Checked Luggage: The Complete Guide

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There are many trips where you can’t get what you need into a carry-on bag. But sometimes, it's easier to bring a bigger bag. When you check a bag, you can pack luxuries that won't fit in your carry-on and bring items that aren't allowed through TSA.

So, what is checked luggage? How does it differ from a personal item? What are the checked baggage fees, and what are the rules around the maximum size and maximum weight of checked suitcases? Let’s explore.

How Much Does it Cost to Check a Bag?

The budget-savvy traveler may use a carry-on only – it just costs too much to check a bag, right? It actually depends. Your first checked bag can set you back as much as $75 or more unless you know how to get that fee waived.

Domestic vs International – Depending on the airline and class you fly in, overseas travel usually includes one or two free checked bags.

Airline Member Perks – If you are a frequent flier with elite status, a member of the airline’s rewards program, or carry the airline’s credit card, you may be rewarded with one free checked bag per flight.

First-Class or Economy – Most airlines offer a free checked bag to their first-class and business-class passengers. Those flying in economy or basic economy usually pay for checked baggage.

Heavy Bags – Whether or not you paid check bag fees, if your checked luggage weighs more than the weight limit (usually 50 lbs), you can be charged hefty overweight bag fees.

Each airline varies, but fees usually land around $100 for bags weighing 1-20 lbs over the limit and $200 for bags 21-50 lbs over. If your bag exceeds 101 pounds, don't be surprised if the airline won't check it or charges you $300 or more.

What Counts as Checked Luggage?

Airlines refer to three types of bags: your personal item, your carry-on, and your checked luggage. Size is more important than the type of luggage in determining whether you can carry on or it needs to be checked. But you may wonder, "Can I check a box as luggage"? The short answer: yes, you can!

When using a cardboard box as checked luggage, be sure that it's durable enough to withstand the trip and – perhaps more importantly – the box doesn't exceed weight or size limits established by your chosen airline. For most travelers, using a box to transport items is not convenient nor practical. There are so many styles of luggage that may be better for your needs. Check out our luggage guide to find the right luggage for your needs.

Checked Luggage Sizes and Restrictions

Each airline publishes its own baggage size and weight limits. Size limits for checked luggage focus on overall dimensions. For most airlines, the largest luggage size for check-in is 62 linear inches. This means the total length + width + depth must equal 62 inches or less.

RELATED: Our luggage size guide takes the guesswork out of measuring your bags before you get on the plane.

Some airlines have different size restrictions, but that 62-inch rule is pretty standard. The below chart represents the published size and weight limits for individual airlines.

US DOMESTIC AIRLINES

AIRLINE	SIZE IN INCHES	WEIGHT/LBS
Allegiant Air	80 Linear Inches	50 Pounds
Alaska Airlines	62 Linear Inches	50 Pounds
American Airlines	62 Linear Inches	50 Pounds
Delta Airlines	62 Linear Inches	50 Pounds
Frontier Airlines	62 Linear Inches	40 Pounds
Hawaiian Airlines	62 Linear Inches	50 Pounds
JetBlue Airways	62 Linear Inches	50 Pounds
Southwest Airlines	62 Linear Inches	50 Pounds
Spirit Airlines	62 Linear Inches	40 Pounds
Sun Country Airlines	62 Linear Inches	50 Pounds
United Airlines	62 Linear Inches	50 Pounds

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES

AIRLINE	SIZE IN INCHES	WEIGHT/LBS
AeroMexico	62 Linear Inches	55 Pounds
Air Canada	62 Linear Inches	50 Pounds
Air France	62 Linear Inches	50 Pounds
Air New Zealand	62 Linear Inches	50 Pounds
Alitalia	62 Linear Inches	40 Pounds
All Nippon Airways	62 Linear Inches	50 Pounds
El Al Airlines	62 Linear Inches	50 Pounds
Iceland Air	62 Linear Inches	50 Pounds
Japan Airlines	80 Linear Inches	40 Pounds
KLM	62 Linear Inches	50 Pounds
Korean Air	62 Linear Inches	50 Pounds
Lufthansa	62 Linear Inches	50 Pounds
Norwegian Air	62 Linear Inches	50 Pounds
Philippine Air	62 Linear Inches	50 Pounds
Qantas Airways	62 Linear Inches	50 Pounds
Saudi Arabian Airways	62 Linear Inches	50 Pounds
Scandinavian Airlines	62 Linear Inches	50 Pounds
Singapore Airlines	62 Linear Inches	55 Pounds
Thai Airways	62 Linear Inches	44 Pounds
Virgin Atlantic	80 Linear Inches	50 Pounds

These are the restrictions for economy fare classes. Many airlines allow larger or heavier bags for their first-class and business-class passengers.

Carry-On Luggage Weight Restrictions

Checked luggage has weight and size restrictions, but what about your carry-on or personal item? Before heading to the airport, check out how we put carry-on luggage to the test.

Airlines limit the size of carry-on luggage to fit into the overhead bins, but most do not have restrictions on weight. Just remember, you need to be able to lift it to store it in the bin above your seat.

To get the most in your carry-on or checked bag without being weighed down, choose lightweight luggage. Travelpro has a broad selection of luggage that is lightweight but ultra-durable. Our Maxlite 5 series is among the lightest and most durable luggage you can buy.

What to Pack in Your Checked Luggage

If you travel light, you might be able to get by with just a carry-on. However, there are times when you want to check a bag to bring items that might not be allowed in your carry-on.

What is allowed in checked baggage differs considerably from what is allowed in carry-on luggage.

Most sporting equipment, anything sharp, and items that could be used as a weapon must be in your checked baggage. Your carry-on, however, can be used for most things that you might need quick access to, including toiletries under 3.4 oz., medication, and a change of clothes. Take a look at our article on what not to bring in your carry-on for a list of items that are and are not allowed.

Checking your luggage helps free up space in your carry-on, making your trip a lot more pleasant. Know the guidelines so you don't get hit with an additional charge when checking in for your next adventure.