Airlines Baggage Allowance: Comprehensive Guide

Packing luggage within the airline’s limitations is necessary as it can assist you in getting rid of any surcharge imposed by the airline. Nevertheless, there is an array of airlines that have different baggage rules, measurements, weight, etc., and keeping this fact in mind, the below-given tabs will pull back the curtains on all the baggage limitations along with restrictions to carry, some verified tips to report grievances, special items rules, hacks to avoid any baggage fee, the difference between carry on and checked luggage and other affiliated things. 

What is Baggage Allowance?

Baggage allowance refers to the amount or number of checked or carry-on luggage permitted by the concerned airline based on per passenger. This allowance sets a certain mark for fliers, and such rules have to be adhered to. 

Type of Baggage Allowance: Carry-on vs Checked Luggage?

Almost every airline incorporates these two types of luggage, i.e., Carry-on and Checked Baggage. Their rules may vary based on the aircraft, flight route, class, etc. Considering this, many fliers are confused when classifying checked baggage or carry-on luggage. Considering it, you can view the following points for more clarification on the same; please have a look:

• In the case of carry-on luggage, passengers are permitted to carry in the cabin. 
• Whereas, checked baggage is put in the cargo section, away from the fliers. 
• Based on different classes, the baggage rules for both, cabins or checked may vary. 
• If you wish to get more clarification, you can contact the official who will clear all the baggage-related concerns. 

Factors That Affecting Baggage Allowance

Every flier expects their airlines to provide flexible service; the extra baggage allowance is also one of them. Nevertheless, some airlines can be rigid with their baggage rules while others remain flexible. Nevertheless, there are several factors that affect the baggage allowance. If you want to get clarification on the same, it is better to dive into the tabs and find out what is there:

• Class of Services— Most airlines boast Economy, Business, or First class (there can be premium economy and other cabins), and each cabin has a different baggage allowance. For example, if you purchase First class, you can carry 32 KG of checked baggage, whereas, for Economy, it is 23 KG. (vary from airline to airline). 
• Frequent Flyer Status— Almost every airline runs a membership plan, and the more you travel, the more rewards you earn, which lets you boost your status (Elite Club program). If you reach a certain tier with your airline, they may allow you to carry extra baggage without any additional charge. 
• Destination— Regardless of your class, the destination also plays a crucial role for airlines in determining baggage limitations. Thus, it is also the biggest factor in baggage allowance. 

Major Airlines Baggage Allowance

Here's a quick reference for baggage allowances from major airlines. Note that these information is subject to vary at any time; thus, always keep yourself in the loop with all the updates. 

Airlines	Baggage Allowed	Maximum Baggage Size	Maximum Baggage Weight	Excess Baggage Fee
Qatar Airways	Maximum 2 Luggage is permitted (Weight varies by class)	Up to 158 cm or 62 inches.	For All Economy Fares, 23KG, Business and First Class 32 KG.	Begins from USD150/CAD 200 and goes up to USD 350/CAD 450
Emirates Airways	Maximum 2 pieces of luggage	Up to 158 cm or 62 linear inches (Length x Width x Height).	For Economy 23 kg, for Business 32 KG.	Begins from 100 euros, rest depends upon your destination.
Turkish Airlines	Up to 2 free checked baggage.	For All Classes, it is 158 cm of luggage, while for Infants, it is 115 cm. (Each Piece).	For Economy, 23 KG; Business Class, 32 Kg; and for Infant, 23 KG.	Begins from 80 USD (Depending upon fare type, class, and routes).
Etihad Airways	Maximum 2 pieces of Baggage	Up to 45 cm x 72 cm x 90 cm// 17 in x 28 in x 35 in	Begins from 30 KG and goes up to 40 KG	US $100 each way
American Airlines	Maximum up to 2 (Additional fee for exceeding limits)	Up to 157 cm or 62 inches (L x W x H)	For Economy 23 KG, First and Business 32 KG	For the first baggage, 35$, for the second, it is 45$. (Vary by class)
Delta Airlines	Standard 2 to 10 baggage and 4 bags for Delta connection	Up to 157 cm or 62 inches	Up to 23 KG or 50 pounds	Begins from USD 30 and goes up to USD 50
Singapore Airlines	Maximum 4 pieces of luggage. (Vary by Class)	157 cm or 62 linear inches (Length x Width x Height)	For Economy, 30 KG; Business, 40 KG; First Class, 50 KG; Elite Members, 20 KG	Begins from USD 100
British Airways	Up to 3 luggage. (Depends Upon Class)	Up to 35.5" x 29.5" x 16" or 90cm x 75cm x 43cm	It begins from 23 Kg and goes up to 32 kg	Begins from EURO 34 and goes up to EURO 98
United Airlines	Up to 2 luggage	Maximum size is 62 inches or 158 cm	For Economy 23 KG, Business, First, and Polaris, it is 32 KG	Begins from $30 and goes up to $200
Avianca Airlines	From 1 to 2 (Depending upon your Fare)	It is 62 inches or 158 cm	For M and L fares 23 KG and XXL Fare 32 KG	Begins from $30 and goes up to $99
TAP Air Portugal	maximum of 2 luggage is allowed	Maximum 158 cm or 62 inches	For Executive or Top Executives, 32 KG, while for others, 23 KG	EURO 30 and it goes up to EURO 240
Frontier Airlines	Not included in your fare. Incur a fee and purchase	Maximum Linear Dimension is 158 cm or 62 inches	Weight: Up to 23 KG (Variable)	Begins from $34 and goes up to $95
JetBlue Airlines	Maximum up to 2 luggage	It must be 158 cm or 62 linear inches	23 KG (It can vary depending upon your fare type)	Begins from $35 and can go up to $150
Air France	Maximum Up to 3 pieces	Maximum size 158 cm (Length + Width + Height)	Weight: For Economy, it is 23 KG, while for other classes, it is 32 KG	Begins EURO 20 and goes up to EURO 310
Thai Airways	No restrictions on the number of luggage	No restrictions on the size	Begins from 10 KG and goes up to 40 KG	Bulk rate of every 5 KG for 20% to 35% off the standard baggage fares
Tahiti Airways	Maximum 2 luggage	62 linear inches or 157 cm	For Economy 23 KG whereas, for Business Class 32 KG	Depends Upon the airline
KLM Airlines	Maximum Up to 3 pieces	Maximum size 158 cm (Length + Width + Height)	For Economy, it is 23 KG, while for other classes, it is 32 KG	Begins EURO 20 and goes up to EURO 310
Saudi Airlines	Maximum up to 2 luggage	It is up to 62 inches or 157 cm	Begins from 23 KG and goes up to 32 KG	Begins from $27 and goes up to $100

Understanding Baggage Fees & Allowance

When it comes to air travel, knowing the specifics of baggage fees and allowances can save you from unexpected charges and hassles at the airport. This section delves into the various baggage policies of major airlines, helping you understand what’s included in your ticket, what may incur additional fees, and how to maximize your allowance for a smooth travel experience.

Tips for Avoiding Baggage Fees

No one will ever prefer spending their hard-earned bucks when it comes to packing luggage with your airline. Nevertheless, the saddest part of baggage allowance is if you exceed the limits, the airlines impose charges; be clear about it, most airlines are rigid even though you exceed 0.1 grams of the limitations. Let’s not beat around the bushes; find some proven techniques through which you can avoid any baggage fee from your airline for exceeding the limits. Please have a look:

• Join Frequent Flier Membership— Why wait for airline deals when you can grab the opportunity to exceed baggage limits merely by joining the frequent flier program? Ask your airline and know the eligibility criteria. 
• Lightweight—Don’t you think it is better to take precautions? Of course, yes!! Hence, pack within your airline’s limitations and have a hassle-free journey. 
• Redeem Miles—If you have miles in your account, it is time to redeem them and get enough discounts with your airline. 
• Use Airline Credit Cards—Many airlines offer discounts or extra baggage allowances for paying with their issued credit cards. Contact your airline's official, and they will inform you of the methods. 
• Ship Your Luggage in Advance—Shipping your luggage instead of checking it as luggage can help you save huge costs. 

Excess, Overweight, & Oversized Baggage Allowance 

Fliers are often perplexed when they come across terms such as excess, overweight, and oversized. For your clarification on the same, you are suggested to dive into the points and know:

• If you exceed the permitted weight and dimensions for checked baggage, it will be regarded as Overweight and oversized, respectively. 
• Excess luggage refers to overall luggage weighing more than the limitations set by your concerned airline.  

Handling Special Items and Circumstances on your Baggage

Traveling with special items or facing unique circumstances requires careful planning to ensure compliance with airline regulations. From sports equipment to medical devices, this section provides essential information on how to manage and transport special items, ensuring you’re prepared for any special handling requirements or additional charges that might arise.

Traveling with Special Equipment

Sports Gear, Musical Instruments: Many fliers travel not only to spend vacations, but there is also a category of fliers who travel with their instruments for live concerts, sports equipment for national games, or import/export such equipment. Nevertheless, every airline has set certain rules dedicated to these special equipment of luggage which are essential to go through to avoid any surcharges imposed by your service provider for exceeding the limits. Certain common guidelines released by different airlines while some of them are below:

• Your special item (such as a piece of gear or musical instrument) must be packed well to prevent injuries to other passengers. 
• These items must not be placed near the emergency exists or aisle of the cabin. 

Traveling with Infants, Young Children, or Pets

Many travelers assume flying with Infants, children, or pets, but they don’t realize the airlines establish separate rules. So, for your convenience, you can take reference on the same by viewing the following points:

For Infants or Young Children: In the case of infants, most airlines do not impose any ticket fare if your child is between 0-2 years old. Nevertheless, up to 12 (the age number can vary by airline), merely 10% of a fee is charged above this mark. Dive into the points and find out what you can carry for which the airline may not impose a fee; please have a look:

• Travel Stroller.  
• Stroller Hook. 
• Portable Changing Mat. 
• Nappy Disposable Bags. 
• Soft Bags. 
• Changing Bag (Take-on-board). 

NOTE: Even in the case of baggage allowance for infants, there can be set stroller measurements that one has to keep in mind. Thus, contact your officials. 

Pets: On the one hand, allowing passengers to carry pets on board also imposes certain restrictions with respect to the same. Nevertheless, the airline sets certain rules associated with carrier measurement, weight, pet breed, and other things. Look at the points to know about the same further:

• Most airlines only allow friendly animals onboard, for example, dogs, cats, birds, etc. 
• A pet must be in a carrier with enough space, allowing smooth movement. 
• Must not forget to inform the officials about your pet prior to your flight’s departure. 

Traveling with Aerosols/Liquid on Baggage

Most airlines have incorporated the 3-1-1 liquids rule and certain liquid restrictions. Keeping this in mind, if you dive into the sections, you can learn different things on the same; please have a look:

• If your luggage is larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml), it must be in checked baggage regardless of the amount.  
• Certain restrictions apply to items including mercury, explosives, inflammables, and others associated with them. 
• To know the restricted items, it is better to get in touch with your dedicated airline’s official. 

What to Do If My Luggage is Lost or Damaged

Fliers often become perplexed when there is anything about luggage loss or damage. These troubles do not merely happen from one side, but both sides are involved (Individual as well as principal travel supplier or airline). Considering the same, below is detailed information on how you can report the official about lost luggage, including some ways to claim compensation for the damage to your items; please have a look:

Reporting Lost Luggage

Despite ensuring safe and convenient travel, disruptions can still follow you! This is said in the context of luggage misplaced or damaged by you or the authority due to internal management failure.

• Contact the Airline and Inform—The primary way to submit your baggage loss grievance to the agent is by phone. Dial the digits and cite them to the supervisor connected over the call, and they will fix the issue. Do not forget to carry your ID details along with your passport to validate your identity to the airline.  
• Approach the Help Desk— Another method you can pick to resolve the issues associated with baggage loss or damaged is through getting in touch with someone at the help desk at the airport. 

Claiming Compensation for Lost or Damaged Baggage

Even though your luggage is damaged or misplaced due to any reason, most airlines have the provision of compensation. If fliers, based on baggage norms, are eligible, they can submit their compensation request to the official. However, some airlines may provide free meal coupons, travel credits, amount of money, etc.; thus, compensation varies from airline to airline. 

 

FAQs on Baggage Allowance

How strict are Airlines about Baggage Allowance?

Most airlines are strict with their baggage norms; for example, if anyone exceeds even 0.1 KG, officials will impose surcharges. Thus, it is important for each flier to be aware of the checked baggage and carry-on baggage rules to avoid any additional fees imposed by them. 

Can I carry duty-free items along with my baggage allowance?

Yes, you may get an allowance to carry duty-free items in secure, but ensure these are well-packed in the Tamper-Evident Security bags. Nevertheless, in the case of liquid items, you may get permission to carry more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml only if these are purchased internationally or you are traveling to the US.  

What happens if my baggage exceeds the airline's weight limit?

If you happen to exceed the baggage limits, you'll have to pay extra to get baggage allowance approval from the authority. Nevertheless, if you have miles, first or business class tickets, you can be lucky to get discounted rates. 

Can I purchase an extra baggage allowance in advance?

According to most airlines' baggage policies, fliers are eligible to purchase extra baggage in advance. However, to avail of such a service, you will have to incur an additional fee to the authority. 

 

Conclusion

The provided tabs will be sufficient for you to learn the airline baggage rules that will help you in the long run to avoid any surcharge for exceeding your luggage's measurement, weight, and size. Nevertheless, most of the rules are subject to vary based on class, fare type, travel route, etc. Our platform exhibits an array of options to search your preferred destination, travel dates, renowned airlines, and affordable flight fares, based on which you can search and continue with the booking procedure.