Michael Turner
Typical domestic U.S. first checked bag: $30–35; second checked bag: $40–50. Ultra-low-cost carriers frequently charge carry-on $25–65 and checked bags $30–60, with higher fees on shorter booking windows and peak routes.
Weight and size limits matter: many international carriers set checked weight at 23 kg (50 lb), while several U.S. airlines use a 50 lb threshold. Overweight surcharges commonly range $100–200, oversized fees $100–400, and combined dimensions over 158 cm (L+W+H) are classified as oversized.
Cost-reduction tactics: purchase allowance during booking via airline website or app, since online rates usually beat counter prices. Prepay online up to 24 hours before departure on many carriers. Airline-branded credit cards often include one free first checked bag as a card benefit; elite status typically waives checked-bag charges.
Carry-on strategy: standard maximum dimensions about 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm); personal-item dimensions roughly 17 x 13 x 8 in (43 x 33 x 20 cm). Low-cost carriers enforce size and weight strictly – weigh bags at home with a digital scale and use packing cubes to consolidate and avoid surcharges.
Special cases: sporting gear, musical instruments, and fragile equipment often trigger special-handling or oversized charges; shipping via courier can be cheaper when multiple heavy or bulky items exceed standard allowances. Always read the specific airline policy and fare rules printed on the ticket prior to travel.
Which fare classes and ticket types include free checked baggage?
Purchase Business or First class tickets on major international carriers to receive at least two complimentary checked bags, normally limited to 32 kg / 70 lb and 158 cm linear dimensions per piece.
International and long-haul fares
Premium Economy typically includes one checked bag of 23 kg / 50 lb; some carriers allow two pieces on transatlantic and transpacific routes. Standard Economy on long-haul itineraries often includes one piece 23 kg / 50 lb; Basic Economy excludes checked pieces entirely, with fees assessed at booking or at gate.
Domestic, regional and low-cost fare rules
US legacy carriers (American, Delta, United): Basic Economy = 0 checked pieces on domestic sectors; Main Cabin = baggage fees apply on most domestic itineraries unless elite status or a co-branded credit card grants an allowance. Business/First classes usually include two pieces on international sectors and one piece on certain domestic transcontinental services. Low-cost carriers (Ryanair, EasyJet, Spirit, Frontier): base fares rarely include checked pieces; bundled fare types such as “Plus,” “Standard,” or “Priority” commonly add one or two pieces with strict weight and size caps, and pre-purchase during booking generally yields lower ancillary charges.
Always inspect specific fare rules on the ticket confirmation and carrier website to confirm piece counts, weight limits, dimensional limits, transfer policies and excess/oversize charges; a compact daypack such as best backpack for kindergarteners often fits overhead bins or gate-checked compartments.
How to check baggage allowance and fees on your booking confirmation or airline website
Confirm allowance on the e‑ticket or booking confirmation: open the itinerary PDF, locate sections labeled “Baggage allowance”, “Included items” or “Fare conditions”. Seek codes such as “1PC”, “23KG”, “158CM” that specify permitted pieces, per-piece weight and maximum linear dimensions.
Using the carrier website or app
Open Manage Booking, enter the PNR plus passenger surname, then select the “Extras” or “Baggage” tab. Fee amounts normally display per segment and per passenger, with separate lines covering checked items, cabin items, overweight and oversize charges. Price breakdown pages and the mobile app ancillary section show the exact charge per segment before checkout.
Reading codes and quick checks
Common entries: 0PC = no checked piece included; 1PC = one piece; 2PC = two pieces; 23KG = per-piece limit; 32KG = per-piece higher limit (70LB); 158CM or 62IN = maximum linear dimensions; CABIN 7KG or MAX 8KG = permitted cabin weight. Typical example amounts: US domestic carriers – first checked piece USD 30–35, second piece USD 40–45; overweight 23–32kg USD 100; overweight above 32kg USD 200. Always verify allowances per segment and per passenger, save screenshots or PDFs of confirmation and ancillary receipts, and contact carrier support quoting the booking reference when displayed allowance or fee values differ from expectations.
Practical ways to avoid checked baggage charges: carry-on limits, packing tips and upgrades
Bring one overhead-compliant bag plus one personal item sized to airline limits: standard cabin bag 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm); target weight 7–10 kg (15–22 lb) where limits apply; measure and weigh before arrival at the gate.
Low-cost European carriers commonly allow a tiny free item (example: 40 x 20 x 25 cm) while priority/paid cabin access permits a larger cabin bag (typically 55 x 40 x 20 cm). Major U.S. carriers accept one cabin bag plus one personal item; many international carriers enforce a 7–10 kg cabin weight limit.
Packing techniques: use compression packing cubes to reduce volume by up to 30–40%; roll thin garments and fold structured pieces; limit footwear to 2 pairs (wear the bulkiest); place dense items near the base of a roller to stabilize weight; keep all electronics and chargers inside the personal item.
Toiletries and liquids: follow the 100 ml / 3.4 oz rule inside a single transparent 1 L resealable bag; decant into travel bottles and buy bulky liquids at destination when convenient.
Carry-on optimisation: wear jackets, boots and layered sweaters to free bag space; choose garments with multiple pockets to store small essentials; use a compressible daypack as the personal item that nests inside the cabin bag when not used. Compact inflators and small accessories that save room can be handy; see an example here: best air pump for large aquarium.
Upgrades and freebies: select fare bundles that include a checked piece; upgrade to premium-economy/business to receive 1–2 included checked items; elite-tier status or airline co-branded credit cards commonly waive the first checked piece. Pre-purchase any checked allowance online where available–savings often 30–60% versus last-minute gate rates.
Quick checklist: measure carry-on dimensions; weigh packed carry-on; use compression cubes; limit liquids to 100 ml in a 1 L clear bag; wear bulky items during transit; verify fare bundle and card benefits before booking.
How bags are weighed, oversize/overweight charges and accepted settlement methods
Aim to keep each checked item at or below 23 kg (50 lb); 32 kg (70 lb) commonly marks the maximum accepted at check-in before refusal or cargo handling.
Weighing and sizing procedures
- Typical weighing points: self-service bag-drop scales, staffed check-in counters, gate scales when carry-on is selected for check. Scales may differ by 0.5–1 kg between points.
- Standard dimensional check = length + width + height; most carriers use 158 cm (62 in) linear measurement as the threshold for standard checked pieces.
- Soft bags can often be compressed inside measurement frames; hard-shell items measured rigidly. Wheels and handles included in linear total.
- Weight units depend on route: metric (kg) common on international and European carriers; imperial (lb) common on North American routes – 23 kg ≈ 50 lb, 32 kg ≈ 70 lb.
- Some carriers apply rounding (up to the next whole kg/lb). Staff may reweigh suspiciously light or heavy tags; gate agents may request additional checks during boarding.
Overweight/oversize handling and accepted settlement methods
- Common surcharge tiers (USD examples): overweight 23–32 kg typically $75–150; oversize over 158 cm typically $75–200; items >32 kg often refused at regular check-in and routed to cargo with fees from $150–400 depending on carrier and route.
- Excess charges are normally applied at check-in or bag-drop; counters and kiosks will present a charge amount and print a receipt that should be kept with travel documents.
- Accepted tenders at counters and kiosks: major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), contactless cards, mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) where supported. Airline apps and web check-in systems permit card-on-file settlement prior to arrival at the terminal.
- Cash acceptance varies widely: some regional terminals accept local currency cash, many international hubs and self-service kiosks accept card only; carry local currency when traveling to smaller stations with limited card infrastructure.
- Low-cost carriers frequently charge lower amounts when extra pieces or upgrades are purchased online ahead of check-in; counter or gate surcharges tend to be higher and mandatory at the time of drop-off if not pre-booked.
- When a piece is oversized or overweight beyond carrier limits, options include redistributing contents between pieces, upgrading to a higher fare or class that permits heavier pieces, or arranging cargo shipment. Refused items may incur additional handling and documentation fees.
- Always request and retain the printed or emailed receipt showing surcharges applied and the measured weight/dimensions; this is required for any dispute or refund claim with the carrier.
