Ruth Haines
When travelling by air, passengers are allowed to bring a carry-on bag and a personal item on the flight. A carry-on bag is a bag that gets placed in the overhead compartment during the flight, while a personal item is smaller and must fit under the seat in front of you. A checked bag, on the other hand, is a piece of luggage that is handed over to an airline agent at the airport and stored in the plane's cargo hold. Bags may be checked for a variety of reasons, such as being too large to fit in the overhead compartment or containing items not allowed in carry-on luggage. Security measures at airports are in place to ensure the safety of passengers, with screening processes in place to detect hazardous materials or prohibited items.
Characteristics of Checked Bags at Airports
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of bags allowed | Varies by airline; typically, up to 3 bags per person |
| Additional charges | May apply for more than 3 bags, oversized, overweight, or excess bags |
| Weight limit | Typically up to 50 pounds, but some airlines allow up to 70 pounds |
| Dimension limit | Sum of length, width, and height typically limited to 62 inches |
| Items allowed | Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and hazardous materials like toiletries, medicines, and battery-powered electronics |
| Security screening | TSA scans checked bags and may perform additional screening for flagged items |
| Pickup | Need to head to baggage claim after landing to retrieve checked luggage |
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What You'll Learn
Checked vs carry-on bags
When preparing for air travel, deciding whether to check a bag or carry it on can significantly impact your travel experience. The nature of your trip, including your destination, duration, and companions, will influence whether you opt for a carry-on or checked bag. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision:
Carry-on Bags:
Carry-on bags are those you take on board the plane and store in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Airlines dictate the size, weight, and content restrictions for carry-on luggage, and these vary across airlines. It is essential to check your airline's specific guidelines before packing. Some common restrictions include prohibiting liquids over 3.4 ounces (100 ml), certain aerosol products, and potential weapons, such as knives or razors. Carry-on luggage is best for those who prefer to travel light, as it allows for faster movement through airports and saves on baggage fees.
Checked Bags:
Checked bags are relinquished to the airline at the check-in counter and stored in the plane's cargo hold, inaccessible during the flight. Checked luggage is typically larger and can accommodate more items, making it suitable for longer trips or when transporting gifts or specialised equipment. Most airlines charge fees for checked bags, and these fees can vary. While checked bags have fewer restrictions than carry-on bags, there are still rules regarding size, weight, and content. For example, hazardous materials are generally forbidden in checked luggage, with some exceptions for personal items.
Factors to Consider:
When deciding between a carry-on or checked bag, consider the following:
- Duration of Trip: If you are taking a short trip or a long weekend getaway, a carry-on bag may suffice. For extended stays or trips requiring special equipment, checked luggage might be more appropriate.
- Baggage Fees: Most airlines charge fees for checked bags, which can increase costs, especially for multiple bags. Some airlines may also charge for carry-on luggage, so checking the airline's policies is essential.
- Access During Flight: Carry-on bags provide the advantage of easy access to your belongings during the flight. If you have medications or items you may need inflight, consider carrying them on.
- Restricted Items: Certain items are prohibited or restricted in carry-on luggage, such as liquids over a certain volume or potential weapons. If you need to carry restricted items, you may have to opt for checked luggage.
- Travel Companions: If travelling with children or infants, your luggage needs may differ. Consider the number of travellers and their specific requirements when deciding between carry-on and checked bags.
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Weight and size restrictions
When it comes to checking bags at airports, it's important to be aware of the weight and size restrictions that apply. These restrictions can vary depending on the airline, your destination, and the class of service you're travelling in. Here is some detailed information on what to expect:
Weight Restrictions:
Most airlines have weight limits for checked baggage, which typically range from 50 lbs to 70 lbs (23 kgs to 32 kgs) per bag. If your bag exceeds the weight limit, you may be subject to overweight baggage fees. These fees can be quite significant, often ranging from $100 to $200 for bags that are 1-20 lbs overweight, and increasing to $300 or more for bags over 101 lbs. Some airlines may even refuse to check bags that exceed a certain weight.
Size Restrictions:
In addition to weight restrictions, there are also size limitations for checked bags. The maximum size allowed for a checked bag is usually determined by adding the total outside dimensions of the bag, including length, width, and height. While specific size restrictions can vary by airline, most airlines allow checked bags to have a total dimension of up to 62 linear inches (157 cm). This means that the sum of the bag's length, width, and height should not exceed this limit.
Number of Checked Bags:
The number of checked bags allowed can also vary. Typically, passengers are permitted to check up to 3 bags per person. However, additional bags beyond this limit may be subject to excess baggage fees. Some airlines may also have different allowances for different classes of service, with first-class or business-class passengers often being allowed to check more bags for free.
Destination-Specific Restrictions:
It's important to note that weight and size restrictions can also differ depending on your destination. For example, American Airlines has specific baggage policies for travel to Cuba, allowing a maximum of 2 checked bags per person with a weight limit of 70 lbs (32 kgs) each. There may also be restrictions on certain items, such as boxes or power generators, for specific destinations.
Hazardous Materials and Restricted Items:
When packing your checked bags, it's crucial to be mindful of hazardous materials and restricted items. Most hazardous materials, including sharp objects and weapons, are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage. However, there are exceptions for certain personal items like toiletries, medications, and battery-powered electronics. Additionally, sporting equipment must be checked in, and powders over 12 oz (350 mL) should be placed in checked bags to avoid secondary screening.
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Hazardous materials
Most hazardous materials are forbidden in carry-on and checked baggage. Hazardous materials include, but are not limited to, explosives, gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, toxic and infectious materials, radioactive materials, and corrosives. Many of these hazardous materials are allowed in our baggage, but only if the necessary safety precautions are followed. For example, passengers are advised to place powder-like substances over 12 oz / 350 mL in their checked baggage.
There are a few exceptions for some personal items. For instance, unused COVID-19 test kits are typically allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage. However, COVID-19 test kits containing diagnostic samples (e.g., nasal swabs and vials of sputum) are not allowed in carry-on baggage. These samples must be properly packaged, handled, and identified as a UN3373 Category B Infectious Substance during transportation.
Other exceptions include toiletries, medicines, battery-powered electronics, and assistive devices. Damaged or recalled batteries and battery-powered devices, which are likely to create sparks or generate dangerous heat, must not be carried aboard an aircraft unless the battery has been removed or made safe.
TSA works closely with the intelligence and law enforcement communities to share information and maintain security. TSA officers may open commercially available locks on baggage, and they will be forced to remove them if necessary during the inspection. Passengers may be required to undergo a pat-down procedure to determine whether prohibited items or other threats to transportation security are concealed.
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Personal items
A personal item is any piece of luggage that you can bring on board in addition to your carry-on bag, provided it fits under the seat in front of you. Most major airlines do not have a specific weight limit for personal items, as long as they can fit under the seat. This usually means that personal items can hold 2-3 days' worth of clothes and 1-2 pairs of shoes.
You can pack any item that is Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-friendly in your personal item. However, hazardous materials are forbidden in carry-on and checked baggage, with a few exceptions for personal items such as toiletries, medicines, battery-powered electronics, and assistive devices. Powders in carry-on baggage may require secondary screening, and any powder-like substances over 12 oz/350 mL should be placed in your checked bags.
It is recommended to keep important documents, such as your passport and tickets, along with electronics like your laptop and phone, easily accessible in your personal item to avoid delays during security checks. Medications and other health essentials should also be kept close at hand.
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Paying for checked bags
When it comes to paying for checked bags at the airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. The cost of checking bags can vary depending on the airline, the destination, and the number of bags being checked. It's always a good idea to review the baggage policies of the specific airline you're travelling with before your trip. Some airlines may offer deals or discounts for checking bags online in advance, so it's worth exploring this option.
For example, American Airlines allows passengers to pay for up to three checked bags per person before arriving at the airport. The fees for checked bags vary depending on the destination. For travel within or between the US, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, the first checked bag fee is $40, or $35 if paid online, while the second checked bag fee is $45. On the other hand, for travel to or from Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana, the first checked bag fee is $35, and the second checked bag fee is $45. It's important to note that these fees are non-refundable and apply per person, each way, even if you purchase an upgrade that includes free checked bags.
In some cases, certain passengers may be eligible for free checked bags. For instance, American Airlines offers eligible AAdvantage® credit cardholders travelling on domestic itineraries the benefit of up to three free checked bags. Similarly, active U.S. military personnel and/or dependents with ID travelling on orders can also avail of this offer. It's always worth reviewing the eligibility criteria for such benefits, as they can help reduce the overall cost of your trip.
It's important to be mindful of the size and weight restrictions for checked bags, as additional charges may apply for oversized or overweight luggage. Most airlines provide clear guidelines on their websites regarding these restrictions, so it's essential to adhere to them to avoid incurring extra fees. Passengers should also be aware of prohibited items and hazardous materials that are not allowed in checked baggage, as outlined by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
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Frequently asked questions
A carry-on bag goes on the plane with you and must fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. A checked bag is a piece of luggage you hand over to an airline check-in agent at the airport. It will be placed in the airplane's cargo hold.
Although checked bags can be larger than carry-on bags, they also have maximum allowed weights and dimensions. Typically, airlines allow checked bags that weigh up to 50 pounds and whose dimensions (length + width + height) are 62 inches or less.
Most hazardous materials are forbidden in checked baggage. There are a few exceptions for some personal items such as toiletries, medicines, battery-powered electronics, and assistive devices.
Yes, you can bring liquids in your checked bag. Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, or pastes flagged during a TSA scan may require additional screening. It is recommended to place powder-like substances over 12 oz / 350 mL in your checked bags.
