What is the baggage weight limit for international flights

Carry-on Items

The FAA has limited passengers flying within the United States to one piece of carry-on luggage and one personal item. Personal items may include: handbags, briefcases, laptops, daypacks and small backpacks. In addition to one carry-on and one personal item, passengers may bring on board a coat, reading material, small bag of food and devices such as wheelchairs and walkers.

You should check with your airline first, but most domestic airlines permit a carry-on piece of luggage that is 45 linear (total) inches. A common sized bag for carry-on luggage is 22"x 14"x 9". Most airlines have a carry-on weight limit of 40 pounds.

International airlines may have different restrictions for carry-on luggage. Again, it is always best to check with your airline first to get their exact requirements.

Airlines enforce all size and weight limits much more strictly now than in the past. Bags are weighed at check-in and many airlines have placed bag sizers at their gates. If your carry-on bags are too big, you will have to check them. This might cause them to be classified as "extra bags" which usually carries an extra charge.

Be sure to check your airline's website prior to travel.

Measurements must include handles and wheels.

To calculate linear dimensions add the length, width, and height together.

Checked Luggage

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. 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".

Airline carriers will allow overweight, oversize or additional baggage for additional fees. These fees can be quite expensive, and the airlines are typically very stringent in enforcing these policies. Make sure you know the exact details of your airlines checked baggage restrictions and avoid unnecessary fees.

Checked luggage may be opened for inspection at the airport and, if your luggage is locked, the lock may be broken for the inspection. Try a TSA approved lock to avoid any potential damage to your luggage or locks.

Do not put film in luggage to be checked. The screening machines may damage your film permanently.

There are countless luggage and travel accessory options that can make your travels smoother, simple, and safe.

Always place items like cameras and prescription medicine in your carry-on bag. Be certain to have your personal information clearly written on luggage tags on both the outside and inside of all your bags and luggage. If traveling overseas, make a copy of your passport. Keep a copy of your itinerary with you, showing flight numbers and hotel names and phone numbers.

Rules for luggage continue to change for both domestic and international flights depending on current safety concerns. Baggage requirements for international airline travel are usually stricter than those for domestic flights, with countries and airlines often enforcing rules of their own.

Carry-On Luggage

International flights always allow carry-on luggage, but each airline has its own restrictions as to quantity, size and weight. Some carry-on policies restrict bag weights to 11 lbs. or less, while domestic flights rarely have a weight limit. Size also often depends on the carrier and the room available on the plane. Airlines can change their policy per trip and at the last moment. To be safe, purchase a smaller bag for international flights than the one you use for domestic flights.

Checked Bags

Most airlines allow two checked bags weighing between 50 and 70 pounds – depending on the airline – when flying to or from the United States. In other countries, airlines use a weight system that might add the weight of your carry-on to your checked baggage. The weight system is very restrictive compared, sometimes allowing luggage no heavier than 22 lbs. Always check your International plane tickets to see which method is in effect.

Prohibited Items

Most sharp objects that could have a dual use as a weapon are not allowed in carry-on luggage, except for metal scissors with blades no longer than 4 inches and personal safety razors. Sporting equipment such as bats, golf clubs and ski poles must be in checked luggage only. Common lighters without fuel (non-refillable) are allowed in carry-ons, but not in checked baggage. Any item containing gel, such as gel shoe inserts, are prohibited. Containers with 3.4 oz. or less of non-flammable liquid, gel, or aerosol paint are permitted. Tools like screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers are allowed in carry-on luggage if they are less than 7 inches long.

Luggage Size and Individual Airlines

Some international airlines have different size, pound and piece restrictions based on fare class and travel zones. Overall, the average weight and size for checked bags is 50 pounds and 62 inches. Average maximum size for carry-on luggage is 45 inches. Luggage is always measured by adding length, width and height, including handles and wheels.

Precautions

Check with your airline for its most current restrictions and policies and TSA guidelines for banned or prohibited items. Also, check with your airline for any additional restrictions for individual nations.

Do not lock your baggage unless you have purchased the locks from airports or travel stores that use the "universal master key," so that TSA security personnel can open your bags.

If unsure if an item is acceptable in a carry-on, put it in your checked luggage to avoid possibly having to throw the thing away at security checkpoints.

References

Writer Bio

An avid writer since writing her first book at age 19, Darcy Sautelet has written for various publications both in print and online. Some of Sautelet's work can be found on Golflink.com, eHow.com and Trails.com. She has authored four books, including a soon-to-be-released travel guide for Ireland. Sautelet studied creative writing and journalism at Cal State Irvine.

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