Lois Larson
Checking in extra baggage at the airport can be a straightforward process, but it's important to be aware of the specific policies and fees involved. While you can usually add extra baggage after booking a flight, the process may vary depending on the airline and airport. Some airlines allow you to add extra baggage online or through their app, while others may require you to do so at the check-in counter or a self-service kiosk. It's also important to consider weight restrictions and potential additional costs for overweight or extra bags, which can differ between airlines and destinations. By understanding the relevant policies and planning ahead, passengers can ensure a smooth experience when checking in extra baggage at the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Adding extra baggage | You can add extra baggage after booking a flight. |
| Where to add extra baggage | You can add extra baggage on the Extras page when booking a flight. |
| Carry-on baggage | Depending on the airline, you may be able to purchase a carry-on bag on the Extras page. |
| Checked baggage | Additional checked baggage options are displayed, or you can click "Show more options". |
| Adding at the airport | For flights to/from the US and Canada, extra checked baggage can be added at the airport when checking in. |
| Weighing baggage | At the check-in counter, your bag will be weighed, and you will be charged an extra fee if it is overweight. |
| Self-service kiosks | Some airports have self-service kiosks where you can add extra baggage. |
| Bag weight limit | The weight limit for baggage is usually 32 kg. |
| Bag weight fee | The fee for overweight baggage varies by airline and destination but can be up to $100. |
| Number of bags | Some airlines allow you to check up to 3 bags online or via their app, and additional bags must be added at the airport. |
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What You'll Learn
Adding extra baggage after booking
Yes, you can add extra baggage after booking a flight. This can be done on the airline's website or app, or at the airport when checking in. Some airlines may allow you to purchase additional baggage on the 'Extras' page when booking a flight.
If you are checking in online, you can usually pay for extra baggage on the airline's website or app. For example, American Airlines allows customers to pay for up to 3 checked bags per person before arriving at the airport. However, if you are checking in more than 3 bags per person, additional bags must be added at the airport. It is generally recommended to pay for extra baggage online, as this can provide the best available price.
If you are checking in at the airport, you can usually go to the check-in counter, where your bag will be weighed and you will be charged an extra fee. Some airports may also have self-service kiosks where you can pay for extra baggage before dropping off your bags. It is important to note that some airlines have weight limits for checked baggage, and additional charges may apply if your bag exceeds this limit.
It is recommended to arrive at the airport early if you need to add extra baggage at check-in, as the bag drop process can take additional time. Additionally, if you are flying internationally, you may need to claim your bag and take it through customs before rechecking it for your connecting flight.
It is worth noting that the process for adding extra baggage may vary slightly depending on the airline and airport. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the specific policies and recommendations of the airline you are travelling with.
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Weighing bags and charging fees
The process of weighing bags and charging fees may vary slightly between airports and airlines. Generally, passengers proceed to the check-in counter, where their bags are weighed. If the bag exceeds the weight limit, an additional fee is charged. This fee varies depending on the airline, destination, and other factors. Some airlines charge based on the total weight of all checked bags, while others may have separate fees for each overweight bag.
It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours early if checking overweight baggage, as the bag drop process may take longer. Passengers should also be mindful of the total dimensions of their bags, as some airlines have restrictions on oversized baggage. Fees for oversized baggage may be charged separately or in addition to overweight fees.
To avoid unexpected fees, it is advisable to check the baggage policies of the specific airline before travelling. Some airlines provide the option to purchase additional weight or a second bag, which may be more cost-effective than paying for overweight baggage. Additionally, passengers can explore alternative options such as shipping their luggage directly, which can help avoid baggage fees altogether.
In some cases, the fee for an additional bag may be lower than the overweight fee for a single bag. For example, Air Canada charges an additional bag fee of $100-$120, which waives any overweight or oversize fees for that bag. On the other hand, Frontier Airlines is known for charging significantly higher fees for adding extra or overweight bags at the airport compared to purchasing them in advance. Thus, it is essential to understand the specific policies and fees of the airline before making a decision.
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Bag weight limits
For example, American Airlines has different weight limits for different routes. For travel to Cuba, the maximum weight per bag is 70 lbs/32 kg, while for other regions, the free bag weight limit for First/Business class is 70 lbs/32 kg, and the weight limit for excess charged bags is 50 lbs/23 kg.
Some airlines, like Southwest Airlines, charge additional fees for bags weighing more than 50 lbs/23 kg. These fees can range from $100 to $200, depending on the weight of the bag. Other airlines, like Alaska Airlines, charge a flat rate for overweight bags, such as $100 for bags weighing 51 to 100 lbs.
It's worth noting that some airlines may have weight limits for individual pieces of luggage, and exceeding these limits may result in additional charges or the inability to transport your bag. Additionally, some airlines offer the option to purchase additional weight or a second bag if needed.
To avoid unexpected fees or issues at the airport, it is recommended to check the weight of your bags before your trip and be mindful of the specific weight limits and policies of your chosen airline and destination.
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Paying for extra baggage
If you are travelling with multiple bags, it may be cheaper to check in two bags rather than pay the overweight fee for a single bag. Distributing the weight across your bags can help you avoid overweight charges. However, it is important to note that some airlines may have an upper limit on the weight of individual pieces of luggage, and extra charges may not cover weights exceeding this limit.
If you are flying with multiple passengers on the same reservation, you may need to check in together at a kiosk to select and pay for your bags. Additionally, if you are flying internationally, you may need to claim your bag and take it through customs before rechecking it for your next flight.
Some airlines allow you to pay for your bags online or through their app, which can often get you a better price than paying at the airport. However, this option may not be available if you are waitlisted, standing by for another flight, or have experienced a flight disruption. It is recommended to pay for your bags online at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure to avoid any issues.
If you need to pay for extra baggage at the airport, simply go to the check-in counter, where your bag will be weighed, and you will be charged the extra fee. Some airports also offer self-service kiosks where you can pay, and then you can proceed to the bag drop. It is always a good idea to arrive at the airport early, especially if you need to wait in line to pay for extra baggage.
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Checking in more than three bags
However, if you are checking in more than three bags, you may need to complete the process at the airport. Some airlines require that any additional bags beyond the standard allowance be added and paid for at the airport. This often involves waiting in line at the check-in counter, where your bags will be weighed, and any excess weight or size charges will be calculated and applied. It is worth noting that some airlines have strict weight limits, and additional charges may not cover excessive weight. Therefore, it is advisable to be mindful of the weight restrictions and distribute weight across multiple bags if necessary.
In certain cases, purchasing an additional bag may be more cost-effective than paying for overweight baggage. For instance, on Frontier Airlines, an extra bag costs $200, while overweight baggage costs $100. Additionally, shipping your excess luggage directly to your destination could be a more affordable option. It is important to be aware of any upper limits on luggage weight, as exceeding these limits may incur significant costs.
When checking in more than three bags, it is crucial to allow ample time at the airport. Bag drop-off lines can be lengthy, and you may need to allow at least two hours for the process. For international travel, you will typically need to claim your bags after arriving, take them through customs, and then re-check them for your connecting flight. Proper planning and familiarity with the airline's policies can help ensure a smoother journey when travelling with multiple pieces of luggage.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can add additional carry-on or checked baggage after booking a flight. You can do this on the Extras page when booking or by going to the Trips page and finding the trip you want to add extras to.
Yes, it is generally cheaper to pay for extra baggage online before arriving at the airport. Some airlines allow you to pay for checked bags online within 24 hours of departure and offer a discount for doing so.
The process for paying for extra baggage at the airport typically involves going to the check-in counter, waiting in line, and having your bag weighed. The airport staff will then charge you the extra fee. Some airports also have self-service kiosks where you can pay for extra baggage before dropping off your bag.
