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Let’s face it, figuring out baggage fees can be complicated.
We’re willing to bet a large majority of people show up at the airport without a clue as to what their baggage is going to cost. It’s a tad simpler if you’re consistently flying one carrier but for those travelers who fly multiple carriers, it’s easy to get your lines crossed!
Why does it have to be so difficult?
Well, to start, each airline has a slightly different baggage policy based on a multitude of parameters including dates of travel, class of travel, route of travel, etc. Add on excess fees for additional baggage, overweight and oversized pieces and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
The stress of purchasing tickets and getting through the airport can be lessened (significantly) if you’re prepared. That’s why we’ve collected baggage fee guidelines for over 50 of the most popular airlines worldwide.
Hot Tip: We’ve also published guides on carry-on size charts as well as checked bag allowances and sizes.
We’ve also included a brief section on exclusions, waivers, and tips on avoiding these fees. For example, have mileage status or a co-branded credit card? You may be in luck…
Lastly, it’s important to remember baggage fees are subject to change at any time and many airlines update their policies frequently. That being said, we do our best to present you with the most up-to-date information we can.
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An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.
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59 comments
Heather
January 29, 2019
Hi Erin, A group of 8 are flying from Vancouver to Mexico City and will be taking medical supplies with us as well as reusable items for girls when they have their periods (Days For Girls products that are being sewn). Is it possible to get 2 pieces of luggage on the plane for free? All items will be left at medical clinics in Guatemala.
Thanks for your consideration in this important matter.
Erin Miller
January 30, 2019
Hi Heather, as you’ve posted this comment on the general baggage fee landing page, I’m unsure which airline you’re referring to?
Some airlines make special exceptions for service types of trips but some don’t. I suggest calling the customer service phone number for whichever airline you’re flying with… hope this helps!
Lydia
September 19, 2022
According to our capitalistic thinking of charity, your only way of getting any discount on baggage is by writing off the baggage fees as an expense of your chaorty mission trip when y’all do your taxes. Been doing mission work for years. They profit no matter what and only see your plight as profit.
Debbie Higgins
February 24, 2019
I’m confused. Norwegian air from Roma to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Is the baggage wt. Limit 20 or 32 kg?
Catherine Luther
February 26, 2019
Hi Debbie,
All routes with Norwegian have a maximum weight allowance of 20kg for an individual piece of baggage (whether included in your fare type or purchased separately).
32kg is the maximum weight Norwegian will allow for a single piece if you are paying excess charges for overweight baggage.
Hope this helps!
Julie
April 19, 2019
I am flying Norweign Air. If the carry on and hand held items combined exceed the weight limit, can I pay the excess weight fee or must I check the bags in?
Erin Miller
April 21, 2019
Hi Julie,
Here’s what Norwegian has to say about that:
“If your carry-on exceeds the limits according to your ticket type, you will need to check it into the aircraft hold for an extra charge. Checked baggage is charged per item, per one way.
Direct flights
Domestic: 75 USD
International: 120 USD
Connecting flights
Domestic/domestic: 150 USD
Domestic/international: 195 USD
International/international: 240 USD
If you’ve already checked in two items of baggage, then you will be charged for excess baggage – 15 USD per kilo, per leg.”
Jerry Conwell
April 29, 2019
I was told that on Delta flights if you give up your luggage at the gate you are eligible to board with group 2. Is this true and do other airlines have this same policy.
Christine Krzyszton
April 30, 2019
Hi Jerry. When a flight is full and the gate agent wants to speed up boarding, they can an offer an early boarding incentive to gate check your bag. It is not offered on every flight and do not know of an airline that has it as their policy. Thanks for the question.
nancy
June 30, 2019
I have to take some paintings in a tube,the length is 130 cm and the diameter is15 cm.can I have it as a checked baggage.
Thank you
Catherine Luther
June 30, 2019
Hi Nancy,
This would depend on the maximum linear dimensions of the airline you’re traveling with as this can vary with each airline. You would need to check what this and make sure the tube does not exceed this, if it does then you may be liable for oversize excess charges.
Younieh
July 05, 2019
Hi, i’m flying from Barcelona to Singapore connecting Davao City phil. How much can cost of my excess baggage about 10 kilos? Thank you this page is very helpful but i’m just confused about the prices of excess baggage. Hope you can read my comment. Thank you
Catherine Luther
July 06, 2019
Hi Younieh, what airline are you flying with? And did you book both flights on 1 ticket?
Winnie Smuts Bomani
July 26, 2019
I have accumulated 4189 miles and was wondering if I can redeem my miles for excess baggage. I will be flying from New York to Dar-es – Salaam. Thank you!
Jarrod West
July 26, 2019
Hi Winnie,
Unfortunately, you cannot use your miles for excess baggage. But keep saving your miles and before you know it you will have enough for a free trip! Thanks for reading!
geoff foster-swan
August 13, 2019
I am currently in Chiang Mai and travelling to Bangkok on Saturday 17/08m flight no: 105 and on to Phuket on flight number 215. We return from Phuket to Bangkok on 29/08m flight number 216. I will be carrying less than 15kg of luggage but have purchased a golf club that is boxed with outside dimensions of 1300mm x 170mm x 140mm. Weight 2kg. This box will obviously require transport as oversized luggage. Please advise if there is likely to be any additional costs?.
Thanking you in anticipation
Geoff
Catherine Luther
August 13, 2019
Hi Geoff,
I assume you’re referring to Thai Airways here. If that’s the case, then the airline does not specify a maximum size for checked luggage. We spoke to them this year and they stated that the size or number of pieces does not matter, but the maximum weight allowance must not be exceeded.
As we’re not Thai Airways we can’t confirm this for you 100% and recommend you contact the airline directly if you’re looking for confirmation before you travel.
Dorothy Young
September 01, 2019
Why is a checked bag only allowed to weight up to 40lbs? If my bag is 5 lbs over, how much will I have to pay?
Catherine Luther
September 02, 2019
Hi Dorothy, are you referring to Spirit Airlines here?
NANCY P
September 12, 2019
When traveling Southwest I understand a person gets two free pieces of luggage to check in. Limits each being less than 60″ and less than 50 lbs. Can a person use a regular strong well wrapped/packed box within the required limits above IN PLACE of using actual luggage? And if so, does a person bring these two boxes to same check in counter as the normal luggage would go?
Katie Seemann
September 12, 2019
Hi Nancy,
You shouldn’t have a problem checking in a box in place of a suitcase as long as it still fits into the weight and size requirements. You would check it in the same as a suitcase.
Baruch Frydman-Kohl
October 23, 2019
Traveling on Turkish Air from Toronto to Tel Aviv, with 2 hour stop in Turkey. The airline seems to indicate that 2 pieces of luggage are allowed (each 23 K) for an economy flight from Canada to Turkey. Is that also the case for the Turkey-Israel leg of the flight?
Jarrod West
October 24, 2019
Hi Baruch,
Yes, you should be able to bring the same amount of luggage for the entire flight.
Andy
November 30, 2019
Hi, I have purchased a basic economy ticket for a party of 4. The inbound flight is operated (first leg long haul) by AA and BA (second leg short-haul). I am a Oneworld Sapphire member. If I understand correctly, I am entitled to have 2 checked bags for free the entire trip. Or am I missing something? Thanks for helping out!
Jarrod West
November 30, 2019
Hi Andy,
That is correct, Oneworld Sapphire members should receive 2 free checked bags on Oneworld partner flights.
Linda Wust
December 16, 2019
The bag I have always used as my personal item (on Allegiant flights) fits under the seat in front of me. It is closer to 9 inches wide than 7. If it fits under the seat, is it still considered a personal item or will I get charged for a carry on bag?
Jarrod West
December 16, 2019
Hi Linda,
If it has worked for you in the past then it can definitely work again. Just keep in mind that, if they decide to measure it, you may be required to pay.
Charles Seamans
January 25, 2020
Am I allowed to padlock my checked bags?
I have the TSA 007 padlocks.
I fly early the 26th.
Catherine Luther
January 25, 2020
Hi Charles,
Yes you are permitted to padlock your bag. If TSA requires an inspection of the contents, then a note will be left inside your bag to inform you of this. With TSA 007 padlocks they should be able to gain access without damaging the lock.
Hanam
February 14, 2020
I am taking extra luggage with me, paying $168 for it. I wanted to ask if I could divide this permitted weight into two small bags? Please reply!
Catherine Luther
February 14, 2020
Hi Hanam,
Which airline and route are flying?
nancy kuhlman
February 19, 2020
Hi Erin,
Does Southwest have a limit of how many extra bags you can take beyond the 2 free per person? For instance, if we have 10 additional bags will that be a problem? I understand there is a fee of $75.00 per additional bag.
Thank you!
Jarrod West
February 19, 2020
Hi Nancy,
The maximum allowance is 10 checked bags. Thanks for reading!
Mark Baildon
August 29, 2020
I am traveling from Singapore to the US via Seoul on Delta airline. Originally I was going to layover in Seoul in order to bring 2 bags to my son who lives there. Due to COVID I am unable to meet up with him. Is there a way for me to leave 2 bags at the airport for him to retrieve the same day?
Thank you
Jarrod West
August 31, 2020
Hi Mark,
Seoul has a luggage locker section that might work perfectly for your situation. I would check to see if they could help arrange this for you.
Amulya
December 10, 2020
I am traveling from the U.S to India. The travel is with 2 flight carriers. Domestic in United States is with United airlines and international is with Air India. For any extra pieces of baggage do I need to pay both United airlines and air India?
Jarrod West
December 14, 2020
Hi Amulya,
If your trip is all booked under one itinerary then you should only need to pay one carrier, if both tickets were booked separately then you will need to pay both.
Skip
December 24, 2020
How much are the baggage fees on Alaska Air? Flight from Hnl to Seattle.
Please let me know. Thank you.
Catherine Luther
December 29, 2020
Hi Skip,
The baggage fees for Alaska Airlines are:
First bag: $30
Second bag: $40
Three + bags: $100 each
Sabah
December 28, 2020
I am traveling to Beirut thru Istanbul via Turkish airline as J-Business and I was allowed 2 checked 32kg luggages. If I need to buy a third luggage will the weight be the same as for the other 2 luggage, that is 32 kg or 23kg?
Catherine Luther
December 29, 2020
Hi Sabah,
If you purchase an additional bag, the weight would be the same as your other luggage (32 kg).
jagdish
March 24, 2021
I am flying in Qatar business class and that allows for 2 bags of 20kg. But I also have an Iberia One World Gold class card. Can I travel with one extra bag at no charge? If not and I need to pay for an extra bag, how much would cost me? As Qatar mentions, having a gold member card can get a bag free but I wonder if the One World Gold card of Iberia belongs to the group? I am flying Singapore, Doha, Madrid (Qatar), Tenerife (Iberia) in business class.
Jarrod West
March 24, 2021
Hi Jagdish,
Yes, thanks to your Oneworld Sapphire status you should be able to bring 15 kgs extra in baggage.
Jill
July 12, 2021
I am flying Delta to New York, can I put a suitcase in a suitcase on the way to New York as I know I will be buying a lot when I get there.
Jarrod West
July 13, 2021
Hi Jill,
Yes, you can definitely pack another suitcase in your main suitcase for your flight. Safe travels!
Dennis
August 02, 2021
I’ll be flying UAL from Hilo ITO to London LHR.
The first leg is B-Economy, then A-First, then A-Premium Economy.
Will UAL be charging me for two bags to LAX on the fist leg, or will both bags go free as the latter two classes allow?
Jarrod West
August 02, 2021
Hi Dennis,
You should not be charged for the first leg. Safe travels!
ROSE ANN
September 08, 2021
I booked my domestic flight with my citi bank credit card points. Are we entitled to free checked bags?
Jarrod West
September 10, 2021
Hi Rose Ann,
Which Citi credit card do you have? Is it an American Airlines card? Or is it a card that earns ThankYou points like the Citi Premier card?
Ely
March 23, 2022
Hi
Is there a limit to the number of suitcases when flying overseas? What is the cost per each additional regular suitcase beyond what is allowed for free?
Ely
Chris Hassan
March 24, 2022
Hi Ely,
Any limits will be set by the individual airline. The cost will vary depending on which cabin you are flying, if you have any elite status, or if you have a co-branded credit card. Either way, it is best to confirm directly with your airline.
Daniel Daly
June 09, 2022
Tell me how to retrieve a phone left aboard a Southwest plane when it stopped at BWI on May 19, 2022. I changed planes there to arrive in Providence, RI later that day.
Jarrod West
June 09, 2022
Hi Daniel,
I would recommend you contact Southwest directly to see if they can help you track it down.
donna
May 24, 2023
I am flying to Rome on ITA and going to be there for 3 weeks. is there any credit card or way I can get a 2nd piece of luggage for free.
Jarrod West
May 24, 2023
Hi Donna,
Unfortunately not.
Mai TuyetT Dang
July 26, 2023
I’ll travel from Houston to Ho Chi Minh City, Việt Nam on August/2023 by Eva Air flight. Can I bring extra the wheelchair free (because I’m 83 years old) not included in the two free luggages??
Keri Stooksbury
July 26, 2023
Hi Mai, According to EVA’s disability assistance page, “Passenger’s own wheelchairs or mobility aid devices are acceptable as checked baggage at no additional charge.” You may want to reach out to EVA ahead of your flight to arrange assistance. Thanks for reading!
hern
August 01, 2023
Just wonder whether employee card holder of jetblue business card get the first checked bag free?
Jarrod West
August 01, 2023
Hi Hern,
I would imagine so since it is a standard benefit for all cardholders.
Any thoughts or questions? Comment below!
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