Michael Turner
Direct answer: Most coastal-route carriers apply a fee to checked baggage. Typical domestic tariff: first checked item USD 25–35, second USD 35–45; overweight (over 50 lb / 23 kg) USD 100–200; oversize (greater than 62 linear inches / 158 cm) USD 100–200.
Key specifics: Carry-on allowance often included with standard fares, while basic-economy tickets may limit carry-on to a single personal item. Common checked-item weight limit: 50 lb (23 kg). Common dimension cap: 62 linear inches / 158 cm. Prepaid online rates usually run USD 5–10 lower than counter prices.
Recommendations: confirm the operator’s baggage policy on the booking confirmation and official website; upgrade fare class or use a co-branded credit card to avoid checked-item charges; consolidate contents into one soft-sided case to stay within weight and size thresholds; weigh all pieces at home; consider parcel shipping when total courier cost is less than combined checked-item and oversize charges.
Exceptions: several carriers include two complimentary checked pieces with certain fare brands; regional commuter lines and ferry services often permit personal bags without a surcharge. Military travel and elite loyalty tiers frequently waive checked-item fees–verify membership benefits prior to travel.
Practical step: save a screenshot of the posted allowance on the carrier site, note bag-drop deadlines at the terminal, and retain receipts documenting bag-related charges to claim reimbursement via travel insurance or corporate expense systems.
Bag fees: coastal-route rules and tips
Primary recommendation: pre-purchase checked-bag allowance online during booking to lock the lowest charge and avoid higher counter or gate rates.
- Typical fees: first checked piece US$25–35 when added during booking; counter rate US$35–45; second piece US$35–55 depending on fare class.
- Weight and size limits: standard checked-piece limit 23 kg (50 lb); overweight 23–32 kg (50–70 lb) surcharge US$75–150; maximum linear dimensions 158 cm (62 in) per piece triggers oversized fee US$100–200.
- Carry-on rules: cabin bag up to 22 x 14 x 9 in generally allowed complimentary; personal item (laptop bag, small backpack) must fit under seat and is accepted without extra charge.
- Exemptions: passengers with mobility aids, medical devices, infants traveling with car seat or stroller, and active military frequently qualify for waived checked fees; present supporting ID at check-in.
- Sports and special items: bicycles, skis, surfboards and musical instruments follow separate rate schedules, commonly US$50–200 per item; advance notification recommended and protective case advised.
- Gate-checked protocol: gate agents may accept oversized or excess pieces at boarding; waiver of fees depends on operational constraints and crew discretion.
- Documentation and disputes: retain booking confirmation and payment receipt when pre-purchased; if charged at counter, obtain printed receipt with charge code and amount to facilitate any post-flight dispute.
- Cost-reduction tactics: use an airline-branded credit card that waives first checked-piece with eligible fares; ship bulky items via courier when transit time permits; consolidate belongings into one compliant case and verify weight with a home scale prior to departure.
Recommended pre-trip actions: verify chosen carrier’s policy online, measure and weigh all bags, carry documentation to validate exemptions, arrive early to process special-item check-in.
What counts as a free carry-on on this service?
One standard carry-on plus one personal item permitted; standard carry-on maximum external dimensions 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm) with maximum mass 22 lb (10 kg). Personal item must fit beneath the seat in front: recommended maximum 18 x 14 x 8 in (45 x 35 x 20 cm) and no greater than 11 lb (5 kg).
Acceptable examples include a small wheeled suitcase, daypack, large tote, folded garment bag, laptop sleeve or camera case. Carry-on placement: overhead bin; personal item placement: beneath seat. Bulky items that cannot be stowed as described will be reclassified at the gate.
Size and weight measurement tips
Dimensions must include wheels, handles and external pockets; measure using the longest, widest and deepest points. Mass measured using a luggage scale; redistribute heavy contents between the two allowed pieces when limits are nearly reached. Use soft-sided bags or compression organizers to meet dimensional limits without exceeding mass limits.
Special items and gate procedures
Collapsible strollers and infant car seats that compact to cabin-compatible size commonly accepted as an additional item at the gate. Mobility aids are handled separately and usually exempt from standard piece limits but require declaration at check-in. Bicycles, skis, surfboards and oversized musical instruments typically require advance arrangements and will likely be transported in cargo; presenting such items at the gate risks denial of cabin carriage.
Checked bag fees – prices, advance purchase and settlement locations
Prebook checked-bag allowance via carrier website during booking; expected first-item charge: USD 25–45 / GBP 20–35 one-way; second-item: USD 40–80 / GBP 35–60.
Overweight (23–32 kg): USD 50–100 / GBP 40–80; per-kg surcharges may apply beyond that. Oversize (linear dimensions >158 cm): USD 60–120 / GBP 50–100. Special items (sports gear, musical instruments) usually require advance booking and can reach USD 60–200 depending on route.
Advance purchase methods: carrier website, mobile app, call centre. Rates purchased before airport arrival commonly 20–40% lower than at-kiosk or desk charges. Add allowance to an existing booking using the booking reference; email confirmation serves as receipt.
Settlement locations at airport: self-service kiosks (card, contactless), staffed check-in desks (card, cash where accepted), dedicated bag-drop counters. Online settlements accept major cards, mobile wallets and airline vouchers. Refund requests must route through the original booking channel; retain electronic receipts and boarding documentation.
Technical or heavy items require secure packing and may trigger manual inspections; packing advice and maintenance tips available at how to prevent air compressor leaks and ensure efficient performance.
Allow extra time during peak periods; weigh and measure items before travel to avoid overweight surcharges; compare single-item rates versus bundled fares. Elite status or eligible co-branded cards frequently include waiver of the first checked-bag charge–confirm with the card issuer and booking terms.
Weight and size limits that incur extra charges
Recommendation: Keep cabin bag ≤22×14×9 in (56×36×23 cm); checked pieces ≤50 lb (23 kg) and ≤62 linear in (158 cm) to avoid additional fees.
Carry-on: Most carriers enforce a personal-item plus one cabin bag. Cabin bag that exceeds published dimensions is usually gate-checked and assessed a checked-bag fee ($30–$60). Typical personal-item max: 18×14×8 in (45×35×20 cm).
Checked piece: Standard allowance commonly up to 50 lb (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (158 cm). Overweight bands: 51–70 lb triggers an overweight fee (~$75–$150); 71–100 lb often classed as oversized/heavy with fees above $150 and potential refusal. Oversize defined as length+width+height >62 in (158 cm); oversize charges typically $75–$200.
Some international routes and premium cabins permit 70 lb (32 kg) per checked piece and larger linear dims; low-cost carriers set stricter limits and charge any checked item or handled oversize/overweight at higher rates.
Use a portable scale and tape measure to confirm weight and dimensions. Redistribute heavy items into a best soccer backpack as a carry accessory or select a sturdy roller from best luggage brand tumi; durable construction reduces risk of damage and unexpected fees.
Sports equipment, strollers and oversized-item charges
Pre-register bulky items such as bicycles, skis and surfboards at least 48 hours prior to departure to secure space and often reduce charges.
Typical surcharge ranges: bicycles and surfboards – $75–$200 per piece; ski/snowboard bags – $30–$80; golf clubs – $50–$150; oversized musical instruments – $100–$300. Final amounts depend on route, fare class and whether the item is prepaid.
Strollers and child seats: compact umbrella strollers commonly accepted at the gate without surcharge when collapsed and handed to the agent at the aircraft door. Full-size strollers generally ticketed as oversized items at check-in and assessed the carrier’s oversize rate unless an exception applies for gate-checked baby equipment.
E-bikes, hoverboards and devices with lithium-ion batteries face strict restrictions. Batteries above 100 Wh require airline approval and must travel in the cabin with terminals taped; devices with non-removable batteries are typically prohibited from the hold and may be refused at boarding.
Packaging and protection: use hard cases designed to fit the specific sporting item, secure wheels and loose components, pad sharp edges, lock cases with TSA-approved locks and label with contact details. Photograph condition immediately prior to handover to document pre-check condition in case of damage claims.
Prepayment and settlement options: charges can be settled during online check-in, via the carrier website, mobile app, kiosk or at the ticket counter. Online prepayment frequently offers lower rates than airport counter transactions. Major cards and loyalty vouchers usually accepted; elite status or certain fare types may waive selected surcharges.
At the gate: crew may request gate-checking when cabin space is limited; gate-checked strollers are typically returned at the aircraft door upon arrival. Arrive early to allow oversized-item processing and to reduce the risk of denied carriage due to capacity or regulatory restrictions.
FAQ:
Do I need to pay for luggage when I travel on the South Shore Line?
Policies differ between carriers and services that use the South Shore corridor. For most commuter rail and ferry services in the region, one small carry-on or personal item is allowed without charge. Larger suitcases, checked baggage or specialized equipment (for example skis or large musical instruments) can trigger extra charges or require advance reservation. If you are using an airline that serves a South Shore airport, standard airline baggage fees and rules apply and depend on the ticket class and carrier. Before you travel, check the specific operator’s baggage rules on their website or contact customer service so you know whether a fee applies and how to pay.
