How Strict Are Airlines About Checked Luggage Size? 2024

So just How strict are airlines about checked baggage size?

Baggage Allowance restrictions are different from airline to another , depending on your destination, your luggage or suitcase, class and fare. and the time of booking your flight.

your allowed size, weight and pieces will be specified on your ticket.

But just how strict are these airlines about their checked baggage (luggage ) size.

Some airlines are strict about their checked baggage size and weight, while others are lenient, so when planning for your next flight make sure to review your airline checked baggage size requirements.

This will help you avoid any last minute extra charges and ease you boarding process.

But if your baggage allowance is not specified on your ticket and not sure How strict are your airline about checked baggage size and weight,we’ve covered it we will go through all the major airlines checked baggage restrictions, tips and a checked baggage chart for major airlines.

Here is how strict are airlines about checked baggage size?

How strict are airlines about checked baggage size

What’s considered as checked luggage ?

Airlines considered Checked luggage as any baggage you put give to the airline at the airport or at the boarding gate and y don’t have access to it when flying into your arrivals.

Your checked baggage will be weighed measured and transported in the hold of the airline and it will be accessible to you when you reach your destination.

In the other hand carry on baggage is the luggage you can carry on board the airplane with you, so obviously is small and it can be stored in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Each airline has a standard checked baggage, size and weight and usually they include the first bag on the ticket for free.

Some airlines are strict about checked baggage size or weight, so any Baggage exceeding the limits is regarded as excess baggage and you will have to pay additional charges.

Does your checked baggage have to be a suitcase?

No, your checked baggage does not have to be a suitcase, it can be a backpack or a duffel bag or any other kind of bags that not fits the carry on restrictions, just make sure you don’t put any fragile items, and the bag is durable so it can take some hits.

People also ask

How big is a 62 inch suitcase?

The largest suitcase you can check on a plane and The most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear (total) inches. A common size bag for checking through is: 27″ x 21″ x 14″.

Most airlines will allow you to check one bag and have one carry-on bag. There is normally a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds per checked bag as well as a size restriction.

How do I avoid overweight baggage fees?

Airlines allows overweight, oversized baggage with additional fees,sometime these fees can be huge and expensive,and as we detailed in How to take extra luggage in flights , there is many ways that you can some extra baggage without any additional fees.

Overall to review your airline checked baggage restriction is always better than trying to staff more clothes in your suitcase.

Make sure you know the exact details of your airline checked baggage restrictions and avoid unnecessary fees.

Related:

Checked baggage size chart for major airlines

AirlineInches Centimeters Weight
Aer Lingus62 in linear 158 cm linearNo more than 70lbs 32kg
Aeromexico62 in linear 158 cm linear up to 55lbs/ 25kg
Air Canada 62 in linear 158 cm linear 50lbs or 23 kg
Air France 62.2 in linear 158 cm linear 50.7 lb / 23 kg
Air New Zealand62in linear 158cm linear 50lb / 23kg
Alaska Airlines62 in linear 158 cm linear 50 lbs / 23 kg
Alitalia 62 in linear 158 cm linear 23 lbs 10.5 kg
All Nippon Airway62 in linear 158 cm linear 70 lbs 32 kg
American Airlines 62 in linear158 cm linear50 lbs / 23 kgs
Cathay Pacific62 in linear158 cm linear66 lbs / 30 kg
Delta62 in linear158 cm linear50 lb / 22kg
Frontier62 in linear158 cm linear50 lb / 23kg
Hawaiian62 in linear157.48 cm linear50 lbs 22.5 kg
Jetblue62 in linear157.48 cm linear50 lbs 22.68 kg
KLM62 in linear158 cm linear50 lbs / 23 kg
Lufthansa62 in linear158 cm linear50 lbs / 23 kg
Philippine Airlines62 in linear158 cm linear70lbs / 32kg
Qantas Airways62 in linear158 cm linear66lb/ 30kg
Saudi Arabian Airlines62 in linear158 cm linear50 lbs / 23 kg
Scandinavian Airlines62 in linear158 cm linear70lbs / 32kg
Singapore Airlines62 in linear158 cm linear50lbs / 23 kg
Southwest Airlines62 in linear158 cm linear50 lbs 22.5 kg
Spirit Airlines62 in linear157.48 cm linear40 lbs 18.1 kg
Sun Country Airlines62 in linear158 cm linear50 lbs 22.5 kg
United Airlines62 in linear158 cm linear50lbs / 23 kg

What if my checked bag is too big?

your suitcase can slightly go over the airline baggage size, or often you didn’t include wheels and handles when measuring it.

Most of time nothing will occur with some airlines, but It depends on how strict your airline and how busy the flight is, or the size of the aircraft you are traveling on. some might say probably… but you also might be forced to pay extra charges.

Related: What if my carry on is one inch too big?

How do you tell if your luggage is over 50 pounds without a scale?

there is not efficient way that will tell if your luggage is over 50 pounds except a scale.

however, f you don’t have a scale and want to know if you bag is more than 50 pounds, you will need to make a compare your luggage with other close items.

For example you have an item that you know weighs 50 pound, lift it and get familiar with it. the pick up your bag and compare them.

you will feel the difference, if you just focus on the weight of the two objects.

the method may not be accurate hundred percent but it may help avoid overweight baggage if your airline is strict about checked baggage weight and size.

Frequently asked questions

Can I check a box instead of a suitcase?

Yse, especially if you wrap it in well in a plastic before checking it in. It can be carried by any airline – I looked online for a while, and could not find any airline that would refuse to carry a cardboard box, as long as it fit the required dimensions.

Do checked bags get searched?

At the airport checked baggage are general y screened,and some times it may be subject for a manual inspections.
TSA has the right to search checked luggage if they choose to and will leave a note inside your bag if an inspection has taken place.

do you count the wheels when measuring luggage?

yes, Almost all major airlines count wheels and handles within the luggage size, so you should include these when sizing your luggage.

How is luggage size measured?

from the ground to the top of the carry handle, not the inside size of the suitcase,and it can be be measured in inches.