Lois Larson
Checking in luggage at the airport can be a straightforward process, but it's important to be aware of the relevant procedures and restrictions. Each airline has its own policies regarding checked baggage, including weight and size limits, as well as fees for additional or oversized luggage. It's recommended to review these policies and plan ahead to ensure a smooth check-in process. Passengers should also be mindful of security measures, such as screening procedures for carry-on bags and restrictions on liquids, electronics, and other items. By familiarizing themselves with the specific guidelines of their chosen airline and the standard security protocols, travellers can confidently navigate the check-in process and ensure their baggage complies with all requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of bags allowed per person | This varies by airline. American Airlines allows more than 3 bags per person but charges additional fees for extra bags. Allegiant Air allows a small personal item for free (up to 8 by 14 by 18 inches) and charges between $10 and $75 for a carry-on bag (up to 10 by 16 by 22 inches). |
| Weight and size restrictions | Varies by airline. |
| Items allowed in carry-on baggage | Liquids in containers holding 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less are allowed. All liquids must fit into one quart-size resealable bag. Food or snacks such as fruit, health bars, and sandwiches can be kept inside carry-on bags. Personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone must be placed in a bin for X-ray screening. |
| Prohibited items | Liquids, gels, and aerosols above the specified limit, as well as powders, may require additional screening or be prohibited. Flammable items are also prohibited. |
| Check-in process | Passengers can check-in online or via an app starting 24 hours before departure up to 45 minutes before (90 minutes for international flights). At the airport, passengers go to the airline's check-in or baggage desk/area, where they may be asked questions about the contents of their bags and have their bags weighed. |
| Baggage fees | Baggage fees vary by airline. American Airlines offers discounted rates for passengers traveling together with multiple bags. |
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What You'll Learn
Check-in procedures
Checking in a bag at the airport can be a straightforward process if you plan ahead. Here are the check-in procedures to follow:
Planning and Packing
Firstly, it is important to plan and pack correctly. Check with your airline to understand their policies on the number of bags allowed, as well as any size and weight restrictions. Some airlines may charge extra for bags that need to go into the overhead compartment. You can usually find this information on the airline's website. It is also recommended to check for any prohibited items and follow the guidelines for liquids, gels, and aerosols. Powders should be placed in checked bags instead of carry-on bags to avoid secondary screening. Planning and packing correctly can help speed up the check-in process and make your travel experience smoother.
Check-in Options
There are typically three options for checking in: online or via an app, at a self-service kiosk, or at a check-in counter. Online check-in is often available starting 24 hours before your flight and up to 45 minutes (or 90 minutes for international flights) before departure. This option may be more convenient and can help you avoid queues at the airport. Alternatively, you can use a self-service kiosk at the airport to check in and print your boarding pass. If you have bags to check in, you can proceed to the designated counter after completing the self-service check-in. If you prefer a more traditional approach or need assistance, you can go directly to the check-in counter, where an agent will help you with the check-in process and any baggage-related queries.
Checked Bag Drop-Off
Once you have completed the check-in process, you will need to drop off your checked bags. This is typically done at the check-in counter or a designated drop-off counter if you have already checked in online. Your bags will be weighed, and you may need to pay for any additional baggage or overweight baggage. The airline staff will then tag your bags with a barcode and the airport code. After checking in your bags, you can proceed through security and towards your gate.
Security Screening
All carry-on bags will go through security screening to ensure they comply with regulations. You will need to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone, such as laptops and tablets, from your carry-on bag for separate screening. TSA officers may also instruct you to separate other items, such as food, powders, or cluttered items that can obstruct clear X-ray images. It is important to cooperate with the officers and follow their instructions to facilitate a smooth screening process.
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Bag weight and size restrictions
Bag Weight Restrictions
- American Airlines allows a maximum weight of 70 lbs (32 kgs) per checked bag for passengers travelling to Cuba. Excess charged bags have a weight limit of 50 lbs (23 kgs).
- Allegiant charges additional fees for bags between 51 and 70 pounds ($50 per segment) and 71 and 99 pounds ($75 per segment). Bags over 99 pounds are not accepted.
- Delta charges an extra $100 for bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds and $200 for bags up to 100 pounds on most flights. Bags over 70 pounds are not accepted on flights to certain destinations, including Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and the United Arab Emirates.
- Frontier Airlines charges $75 for bags weighing 41 to 50 pounds and $100 for bags weighing 51 to 100 pounds. Heavier bags are not accepted.
Bag Size Restrictions
- American Airlines calculates the size limit of your bag by adding the total outside dimensions (length + width + height).
- Allegiant charges $75 each way for bags measuring 63 to 110 linear inches. Bags larger than this cannot be transported.
- Delta charges an extra $200 for bags measuring 63 to 80 linear inches on domestic and Canadian flights.
Additional Considerations
- Some airlines, like Allegiant and Frontier, offer online baggage calculators to determine fees based on your specific route and bag size/weight.
- It is recommended to pay for checked bags in advance, as prices tend to increase if added later online or at the airport.
- Certain items, such as powders over 12 oz (350 mL), are advised to be placed in checked bags.
- Electronic devices larger than a cell phone must be removed from carry-on bags and screened separately.
- Planning ahead and packing properly can facilitate the screening process. Prohibited items are not allowed through the checkpoint, and officers have the final say on whether an item is permitted.
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Prohibited items
When packing your check-in luggage, it is important to be aware of prohibited items that cannot be transported on an aircraft. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in civil penalties, including a fine of up to $250,000 and imprisonment for up to 5 years under U.S. federal law. Here is a list of prohibited items that you should avoid packing in your check-in bag:
Firearms and Ammunition
Firearms are prohibited in carry-on bags and must be declared to an agent during check-in if they are to be transported in checked luggage. Small arms ammunition for sporting purposes is allowed in limited quantities (up to 5 kg or 11 lbs) and must be securely packed in the original manufacturer's packaging or special packaging designed for carrying ammunition.
Lithium Batteries and Electronic Devices
Lithium-ion batteries and electronic devices powered by them are prohibited in checked bags. These include hoverboards, balance gliders, self-balancing boards, motorized riding suitcases, and recalled devices like the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. Spare lithium batteries are allowed in carry-on luggage, but they must be individually protected and comply with the airline's lithium battery acceptance policy.
Flammable Liquids and Solids
Items such as lighter refills, lighter fluid, matches, paints, thinners, and firelighters are prohibited. Alcoholic beverages over 70% by volume are also prohibited, but you can carry up to 5 liters per passenger for beverages between 24% and 70% alcohol content.
Sharp Objects
Sharp items such as knives, scissors, and Swiss army knives are prohibited in carry-on luggage and should be packed appropriately in checked bags.
Medication, Valuables, and Perishables
Although not prohibited, IndiGo recommends that medication, valuables, fragile items, perishable items, and precious items (such as cameras, jewelry, and electronics) be carried in cabin baggage rather than checked baggage. These items may be needed during the flight or may be at risk of damage or loss if placed in checked luggage.
It is important to note that even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or prohibited if it triggers an alarm, appears tampered with, or poses security concerns. The final decision on whether an item is allowed rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint. Always check with your specific airline and the TSA for the most up-to-date information on prohibited items.
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Security screening
Passengers travelling through US airports should expect a thorough screening of their property and personal electronic devices. This includes removing electronic devices larger than a cell phone from carry-on bags for separate X-ray screening. Powders exceeding 12 oz (350 mL) should be placed in checked bags, and any powders in carry-on luggage may require secondary screening. It is recommended that travellers arrive at the airport early to allow ample time for the screening process.
At Canadian airports, security screening is a comprehensive process that all passengers must undergo. Passengers are required to present their boarding passes for verification and may need to show photo identification. They will then proceed to place their personal items and carry-on bags through the X-ray machine. Passengers will be directed to stand in a full-body scanner (FBS) or pass through a walk-through metal detector (WTMD). To expedite the screening process, travellers are advised to be aware of carry-on baggage restrictions and avoid wearing items that may trigger the metal detector.
In addition to standard screening procedures, CATSA employs explosive trace detection (ETD) technology. Screening officers may swab passengers' carry-on baggage, clothing, shoes, or laptops using ETD to test for explosives. In certain cases, officers may also swab passengers' hands, waist areas, and footwear as part of the ETD process. Random additional screening searches are mandatory at all major Canadian airports to maintain the highest security standards and ensure an impartial selection process.
It is important to note that even if an item is generally permitted, additional screening may be required if it triggers an alarm, appears tampered with, or raises security concerns. Passengers are advised to plan ahead, pack properly, and familiarise themselves with prohibited items to facilitate the screening process and enhance their travel experience.
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Bag drop-off
The bag drop-off process at the airport can be done at self-service drop-off points or at check-in desks. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours ahead for international flights to allow enough time for bag drop-off and security clearance. Some airlines may also have specific time cut-offs for bag drop-off before your scheduled departure, so it is essential to check with your airline beforehand.
To speed up the bag drop-off process, you can use curbside check-in or self-service kiosks, especially if you have an electronic ticket that can be scanned from your phone. You can also check in online or via an airline's app, which is often available starting 24 hours before your flight. Paying for bags online or through an app can also help you get the best price available and save time at the airport.
When packing your bags, it is important to be aware of prohibited items and follow any guidelines provided by the airline and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This includes the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and special instructions for powders, electronics, and certain food items. Planning ahead and packing accordingly can help facilitate the screening process and make your travel experience smoother.
At the airport, you will go through security screening procedures conducted by the TSA, which are designed to prevent prohibited items and threats to transportation security. You will need to place personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone, such as laptops and tablets, into a separate bin for X-ray screening. Powders, foods, and other items that can clutter bags may also need to be separated from your carry-on bag to provide clear images on the X-ray machine.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of bags each person can check in differs per airline. For example, Allegiant Air allows passengers to bring a small personal item for free, but charges between $10 and $75 for a carry-on bag. It is recommended to check the airline's website for their baggage policy.
Upon arrival at the airport, passengers must go to the airline's check-in or baggage desk/area. Here, passengers will be asked questions to ensure they are not carrying prohibited items. Bags may also be weighed, and any baggage fees must be paid at this point. The bag will then be tagged with a barcode and a large print of the airport code.
Items that are prohibited from being brought onto an airplane include liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml), and any flammable items. Liquids, gels, and aerosols also have special instructions that must be followed. It is recommended to check the TSA website for a detailed list of prohibited items.
It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours before an international flight.
