Checked baggage size regulations are important to know before traveling. (Photo: Martin Poole/Stockbyte/Getty Images )
With regularly-updated airline regulations, packing may be a confusing step in preparing for your trip. The limitations on checked baggage size will likely dictate how and how much you pack, but it is important to be aware of size limitations to avoid adding unnecessary charges to your fare. The myriad airline carriers provide varying size limits and restrictions, normally measured as the sum of the length, width and height of your checked luggage. Most airlines use a limit of 62 total inches, though some are more generous, and some differ depending on the destination of the flight. Exceeding this limit can result in oversized charges, or checking refusal altogether.
Pay Attention to Weight Limits
Limits depend on the airline, but most have a size limit of 62 linear inches; these constraints are put into place to accommodate enough space for all passengers’ baggage. Unfortunately, exceptionally oversized luggage may be loaded on a standby status, meaning the luggage will only be loaded on the next flight with available cargo space. To avoid this drawback, airlines will usually allow passengers to check up to 10 bags that conform to the size limitations.
Avoid Extra Fees and Charges
Though airlines clearly provide limits on checked baggage, you can normally exceed these limits. If you have oversized baggage, you should expect to pay a charge that largely differs among airline carriers and destinations. Some airlines do not allow oversized luggage on connecting flights at all, and some charge per leg. Once again, the best and most accurate way to find information pertaining to charges on your particular flight is by finding it on your airline carrier’s website or requesting the information by phone.
Go Right to the Source
Nearly all airlines provide their checked baggage size and weight limits, as well as overage fees, on their websites. This information is often located in sections labeled “Travel Information,” “Baggage” or some variation of the two. If you have any difficulty locating the limits on an airline’s website, contact its customer service department. Obtain the limit information directly from the airline, as third party sources are often outdated or inaccurate amid daily regulation changes.
Plan Ahead
In planning your trip, it is important to know the baggage size limits for your particular flight. Exceeding those limits can be costly and can hinder your travels. Most suitcases are made to satisfy the general 62-inch constraints for luggage, but double checking the dimensions of your luggage will help you avoid an unpleasant surprise when checking your baggage. To reaffirm, information regarding the limitations of baggage, and relevant charges, is provided by your airline carrier. Researching this information before your flight is easy and essential if you suspect your checked baggage may exceed size limitations.
References
Writer Bio
Based in Los Angeles, Shai Ehrmann has written and edited for several travel publications since 2005, including featured articles in Pasadena Star-News and US Travel. His areas of expertise including hiking and outdoors, travel, music, science and art.
Last Updated on April 15, 2020 Airplanes don’t have unlimited storage space in the hold. So naturally, airlines impose size limits on check-in bags. Our chart below has the maximum size and weight limits for check-in luggage from the most popular airlines in the US.
We also have the correct links to the airline websites so you can find the most up to date information.
This is important stuff because if your checked luggage is overweight or oversized then airlines will impose expensive extra fees.
Use this chart to make sure your checked baggage is under the airline limits.
If you are not sure if your bag will fit you can read our guide on how to measure luggage which explains what linear inches are.
American Airlines | 62 Linear Inches | 50 lbs | $30 | $150 – $200 | $100 – $450 |
Delta Airlines | 62 Linear Inches | 50 lbs | $30 | $200 – $300 | $100 – $200 |
United Airlines | 62 Linear Inches | 50 lbs | $30 | Up to $200 | $100 – $200 |
Southwest Airlines | 62 Linear Inches | 50 lbs | $0 – The first two bags checked are fee-free | $75 | $75 |
JetBlue | 62 Linear Inches | 50 lbs | $30 | $150 | $150 |
Frontier | 62 Linear Inches | 50 lbs | $30 | $75 | $75 |
Spirit | 62 Linear Inches | 40 lbs | $34 | $100 – $150 | $35 – $100 |
Alaska Airlines | 62 Linear Inches | 50 lbs | $30 | $100 | $100 |
Allegiant | 80 Linear Inches | 40 lbs | $25 – $35 | $75 | $50 – $75 |
Hawaiian Airlines | 62 Linear Inches | 50 lbs | $25 – $30 | $35 – $100 | $35 – $70 |
In general airlines in the US allow for checked bags that are under 62 linear inches (Height + Width + Depth) and under 50 lbs.
Notable exceptions are Spirit who only allow 40 lbs and Allegiant who also only allow 40 lbs but allow you 80 linear inches.
It’s only really Southwest who allow you to take a checked bag for free on their basic fare.
That’s why you can save a lot of money if you can travel carry on only. Or if you are taking a lot of large, heavy bags to ship your luggage using a service like Luggage Forward.
Watch Out For Airline Oversized Or Overweight Baggage Fees!
The most important thing to take away is the high fees that you might encounter if your bag is oversized or overweight.
A lot of people have been burned in the past. Here are a few examples that I found on Twitter.
AA might charge you for an overweight bag and then go ahead and lose your bag. Classy.
It’s not just American Airlines. Delta are in on the game too.
United Airlines also have been guilty in the past.
Craig had a shock taking his guitar with Southwest:
If you do need to fly with an oversize bag make sure you shop around.
Does Allegiant Air have an allegiance to dirty socks and sneaky charges?
It was hard work to even compile this chart. Too many airlines hide their fees and over-complicate them.
I understand that airlines do incur extra handling difficulties with oversize and overweight baggage. There does need to be fees but I think the industry could go a long way towards fair pricing and increasing transparency.
What do you think? Are airlines trying to cheat customers? Let me know in the comments.