How to Add Extra Baggage to Flights: Airlines, Rules & Fee

Learn to add extra baggage, like step-by-step Trip.com process, baggage fees for major airlines (United, Delta, Lufthansa + more), emergency fixes, and money-saving tips.

How to Add Extra Baggage (General Rules)

Pre-Book Excess Baggage Online at Best Rates | Akasa Air

No matter which airline you’re flying, the core process for adding extra baggage follows three simple paths—and booking in advance is always cheaper (airport fees can be 2–3x higher). Here’s how to do it:

1. During Flight Booking: When buying your ticket (airline website, Trip.com), look for “Baggage Options” at checkout. Pick your extra weight/pieces and pay upfront—this is the cheapest way.
2. After Booking (Airline’s Platform): Log into your airline account (e.g., United App, Lufthansa official site), enter your booking reference, and go to “Manage Booking” → “Add Baggage.”
3. After Booking (Third-Party Platform): If you booked via Trip.com, use their in-app tool (steps below) to avoid calling the airline.

Pro Tip: Most airlines let you add baggage up to 24–48 hours before departure. After that, you’ll have to pay at the airport.

How to Add Extra Baggage Online on Trip.com

Trip.com’s global app makes adding baggage simple—no need to jump between airline websites. These steps work for iOS/Android, and the buttons are labeled the same in the English version of the app.

Step 1: Find Your Booked Flight

1. Open the Trip.com App, and make sure you’re logged into your account (use the email/phone number you booked with).
2. Tap the Account icon at the bottom right of the screen (it looks like someone’s silhouette, labeled “Account”).
3. On the Account page, tap the Upcoming button (big, centered button,this shows all your future trips).

Step 2: Access Your Flight’s Baggage Details

1. Scroll through your Upcoming trips and tap the specific flight you need to add baggage to (tap the flight number or departure time to open details).
2. On the flight summary page (shows departure/arrival times, airline logo), tap the Flight Status button (under the “Trip Details” section).
3. On the Flight Status page, scroll down until you see the Baggage Details button, then tap it. This is where you’ll see your free allowance (e.g., “1 carry-on (7kg) + 0 checked bags”).

Step 3: Check Trip.com Extra Baggage Fee & Pay

1. Under your free allowance, tap the Add Baggage Allowance button (orange or blue, very hard to miss).
2. You’ll see a list of options: e.g., “5kg extra ($15)”, “10kg extra ($28)”, or “1 extra checked bag ($45)”. Trip.com may highlight a Smart Choice (most popular for your route).
3. Select the option you need, then tap Continue to Pay. Use a credit card, PayPal, or Trip.com wallet to complete payment.
4. After paying, you’ll get a confirmation email and a notification in the app, pls save this (you may need to show it at check-in, though the airline will usually have the info on file).

Note: If the airline is a low-cost carrier (e.g., Ryanair), Trip.com may redirect you to the airline’s website to add baggage—this is normal.

What If You Forget to Add Extra Baggage in Advance?

IndiGo Excess Baggage Information | IndiGo

Don’t panic—you still have options, but expect to pay more. Here’s the cheapest-to-most-expensive order:

1. Add at Airport Self-Service Kiosk: Most airports have airline kiosks where you can scan your passport, pull up your booking, and pay for extra baggage. Fees are 10–20% lower than the counter.
2. Add at Check-In Counter: This is the most common backup. Tell the agent how much extra you need—they’ll charge your card and tag your bag. For example, Delta charges $60 at the counter vs. $45 pre-booked.
3. Gate Check (Last Resort): If your carry-on is over the limit, the gate agent may let you check it for a fee (e.g., United charges $50–$80 here). This delays boarding, so only do this if you have no other choice.
4. Ship Excess Luggage: If you’re still in the city, use services like DHL or FedEx to send items to your destination. For 10kg, this costs $30–$50—cheaper than Emirates’ $90 airport fee.

Extra Baggage Policies & Fees for Major Airlines

We’ve curated 10 top airlines by region, with free allowances, pre-booked extra fees, and airport surcharges.. Rules are for economy class; premium fares may include more free baggage.

Fees subject to change, please check official airline website. This is only for ref.

7 Tips to Save Money on Extra Baggage Fees

Extra baggage doesn’t have to break the bank—use these tricks to cut costs:

1. When purchasing air tickets, add luggage together: Whether booking on Trip.com or the airline's official website, directly select the "Extra Luggage" option at checkout. Usually, it can be 10% to 20% cheaper than adding it separately later. Every bit of savings counts.
2. Share luggage allowance with fellow travelers: If your fellow traveler's free luggage allowance is not used up (for example, he has a 30kg allowance but only packs 20kg), you can put your extra 10kg in his suitcase without incurring any additional charges. Remember to do this under the same order for easier operation.
3. Take advantage of airline membership benefits: For instance, Delta SkyMiles members can bring one piece of checked luggage for free, and Lufthansa Miles & More members can get a 15% discount on extra luggage. The membership points you have accumulated over time are now coming in handy.
4. Buying a package of air ticket + luggage: Airlines like British Airways offer a bundled package of "air ticket + 1 piece of checked luggage", which is much more cost-effective than buying the air ticket separately and then purchasing the luggage allowance. When booking, pay more attention to this option.
5. Save space with compression bags: Spending $10 on a set of compression storage bags can reduce the size of your clothes by half. Sometimes, just this one can save you over $55 in extra luggage fees. It's both lightweight and practical.
6. The benefits of using a travel credit card: The American Express Platinum Card allows you to carry a free checked piece of luggage on Delta and United Airlines. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card can also reimburse up to 100 US dollars for luggage expenses per trip. Don't waste the benefits if you get this type of card.
7. Weigh your luggage at home in advance to prevent overloading: Spend 15 dollars on a portable luggage scale and weigh it at home before departure. If your luggage weighs exactly 51 pounds (about 23 kilograms), even taking out one pound of small items can help you avoid United Airlines' $100 overweight fee.

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