Airline Baggage Information

Airlaggage allowances & Excess Luggage Fees

Airline baggage allowances can vary significantly depending on your airline, ticket type, destination and cabin class. What’s included on one route may cost extra on another, and budget fares increasingly exclude hold luggage entirely.

If your airline limits what you can bring, sending your suitcase separately can help you avoid unexpected airport charges and travel more comfortably.

Why airline baggage allowances differ

There’s no single standard baggage allowance across airlines. Policies depend on several factors, including:

• Route distance

• Cabin class

• Fare type

• Loyalty status

• Aircraft size

• Destination region

Because of this variation, checking your airline’s latest allowance before travelling is essential.

Hand luggage vs checked baggage explained

Most airlines divide baggage into two categories:

Hand luggage (cabin baggage)

This travels with you in the aircraft cabin and usually has strict size limits. A personal item such as a handbag or laptop case is often allowed in addition to one cabin bag.

Typical cabin baggage limits range around 7–10 kg depending on airline and fare.

Checked baggage (hold luggage)

Checked bags travel in the aircraft hold and normally have:

• Weight limits around 20–23 kg (economy)

• Higher limits in premium cabins

• Additional fees for oversized items

Many budget airline tickets no longer include checked luggage as standard.

Budget airlines vs full-service airlines

Budget airlines often:

• Include only a small cabin bag

• Charge for overhead luggage space

• Charge per checked item

• Increase fees close to departure

Full-service airlines are more likely to include checked baggage on long-haul routes, although “light” fares are becoming more common.

Checking allowances in advance helps avoid unexpected airport charges.

When airline baggage fees become expensive

Airline baggage charges can increase quickly if your luggage exceeds size or weight limits. Oversized or overweight items may incur multiple fees at once depending on the route.

Extra charges typically apply when:

• Travelling with multiple suitcases

• Carrying sports equipment

• Moving abroad or studying overseas

• Relocating with personal belongings

• Flying on basic economy fares

In these situations, shipping luggage separately is often more predictable and cost-effective.

When it makes sense to ship your luggage instead

Many travellers now choose luggage shipping services instead of paying airline excess baggage fees.

Sending your suitcase ahead can help you:

• Avoid airport baggage queues

• Travel hands-free

• Carry more than airline limits allow

• Reduce risk of unexpected charges

• Move items internationally more easily

Courier delivery also allows luggage collection from your home and delivery directly to your destination.

Travelling with sports equipment or oversized luggage

Airlines often charge additional fees for:

• Golf clubs

• Skis

• Bikes

These items sometimes require advance booking and may still be refused if aircraft capacity is limited.

Shipping by Send My Bag can be a simpler alternative.

Airline baggage allowances for students and long stays abroad

Students and long-term travellers frequently exceed airline baggage limits when moving between countries.

Shipping luggage ahead allows you to:

• Take more personal belongings

• Avoid multiple checked-bag charges

• Send seasonal items later

• Move between term-time accommodation easily

Frequently asked questions about airline baggage allowances

Please explore our most common FAQ’s we receive.

Do all airlines include checked baggage?

No. Many economy fares, especially short-haul or budget tickets, include only cabin baggage.

What happens if my bag exceeds the weight limit?

Airlines normally apply overweight fees at the airport, which can be significantly higher than pre-booked baggage charges.

Are baggage allowances different on connecting flights?

Yes. Allowances may change depending on the airline operating each flight segment.