Every Airline’s Baggage Rules — Before You Pack

You can carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less, packed inside a single, clear, quart-sized plastic bag. While select international airports are upgrading to CT scanners allowing larger liquid containers, the 100ml rule remains the safest standard worldwide until rollouts are complete.

A personal item (such as a backpack, handbag, or laptop bag) must fit completely beneath the seat in front of you. A carry-on bag is larger (typically up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 55 x 40 x 23 cm) and stows in the overhead bin. Legacy carriers usually include both, whereas ultra-low-cost carriers often charge extra for the overhead cabin bag.

Standard Economy checked luggage has a maximum weight limit of 50 lbs (23 kg). Bags weighing between 51 and 70 lbs (24-32 kg) incur heavy overweight surcharges (often $100 to $200 per flight). Bags over 70 lbs (or 100 lbs on certain airlines) will not be accepted as passenger baggage.

To minimize baggage fees: pack within personal item dimensions to fly ticket-only on low-cost carriers, pre-book checked bags online before arriving at the airport (airport counter fees are significantly higher), utilize airline co-branded credit cards for free bag perks, or fly carriers with inclusive baggage allowances.