Airline Checked Baggage Guidelines

Baggage limits are determined by individual air carriers, and can vary widely. These standards can change at any moment, so it’s always advisable to check with the airlines prior to travel.

Most airlines employ different rules for domestic flights and international travel, with a more generous allotment for flights abroad.

Sizing

Most air carriers limit each piece of checked luggage to a maximum size of 62 linear inches (the sum of the length, width and height), and no more than 50 pounds. Oversize and/or overweight bags are subject to additional fees that can quickly inflate your travel costs, so it pays to pack light and pack small when you can.

Most carriers limit bags to 50 pounds maximum, and will assess overweight handling charges for each piece that exceeds the limit. Additionally, there is an absolute maximum weight for luggage airlines will accept (70-90 pounds, in most cases).

Quantity

Most airlines allow you to check two pieces of baggage for free, and will charge additional fees for extra bags. In most cases these excess-bag charges escalate — the more extra bags you have, the more you’ll pay (American, for example, charges $80 per piece for the first three additional pieces, $105 per item for the next three pieces, and $180 per piece beyond that).

Special Handling

Sports equipment such as scuba gear, bicycles, golf clubs and skis may require special fees, and reduce your free baggage allowance. The same caveats may apply to items like musical instruments and audio/visual recording equipment.

In most cases, assistive items like wheelchairs and walkers will not count toward your free baggage allowance.

List of Baggage Guidelines, by Carrier