Luggage Weight Limits: What To Know Before You Fly

When it comes to travelling, luggage restrictions can be a stressful aspect of preparation. Each airline has its own set of rules regarding weight and size limits, and these can vary depending on the airline, class of service, and route. For example, while most domestic flights in the US allow carry-on luggage with no weight restrictions, international flights often have stricter weight limits, typically ranging from 16 to 18 lbs. Additionally, checked baggage weight limits are usually set at 50 lbs to reduce the risk of injury to baggage handlers, but some airlines allow up to 70 lbs. To avoid unexpected fees and stress, it's important to understand the specific rules of the airline you're travelling with and to pack efficiently.

Domestic vs international luggage allowances

When it comes to luggage allowances, there are differences between domestic and international travel. Here is a detailed comparison of the two:

Domestic Luggage Allowances:

Domestic flights typically allow passengers to travel with a carry-on bag and a personal item. The standard carry-on bag size for domestic flights is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but some airlines like Southwest and United allow larger bags, with Southwest permitting carry-on bags up to 24 x 16 x 10 inches. Most domestic airlines do not enforce weight restrictions for carry-on luggage, providing passengers with flexibility. However, some airlines, like Frontier and Sun Country, have weight limits, usually around 35 pounds, for carry-on bags.

International Luggage Allowances:

International flights often require more luggage than domestic travel, with most passengers needing at least two pieces of luggage. The weight limits for international flights differ significantly from domestic limits. Carry-on baggage weight limits for international travel are typically lower than those for domestic flights. While domestic flights usually limit carry-on bags to around 35 lbs, international flights often restrict carry-on luggage to 16-18 lbs, though British Airways allows up to 51 lbs.

The maximum dimensions for carry-on bags on international flights are typically smaller than those for domestic flights, with a standard size of around 21.7 x 15.7 x 9 inches. Some airlines, like Qatar Airways, have even stricter limits, with a maximum length of 20 inches for carry-on bags. It's important to note that these restrictions can vary depending on the airline and your class of travel (first, business, or economy).

International flights usually allow passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag onboard. However, there are exceptions, like Bolivia's Amaxonas airline, which only permits carry-on luggage without any personal items. The weight and size limits for personal items also vary among airlines, with size limits ranging from 16 to 18 inches in length, 14 to 15 inches in width, and 7 to 9 inches in depth.

When transferring from a domestic to an international airline, it is crucial to ensure your luggage complies with the smallest requirements to avoid unexpected oversized bag fees. Additionally, some airlines have separate weight and size restrictions for items like skis, surfboards, and golf bags. Therefore, it is always recommended to check the specific luggage policies of all airlines in your itinerary before packing for your trip.

Weight limits for carry-on luggage

When packing for a flight, it's important to keep in mind that each airline has its own rules for carry-on luggage. These rules include the dimensions of your carry-on bag and personal item, and sometimes even the weight. While most major domestic airlines do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags, several international airlines have weight restrictions for carry-on luggage and, in some cases, personal items.

• Aer Lingus: For flights within Europe, a fee of €5.99-€32.99 is required for carry-on luggage. The carry-on weight limit is 15 pounds.
• Aeroméxico: For international flights or basic fare flights within Mexico, two items (carry-on luggage and a personal item) cannot weigh more than 22 pounds combined.
• Air Canada: Although there is no weight limit, your bag must be light enough to lift into the overhead bin unassisted.
• Air France: Carry-on luggage and a personal item cannot weigh more than 26.4 pounds combined for economy passengers. The weight limit is 40 pounds for premium economy and other higher-class cabins.
• All Nippon Airways: Carry-on luggage and personal items cannot weigh more than 22 pounds combined.
• American Airlines: There are no weight restrictions for carry-on luggage.
• British Airways: Carry-on luggage and personal items cannot weigh more than 22 pounds combined.
• Delta Airlines: There is a 15-pound weight limit for flights to and from Singapore. For flights to and from Beijing and Shanghai, there is a 22-pound weight limit.
• Emirates: Carry-on luggage and personal items cannot weigh more than 22 pounds combined for economy passengers.
• Frontier Airlines: Carry-on bags must weigh less than 35 pounds.
• Iberia: Carry-on luggage and personal items cannot weigh more than 22 pounds combined.
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Carry-on luggage and personal items cannot weigh more than 26 pounds combined.
• Lufthansa: Carry-on luggage and personal items cannot weigh more than 22 pounds combined.
• Norwegian: Carry-on luggage and personal items cannot weigh more than 22 pounds combined.
• Qantas: Carry-on luggage must fit under the seat in front of you.
• Qatar Airways: For tickets issued in Brazil, the carry-on weight limit is 22 pounds.
• Scandinavian Airlines: Carry-on luggage and personal items cannot weigh more than 15 pounds combined.
• Singapore Airlines: The carry-on weight limit is 15 pounds.
• Southwest Airlines: There is no weight limit.
• United Airlines: There is no published weight limit for carry-on luggage.
• Virgin Atlantic: Carry-on luggage and personal items cannot weigh more than 22 pounds combined.

Size limits for carry-on luggage

When travelling, it's important to be aware of the size and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage, as these can vary between airlines and types of flight.

Carry-on luggage

Carry-on luggage is a piece of luggage that you can take into the aircraft cabin. It is typically a small rolling suitcase, weekender bag, backpack, duffel bag, or tote. It must fit in the overhead bin, and you should be able to stow it without assistance. The maximum size for a carry-on bag is typically 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), but this can vary by airline. For example, some airlines allow carry-on bags up to 24 x 16 x 11 inches. Most domestic airlines do not have a weight limit for carry-on bags, but some international airlines do. These limits typically range from 15 to 22 lbs (7-10 kg).

Personal items

In addition to carry-on luggage, you are usually allowed to bring one personal item on board. This is typically a laptop bag, purse, backpack, small duffel, or camera bag. Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you and are typically limited to a maximum size of 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20/29 cm). However, some airlines do not specify the maximum size for personal items. It's important to check the size and weight restrictions for personal items with your airline before travelling, as they can vary.

Checked luggage fees

When it comes to checked luggage, most airlines allow bags up to 62 linear inches and 50 pounds, though these limits can differ by airline and route. Oversized or overweight bags incur additional fees, which can be substantial, so it's important to check specific airline policies before packing.

• American Airlines: For travel within/between the US, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands, the first checked bag fee is $40 ($35 if paid online), and the second checked bag fee is $45. For travel to/from Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana, the first checked bag fee is $35, and the second checked bag fee is $45.
• Delta Air Lines: The checked bag policy varies depending on the route and cabin class. For basic economy and main cabin, the first checked bag fee is $30, and the second checked bag fee is $40. For Delta Comfort+, the first checked bag is free, and the second checked bag fee is $40. For Delta Premium Select and First Class, the first two checked bags are free.
• United Airlines: The checked bag policy depends on the route and the passenger's status. For example, for travel within the US and to Canada, the first checked bag fee is $35, and the second checked bag fee is $45. If you have Premier Access status, the first and second checked bag fees are $30 and $40, respectively.
• Southwest Airlines: Southwest allows two free checked bags for all passengers on domestic flights. For international flights, the first and second checked bag fees are $75 and $100, respectively.
• JetBlue Airways: JetBlue's checked bag policy varies by route and fare type. For Blue Basic fares, the first checked bag fee is $35, and the second checked bag fee is $50. For Blue fares, the first checked bag is free, and the second checked bag fee is $50. For Blue Plus and Mint fares, the first two checked bags are free.
• Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines' checked bag policy depends on the route. For flights within the US, the first checked bag fee is $30, and the second checked bag fee is $40. For flights to Mexico, the first checked bag fee is $30, and the second checked bag fee is $40.

Avoiding checked luggage fees

Checked luggage fees can add up to a significant expense, especially when travelling with family. Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid these fees. Here are some strategies to avoid paying for checked luggage:

• Fly with airlines that don't charge for checked baggage: Some airlines, like Southwest Airlines, allow passengers to check bags for free. Southwest, for example, allows two free checked bags per passenger. Other airlines may also offer free checked bags on international flights booked in the main cabin.
• Earn elite status with an airline: If you fly frequently, consider signing up for an airline's frequent flyer program to earn elite status. This often comes with perks like free checked bags. For example, Premier Silver status with United MileagePlus affords you one complimentary bag.
• Choose the right airline credit card: Many airline credit cards offer a free checked bag as a benefit, and some even extend this to travel companions. For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers a free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation.
• Choose a travel card with an airline fee credit: Some travel credit cards, like the Platinum Card® from American Express, offer airline fee credits that can be applied to checked bag fees.
• Avoid basic economy: Basic economy fares often don't include a carry-on bag or a checked bag, so you'll need to pay baggage fees. Opting for a non-basic economy ticket can help you avoid these charges.
• Pack light and don't check a bag: Most airlines allow passengers to bring a carry-on bag and a personal item for free. Weighing and measuring your carry-on luggage beforehand can help ensure it meets the airline's requirements and avoid unexpected checked bag fees.

Frequently asked questions