Travel smart: The easy guide to checked baggage rules| KAYAK

You’ve picked the destination and dates, but before you book the plane tickets you also need to decide what luggage to take. Knowing the baggage rules before you fly can save you a serious headache and, potentially, serious dollars at the airport. In this article, I’ve laid out what you need to know about checked baggage rules and regulations, with a guide to the policies and prices for selected airlines.

In this post

What is a checked bag?
What is the weight limit for a checked bag?
What is a standard size checked bag?
What is not allowed in a checked bag?
How much does checked baggage cost?
How to fly with checked baggage
Common mistakes to avoid when flying with checked baggage
Checked baggage policies for six popular airlines

1. What is a checked bag?

A checked bag is luggage that goes in the cargo hold of the plane, which means you don’t have access to it during your flight.

At the check-in counter your bag will be weighed before disappearing along a conveyor belt into the bowels of the airport and (hopefully!) the cargo hold of your plane. Before you can check your bags in you’ll need to make sure they comply with the airline’s checked baggage rules.

Once you land at your destination, your checked luggage should be delivered to a carousel in the arrivals area, after you’ve gone through customs and passport checks. Checked luggage should arrive soon after you do, but depending on where you fly to and how efficient the baggage handlers are, you may have to wait longer.

2. What is the weight limit for a checked bag?

Weight limits for checked luggage vary from airline to airline and depend on which route you’re travelling and class you’re flying in.

Typically, the weight limit for an individual checked bag is 50 lbs (23 kg), with some Business and First class tickets allowing you to carry two bags up to this weight. Airlines will also let you pay to check in oversized, overweight and excess baggage, although most have a limit of around 70 to 80 lbs (31 to 36 kg).

Expert tip: It’s cheaper to book extra checked luggage in advance when you buy your plane tickets, or even online after. Find yourself with luggage that’s too heavy at the check-in desk and you can end up paying huge premiums to take it.

3. What is a standard size checked bag?

As with weight limits, dimensions for checked baggage vary from airline to airline so it’s always important to check with the airline you’re flying with. Typically, the standard size limit for a checked bag is 62 linear inches (158 cm). This means the measurements of your bag’s height, width and depth must not add up to more than 62 inches in total.

4. What is not allowed in a checked bag?

If you’ve traveled with carry-on luggage you’ll know there are lots of restrictions in place on what you can and can’t take on board. There are also restrictions on what you can pack in your checked luggage.

The first rule about checked luggage is that you can’t pack anything flammable or explosive. That includes obvious things like fireworks and sparklers, gas canisters and fuels. But it also includes lithium ion batteries, which means no power banks, electric toothbrushes or hair straighteners. Vapes and e-cigarettes are also banned from the hold on most flights.

Things you may not expect but that can be checked in include guns and ammunition, axes, hatchets, knives and other household tools. Alcohol is also permitted, although some airlines impose limits on how much, and liquor shouldn’t be more than 70% alcohol (or 140 proof). Many items are allowed in checked luggage but only if you let the airline know in advance, so as always – check before you fly.

Remember, you won’t have access to your checked luggage during your flight, so pack everything you’ll need, like medication and valuables, in your carry-on – as long as it’s permitted of course.

5. How much does checked baggage cost?

Nowadays, most airlines charge fees to check bags for basic and economy fares. As a simple rule of thumb, remember that fees are per item of luggage and are each way – so if you’re flying return you’ll need to double the price. You can often get discounts using frequent flier or affiliate credit card miles you’ve accrued.

KAYAK has an overview of airline fees including price breakdowns for checked baggage and a handy Fee Assistant tool that shows how much your overall ticket price is including baggage fees.

Just search for a flight on KAYAK and to the left of your results you’ll see the Fee Assistant – add the carry-on and checked bags you want to take and watch as your results update with any new fees included.

Search flights on KAYAK

6. How to fly with checked baggage

My preference is to fly with just carry-on luggage, as it removes so much hassle at the airport. But if you are checking bags in, there are some simple tips to follow that will help make your trip smoother.

Buy a sturdy, hardshell suitcase. We’ve all seen videos of baggage handlers tossing luggage around, which is why it’s worth investing in a quality suitcase that can take the abuse. Modern hardshell cases are light, very strong and better at keeping your precious things intact than a softshell case that can get crushed in the cargo hold melée.
Know your airline’s checked baggage rules. This includes not only dimensions and weight but also what you’re allowed to pack. You don’t want to be that person on their hands and knees at check-in having to repack in front of an impatient and unsympathetic queue. We’ve all seen it!

Expert tip: Take photos of your luggage and what you’ve packed. If it gets lost, the airline will ask for a description of both your case and its contents – and nothing is better than photos.

Add a tracker to each bag. Products like Apple’s AirTags are a useful way to keep track of your bags once they’ve disappeared from sight, and help find them if they’re lost. Small enough to fit in any bag, they meet checked baggage regulations as they contain so little lithium in their batteries.

Expert tip: If you’re using an AirTag, you can often track your luggage right up until it’s in the cargo hold below you on the plane! It’s a great way to take the worry out of whether your luggage will be waiting at your destination.

Pack for the worst case scenario. While it’s unlikely the airline will lose your checked baggage, it does happen. Be prepared by packing basic overnight stuff like toiletries as well as a change of clothes in your carry-on. And if you’re flying somewhere hot or where you’ll be swimming, pack for that too.
Arrive early and fast track it. No one wants to spend longer than they have to at the airport. But there are few worse feelings than watching the clock run down knowing you have check-in and security lines to deal with, before the inevitable 20 minute dash to your gate. If you’re checking in luggage, get there two hours before a domestic flight and three before an international one. If it’s available, dropping £7 or £14 to fast track through security may be the best money you’ll spend all trip.

7. Common mistakes to avoid with checked baggage

It can be easy to overlook simple things in the rush to pack and make it to the airport on time.

Don’t wait until the airport to weigh your luggage. Save yourself the torment of finding out you’ve packed too much and now have to rearrange everything in front of everyone or pay the no doubt astronomical excess fee.
Don’t forget to label your luggage. Yes you’ve slipped your AirTag into your bag, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t add a proper tag to the outside too. Include your name and phone number or email, but never your address (you don’t want people knowing your address and that you’re away from home). If your luggage gets lost, it will help the airline identify it more easily.
Don’t lose the barcode tag. At check-in the airline rep will give you a small, easy-to-lose barcode sticker in return for your precious luggage (usually they’ll stick it to your passport or plane ticket). Don’t lose it! This can help airlines track your luggage’s intended route should it be lost and is your only proof that you actually checked it in.
Don’t check in your valuables. House and car keys, travel tickets and documents, jewellery and watches, laptops and electrical goods, and anything fragile should be in your carry-on luggage where you can keep it safe and secure.

Expert tip: No luggage scales at home? Me neither. Instead I weigh myself on my bathroom scales, then again holding my luggage, and subtract the first weight from the last. Presto – my luggage weight!

8. Checked baggage policies for six popular airlines

It may not surprise you to hear the checked baggage rules for airlines might be complex and confusing, with lots of factors affecting what you can take and how much it’s going to cost you.

Here are the checked baggage policies for five popular airlines. There’s some variation in weight allowances between cabin classes, but it’s in the pricing that the real confusion reigns. All the prices I quote here are based on paying for your checked baggage when you book your tickets, which is almost always cheaper than adding and paying for them later.

British Airways

Checked bag max allowance: 10 bags (fare & route dependent)
Checked baggage max size: 90cm x 75cm x 43cm
Checked baggage max weight: 23kg to 32kg (fare & route dependent)

If you’re travelling in First or Business class, the max weight limit for complimentary checked bags increases from 23kg to 32kg. Unless you are travelling in Economy Basic, you will receive the following free checked bags: one in Economy, two in Premium Economy and three in First.

British Airways has a fairly simple pricing system for extra checked luggage, with each additional bag costing between £36 to £140. Your cabin class, routes and member status all impact whether you have to pay, how much and for what. You can find more information on pricing when you book your ticket.

Virgin Atlantic

Checked bag max allowance: 8 to 10 bags (fare & route dependent)
Checked baggage max size: 90cm x 75cm x 43cm
Checked baggage max weight: 23kg to 32kg (fare & route dependent)

Unless you are travelling on an Economy Lite ticket, you will receive at least one complimentary checked bag. Those flying in Economy are entitled to one bag (two on certain routes), while Premium and Upper Class are entitled to two (note that Upper Class has a higher weight allowance, too).

If you’d like to check in extra baggage on top of your free allowance, prices and requirements will vary depending on the route and your fare. Those with a Flying Club Gold tier membership can take one piece of extra luggage weighing up to 23kg on board for no extra cost. Otherwise, prices vary from £65 to £200.

Emirates

Checked bag max allowance: Unlimited (weight and size must comply with your travel class)
Checked baggage max size: 215cm to 300cm total (route dependent)
Checked baggage max weight: 20kg to 50kg (fare & route dependent)

If you’re flying to or from Australia or New Zealand, or are travelling in First or Business Class, the weight limit increases from 20kg to a minimum of 30kg. Otherwise, the limit varies from 32kg to 50kg depending on your flight route.

Emirates allows passengers up to two pieces of checked-in baggage unless they’re travelling on an Economy Special or Saver fare. The airline’s excess baggage policy is generous, too. You can take as many additional checked bags as you like provided they are within your cabin class’s weight and size restrictions. Prices vary depending on the route and can be booked online.

TUI Airways

Checked bag max allowance: One, plus any specialist items (for an extra cost) e.g. sports equipment, musical instruments
Checked baggage max size: 80cm x 60cm x 25cm (route dependent)
Checked baggage max weight: 15kg to 23kg (fare & route dependent)

TUI Airways’ luggage allowance varies from 15kg to 20kg for longer-haul flights. Those in Premium have a little more at 23kg. If you’re travelling with someone else, you can combine your luggage allowance, although no bag can weigh over 25kg.

If you’ve booked a package holiday through TUI, you’ll automatically receive a free checked bag (weight limit will depend on your route). Otherwise, it comes at an additional cost. Prices are available when you book your ticket. Have too much stuff? You can also add excess baggage to your booking from £21 per 5kg.

EasyJet

Checked bag max allowance: Three (weight and size must comply with airline rules)
Checked baggage max size: 275cm total (fare & route dependent)
Checked baggage max weight: 15kg to 32kg (fare & route dependent)

If you’re flying with EasyJet, you’ll need to add on any checked luggage at an additional cost. You can buy a maximum of three checked bags per person, although you can combine your weight limit with family or friends on the same booking.

Checked baggage on EasyJet can weigh between 15kg and 32kg, with prices varying depending on your route, flight time and whether you book online or at the airport. In general, prices start at £6.99 for a 15kg hold bag. You can also add on sports equipment from £37.

Jet 2

Checked bag max allowance: Three
Checked baggage max size: TBC
Checked baggage max weight: 22kg to 32kg (fare & route dependent)

Jet 2 is another airline where checked baggage is at an additional cost (unless you purchase a package holiday). You’ll be able to purchase up to three checked bags, weighing between 22kg and 32kg. If you’re travelling with an infant, you’ll automatically be allocated an extra 10kg (although the maximum weight of any bag must still be under 32kg).

The fee for purchasing checked baggage with Jet2 varies depending on your destination and when you purchase. Typically, it’ll cost you between £8 to £45. Any excess luggage is charged at £12 per kilo.

How does KAYAK know what to put in this guide?

I’ve spent the last 20 years working as a travel writer and journalist. In that time I’ve learnt a lot about how to make the ‘travel’ part of being away as smooth and simple as possible. This guide is a mix of deep research into the latest US and international checked baggage rules and regulations, and the tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way – along with invaluable input from the worldwide KAYAK team.

Checked baggage FAQs

If you’ve packed too much and your bag is overweight or oversized, you’ll likely need to pay an excess baggage fee to check it in. If it’s only a little over the weight limit, you can try moving some bits to your carry-on or another bag to spread the weight out.

Nowadays, yes. If an airline charges checked baggage fees (and of the major US airlines Southwest is the only one that doesn’t), you’ll need to pay them each way. Even worse, some low-cost airlines such as Norwegian Air charge per leg, so if you’re making a connection you’ll also need to pay baggage fees for each flight.

Most airlines let you pay for your checked baggage at the check-in desk, although this will always be more expensive than paying for it in advance when you book your flight tickets. If you do need to pay at the airport, make sure you have a credit card with you as cash isn’t usually accepted.

Disclaimer: Prices and information are correct as of 21.09.2023 and may vary with time.

Travel smart: the easy guide to checked baggage rules