What is the difference between checked baggage and carry-on luggage?

Checked baggage is stored in the aircraft hold and retrieved at baggage claim, while carry-on luggage stays with you in the cabin. Each has separate size and weight limits.

What are the standard baggage allowances?

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recommends 23 kg (50 lbs) per checked bag for economy class on international routes under the Piece Concept. However, these are guidelines and do not apply to all airlines. Always check the specific policies of your airline before you fly.

Can I combine luggage if I'm traveling in a group?

No. Baggage allowances cannot be pooled or shared between passengers. Each traveler must stay within their own allowance—one passenger cannot use another's unused weight limit.

What happens if my bag is overweight?

You'll need to pay an excess baggage fee, which varies by airline. Alternatively, you can remove items to bring the bag within the limit or check an additional bag if that's more cost-effective.

What does a 2pc baggage allowance mean?

A 2pc baggage allowance refers to a policy that allows 2 pieces of checked baggage, each subject to the airline's weight and size limits.

Can I change my baggage allowance?

Most airlines offer the option of upgrading baggage allowance before the flight. Each airline stipulates their own allowance options and the period of time that upgrades are possible.

What is the difference between checked baggage and carry-on luggage?

Checked baggage is stored in the aircraft hold and retrieved at baggage claim, while carry-on luggage stays with you in the cabin. Each has separate size and weight limits.

What are the standard baggage allowances?

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recommends 23 kg (50 lbs) per checked bag for economy class on international routes under the Piece Concept. However, these are guidelines and do not apply to all airlines. Always check the specific policies of your airline before you fly.

Can I combine luggage if I'm traveling in a group?

No. Baggage allowances cannot be pooled or shared between passengers. Each traveler must stay within their own allowance—one passenger cannot use another's unused weight limit.

What happens if my bag is overweight?

You'll need to pay an excess baggage fee, which varies by airline. Alternatively, you can remove items to bring the bag within the limit or check an additional bag if that's more cost-effective.

What does a 2pc baggage allowance mean?

A 2pc baggage allowance refers to a policy that allows 2 pieces of checked baggage, each subject to the airline's weight and size limits.

Can I change my baggage allowance?

Most airlines offer the option of upgrading baggage allowance before the flight. Each airline stipulates their own allowance options and the period of time that upgrades are possible.

Baggage Allowance

A baggage allowance is the maximum amount of luggage—defined by size, weight, and number of pieces—that a passenger can bring on a flight without incurring extra fees.

What is a baggage allowance?

A baggage allowance, also known as a baggage policy, is the baggage restriction per passenger on a flight. Each airline sets their own baggage allowance, with restrictions on size, weight and amount of pieces for both checked luggage and hand luggage. Airlines set different restrictions depending on ticket class, type of ticket, passenger status and the origin and destination of the flight.

What factors affect your baggage allowance?

Several factors determine how much luggage you can bring:

Airline – Each carrier sets its own policies
Ticket class – Economy, business, and first class have different limits
Fare type – Basic economy fares typically include less baggage than standard fares
Frequent flyer status – Elite members often receive additional allowances
Route type – Domestic and international flights follow different rules

What are the most important parts of a baggage allowance?

Each allowance contains different size and weight restrictions, as well as potential fees. The following points cover the most important things to know about a baggage allowance.

Checked baggage vs. carry-on luggage

Checked baggage and carry-on luggage each have their own policy, and each policy may have upgrade options at a cost. On full-service carriers, both checked baggage and carry-on luggage are typically included, while low-cost carriers often charge separately for each.

Piece Concept vs. Weight Concept

Airlines define policies based on a Piece or a Weight Concept.Piece Concept: Limits each bag to a certain weight. For example, on transatlantic economy routes, the standard allowance is typically 23 kg (50 lbs) per bag. This system is common on routes to and from North America.Weight Concept: Places a limit on the combined weight of a passenger's baggage. For instance, an economy passenger might have a total allowance of 20 kg across all bags. This system is more common on routes within Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Concept

How it works

Common regions

Piece concept

Each bag has its own weight limit (e.g., 23 kg per bag)

North America, transatlantic routes

Weight concept

Total combined weight limit (e.g., 20 kg total)

Europe, Asia, Africa, domestic routes

Size

Size restrictions mainly apply to carry-on luggage, so it can fit into the overhead lockers. A common carry-on size limit is 55 x 40 x 20 cm (22 x 16 x 8 inches), though this varies by airline. Carry-on luggage exceeding size restrictions is typically placed in the hold and charged as checked baggage.

Weight

Weight restrictions apply to both checked baggage and carry-on luggage. Checked baggage is weighed upon check-in, and carry-on luggage may be weighed prior to boarding. Standard checked bag limits are typically 23 kg (50 lbs) for economy and 32 kg (70 lbs) for business or first class.

Fees

Fees apply to checked luggage on most low-cost carriers and basic economy fares. Baggage that exceeds weight or size restrictions incurs additional charges, often ranging from $50 to $200 depending on the airline and route.

Oversized and overweight luggage

Oversized luggage, such as sports equipment and musical instruments, is dealt with in a specific oversized luggage policy.

Where to find an airline’s baggage allowance

Airlines often have a standard outline of their baggage allowance on their website. However, allowances can vary, depending on the flight. During the booking process, websites display the allowance for your specific flight, with different upgrade options to choose from.

Frequently asked questions

: Checked baggage is stored in the aircraft hold and retrieved at baggage claim, while carry-on luggage stays with you in the cabin. Each has separate size and weight limits.
: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recommends 23 kg (50 lbs) per checked bag for economy class on international routes under the Piece Concept. However, these are guidelines and do not apply to all airlines. Always check the specific policies of your airline before you fly.
: No. Baggage allowances cannot be pooled or shared between passengers. Each traveler must stay within their own allowance—one passenger cannot use another's unused weight limit.
: You'll need to pay an excess baggage fee, which varies by airline. Alternatively, you can remove items to bring the bag within the limit or check an additional bag if that's more cost-effective.
: A 2pc baggage allowance refers to a policy that allows 2 pieces of checked baggage, each subject to the airline's weight and size limits.
: Most airlines offer the option of upgrading baggage allowance before the flight. Each airline stipulates their own allowance options and the period of time that upgrades are possible.

Related Terms

Airline Regulations

Airline Policy