: airport check‑in counters, dedicated bag drop desks, ticket offices; some self‑service kiosks accept on‑site purchases but typically require a card.
- Currency rules: many carriers accept only the local legal tender at remote stations; major international airports often accept multiple currencies but change is given in local notes.
When on‑site transactions are available
- Domestic flights: most operators will handle an on‑site purchase at any staffed counter.
- Low‑cost operators: acceptance varies by airport; some desks permit banknotes but common practice is online or card‑only at kiosks.
- International/transfer airports: staffed transfer desks may allow a purchase, but rules depend on ticket type and interline agreements.
- Remote or small regional carriers: expect limited options and possible refusal of physical money outside card terminals.
Step‑by‑step airport recommendations
- Check baggage rules on the carrier’s official site using your booking reference before leaving for the airport.
- Weigh and measure bags at home; target the carrier’s published limits (23 kg/32 kg) to avoid overweight penalties.
- Arrive at least 90–120 minutes before domestic departures, 2–3 hours for international flights, to resolve payments or rebalancing if needed.
- Bring small denominations of local banknotes and have card as backup; ask whether exact change is required.
- Request a printed receipt showing the transaction code and allowed piece/weight – keep it with your boarding pass until after luggage acceptance.
- If desk staff refuse on‑site banknotes, use a card, purchase online from airport Wi‑Fi, or consider shipping surplus items via courier.
- For overweight items, consider redistributing contents to carry‑on (within cabin limits) or purchasing a higher weight allowance rather than risking the highest surcharge.
Which carriers accept physical currency for overweight and additional bags at airport check-in?
Bring local banknotes and coins to the check-in counter: many full-service and regional carriers–especially at hubs in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and parts of Latin America–accept physical tender for overweight or additional bag fees; numerous European low-cost operators and many North American legacy carriers prefer card-only transactions at kiosks.
Operators that typically accept local tender
Full-service Middle Eastern and major Asian operators (examples: Emirates at DXB, Qatar Airways at DOH, Turkish Airlines at IST) commonly accept local currency at staffed desks for surcharges on overweight or extra pieces.
Flag carriers in Africa and Latin America (examples: South African Airways, Avianca, LATAM at many regional stations) frequently accept banknotes at airport counters; acceptance can differ between domestic and international terminals.
Regional and some legacy international carriers often accept physical money at staffed check-in desks while enforcing card-only at self-service kiosks; station-level rules vary–confirm with the local desk.
Low-cost operators (examples: Ryanair, easyJet) typically push online purchases and card terminals and may refuse physical tender for on-the-spot surcharges.
Practical steps at the check-in desk
Verify ahead: consult the carrier’s airport-specific FAQ or call the local check-in desk to confirm accepted forms of money and the exact fee bands for overweight versus additional pieces.
At the counter: present the bag for weighing before agreeing to cover the fee, have small denominations and coins ready, request a printed receipt and record the baggage tag number.
Prepare backups: carry a bank card or mobile payment method in case the desk cannot accept physical tender; if refused, ask for the supervisor or buy allowance online (often cheaper) where possible.
How to settle an additional checked bag at the check-in desk – step by step
Recommendation: Arrive at the airport with local notes and coins, your booking reference or e-ticket, government ID, and a bag already packed within common weight limits (23 kg / 50 lb is a common threshold); ask the agent at the check-in desk to add one additional checked bag and settle the fee on the spot using physical currency or an alternative method.
1. Join the queue for the check-in desk or bag-drop counter relevant to your carrier; keep passport/ID and booking confirmation ready for quick presentation.
2. Tell the agent you need to add one checked bag. Provide the reservation locator and show the bag if requested so staff can verify size and weight class.
3. Place the bag on the scale the agent provides. Typical weight thresholds: up to 23 kg (50 lb) for standard checked allowance, up to 32 kg (70 lb) triggers overweight charges or special handling. If over the limit, repack or move items to a carry-on before agreeing to the surcharge.
4. The agent will quote the carrier’s fee. Expect higher rates at the counter than online: short domestic routes often range roughly USD 25–60, second-piece or short-notice fees USD 40–90, and oversized/overweight surcharges USD 75–200 or more on long-haul sectors. Confirm the exact amount before handing over notes.
5. Hand over local currency (small denominations preferred) or request to use a card if no suitable notes are available; ask the agent to show the register total before you give money. If using physical money, present exact change when possible to speed the process.
6. Insist on a printed receipt and a baggage tag with a visible tag number. Verify the agent has linked the new tag to your reservation and that the boarding pass reflects the checked bag allowance.
7. Photograph the receipt and the bag tag barcode or number immediately at the counter; keep originals in a secure pocket until after travel. If loss or damage occurs, these images speed any claim with the carrier’s ground staff.
8. If the agent refuses notes or there’s a currency mismatch, ask for alternatives at the desk (card, mobile pay) or the nearest airport exchange/ATM; avoid accepting verbal promises–get any exception documented on the receipt.
9. For oversized items, declare dimensions and weight up front; oversized handling may require a separate counter and an additional manifest tag–confirm where the item must be dropped off and collect the relevant paperwork.
10. Keep the receipt until final baggage reclaim at destination; check the tag number on arrival to ensure your checked bag was recorded correctly and file any irregularity at the carrier’s baggage service office immediately.
Documents, weight and size limits to verify before settling fees at the check-in counter
Before settling fees at the check-in counter with banknotes and coins, confirm the checklist below to avoid refusal, oversized handling or higher tariffs.
Required documents and special-item paperwork
Carry: passport or national ID, boarding pass or e-ticket number, printed baggage allowance screenshot or screenshot of the tariff rules, and booking reference. For international connections include required visas. For pets bring health certificate and vaccination records; for musical instruments or sporting gear bring purchase or rental receipts and any manufacturer handling instructions. For temporary exports (e.g., antiques, high-value camera gear) carry an ATA Carnet or receipts to speed customs checks. If transporting batteries, lithium items, firearms or large quantities of liquids, present the manufacturer declarations, permits or weapon permits as applicable.
Have printed or downloaded the carrier’s specific baggage page showing size/weight limits and fees; screenshots with date/time are acceptable evidence at the desk. Keep a photo ID and a second form of ID if travelling domestically where requested.
Numeric limits, measurement method and common thresholds
Measure: linear size = length + width + height (include wheels and handles). Common checked-bag limit: 158 cm (62 in) linear. Typical checked-weight bands: 20 kg, 23 kg and 32 kg per piece (if a carrier uses the piece concept, each item must not exceed the per-piece maximum). Items over 32 kg are usually refused at check-in and must be shipped as air cargo. Carry-on typical dimensions: ~55×40×20–25 cm and weights 7–10 kg, but operators vary–always confirm the exact figure for your fare class.
Weigh your packed bag at home with a hand scale; if borderline, transfer items to another bag or to your carry-on to meet thresholds. At the counter the agent’s scale and the carrier’s measuring cage/board set final conformity. Many carriers apply a 1–2 kg tolerance but do not rely on that; prepare to meet the published limit.
Special items: sporting equipment, skis, surfboards and musical instruments may be accepted as one piece but can trigger oversized or special-handling charges even if under weight limits. Dangerous goods rules strictly prohibit some items in checked or cabin stowage–verify the carrier’s DGR list before arrival.
Final practical checks: confirm the currency and exact amount of the fee on the carrier’s page, bring small banknotes and coins for on-site settlement, request a printed receipt showing the fee code and the agent’s ID, and photograph the bag’s dimensions and weight display on the counter scale if you expect a dispute.
Typical airport surcharges vs online or prebooked rates
Prebook an additional checked bag online – typical savings range from 30% to 70% compared with settling the fee at the airport counter.
U.S. domestic examples: web rates for the first checked bag commonly fall between $25 and $35, second between $35 and $50. At the counter expect roughly $35–$60 for the first bag and $60–$100 for the second, depending on the carrier and fare class.
International and low-cost operators: online hold-bag fees often run €15–€80 or $40–$120 depending on route; on-site counter charges frequently jump to €70–€200 or $100–$250. Some carriers (notably in Latin America, Africa and parts of Asia) price by kilogram at the desk, commonly $5–$15 per kg above the free allowance.
Weight and size surcharges escalate sharply: overweight (typically 23–32 kg / 50–70 lb) usually adds $75–$200; heavy bags over 32 kg / 70 lb can incur $150–$400. Oversize (linear dimension over ~158 cm / 62 in) commonly triggers $100–$400. On-site transactions often include either a flat service fee ($10–$30) or a percentage premium (20–50%) on top of the posted charge.
Practical measures: book the allowance online whenever possible; verify the carrier’s weight bands and linear-size thresholds before arrival; combine items into one compliant bag rather than risking overweight fines; consider bundled fares or annual bundle passes if you travel frequently. For compact organization that lowers the chance of excess weight at check-in, see this recommended option: best travel briefcase for men.
If a carrier refuses physical money, immediately use a card or mobile wallet, get written proof of the refusal, and begin a formal complaint
Use a contactless bank card, corporate card, mobile wallet (Apple Pay/Google Pay), airport kiosk with card reader, or ask a colleague to transfer funds via instant bank transfer so travel can continue without dispute. Ask staff which electronic methods they accept and request they process the transaction on the spot.
Alternative settlement methods and required proof
| Method | Action at counter | Documentation to obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Contactless/debit/credit card | Swipe/tap at terminal; request manager if terminal unavailable | Printed receipt showing last 4 digits, authorization code, date/time |
| Mobile wallet | Present phone for NFC; if refused, ask staff to accept card instead | Screenshot of transaction confirmation; printed merchant receipt |
| Instant bank transfer or app transfer | Complete transfer to carrier account and show confirmation to staff | Bank transfer screenshot with reference number and staff signature on copy |
| Purchase voucher or pre-paid code from airport desk | Buy voucher by card and hand voucher to ground agent | Voucher serial number and receipt; certificate of acceptance from agent |
| Refusal documented by carrier | Request written refusal on carrier letterhead signed by supervisor | Signed refusal note, staff name, position, date/time |
How to collect evidence and file a complaint
Record these items immediately: boarding pass, bag tags, staff names and badge numbers, counter number, terminal and flight details, time stamp (phone photo of departure board), and photos of counter signage that states “no paper money accepted” if present. Ask a manager to sign a short written statement explaining the refusal; if staff refuse, photograph the manager and note the refusal on camera.
Submit a formal complaint to the carrier via its official web form and attach scanned receipts, photographs, the signed refusal note (if any), and bank/transaction screenshots. Use the carrier’s complaint reference number in all follow-ups. If the method used was a card, open a dispute with the card issuer using the merchant receipt and proof of refusal.
If the carrier’s response is unsatisfactory, escalate to the national aviation regulator or consumer protection agency for the country where the incident occurred (provide complaint packet, timestamps, and correspondence). Typical carrier reply windows vary; expect an initial acknowledgment within 7–30 days–retain all originals until the case closes.
When legal recourse is needed, check small-claims court limits in the jurisdiction of travel; use the complaint packet compiled above as evidence. If the counter refusal caused missed connections or additional expenses, list each expense with receipts and request reimbursement separately.
After resolution, keep digital copies for at least two years and consider leaving a factual review on the carrier’s public channels. For hygiene between trips, remember routine maintenance like how to clean face scrubber brush: how to clean face scrubber brush.
