The airlines are getting stricter what you can and can not take on their aircraft. Although inconsistent, airlines are starting to enforce their written baggage requirements. We suggest that you visit the specific airline's web site for their requirements, since they are subject to change. Below is a general guideline on baggage restrictions.
Carry-on bags:
You may carry on one bag and one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop computer. A carry-on bag must fit under your seat or in the overhead bin. Its linear dimensions [length + width + height] cannot exceed 9" x 14" x 22" [23 cm x 35.5 cm x 56 cm] or weigh more than 20 lbs / 11 kgs. The airline may require that a carry-on item travel as checked baggage if the item cannot safely be stowed on a particular flight.
The following personal items are exempt from the one piece limit:
- Small purse [no larger than 25 linear inches]
- Briefcase
- Laptop computer [All laptop/computers must be carried aboard and cannot be checked]
- Camera
- Child safety seats for ticketed children
- Assistive devices [e.g. canes, crutches, etc.]
- Outer garments [e.g. coats, hats, etc.]
Additional Items that may be brought on board and do not count towards your allowance:
Checked bags for International Travel:
For international flights you may travel with two free checked bags.
- Your largest checked bag must have linear dimensions that does not exceed 62 inches / 157.5 cm and must weigh no more than 70 pounds / 31.5 kg. Note if you travel on aircraft within Europe or other countries, the flight is considered to be domestic and the weight limit will be less than 50 lbs. In some cases your total weight might be limited to 44 lbs.
- Each checked bag must have only the name of the person traveling on the outside of the bag [inside too].
Excess bags:
The following information for excess baggage applies to international flights. Any of these additional charges are collected on a one-way basis.
- Checked baggage in excess of the free baggage allowance will be charged $40 per piece for first item and $80 each for the second and third items.
- Checked bags weighing over 70 pounds / 31.5 kg or with a linear dimension [length + height + width] greater than 62 inches / 157.5 cm will be charged $80 per piece. This is on top of any charge assessed for additional baggage.
- Bags weighing more than 100 pounds / 45 kg or over 80” will not be accepted as checked baggage.
- Airlines may limit the amount of excess baggage when such excess prevents them from transporting each traveler’s free baggage allowance.
Skis / Boards:
You may substitute one set of ski or board equipment for one piece of the two allowable checked pieces.
- A ski set consists of one pair of skis/bindings/poles and boots. Boots must be in a separate bag.
- A snowboard set consists of snowboard/bindings. Snowboard size range 53-64 in or 135-165 cm.
- Your boot bag must be separate and just contain boots, i.e, not a big bag that includes your boots.
- Do not stuff your ski/board bag with clothes or it may be considered to be your third bag and you will be charged for excess luggage. If in doubt, contact your airline for clarification.
Where to Verify Baggage Restrictions
Here are the web sites for the biggest US and international airlines.
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