How Strict Are Airlines About Checked Baggage Weight?

How strict are airlines about checked baggage weight? And are airlines very strict with checked baggage weight?

Often traveling with only carry-on luggage is the best way to avoid checked baggage inconvenience such as the odds of losing your bag or overweight and oversized baggage fees.

In this detailed I will go through all the standard checked baggage weight restrictions for major airlines, and in the end, If the airline you are traveling with is not included in our charts, you can always go directly to the airline’s website and double check their baggage rules and airline baggage restrictions.

How strict are airlines about checked baggage weight
Airlines checked baggage weight restrictions

Do Airlines Actually Weigh Checked Bags?

Yes, you will need to weigh your checked bag at the check in counter.

A key element to ensure that your bag is not overweight is to weight it at home or at the hotel before heading to the airport. 

There are a plethora of ways to know if your bag is over 50 pounds, like weighing it before heading to the airport.

a regular home scale will be sufficient however it is not the most reliable, but it works if you’re in a hurry. 

For the most accuracy, step on the scale and weigh yourself. Step off, then pick up the luggage and step back onto the scale. Subtract your weight without the suitcase from your weight with the suitcase. You won’t get an exact number, but it will be close.

What Happens If Your Checked Bag Is Too Heavy And Overweight?

Unlike carry-on baggage, which most airlines do not specify a limited weight.

Airlines are strict with checked baggage weight, and they have a weight that you should not exceed.

Usually bags over 50 pounds (23 Kgs) are subject to additional fees and may start around $50.

Again, you will need to respect your airline checked baggage limits otherwise you will need to pay some hefty charges.

If your bag is still overweight, you can simply check if they allow two bags free of charge or you can fill up your carry on bag.

Airlines Rules

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For example American airlines will not accept any checked bags over 100 lbs / 45 kgs.

First and Business, Executive Platinum and Oneworld Emerald members can check bags up to 70 lbs / 32 kgs at no extra cost.

Delta overweight Baggage

According to Delta If you’re bringing overweight bags, review the following.
-On flights within the United States, Canada (including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico), bags exceeding 100 lbs. (45.36 kg) are not allowed.
-On flights between North/South/Central America and Europe/North Africa, bags exceeding 70 lbs. (31.75 kg) are not allowed.
-On flights to/from/within Australia and New Zealand, bags exceeding 70 lbs. (31.75 kg) are not allowed.
-On flights to/from/through Europe, South Africa, or United Arab Emirates, bags exceeding 70 lbs. (31.75 kg) are not allowed.

Jetblue Overweight Baggage

Jetblue stated that bags that don’t meet the dimensions or weight restrictions they will be charged as follows:
-51 lbs (23.13 kg) – 99 lbs (44.91 kg): $150 per bag
-63″ in (160 cm) – 80 in (203.3 cm, including wheels and handles): $150 per bag

Southwest Overweight Baggage

According to Southwest only one $75.00 charge applies if the piece is both oversized and overweight, regardless of the weight as long as it does not exceed 100 lbs.  Excess baggage which is also overweight or oversized will be charged excess baggage plus the applicable oversize or overweight charge.
Any item weighing more than 100 pounds must be shipped as Air Cargo. However, Customers cannot use SWA Cargo unless classified as a Known Shipper as defined by the TSA or TSA approved Indirect Air Carriers (IAC). For full details about shipping cargo.

Lufthansa Overweight Baggage

According to Lufthansa passengers will be charged flat rates (1) when their checked baggage corresponds to the allowed number of items but exceeds the permitted weight or dimensions, or when the number of checked pieces of baggage exceeds the allowance. On certain routes, Lufthansa also offers its Economy Class passengers discounted flat rates for the second piece of checked baggage (up to 23 kg / up to 158 cm).

Frontier Overweight Baggage

According to Frontier Checked bags must not be heavier than 50 pounds. Baggage that goes over these limits will be charged an additional $75 for exceeding weight and an additional $75 for exceeding linear inch limits. Bags will NOT be accepted if it is over 100 lbs* and/or over 110 linear inches. FRONTIER Miles Award Redemption Tickets have the same baggage allowance.

Hawaiian airlines Overweight Baggage

Additional Excess Weight charge applies for each item exceeding 50 pounds (23 kg) or 70 pounds (32 kg)*based on market and/or ticket type
Items exceeding maximum of 100 pounds (45kg) are not accepted

Air Canada airlines Overweight Baggage

Overweight and oversize limits – all itineraries
Bags weighing 50 to 70 lb (23 to 32 kg) are accepted as overweight
Bags measuring 63 to 115 in (160 to 292 cm) are accepted as oversized.

Air france airlines Overweight Baggage

You can transport baggage exceeding the weight limit for you fare, as long as your baggage does not exceed 32 kg / 70 lb. You must pay a fee for the Overweight Baggage Option at the airport. This fee varies depending on your itinerary. Use our baggage calculator below to determine the fee to pay for your trip.

Emirates Overweight Baggage

If you’re traveling with the allowed number of pieces, but these pieces exceed the total size and weight limits, the following fees apply:
Flights to/from the Americas, and flights originating in Africa:$75

Qatar airways Overweight Baggage

Excess baggage charges may apply if you exceed the weight and/or piece allowances; contact your local Qatar Airways office for more information.

Final Thoughts: Are Airlines Very Strict With Checked Baggage Weight?

Generally most airlines will be strict on checked baggage weight, especially on busy flights.

Always double check your airline checked baggage weight regulations before you book your flight, so you make sure that you can take all your belongings.

We hope this helps

Happy travels

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