How Many Suitcases Can You Take on a Plane?
When it comes to air travel, understanding baggage allowances is crucial to avoid unexpected fees and ensure smooth boarding. Each airline has specific regulations for carry-on and checked luggage that depend on the airline, ticket class, and route. Here’s a detailed look at the baggage policies for some major airlines, including both full-service and low-cost carriers, to help you plan your packing efficiently.
UNITED AIRLINES
United Airlines allows passengers in Economy to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item (such as a purse or laptop bag). The carry-on size limit is 9 x 14 x 22 inches (23 x 35 x 56 cm). Basic Economy travelers are often restricted to one personal item unless they hold a MileagePlus Premier status or are a primary cardholder of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card.
For checked baggage, United permits up to 10 bags per passenger on most routes, with fees depending on the route and class. Bags should not exceed 62 linear inches (158 cm) in size and should weigh no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) in Economy and 70 pounds (32 kg) in premium classes.
DELTA AIRLINES
Delta permits one carry-on bag and one personal item across all cabin classes, with a carry-on size limit of 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm). Delta generally offers generous allowances for frequent flyers and those traveling in higher classes.
Checked baggage policies for Delta vary by ticket class and route. Economy passengers can typically check a bag up to 50 pounds (23 kg), while First Class and Delta One passengers can check bags up to 70 pounds (32 kg). Fees for checked luggage start at around $30 for the first bag on domestic routes and increase for additional or oversized bags.
AMERICAN AIRLINES
American Airlines allows one carry-on bag up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) and a personal item that fits under the seat in front. Basic Economy travelers on certain international routes may have restrictions on carry-ons, so it's wise to double-check the specific policy for your route.
For checked luggage, American permits up to 10 bags on domestic, transatlantic, and transpacific flights. The weight limit is 50 pounds (23 kg) for Economy and 70 pounds (32 kg) for premium cabin passengers. Oversized or additional bags incur extra fees, which vary by route.
EASYJET
EasyJet’s carry-on policy is straightforward but restrictive. Passengers with standard tickets can bring a small cabin bag measuring 45 x 36 x 20 cm that must fit under the seat. For an additional fee, or with an upgraded ticket (such as FLEXI or an upfront seat selection), passengers can bring a larger cabin bag measuring up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm.
EasyJet charges for all checked luggage, with a maximum weight allowance of 15 to 23 kg per bag, depending on the fee paid. Travelers should book luggage in advance, as charges at the airport are significantly higher.
RYANAIR
Ryanair’s basic fare includes only a small personal item measuring 40 x 20 x 25 cm. Larger carry-on bags require an upgrade to Priority Boarding, allowing a second bag measuring up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm.
Ryanair charges for checked baggage, with options to purchase bags weighing either 10 kg or 20 kg. All bags must be purchased in advance, as fees increase if added at the airport.
WIZZ AIR
Wizz Air, similar to Ryanair, includes a small personal item with the base fare, measuring 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Upgrading to Wizz Priority allows passengers a second bag measuring up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
Checked baggage fees depend on weight, with options for bags of 10 kg, 20 kg, and 32 kg. Travelers should pre-book bags online, as airport fees are much higher.
BRITISH AIRWAYS
British Airways allows a more generous carry-on allowance. Economy passengers can bring a main cabin bag up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm plus a personal item, such as a laptop bag or purse, measuring up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm.
For checked bags, most Economy travelers are allowed one checked bag of 23 kg on European flights, while longer international routes may include more. Premium Economy allows two checked bags of 23 kg each, and First Class passengers are permitted up to three bags of 32 kg each.
EMIRATES
Emirates allows Economy passengers one carry-on bag up to 55 x 38 x 20 cm. Business and First-Class passengers are permitted an additional item, such as a briefcase or garment bag.
Checked baggage allowances on Emirates are based on weight or piece concepts, depending on the route. For routes using the weight concept, Economy class passengers may check up to 20 to 35 kg depending on fare type, while First Class passengers can bring up to 50 kg. Under the piece concept (often used for flights to the Americas), Economy is allowed two bags of 23 kg each, and First Class can check two bags of 32 kg each.
VUELING
Vueling offers a standard allowance of one personal item measuring 40 x 20 x 30 cm for Basic Fare customers. Opting for the Optima, Family, or TimeFlex fare allows an additional cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm.
Checked baggage must be pre-booked, and the maximum weight per checked bag is typically 25 kg. As with other low-cost carriers, fees are lower if booked in advance rather than at the airport.
KLM
KLM permits one carry-on bag up to 55 x 35 x 25 cm and one personal item for most Economy passengers. Business Class travelers can bring two carry-on bags and a personal item.
Checked baggage allowances vary by route and class. Most Economy passengers on international flights can check one bag up to 23 kg, while Business Class travelers are allowed two bags of 32 kg each.
Airline baggage policies vary widely, especially between traditional carriers like United, Delta, and British Airways and low-cost airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air. For low-cost airlines, travelers should be particularly cautious, as the base fares often cover only a small personal item, and additional bags can be expensive if not pre-purchased. On the other hand, full-service airlines usually provide more generous allowances, especially for long-haul and premium-class passengers. Understanding these policies and preparing in advance can save both time and money, ensuring a more relaxed start to your journey.
Always consult your airline’s specific baggage policy before departure, as restrictions and fees are subject to change.
