Airline Baggage Allowance On A Flight – A Detailed Guide

Posted on 6th Oct, 2023 by Renu Dahiya , Updated 8 months ago

Holidays are the best time to go out and travel, but at times, we get worried about how much luggage is allowed by airlines. Generally, checked-in baggage will be weighed, and dimensions will be measured for both carry-on and checked bags. Airlines set the rules for how many bags you may check in and for possible related charges. These rules can vary according to frequent flyer status, the product you have purchased, and the route you fly. 

Here, we’ll help you learn everything you need to know about your airline baggage allowance on a flight when traveling.

Types Of baggage

• Carry-on (Cabin/Hand luggage)
• Checked luggage

Carry-on Baggage

Weight and Size

The amount of carry-on luggage allowed on a flight can vary depending on the airline and the cabin class you are traveling in. Carry-on baggage must have a maximum length of 22 inches (56 cm), width of 18 inches (45 cm), and depth of 10 inches (25 cm) on average, including wheels, handle side pockets, etc. Some airlines also impose a weight limit, usually starting at 5 kg / 11 lbs.

Sharp Objects

All knives, sharp objects, and cutting tools of any kind are prohibited in carry-on baggage. Sporting goods such as baseball bats, pool cues, and bows must be packed in your checked baggage, and they cannot be in your person or the cabin.

Liquids, Aerosols, Gels and Powders

Security regulations limit the number of liquids, aerosols, and gels allowed in carry-on baggage. ICAO guidelines state that liquids, aerosols, and gels should be in a 100 ml or equivalent container housed in a transparent resealable plastic bag of one-liter capacity.

In order to pass through security checkpoints on their flight, passengers must present several items, including liquids, in plastic bags. Plastic bags must be presented separately from carry-on luggage and must not contain other items. Medicines, infant’s milk/food items, and special dietary requirements are exempted from these rules.

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Portable Electronic Equipment

It is recommended to carry all of your portable electronic devices with you in carry-on baggage. Laptops, tablets, and mobile phones may be required to be presented separately at security checkpoints for additional checks.

Let’s say you are traveling with spare batteries, electronic cigarettes/vapes, or a backup power supply (power bank). In that case, these should always be carried in your carry-on baggage and not in checked baggage. Additional batteries should be individually wrapped to prevent short circuits.

Where To Store Your Carry-on Baggage?

For safety reasons, your baggage in the cabin must be put away as soon as possible after boarding the aircraft. Either the bags can be placed under the seat in front of you or in overhead compartments. Apart from this, if you are sitting near an emergency exit, or there is no seat in front of you, all your belongings should be kept in the overhead compartment.

If there is no place to put your bag on board, or the bag needs to be removed at the gate, the cabin crew or ground staff will place it in the cargo hold for you.

Keeping your Carry-on Baggage safe

Do not leave your luggage unattended in or near airport terminals to prevent any security alerts. Using a padlock on carry-on baggage is a sensible deterrent against theft.

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Checked Baggage 

Weight, Size And Number

• IATA has guidelines for baggage, but the number and weight of free baggage allowance can vary depending on the airline, frequent flyer status, routing, and fare.
• The weight of each baggage should be less than 23 kg/50 lbs. It is an international regulation set out for the health and safety of airport workers, who have to carry hundreds of bags per day. Rest, it depends on the airline and type of tickets you book. If your bag weighs more than this, you may be asked to repack it, or it may be labeled as heavy baggage.
• Generally, per passenger, two pieces of checked baggage are allowed, with each piece weighing a maximum of 32 kg (70 lb) and not exceeding 158 cm (62 in) when adding the dimensions: height + width + length.

Identification

Lost luggage is often the result of a different baggage label than the bag itself. To allow identification of your bag under all circumstances, make sure your name, telephone number and email address are visible on the outside and that a copy of your itinerary is visible on the inside of your baggage. The airline must open it to identify your baggage, and this identification piece will be required to return your baggage.

Valuables

We recommend that you not pack luxurious or valuable items in your checked baggage.

What not to pack in Checked Baggage?

• It is recommended that all your electronic devices be placed in your carry-on baggage, but if you need to keep them in your checked baggage, you should make sure they are completely closed and not in sleep or hibernate mode.
• It would be best if you pack your electronic cigarette/vapes, portable power supply, and a spare battery in your checked baggage.
• Some items such as lighters, gas canisters, bleach, fireworks, etc., cannot be carried in checked baggage. Things deemed too dangerous for checked baggage will be removed and likely will not be returned to you.

Domestic & International Checked Baggage

Premium Travelers

It’s true that if you’re flying first or business class, or if you’re an elite traveler, you won’t pay for a checked or carry-on bag. This is generally for elite travelers, whether you hold a position in an airline’s own frequent flyer program or its affiliate partners.

Traveling With Large Objects

The easiest way to save on extra baggage fees is to pack more minors, but sadly, that’s not always possible. Suppose you travel with large items, including medical equipment, sports equipment, or even children’s belongings. Here are the tips to help make it easier and reduce fees.

For Sports Equipment

• If you’re using your own bag, you’ll have an easier way to carry multiple items, and you’ll be able to save yourself some money.
• While there is no surfboard, some large objects, such as bicycles, can be broken into frames and wheels. If you can pack them separately in a normal-looking suitcase, you’ll save yourself by not paying checked baggage fees for a particular item.
• Renting what you need at your final destination may be more budget-friendly. Or, if you plan on staying longer, have the item automatically shipped using a service like UPS or DHL.

For Medical Devices

• For wheelchair users, especially those who need a lift, you should first check with local hotels, if they have lifts or are roofed. That way, you don’t have to bring your own elevator.
• Although a collapsible shower chair may not be ideal for everyday use, they are convenient when traveling. In addition, some models can be folded to fit a suitcase, waiving any additional special item charges.
• Most airlines will ferry wheelchairs and scooters for free, but it’s best to contact them ahead of time to confirm this, especially when preparation will be needed. If you have an electric wheelchair, be sure to inform them as the batteries may require special storage during flight.
• Passengers in need of CPAP machines should also contact airlines ahead of time. While they are considered carry-on items, there may be rules about using the machine during flight.
• It’s important to note that you’ll need to visit your doctor ahead of time for the necessary paperwork if you plan to travel with oxygen. Your oxygen tank is not allowed as checked-in baggage, although empty FAA-approved tanks may be checked-in. If you need some on board, talk to your doctor about Department of Transportation-approved battery-operated oxygen concentrators that are allowed on flights.

For Baby Items

• Car seats and strollers are standard items for families traveling with young children, and airlines are very good at accepting them at no extra charge. However, this is not always the case, and some airlines have restrictions.
• Strollers can be checked in when you arrive at the airport or check-in at the gate. Given the size, they are rarely allowed as carry-on luggage.
• Car seats can often be taken on board, but they must be FAA-approved. If you don’t want to carry in a car seat, it is recommended to store it in a duffel bag.

Domestic & International Carry-on Baggage

Here is everything one needs to know about airlines’ baggage allowance. Should you have any queries regarding baggage allowance on a flight, or need assistance in flight bookings, kindly contact the customer service team of MyIndiaFlight. We’re available 24/7.

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