How Much Luggage
Can You Bring on a Plane?
Airline Baggage Allowances and Restrictions
When preparing for air travel, it’s important to know what kind of baggage you’re allowed to bring on board and what restrictions apply. Different airlines may have different policies, so it’s important to check with your airline before you travel. Here, we’ll go over the differences between checked bags, carry-on bags, and personal items, as well as the baggage allowances and restrictions that apply to each.
- Checked Bags
- Carry-On Bags
- Personal Items
- Tips for Packing
Checked bags are the largest type of luggage that you can bring on an airplane. They are typically stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft and are not accessible to you during the flight. The weight and size restrictions for checked bags vary by airline, so it’s important to check with your airline before you travel. However, they are also subject to certain restrictions and fees.
Size and Weight Restrictions
The size and weight restrictions for checked bags can vary depending on the airline and the specific flight. However, the general rule is that checked bags cannot exceed 62 linear inches (157 cm) in total dimensions (length + width + height) and 50 pounds (23 kg) in weight. Some airlines may have more restrictive policies, so it’s important to check with your airline before you travel.
Fees
Most airlines charge fees for checked bags, and these fees can vary depending on the airline and the number of bags you’re checking. Some airlines may also offer discounts or exemptions for certain types of passengers, such as frequent flyers or members of the military. Again, it’s important to check with your airline before you travel to find out what fees apply.
Restricted Items
Certain items are prohibited from being checked in, such as:
- Explosives
- Flammable items, such as gasoline or propane
- Firearms and ammunition
- Certain types of batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries
- Some types of chemicals and hazardous materials
Make sure to check with your airline for a complete list of prohibited items before you pack your checked bags
Carry-on bags are smaller than checked bags and can be brought on board the aircraft with you. They must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. The weight and size restrictions for carry-on bags also vary by airline, so it’s important to check with your airline before you travel.
Size and Weight Restrictions
The size and weight restrictions for carry-on bags can vary depending on the airline and the specific flight. However, the general rule is that carry-on bags cannot exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) in total dimensions (length + width + height) and 40 pounds (18 kg) in weight. Again, some airlines may have more restrictive policies, so it’s important to check with your airline before you travel.
Restricted Items
Certain items are prohibited from being brought onto the airplane in carry-on bags, such as:
- Guns, firearms, and ammunition
- Explosives
- Flammable items, such as gasoline or propane
- Knives and other sharp objects (except for plastic or round-bladed butter knives)
- Baseball bats, golf clubs, and other sports equipment (except for some types of walking sticks and martial arts gear)
- Lighters and matches (except for one lighter or a book of matches in carry-on luggage)
Make sure to check with your airline for a complete list of prohibited items before you pack your carry-on bags.
Personal items are small items that you can bring on board the aircraft with you, even if they don’t fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. These items typically include things like a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or small backpack.
Size and Weight Restrictions
The size and weight restrictions for personal items can vary depending on the airline and the specific flight. However, the general rule is that personal items cannot exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) in total dimensions (length + width + height) and must fit under the seat in front of the passenger. Weight restrictions can also vary, but most airlines do not have a specific weight limit for personal items. Again, it’s important to check with your airline before you travel to find out the exact size and weight restrictions for personal items.
Restricted Items
As with carry-on bags, certain items are prohibited from being brought onto the airplane in personal items, such as:
- Guns, firearms, and ammunition
- Explosives
- Flammable items, such as gasoline or propane
- Knives and other sharp objects (except for plastic or round-bladed butter knives)
- Baseball bats, golf clubs, and other sports equipment (except for some types of walking sticks and martial arts gear)
- Lighters and matches (except for one lighter or a book of matches in carry-on luggage)
Make sure to check with your airline for a complete list of prohibited items before you pack your personal item.
It’s important to pack your bags carefully and to make sure that they meet the weight and size restrictions of your airline. If your bags are overweight or over-sized, you may have to pay additional fees. It’s also important to pack your bags securely so that they don’t open during the flight.
Here are some tips for packing your bags for air travel:
- Pack light: Try to pack only what you need and leave room for souvenirs and other items you might pick up during your trip.
- Use packing cubes: Packing cubes can help you stay organized and make it easier to find what you need in your bags.
- Label your bags: Make sure to label your bags with your name and contact information in case they get lost or misplaced.
- Keep important items with you: Make sure to keep important items, such as passports, medications, and valuables, with you in your carry-on bags or personal items.
By following these guidelines and checking with your airline, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free packing experience for your next flight. We will be happy to answer any questions you have and help you plan your trip.
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