Airline Baggage Allowances

The guidelines below are general and may vary by airline. Travelers are advised to check directly with their airline or tour operator for specific requirements regarding carry-on and checked baggage allowances, visa and security requirements, as these can change at any time. Business and First Class are allowed additional bags and weight on some airlines. Unless otherwise noted, allowances are per piece of luggage. 

*Maximum size (e.g., 45”) means the total of length, height and width.  This applies to both carry-ons and checked baggage.  For instance, 22” + 14” + 9” = 45” is the standard for carry-ons on most airlines.  Dimensions for discount airlines may vary.  It’s always best to check your individual airline’s requirements. 

**Personal items include but are not limited to: a briefcase, handbag, laptop in carry
case, small backpack, camera and bag, one infant article (diaper bag, car seat).  In addition, passengers may board with a coat, reading material, small bag of food and mobility aids provided passenger is dependent on them.

Carry On Baggage

If your bag is an unusual shape but still within the maximum size measurement, it still may be rejected because it may not fit.  This not only means you will have to check it, but you may be charged an “excess baggage” fee. 

Passengers must be able to lift their carryon baggage to the overhead luggage storage.

If you don’t get an overhead space, you may need to store your carry-on under the seat in front of you, which affords less space than the bin.  Try to take the smallest, rather than the largest, carry-on that you need.

Checked Baggage

Excess, overweight or oversize pieces of checked luggage are charged a fee, depending on the airline.

Most airlines have maximum baggage requirements for excess weight, ranging from 70 – 100 lbs per piece.

Requirements for intra-European flights are usually more stringent.  Pack to meet the most rigorous requirements, taking into consideration all of your flights.

Do not put film in checked luggage to protect it from new screening machines.

General Packing Tips

Do not lock your checked luggage, since it may need to be opened for inspection.

Always place ID tags both inside and outside of all luggages.

Do not overstuff, which can add inches

Take into consideration wheels and carry handles, when measuring your luggage.

Security Requirements

Domestic Flights and Flights Departing the US

3 oz bottle or less for all liquids, sprays and aerosols;

1 quart-sized, zip-top, clear plastic bag; 1 bag per passenger taken out of carry-on and placed in screening bin separately.

Prescription medications, baby formula and food, and medical- or disability-related items are allowed in larger quantities but must be declared.

Limit quantities to what is needed on flight.

Gifts should not be wrapped so they can be inspected.

Any liquid, gel or aerosol purchased after you pass through security is allowed on board.

Due to Transportation Safety Administration screening requirements, there are now luggage acceptance cutoff times, ranging from 30-60 minutes before departure (depending on city, or domestic or international flight), after which the airline neither guarantees that the luggage will make it onto your plane nor is responsible for shipping the luggage to you if you do not arrive at the same time as your luggage. Customers arriving at the boarding gate less than 15 minutes before departure (30 minutes for international) may lose their reservation. Check airline for approximate processing time.

For updated information on security requirements to and from the US:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm  

International Flights

For EU and Australia, liquid requirement is the same as US: 100ml or less of all liquids and semi-liquids, 1 clear plastic bag per person.

For flights originating at non-U.S. airports, travelers should check with transportation security in the country-of-origin.  Check on www.tsa.gov for more details.

Some countries (ie Argentina and China) require Visas for entry along with a valid passport.

Luggage That Meets the Guidelines

TravelSmith has prepared a complementary chart to illustrate the types of luggage and carry ons meeting the above requirements: www.travelsmith.com

Sample Web Sites:
American Airlines – www.aa.com
Continental – www.continental.com
Delta – www.delta.com
Northwest – www.nwa.com
United – www.united.com
US Airways – www.usairways.com
Southwest – www.southwest.com
Spirit – www.spiritair.com
ATA Airlines – www.ata.com
British Airways - www.britishairways.com
European Union Official Website - www.europa.eu
China Travel Guide – www.chinatravelguide.com
Australian Flight Information - www.qantas.com

This information was correct at the time of posting (05/01/08).