Michael Turner
Recommendation: Use the airline’s published size and weight rules as the deciding factor – if your suitcase fits within the carrier’s onboard allowance (a common maximum is 22 × 14 × 9 in / 56 × 36 × 23 cm and many budget European carriers limit handheld pieces to 7–10 kg (15–22 lb)), keep it with you on board; if it exceeds those dimensions or weight, check it at the desk so it is transported in the aircraft hold.
Practical steps: measure external dimensions and weigh each bag on a home scale before arrival; compare against the specific airline policy for the booked fare class and route. Pack liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml / 3.4 oz inside a 1‑quart (≈1 L) clear resealable bag. Place batteries, sharp objects and large quantities of aerosols in checked-to-hold pieces only if the carrier allows them; keep medications, travel documents, electronics and one change of clothes in your personal item that stays with you on board.
Fee guidance and penalties: expect first-bag-to-hold fees on many U.S. domestic tickets roughly $25–$35 at online purchase and higher at the airport; low-cost European carriers often charge €10–€60 depending on when you add hold allowance. Overweight or oversize charges typically range from $75 to $200 per bag. If you want to avoid extra charges, downsize, redistribute weight across two permitted pieces, or prepay hold transport during booking.
Packing tactics to prevent problems: use soft-sided bags to squeeze into sizer frames, mark the bag with a bright tag for quick identification, and place valuable or fragile items in the item you keep with you on board. For tight connections or international segments, verify the transfer rules for hold-transported items and allow extra time at check-in to have oversized pieces processed for the hold. When uncertain, photograph dimensions and the airline policy page to present at the counter.
How airlines classify bags for onboard versus stowed-in-hold status
Rule of thumb: If a bag fits under the seat or inside the overhead bin within the carrier’s published dimensions, it is processed as an onboard item; if it exceeds those dimensions or weight limits, staff will direct it to be stowed in the aircraft hold.
Common dimension limits: main onboard bag – 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 in); personal item (under-seat) – about 45 x 35 x 20 cm (18 x 14 x 8 in). Common hold size limit is a linear dimension sum of 158 cm (length + width + height). Use the airline’s exact numbers; a 1–2 cm difference at the gate can trigger reclassification.
Typical weight rules: many international and European carriers limit onboard items to 7–10 kg (15–22 lb); U.S. carriers often enforce size rather than weight for cabin acceptance but will gate-check overweight pieces. For hold-stowed items, standard economy allowance is 23 kg (50 lb); premium cabins or checked-bag-inclusive fares commonly allow up to 32 kg (70 lb). Items over 32 kg usually require special handling or cargo routing.
Fees and fare classes: Low-cost carriers frequently permit only a personal item in basic fares and charge US$30–70 for a standard onboard-sized bag purchased online, more at the airport. Hold-stowed baggage fees typically range from US$25–60 domestically and US$50–200 internationally, depending on route and when the fee is paid.
Security and special-item rules that affect classification: liquids and gels in the cabin must follow the 100 ml / 1 L clear-bag rule; lithium batteries and power banks must be carried in the cabin (not stowed in the hold). Items such as strollers, small wheelchairs, or medical equipment are often accepted at the gate and either taken to the aircraft door or checked to the hold free of charge–verify the carrier’s procedure before arrival.
Oversize or restricted items: musical instruments, surfboards, golf clubs and firearms usually require advance notice, payment, or a purchased seat to be carried onboard; otherwise they are routed to the hold or to cargo. Firearms require a locked case, declaration at check-in and are always transported in the hold under specific rules.
Practical steps before travel: measure and weigh every bag at home; buy the correct allowance during booking; pack power banks and spare batteries in the cabin; put liquids in compliant containers; check the airline’s page for item-specific rules (sports gear, instruments, medical devices). At the gate, be prepared for staff to reclassify oversized or overweight pieces and to charge gate-checked fees if you have not pre-purchased allowance.
Exact size and weight thresholds that force stowage in the aircraft hold
If a single bag measures 62 linear inches (158 cm) or more (length + width + height) or weighs over 50 lb (23 kg), expect it to be sent to the aircraft hold and billed as oversized/overweight; many airlines apply overweight fees for 51–70 lb (23–32 kg) and refuse single-piece acceptance above 70 lb (32 kg) without special handling.
Size thresholds and how to measure
Common breakpoints: 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm) is the typical overhead-friendly size used by many US carriers; 55 x 40 x 20 cm is a common international cabin limit. Anything at or above 62 linear inches (158 cm) is classified as oversized and must be placed in the hold. Measure by adding the outside length + width + height including wheels, handles and external pockets; convert: 1 in = 2.54 cm, 62 in ≈ 158 cm.
Weight thresholds, fees and exceptions
Standard weight rules for items destined for the hold: economy allowance frequently set at 50 lb (23 kg) per piece without surcharge; overweight surcharge tiers typically start at >50 lb (23 kg) up to 70 lb (32 kg); pieces >70 lb (32 kg) often incur higher fees or special cargo processing and may be prohibited on some flights. For onboard hand items many carriers enforce 7–10 kg (15–22 lb) limits or only size rules; check the specific airline’s published table for exact kg/lb values. Special-item notes: sports equipment, musical instruments and fragile items can have separate maximums and handling rules–declare them in advance to avoid refusal at gate.
Practical advice: weigh and measure with wheels/handles attached; if dimensions approach 55–62 in (140–158 cm) or weight approaches 40–50 lb (18–23 kg) shift contents into a second piece or a reinforced roller under the overhead-friendly size (see recommended model for school travel: best rolling backpack for middle school). For technical background on unrelated structural limits, see which of these does not contain a structural protein.
Keep these items in the cabin; place the rest in the aircraft hold
In-cabin items (must remain with you)
Passports, boarding documents, cash, credit cards and gold or high-value jewelry – carry these on your person or inside a small bag that stays in the cabin at all times.
Prescription and over-the-counter medications, including injectable drugs and liquid medicines exceeding 100 mL – keep in original packaging with prescription or doctor’s note for inspection.
All personal electronics: phones, laptops, tablets, cameras. Spare lithium-ion batteries and power banks must be kept in the cabin: up to 100 Wh allowed without approval; 100–160 Wh require airline approval and are normally limited to two spares per passenger; >160 Wh are prohibited. Tape terminals or use original covers for spare cells.
Vaping devices and e-cigarettes – carry in the cabin only; they must be powered off and protected. Small collapsible umbrellas are suitable for in-cabin storage; see best small umbrella for wind for compact models.
Baby food, breast milk and medically necessary liquids – may exceed the 100 mL rule but must be declared at screening and presented separately.
One disposable lighter or a single book of safety matches may be permitted on the person in the cabin; verify with the airline before travel.
Items to place in the aircraft hold
Firearms, firearms components and most ammunition – must be declared, unloaded, locked in an approved hard case and transported in the aircraft hold according to airline and local regulations; follow specific packing and quantity rules for ammunition.
Large blades and tools: knives with blades longer than ~6 cm, axes, saws, box cutters and power tools – stow in the hold inside sturdy cases; unsecured sharp objects are prohibited in the cabin.
Sporting equipment such as skis, snowboards, golf clubs, surfboards and full-size bicycles – typically required to be placed in the hold, may incur extra fees and need protective cases.
Liquids larger than 100 mL (except declared medication, baby food and duty-free purchases in sealed tamper-evident bags when allowed) should be packed in the hold.
Most flammable items, gas canisters, fuels, paint, and certain aerosols – prohibited from the cabin and often forbidden from checked placement as well; consult the airline’s dangerous goods list before packing.
When preparing bags for the hold, remove spare batteries and power banks and keep them in the cabin; secure sharp items in protective sheaths and lock firearm cases while keeping paperwork accessible for inspection.
Avoid Surprise Bag Drop Fees at Ticket Counter and Gate
Prepay baggage charges during booking or via the airline app at least 24 hours before departure; online rates on domestic routes typically run about US$25–40 for the first item versus US$60–100 or more at the counter or gate.
- Keep a screenshot of the fare rules and allowance shown on your confirmation; present it at the desk or gate if an agent disputes your paid inclusion.
- Weigh and measure every item at home using a luggage scale and tape measure (include handles and wheels). If an item exceeds published limits, remove heavy objects or redistribute contents to a second paid item rather than paying oversized penalties.
- Compare total cost: buying a higher fare class that includes one or two free items can be cheaper than multiple per-item fees.
- Use a co-branded airline credit card or claim elite status benefits – many carriers waive the first item fee for cardholders and elites.
- Prepay extra allowances on the carrier website or at a self-service kiosk; kiosk payment often avoids the higher desk/gate surcharge and provides immediate receipts and tags.
- Pack critical valuables, medications, travel documents, chargers and a change of clothes into your personal item so you reduce the number of pieces requiring payment.
- Use soft-sided bags, packing cubes or vacuum compression to meet dimension rules and avoid size surcharges without removing essential items.
- If an agent at the gate requests that an item be moved to the aircraft hold, request a written explanation (policy reference) and present any prepayment proof; ask for a supervisor if the charge appears incorrect.
- Keep all receipts, boarding passes and screenshots. If overcharged, file a refund claim through the airline’s customer-service portal and attach proof; escalate to your payment card issuer if necessary. Submit disputes within 30 days when possible.
- For itineraries with connections, check baggage policies for each operating carrier before departure – interline rules and partner fees can trigger extra charges at transfer points.
Plan and pay early, verify allowances on your booking, and keep documentation handy at check-in and the gate to prevent unexpected fees.
Airport steps to convert an onboard bag into an item registered for the aircraft hold and timing guidance
Go to the airline ticket counter or dedicated bag-drop at least 45–60 minutes before domestic departures and 60–90 minutes before international flights; for low-cost carriers or peak periods add 30 minutes. Gate-based tagging is sometimes possible but usually closes 20–30 minutes before pushback.
At the counter or bag-drop: present boarding pass and photo ID, declare any special items, pay any applicable fee or show pre-paid tag, have the agent attach a destination tag and barcode, and keep the printed receipt. Staff will weigh and inspect the item for prohibited contents; ask for a visual check of the tag code to confirm the correct destination airport.
If converting at the gate, request a gate tag from the agent immediately on arrival. Expect limited acceptance: agents may refuse registration once boarding starts or when the aircraft loading plan is closed. Fees charged at the gate are frequently higher than online prepayment.
Before handing the bag over, remove passports, travel documents, medication, cash, jewelry, fragile goods and any spare batteries that aviation rules require to remain with the passenger. Remove any liquids you need inflight. Verify that checked-through screening won’t require opening sealed compartments (some airports will inspect contents).
For tight connections: confirm minimum connection time with the agent; if transfer time is short the bag may not be routed to the final aircraft and could be held for the next flight. If the item is oversized or overweight relative to the airline’s hold policy, expect an oversize/overweight fee or special handling instructions at drop-off.
Keep the bag tag receipt until reclaim; note the tag number and destination code in your phone. If a problem occurs (wrong tag, missing receipt, fee dispute), escalate to the airline desk immediately to secure tracking before the aircraft departs.
How to read ticket codes and airline baggage rules to tell whether an item goes in the cabin or the hold
Verify the “BAGGAGE” or “BAG” line on your e-ticket or confirmation first: entries like “1PC”, “2PC”, “23KG”, “32KG” and “7KG” are decisive – PC = piece concept, KG = weight concept.
Interpretation quick guide: “1PC” means one piece (count items), “2PC” means two pieces (each usually subject to the stated maximum weight), “23KG” means a weight allowance per piece (if combined with PC, it usually reads as pieces × max weight). Entries with only a numeric weight (for example “20KG”) often refer to total stowed allowance under the weight system; entries with “MAX 7KG” or similar refer to in-cabin item limits. If the line reads “0PC” or “NO FREE BAG” there is no complimentary stowage allowance on that segment.
Check each flight segment and operating carrier: baggage allowances can vary by segment and by carrier. Open the fare conditions or “manage booking” for each flight and confirm the operating airline’s baggage rules. If segments use different systems (piece vs weight), the most restrictive applicable rule for the specific segment will determine where you must place an item for that leg.
Decode fare bucket letters only as indicators: booking class letters (Y, M, Q, etc.) show fare type but do not reliably state exact allowances. Use the fare conditions link or the displayed baggage field in the ticketing record; if you only have a booking code, input that and the flight number on the airline’s baggage-allowance tool or contact the carrier for the precise allowance tied to your booking reference.
Handle ambiguous notations: when the ticket shows mixed info (for example “1PC/7KG” or “1PC 23KG / MAX 8KG CABIN”), treat PC as the number of pieces permitted and KG or MAX as weight limits for the respective type (in-cabin vs hold). If uncertain, take a screenshot of the booking page and confirm with the airline via phone or chat before arriving at the airport.
Use the booking portal to add allowance at a lower cost: most airlines let you purchase additional piece or weight online up to 24 hours before departure (some allow until check-in opens); online fees are typically lower than at the airport counter. If the ticket shows no free allowance for stowage, buy the extra online rather than risk paying a higher gate fee.
Account for extras and exceptions: frequent-flier status, elite benefits, infant/child concessions and special equipment (sporting goods, musical instruments) alter the printed allowance – always confirm specific exemptions in the fare conditions. For interline itineraries, verify which carrier’s baggage rule is applied to the ticketed itinerary (often the issuing carrier or the carrier performing the most significant transport).
Practical checklist before travel: open your e-ticket, locate BAG/BAGGAGE line, note PC vs KG, confirm per-segment variations, verify operating carrier rules, buy extra allowance online if needed, and weigh/measure items at home to match the indicated limits. At the airport, a printed copy or screenshot of the baggage allowance line speeds resolution with agents if disputes arise.
