See checked baggage size, weight limits and fees. Learn how to confirm your allowance and avoid extra charges easily.
What Determines Your Checked Baggage Allowance?
What Determines Your Checked Baggage Allowance
Your checked baggage allowance is not a fixed rule: it depends on 5 core factors that apply to every flight worldwide. These factors dictate how many bags you can check for free, and their maximum weight and size.
- Airline policy: Every carrier sets its own rules. For example, Emirates allows 2x23kg bags for long-haul Economy, while Ryanair offers zero free checked bags on basic fares.
- Cabin class: Business or First Class always gets more generous allowances (usually 2–3x32kg bags) than Economy Class (typically 1–2x23kg bags).
- Ticket type: Basic Economy fares (common with United, Delta and budget carriers) often include no free checked baggage—you have to pay extra.
- Route: Long-haul international flights usually include more free bags than short-haul regional trips (like London to Paris vs. London to Sydney).
- Frequent flyer status: Elite members get extra free checked bags. For example, Cathay Pacific Marco Polo Club Silver members get 1 extra bag on top of their standard allowance.
What Are Standard Checked Baggage Size & Weight Limits?
What Are Standard Checked Baggage Size & Weight Limits?
Global standards for checked baggage are consistent for most major airlines, but the differences are smaller for economy airlines and special items. These restrictions apply to ordinary baggage for most international travel.
- Weight limits:
- Economy Class: 23kg (50lbs) per bag (the most common global standard for full-service airlines)
- Business/First Class: 32kg (70lbs) per bag (a universal upgrade for premium cabins)
- Budget carriers: Often 15–20kg per bag (if checked baggage is included at all)
- Size limits:
- Ordinary luggage: Total size (length + width + height) less than 158 cm (62 inches)(applicable to 90% of airlines around the world)
- Special items (sports equipment, musical instruments): Some airlines allow larger size (e.g. STARLUX allows sports equipment up to 203 cm)
Continent | Airline | Economy Class (Long-Haul) | Business Class (Long-Haul) | Key Note |
North America | 1 bag (23kg, 158cm max); 0 free bags for basic economy | 2 bags (32kg each, 158cm max) | Overweight bags (24–32kg) incur a $100 fee | |
North America | 1 bag (23kg, 158cm max); 0 free bags for basic economy | 2 bags (32kg each, 158cm max) | SkyMiles members qualify for 1 free checked bag | |
Europe | 1 bag (23kg, 158cm max); 0 free bags for basic economy | 2 bags (32kg each, 158cm max) | Elite members get 1 extra free bag | |
Europe | 0 free bags; 10kg bag available for purchase | N/A (no premium cabin) | Pre-purchase bags online for 20–30% lower fees | |
Europe | 1 bag (23kg, 158cm max) | 2 bags (32kg each, 158cm max) | Intercontinental routes include free baggage; short-haul may not | |
Asia/Middle East | 2 bags (23kg each, 158cm max) | 3 bags (32kg each, 158cm max) | No extra fee for standard allowance | |
Asia | 1 bag (30kg, 158cm max) | 2 bags (32kg each, 158cm max) | No piece limit for economy—pay by weight if exceeding | |
Asia | 1–2 bags (23kg each, 158cm max, varies by route) | 2 bags (32kg each, 158cm max) | Hong Kong-Asia routes offer 2 free economy bags |
How to Check Your Exact Checked Baggage Allowance?
Guessing your allowance is a bad idea. There are 4 easy ways to confirm the exact rules of your flight before you leave home.
- Check your booking confirmation or e-ticket: Find the Baggage Allowance section. It lists exactly how many pieces of luggage you can inspect, as well as their weight and size limits.
- Use the airline's online baggage calculator: Most major airlines (Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, Delta) have free tools on their websites. Enter your departure city, destination, class and frequent flyer status to get accurate numbers.
- Open your booking app: Open Trip.com or the airline's app, go to "Upcoming Trips" and click on your flight. Baggage details are there without digging.
- Call or send a message to the airline: If you are still in trouble, please contact their 24/7 English-language support hotline. It's faster than queuing up to ask questions at the airport.
What Are Overweight/Oversized Baggage Fees & How to Avoid?
What Are Overweight/Oversized Baggage Fees & How to Avoid?
No matter where you fly, excess or oversized baggage fees are expensive, but can be easily avoided in just a few steps.
- Typical fee ranges (for long-haul international flights):
- Overweight (23 - 32 kg): US$100 - 200 per bag
- Heavy cargo (more than 32 kilograms): More than $300 per piece of luggage-many airlines won't even allow you to check this bag as regular baggage
- Oversized (over 158 cm): US$150 - 300 per bag
- Pro tips to avoid fees:
- Purchase additional baggage allowances online before traveling. Airlines have reduced the price of pre-purchase allowances by 20-30%-much cheaper than paying at the airport.
- Weigh and measure your bag at home. You can avoid hastily opening your luggage at the check-in counter when you are already late.
- Separate heavier items in checked baggage and carry-on baggage. Just make sure your carry-on luggage meets the airline's size regulations.
- Share allowances with travel partners. If they have extra space, divide your luggage into two bags to keep it below the weight limit.
Baggage Type | Fee Range (Long-Haul) | Key Note |
|---|---|---|
Overweight (23–32kg) | $100–$200 USD/bag | Cheaper if pre-purchased online |
Oversized (159–203cm) | $150–$300 USD/bag | Only allowed for special items in some cases |
Over 32kg | $300+ USD/bag | Often classified as cargo, not checked luggage |
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FAQs about Checked Baggage Allowance
What is checked baggage allowance?
Checked baggage allowance is the number of bags, and their maximum weight and size, that you can check in for free on your flight. The standard for Economy Class is 1–2 bags at 23kg each (158cm max), but it varies by airline, cabin class and route.What does “2 checked bags 23kg” mean?
It means you can check two separate bags, each weighing no more than 23kg, without paying extra. This is a common allowance for long-haul Economy flights, like New York to Tokyo.Do all international flights include free checked baggage?
No. Basic Economy fares from most airlines don’t include any free checked bags. Full-service long-haul airlines (like Emirates or British Airways) usually include 1–2 free bags for Economy Class.Is it cheaper to buy extra baggage online or at the airport?
Yes, always buy online. Airport prices are often double the online cost because airlines offer 20–30% discounts for pre-purchased allowance.What’s the maximum weight for checked baggage on international flights?
Most airlines cap regular checked bags at 32kg per bag. Bags over this weight are usually treated as cargo, not regular checked luggage.