Checking Luggage At The Airport: A Step-By-Step Guide

Checking luggage at the airport can be a confusing process, especially for new travellers. The procedure involves going to the airline's check-in or baggage desk, answering security questions, weighing the bag, paying for baggage or overweight baggage, and attaching a barcode tag. The bag will then be placed on a conveyor belt or cart and taken through baggage security. It's important to have a strong luggage tag with contact information, and to use TSA-approved locks. This process can often be expedited by using self-service kiosks, and it's recommended to arrive early to account for potential lines.

Weighing and paying for luggage

Weighing your luggage before you arrive at the airport can make your travel experience much less stressful. It can also help you avoid the high costs of excess baggage fees. Most airlines set clear limits for luggage weight, and exceeding the set limit usually incurs high extra charges. Therefore, it is important to know how to weigh your luggage and pay for it if necessary.

Weighing Your Luggage

There are several ways to weigh your luggage before you get to the airport. One way is to use a handheld luggage scale. These scales are small, portable, and easy to use. Simply attach your luggage to the scale, lift it slowly, and read the weight. Handheld luggage scales can be purchased at big box stores, online, or even at most airports.

If you don't have a handheld luggage scale, you can use a regular bathroom scale. First, weigh yourself without your luggage and note your weight. Then, weigh yourself holding the luggage and subtract your own weight to determine the weight of your suitcase.

Paying for Luggage

If your luggage exceeds the weight limit, you may have to pay an excess baggage fee. These fees can be quite expensive, sometimes costing a few hundred dollars per bag. To avoid unexpected costs, check your airline's baggage regulations and weight restrictions before your trip. Most airlines provide detailed information about allowed luggage quantities and weights on their websites.

If your luggage is overweight, you may have a few options. You can try to repack and move some heavier items to your hand luggage if there is still space and weight allowance. If repacking is not an option, you may have to pay the excess baggage fee. In some cases, you may also be able to check an extra bag, but this option is usually cheaper if booked in advance.

Restrictions on what you can pack

When packing your checked luggage, it's important to be aware of the restrictions on what you can pack. These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of everyone on board. Local airport security restrictions may further limit the quantities and conditions of the items listed below.

Prohibited Items:

• More than one box of matches or a lighter
• Liquid oxygen systems
• Disabling devices containing an irritant or incapacitating substance, such as pepper spray
• Electric shock weapons containing dangerous goods such as explosives, compressed gas, or lithium batteries
• Aerosols that are not medicinal or toiletry items
• Security-type equipment, such as attaché cases, cash boxes, and cash bags, that include lithium batteries, pyrotechnic material, or other dangerous goods
• Hoverboards, mini-Segways, solo wheels, air wheels, and similar lithium battery-powered small recreational vehicles
• Installed or spare lithium batteries with ratings of more than 160Wh or 8g of lithium content
• Durian fruit
• Camping gas or gas bottles
• Fireworks, fire starters, or flares
• Gunpowder, including homemade bonbon/Christmas cracker kits
• Household cleaners and chemicals
• Any items that may be explosive, flammable, oxidising, radioactive, infectious, noxious, corrosive, highly magnetic, biohazardous, or otherwise dangerous

Allowed by the Airline:

• Alcoholic drinks in their retail packaging, less than 24% alcohol by volume, in containers less than 5L (no restrictions)
• Alcoholic drinks in their retail packaging, between 24% and 70% alcohol by volume, in containers less than 5L (5L per person)
• Securely sealed and safely packed liquid food, including water, juice, milk, soups, and jams
• Dry food, including sandwiches, biscuits, nuts, and fruit
• Alcoholic drinks with more than 70% alcohol by volume are prohibited

Batteries and Electrical Items:

Batteries and power banks can be a safety risk when flying, so there are regulations around how to pack them. Lithium-ion batteries should not exceed 2.7Wh, and lithium metal batteries should not exceed 0.3g of lithium metal. Devices exceeding these limits must be turned off completely.

Sporting and Recreational Equipment:

• Installed lithium batteries with ratings of more than 160Wh or 8g of lithium content, such as electric bikes, Segways, and underwater lamps
• Internal combustion or fuel cell engines, even if the fuel and liquids have been drained
• Heat-producing articles that are battery-powered, such as underwater torches, provided the heat-producing component and the battery are isolated from each other
• Appliances containing batteries, such as power tools, must have insulated battery terminals and be taped in the off position to prevent accidental activation

Tools and Sharp Objects:

• Internal combustion or fuel cell engines, even if the fuel and liquids have been drained
• Sharp tools and blades, such as screwdrivers, chisels, and scraper blades, must be safely contained and packed in checked baggage, not carry-on
• Blunt instruments, such as bars and hammers, must be packed in checked baggage, not carry-on
• Heat-producing items, such as soldering irons and battery-powered underwater torches, must be isolated from their batteries

Flammable, Explosive, Corrosive, and Toxic Items:

• Nearly all flammable, explosive, corrosive, and toxic items are prohibited, including matches, lighters, flammable liquids, bleaches, peroxide, acid, fertiliser, weed killer, and insecticide
• Non-infectious specimens packed with small quantities of flammable liquids are allowed, provided they meet certain conditions
• Up to 2.5 kg of dry ice (carbon dioxide solid) for perishables can be carried in checked or carry-on baggage, provided it is packed in a container that allows gas release

Firearms and Ammunition:

Firearms and ammunition are not allowed in carry-on baggage or in the cabin. They must be transported in checked baggage and meet specific safety guidelines.

Checking in luggage at the airport

Before You Go to the Airport

Firstly, make sure your luggage complies with the airline's checked baggage rules regarding size and weight restrictions. Most airlines allow checked bags with dimensions of up to 62 linear inches (158 cm) and a weight of up to 50 lbs (23 kg). It's also essential to know what you can and cannot pack in your checked luggage. Flammable and explosive items, including lithium-ion batteries, vapes, and power banks, are prohibited. Other items such as guns, knives, and alcohol may be allowed but require prior approval from the airline.

At the Airport

Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare, especially if you need to check in your luggage. Two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight are good benchmarks. Most airlines have a designated check-in or baggage desk/counter where you can go to check in your luggage. Some airlines also offer self-service kiosks for faster check-in. If you need to pay for checked baggage, it's generally cheaper to do so in advance when booking your ticket or online before arriving at the airport.

During Check-In

During check-in, you will be asked some questions to ensure you are not carrying any prohibited items. Your bag may also be weighed, and you may need to pay for overweight or oversized luggage. After this, your bag will be tagged with a barcode and the airport code it is going to. You may also receive a receipt or a barcode sticker as proof of your checked luggage.

After Check-In

Once you've checked in your luggage, it will be placed on a conveyor belt or cart and taken through baggage security. Then, baggage handlers will load it onto the plane. If you have a layover or a separately booked connecting flight, you may need to pick up your luggage from baggage claim and re-check it. However, if your flights are on the same airline or alliance and are ticketed through to your final destination, you won't need to do anything during the layover.

At Your Destination

Upon arrival at your final destination, proceed to the baggage claim area to retrieve your checked luggage. It should arrive shortly after you, but there may be some delay depending on the efficiency of the baggage handlers.

Retrieving luggage at your destination

Retrieving your luggage at your destination is a fairly straightforward process. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Proceed to the baggage claim area:

After disembarking from your flight, follow the signs to the baggage claim area. This is where you will be able to collect your checked luggage. In some cases, there may be multiple baggage carousels, so make sure you are at the correct one for your flight.

Wait for your luggage to arrive:

It may take some time for your luggage to appear on the carousel. Be patient, as luggage from a single flight sometimes comes in waves. It is not unusual to wait 30 to 45 minutes for your bags, especially at large, busy airports.

Check other carousels and the airline's baggage office:

If your bag does not arrive on the designated carousel, don't panic. It could have been sent to the wrong carousel, or it might be waiting in the airline's baggage office or another holding area. Take a quick look at other carousels, and if you still can't find your bag, head to the airline's baggage office. Many airlines also have apps that allow you to track your checked luggage, so be sure to check if this option is available.

Report missing luggage:

If, after checking multiple carousels and the baggage office, you still cannot locate your bag, it is time to report it missing. Locate the baggage desk for the airline that operated your final flight. Inform the agent that your luggage is missing and provide them with your bag tag or show them your bag's status on the airline's app if available. They will then initiate a search for your luggage.

File a missing baggage report:

If the agent is unable to locate your baggage, you will need to file a missing baggage report. Provide as much information as possible about your bag, including its size, colour, material, and any identifying tags. Include your local address and contact information in the report, and be sure to get the phone number of the lost luggage desk and a reference or tracking number. Ask about compensation and what expenses the airline will cover during this process.

Track your bag's status:

Once you have filed the report, you may be able to stay updated on your bag's status using the original bag tag or reference number associated with the missing bag report. Most major airlines have online bag search tools on their websites or apps.

Escalate if necessary:

If you are not receiving updates and cannot get sufficient information from the local airport, consider escalating your claim. Contact the airline's customer service or, if you have elite status, reach out to their dedicated support line. If it has been more than 24 hours, you can also file a complaint with the relevant aviation authority, as this will draw greater attention to the matter.

Preparing carry-on luggage

Choose the Right Carry-on Bag:

• Select a carry-on bag that meets the size requirements of your airline. The standard size limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but this can vary slightly between airlines. Make sure it fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
• Look for a bag with an easy-access tech compartment to securely store electronics like laptops and tablets. This will make it easier to remove them during security checks.
• Consider your comfort. Opt for padded handles, cushioned straps, or a rolling suitcase if you need to carry your bag for extended periods.

Packing Essentials:

• Always carry essential items such as passports, prescriptions, glasses or contact lenses, valuables, jewellery, wallets, cash, credit cards, IDs, boarding passes, cameras, smartphones, and chargers in your carry-on luggage.
• Pack a separate small bag for toiletries and follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids: 3.4 ounces or 100ml per container, all liquids must fit in one quart-size, clear, plastic, zip-top bag.
• Bring entertainment like books, laptops, or tablets, especially for longer flights.
• Keep a printed itinerary, hotel and flight confirmations, and other travel documents with you.

Packing Techniques:

• Pack items in layers: shoes in one layer, clothes in another, electronics separately, etc.
• Place large electronics on the top layer for easy screening.
• Put your bag of liquids at the front of your carry-on for easy access.
• Keep most of your valuables in side compartments or safely padded and away from the opening.
• Roll your clothes tightly to save space, and pack a spare set of clothes (including underwear and socks) in case your checked luggage is delayed or lost.

Additional Considerations:

• Tape a card with your name and contact information on your electronics in case they get lost.
• Review the prohibited items list for carry-on luggage. Do not pack items like box cutters, utility knives, razors (except safety razors), fireworks, or firearms in your carry-on.
• Remove batteries, electronic cigarettes, and other restricted items from checked bags.

Remember to follow the guidelines provided by your airline and the TSA to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Frequently asked questions