Airline Baggage Guides

Airline baggage policies vary significantly across carriers and regions. Our comprehensive airline baggage guides help you understand carry-on size limits, checked baggage fees, weight restrictions, and cabin class differences for 57+ airlines worldwide. Whether you're flying with American Airlines, Delta, United, Emirates, or budget carriers like Ryanair and Spirit, our guides provide accurate, up-to-date information as of October 2025.

What's Included in Each Airline Guide

Each airline baggage policy guide includes detailed information on carry-on size limits (typically 22x14x9 inches for major carriers), personal item allowances, checked baggage fees (ranging from $35-40 for domestic US flights to free on international routes), weight restrictions (usually 50 lbs for economy, 70 lbs for business/first class), overweight fees ($100-200), oversized bag charges, and special provisions for sports equipment, musical instruments, and medical devices.

Regional Differences in Baggage Policies

North American Airlines: US carriers like American Airlines, Delta, United, and Southwest typically charge $35-40 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second on domestic flights. Alaska Airlines and JetBlue offer similar pricing structures. Low-cost carriers Spirit and Frontier charge premium fees for both carry-on and checked bags.

European Airlines: Full-service carriers like British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, and KLM include free checked bags on international flights. Budget airlines Ryanair and EasyJet have strict size limits and charge for all baggage. Iberia and Turkish Airlines offer generous allowances on long-haul routes.

Middle East & Asian Airlines: Premium carriers Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and All Nippon Airways provide generous baggage allowances with free checked bags on most routes. These airlines often allow 30kg (66 lbs) in economy and up to 40kg (88 lbs) in business class. Budget carriers AirAsia, VietJet, and Jetstar have stricter policies similar to European low-cost carriers.

How to Save Money on Baggage Fees

Save $5-10 per bag by paying baggage fees online before arriving at the airport. Consider airline-branded credit cards that offer free checked bags (American Airlines AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus cards typically waive first bag fees). Elite status members with American AAdvantage, Delta Medallion, United MileagePlus, or oneworld/Star Alliance programs receive free bags. Pack light to avoid overweight fees - economy passengers face $100 charges for bags 51-70 lbs and $200 for 71-100 lbs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Airline Baggage Policies

How many airline baggage guides are available?

We provide comprehensive baggage policy guides for 57+ airlines worldwide, covering North America, Europe, Asia, Middle East, and other regions. Each guide includes carry-on size limits, checked baggage fees, weight restrictions, and cabin class differences.

Are these airline baggage policies updated for 2025?

Yes, all airline baggage policy guides are updated as of October 2025 with the latest information from official airline sources. We regularly monitor policy changes and update our guides to ensure accuracy.

Which airlines have the most generous baggage allowance?

International carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines typically offer more generous baggage allowances compared to low-cost carriers. Business and First Class passengers generally receive higher weight limits (70 lbs vs 50 lbs for economy) and additional free checked bags.

How do I compare baggage fees between different airlines?

Use our airline baggage guides to compare fees side-by-side. Each guide displays first bag fees, second bag fees, overweight charges, and oversized bag fees. You can also use our universal baggage checker tool to instantly compare your luggage against multiple airline policies.

Do all airlines have the same carry-on size limits?

No, carry-on size limits vary by airline. Most airlines allow approximately 22x14x9 inches (56x36x23 cm), but budget carriers often have stricter limits. Always check the specific airline's policy in our guides before traveling.

Which regions have the cheapest baggage fees?

Baggage fee structures vary significantly by region. North American airlines typically charge $35-40 for the first checked bag on domestic flights. European low-cost carriers often charge €25-50. Middle Eastern and Asian full-service carriers frequently include free checked bags. Check our region-specific guides for detailed comparisons.

Need More Than Just Airline Guides?

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