The Complete Guide for US Airline Baggage Limits

Baggage limits refer to the maximum weight and size of luggage that airlines allow passengers to bring on board. These limits vary depending on the airline, the class of service, and even the specific route. Every airline has its own set of rules regarding size and weight limits.

Packing for travel should be an exciting part of your journey, but often, it becomes the most stressful aspect. While packing light is ideal, it's not always feasible, especially when preparing for varying weather conditions. Thinking of your suitcase exceeding weight limits or your carry-on being too large can be nerve-wracking. Moreover, with airlines often charging hefty fees for checked luggage, packing efficiently is crucial. Understanding each airline’s rules can help you avoid unnecessary surprises and expenses.

Each airline has specific rules and fees related to luggage, turning packing into a complex puzzle, especially when you're flying on different airlines for your outbound and inbound flights. To simplify your travel preparation, we've created this extensive guide to break down the essentials of baggage policies for major US airlines, covering everything from weight limits to carry-on sizes. We also include expert packing tips and luggage recommendations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. Keep this guide handy for your next trip to avoid last-minute chaos at the airport.

Understanding the basics of airline baggage limits & policies

Before diving into specific airline policies, it's important to understand how baggage policies generally work and what baggage limits mean.

What are baggage limits?

Baggage limits refer to the maximum weight and size of luggage that airlines allow passengers to bring on board. These limits vary depending on the airline, the class of service, and even the specific route. Every airline has its own set of rules regarding size and weight limits. Here’s how airlines define the different types of luggage you can travel with:

• Personal item: A personal item is typically a small backpack, purse, briefcase, diaper bag, camera bag, or any item of a similar size that can fit underneath the seat in front of you.

• Carry-on baggage: A carry-on bag could be anything from a large backpack to a small rolling suitcase. However, it’s less shape than size that matters, so there are carry-on luggage size restrictions for each of the major domestic airlines.

• Checked baggage: Larger bags are typically stored in the aircraft's cargo hold. All bags that exceed the carry-on size must be checked.

Why do baggage limits matter?

Exceeding baggage limits can lead to hefty fees and significant inconvenience. Airlines strictly enforce these rules to ensure the safety and efficiency of their operations. Knowing the limits can help you pack adequately and avoid last-minute stress. Let’s break down the details for some of the most popular US airlines.

Pro tips for packing smartly to avoid extra baggage fees

Nobody wants to pay additional fees for overweight baggage. Here are some tips to help you avoid those hefty charges:

• Use a luggage scale: It’s a small investment that can save you from unexpected overweight baggage fees. If your suitcase is overweight, you can redistribute items or remove unnecessary items. Pro tip: Weigh your luggage at home before heading to the airport. You can even use a regular bathroom scale. First, weigh yourself alone, then hold your bag and subtract the difference.
• Wear bulky and heavier items to the airport: If you’re tight on space, wear your heaviest clothing, such as jackets or boots, which can help distribute the weight and reduce the chances of exceeding the weight limit.
• Pack smart: Roll clothes to save space and use packing cubes to organize better. Packing cubes can help organize your suitcase and even compress clothes to make more room. For long trips, vacuum bags may help compress your items so you can fit more. But remember, the more you pack, the heavier the bag.
• Check airline apps: Most major airlines have apps that give you the latest updates on your flight, including baggage policies.
• Pre-pay for bags in advance. Some airlines charge more when you get to the airport or offer discounted rates when you purchase your ticket.
• Know fees ahead of time. Some airlines charge more for carry-ons than for checked bags. If you don’t mind waiting a few extra minutes, it may be cheaper and easier to check your bag.
• Follow the 3-11 rule for carry-ons. Make sure your carry-on doesn’t contain prohibited items or violate the TSA’s rules. If it does, they may make you check your bag or confiscate items.
• Pack a collapsible bag: Consider packing a collapsible bag or duffel bag in your suitcase. If your suitcase is overweight, you can transfer some items to the collapsible bag and carry it as your personal item.
• Upgrade your ticket: If you frequently struggle to stay within the weight limits, consider upgrading your ticket to a higher class with an increased baggage allowance. This may be a cost-effective option in the long run.

By being proactive and following these tips, you can avoid overweight baggage fees and save yourself some money during your travels.

Major US airlines and their baggage policies

Different airlines have varying rules, so we’ll explore the baggage policies of some of the major ones, including American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines.

Delta: Domestic flights

Allowance: Passengers can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board for free with no weight restrictions.

Personal items: All personal items must be 17" x 13" x 9" (43 x 33 x 23 cm) or smaller and fit under the seat in front of you.

Carry-on bag info: Delta's carry-on allowance allows bags no larger than 22" x 14" x 9" inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm).

Checked bags:

Weight: Bags are not to exceed 50 lbs. (23 g)

Size: The maximum size (length + width + height) for your checked bag is 62 inches (157 cm) or smaller.

Baggage fees: For domestic Main Cabin passengers flying with Delta Air Lines, bags are $35 for your first checked bag under 50 lbs. (23 g) each way.

• The second bag is $45.
• The third checked bag will be $150.
• The fourth bag is $200.

Overweight & oversized bag fees:

• The fee is $100 for bags 51-70 lbs.
• There is a $200 fee for bags 71-100 lbs.
• Bags weighing more than 100 lbs. (45 kg) are prohibited.
• For bags 63"-80" (161 and 203 cm), there is a $200 fee.

American Airlines: Domestic flights

Allowance: All fare types allow one personal item and one carry-on item, and neither has a weight restriction.

Personal items: You may bring one personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. The bag can't be any larger than 18" x 14" x 8" (45 x 35 x 20 cm.) No weight restrictions.

Carry-on bags: Your carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. The total size of your carry-on bag, including the handles and wheels, cannot exceed 22" x 14" x 9" (56 x 36 x 23 cm) and must fit in the sizer at the airport. There are no weight restrictions.

Checked bags:

Weight: Economy/Basic Economy passengers may check up to 50 lbs. (23 kg) of luggage on domestic flights.

Size: Checked bags must be under 62" (158 cm) in total dimensions (length + width + height).

Baggage fees: Passengers can pay less if paid for in advance online or through their app.

• The first bag is $40.
• The second is $45.
• The third bag is $150.
• Bags 4-10 are $200 each.

Overweight & oversized bag fees:

• The fee is $30 for bags 51-53 lbs.
• $100 for bags 54-70 lbs.
• $200 extra for bags over 70 lbs.
• For bags 62-65 inches, there is an extra $30 fee.
• For bags over 65 in, the fee is $200.

Jet Blue: Domestic flights

Allowance: All fares include one personal item. All Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra, and Mint fares also include one carry-on bag for free with no weight restrictions. Blue Basic fares do not include a carry-on bag.

Personal items: Personal items must not exceed 17" x 13" x 8" (43 x 33 x 20 cm) and must fit under the seat in front of you.

Carry-on bag info: Carry-on bags, including wheels and handles, must not exceed 22" x 14" x 9" (55 x 35 x 22 cm). There are no weight restrictions.

Checked bags:

Weight: All checked luggage must weigh no more than 50 pounds (23 kg); customers traveling in Mint class are limited to a maximum weight of 70 pounds (32 kg).

Size: Checked bags must not exceed 62" (157.48 cm) in overall dimensions (length + width + height.)

Baggage fees: Some fares include checked bags.

• For Blue/Blue Basic/Blue Extra, your first checked bag is either $35 or $40, based on peak times, and the second bags are $50 and $60, respectively.
• Blue Plus fares include your first bag, with the second bag between $50 and $60.
• Mint, Mosaic, and JetBlue card members get two bags up to 70 lbs. included with no additional charge.
• The fee for the third checked bag is $125 off-peak or $135 peak.
• The fourth checked bag (or more) is $150 off-peak or $160 peak.

Tip: You can save $10 each on your first 2 checked bags if they are added before check-in (at least 24 hours before departure).

Overweight & oversized bag fees:

• The fee is $150 for bags 51-99 lbs.
• No bag that measures 80 inches or weighs more than 99 pounds will be accepted.

Spirit Airlines: Domestic flights

Allowance: Spirit allows passengers to bring one personal item that must be stored in the seat before them. Carry-on bags are permitted, but charges apply. There are no weight restrictions.

Personal items: Personal items must not exceed 18" x 14" x 8" (45 x 35 x 20 cm).

Carry-on bag info: Carry-on bags, including wheels and handles, must not exceed 22" x 18" x 10" (56cm x 46cm x 25cm). If they cannot be stowed in the overhead bin, they must be checked.

Checked bags:

Weight: All checked luggage must weigh no more than 50 pounds (23 kg.)

Size: Checked bags must not exceed 62 linear inches (158 cm), including handles and wheels.

Baggage fees: The price per bag varies depending on whether you buy it when you book, before or during check-in, or at the airport. Prices differ slightly depending on where you travel and if you are a Spirit Saver$ Club reward member.

Note: Spirit charges for carry-on bags. Look for bundles that are offered at booking. They also offer a bag calculator on their website or app to verify your baggage fees beforehand.

• Your first checked bag will cost between $32 and $65.
• Checking a third, fourth, or fifth bag will cost $76-$100 each.
• Carry-on bags cost more than checked. They typically are about $5-10 more.

Overweight & oversized bag fees:

• The fee is $150 for bags 51-99 lbs.
• Bags that measure over 80 inches or weigh over 100 pounds will not be accepted.

United Airlines: Domestic flights

Allowance: United passengers may bring one personal item that must be stored in the seat before them and one carry-on bag. There are no weight restrictions.

Personal items: Personal items cannot be larger than 17" x 10" x 9" (43 cm x 25 cm x 22 cm).

Carry-on bag info: Carry-on bags, including wheels and handles, must not exceed 22" x 14" x 9".

Checked bags:

Weight: All checked luggage must be 50 pounds (23 kg) or less for Economy and Premium fares. Business Class, United First, Polaris, and Mileage Plus members Gold and up allow up to 70 lbs.

Size: The maximum size for a checked bag is 30" x 20" x 12" (76 cm x 52 cm x 30 cm) or 62 linear inches (158 cm), including handles and wheels.

Baggage fees: Prices vary based on cabin fare, route, and travel dates. They're also based on the traveler's status or membership on the travel date.

• United charges less for bags when purchased online before arriving at the airport.
• They allow members to pay for bags with miles.

Overweight & oversized bag fees:

• The fee is $150 for bags 51-99 lbs.
• Bags that measure more than 115 inches (292 cm) or over 100 lbs. will not be accepted.

Southwest Airlines: Domestic flights

Allowance: Southwest allows passengers to bring one personal item, one carry-on bag, and up to two checked bags for free. There are no weight restrictions for personal or carry-on.

Personal items: Your personal items must be 18.5" x 8.5" x 13.5" and fit under the seat in front of you.

Carry-on bag info: Carry-on bags, including wheels and handles, must not exceed 24" x 16" x 10".

Checked bags:

Weight: All checked luggage must be 50 pounds (23 kg) or less.

Size: The maximum size for a checked bag is 30 in x 20 in x 12 in (76 cm x 52 cm x 30 cm) or 62 linear inches (158 cm total, including handles and wheels.)

Baggage fees: You may check two bags for free.

• Bags larger than 62 inches or heavier than 50 lbs will incur an additional charge.
• The third bag will cost $125.

Overweight & oversized bag fees:

• Overweight items from 51-70 pounds will cost $100.
• Overweight items 71-100 pounds will cost $125.
• Bags 63 to 80 inches will be accepted for a charge of $125 per item. Nothing larger is accepted.
• Only one $125 charge applies if the piece is both oversized and overweight.

Navigating the myriad of airline baggage policies can be daunting, but our comprehensive guide to US baggage weight limits and carry-on rules can help make your travel preparation stress-free. Understanding the specific rules and limits of major US airlines will enable you to pack smarter, avoid unexpected fees, and enjoy a smoother journey. Keep this guide at hand for your travels and ensure a seamless and enjoyable getaway. Safe travels!

*Airlines reserve the right to change their policies at any time. This information is valid as of July 12, 2024. Please double-check with your airline before traveling to ensure size and weight regulations.