Baggage Policies 101: Your Guide to Packing
By: Susan Zhang
Tags: Travel, Airlines, Packing, Aviation, App In The Air

Worried your checked bag may be too heavy, or your carry-on too big? Wondering if you can bring a stroller onboard? Curious what the fees are for oversized luggage? App in the Air is aware of how complicated packing for a flight can be, that’s why we’re here to give you all the latest baggage policies and details for each major U.S. airline.

And even better? App in the Air offers an augmented reality (AR) feature to ease the baggage measurement process. The AR feature allows users to instantly calculate the size and weight of their personal items, carry-ons and checked bags by simply pointing their phone camera at their baggage. In a matter of seconds, all dimensions and weight sizes are uploaded to the user profile along with their flight information.

So put the tape measure away, download App in the Air to evaluate your bags, and read on to prepare for your next flight.

Baggage Policies

Carry-On Luggage: Passengers are allowed one carry-on bag in addition to one personal item such as a purse, briefcase or laptop. Typically, passengers are guided to store their carry-on bag in the overhead storage compartment while keeping their personal items stowed underneath the seat in front of them.

The maximum measurements are 22” x 14” x 9” and 45” linear inches. All measurements include the wheels and handles.

Checked Baggage: Passengers are required to pay a fee for each checked bag. Standard bags weigh up to 50lbs and have a maximum linear dimension of 62”. The standard bag fee is $30 for the first bag, $40 for the second, and $100 for each additional after that.

For oversized or overweight baggage, a higher fee is charged. For bags that weigh between 51–100lbs or bags with a linear dimension of 63–115”, passengers can expect to pay $100 in fees.

Alaska Airlines will accept checked bags at the airport four hours before your flight until approximately one hour before your flight time.

Carry-On Luggage: AA recently announced a new policy update, allowing passengers flying Basic Economy one free carry-on item and one personal item to all destinations. The personal item, such as a purse or small handbag, should not exceed 18” x 14” x 8” and must be stored under the seat. The dimensions of the carry-on bag should not exceed 22" x 14" x 9” and must be stored in the overhead storage compartment.

Checked Baggage: Passengers are required to pay a fee for each checked bag. The first bag is $30, the second bag is $40, the third bag is $150, and the fourth bag is $200. However, depending on frequent flyer and loyalty status, the checked bag may be complimentary. For instance, AAdvantage cardmembers’ first checked bag is free, and Platinum members’ first and second checked bags are free.

On domestic, transatlantic and transpacific flights, passengers are allowed up to ten checked bags. On flights traveling to or from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America, passengers are allowed up to five checked bags. Below are the sizing limits.

For flights to and from Australia or New Zealand:

Dimension: 62 in / 158 cm

Weight: 70 lbs for complimentary bags and 50 lbs for excess charged bags

For all additional regions:

Dimension: 62 in

Weight: 50 lbs

For First and Business, weight is 70 lbs for complimentary bags and 50 lbs for excess charged bags

Carry-On Luggage: Passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item such as a purse, or laptop bag. Some additional personal items are free to bring onto the plane such as jackets, umbrellas, strollers, wheelchairs, crutches and child safety seats.

Including handles and wheels, the carry-on bag should not exceed 22” x 14” x 9” and 45” linear. There is no maximum weight limit for carry-on bags except for on flights to China and Singapore.

Checked Baggage: Passengers are allowed up to two checked bags. Each bag cannot exceed 62” and must be equal to or less than 50 lbs. The first standard checked bag is $30. The second standard checked bag is $40.

Carry-On Baggage: United Airlines allows passengers one carry-on bag and one personal item. Similar to the other airlines, the carry-on bag cannot exceed 22” x 14” x 9”, including handles and wheels. The personal item should not exceed 9” x 10” x 17” and will be stored under the seat in front.

Checked Baggage: For size, a standard checked bag cannot exceed 62”. The weight of each checked bag depends on the class of service status and the MileagePlus status. For United Economy, the maximum weight per bag is 50 lbs. For United Business, United First and United Polaris Business Class, the maximum weight per bag is 70 lbs. For all MileagePlus members, the maximum weight per bag is also 70 lbs.

Restricted Items

It is important to be aware of items restricted by the Transportation Security Act (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Items on the TSA’s prohibited or FAA Pack Safe Hazmat restrictions lists will be immediately confiscated. Restricted items include, but are not limited to, batteries, cutting instruments, defense sprays, electronic cigarettes, explosives, firearms, flammable liquids, lighters, matches, scissors and tools. The full list can be found here.