Airline baggage rules explained

Start with the ticket, not a generic table

A familiar airline may sell several fares with different allowances. A codeshare can also show one airline name at purchase while another carrier operates the aircraft. Open the booking confirmation and identify the operating airline for each segment, then read the baggage line attached to the ticket.

Check four separate items: personal item, cabin bag, checked bag and special equipment. Confirm quantity, dimensions, weight and price. If the trip uses more than one airline, do not assume the most generous rule applies throughout.

• Number of pieces included
• Maximum outside dimensions, including wheels and handles
• Weight limit per piece
• Price online versus at the airport

Cabin baggage and personal items are different

A personal item normally fits under the seat; a cabin bag normally goes in the overhead locker. The permitted sizes differ by airline and fare. A bag accepted on the outbound flight may still be checked at the gate on a busy return flight if locker space is limited.

Place medication, documents, keys, valuables and devices in the smaller personal item so they remain with you if the larger cabin bag is gate-checked. Remove old baggage tags that can confuse automated handling.

Security rules are a separate layer

An airline allowance does not override security or dangerous-goods rules. IATA notes that spare lithium batteries, power banks and electronic cigarettes belong in cabin baggage. Spare batteries should be protected against short circuits, and devices placed in checked baggage should be fully switched off.

Many countries limit cabin liquids to containers of 100 ml inside a transparent one-litre bag, with common exceptions for medication, baby food and special dietary needs. Airport technology and local rules differ, so use the official airport or national security page for the actual journey.

• Never pack a power bank in checked baggage.
• Check medicines, sporting equipment and tools separately.
• Keep valuables and irreplaceable items out of checked baggage.

Avoid overweight and oversize surprises

Weigh the bag on the same scale after final packing and measure the widest points. A soft bag can expand beyond its advertised size. If one checked bag is too heavy, moving items to another permitted bag before reaching the desk is usually simpler than repacking under pressure.

Photograph the packed bag and its contents, place contact details inside, and keep the bag-tag receipt. Do not put medication, essential documents or fragile valuables in checked baggage even if the airline accepts them.

If the checked bag does not arrive

Go to the airline or handling desk in the baggage area before leaving the airport. File a Property Irregularity Report or equivalent missing-bag report and keep the reference number. Confirm where the bag should be delivered and how to submit reasonable interim expenses.

Keep receipts for essential purchases and follow the airline’s written claim deadlines. Rules and liability depend on the route and applicable convention, so avoid relying on an informal promise at the desk.