Complete Guide to What You Need to Know About Airplane Baggage

Preparing for air travel can be confusing and stressful, especially if you don't understand airline baggage rules. Therefore, this article will discuss all important aspects of airline baggage, types of baggage, maximum weight limits, and some general airline baggage regulations.

This way, your trip will be smoother and more comfortable, without any confusion. Read the complete guide for an easier holiday or business trip.

Airline Baggage

Airline baggage includes all items carried by passengers, stored in the baggage compartment, either in the cabin or as checked baggage. Passengers need to register their baggage with the chosen airline and undergo a security check for the items they are carrying. Therefore, passengers must comply with the baggage regulations applicable to the respective airline.

Types of Baggage

In aviation, there are 2 types of airline baggage you need to know:

Cabin Baggage (Carry-On)

Cabin baggage refers to items carried into the aircraft cabin and placed in the overhead compartment or under the seat. By bringing cabin baggage, you can directly monitor the items you need during the trip.

The size and weight of cabin baggage are limited and determined by each airline. Generally, the average cabin baggage should not exceed 7 kg with maximum dimensions of approximately 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Items allowed in cabin baggage usually include personal items such as laptops, cameras, and liquids in containers of a maximum of 100 ml.

When planning your trip, make sure you understand the cabin baggage size and weight limits set by the airline. Typically, cabin suitcases are available in 18, 20, and 22-inch sizes. Knowing these rules can help avoid problems during check-in. For more information on 22-inch suitcases and their suitability for aircraft cabins, you can read the article Understand the Rules for 22-Inch Suitcases in Aircraft Cabins.

Checked Baggage

Checked baggage refers to items handed over to check-in staff at the airport to be stored in the aircraft's cargo hold. Checked baggage has a larger capacity than cabin baggage but still has weight and dimension limits that must be adhered to. The maximum weight usually ranges from 20-30 kg, depending on the airline's policy and the type of ticket held.

This type of baggage is not accessible during the flight, so you need to ensure that important items or urgent needs are stored in your cabin baggage. Each airline also has specific rules regarding dangerous goods or items requiring special handling, such as large electronic devices, large quantities of liquids, or medical equipment. To avoid additional charges or item rejection at the airport, always check the applicable baggage policy before flying.

Additional Baggage

Additional baggage is an option available for passengers who carry more items than allowed within the standard baggage allowance for both cabin and checked baggage. This excess baggage can include purchasing extra kilograms for checked baggage or bringing more than one cabin bag.

If the weight of your luggage exceeds the allowed limit for checked baggage, passengers can purchase additional kilograms. Usually, this is cheaper if booked in advance online rather than at the airport during check-in.

By understanding the rules and utilizing additional baggage, you can avoid unexpected costs during check-in at the airport. For first-time flyers, it's also important to know other steps to take when boarding a plane. Read the complete guide in the article Practical Guide to Boarding an Airplane for Beginners.

Maximum Weight Limit for Airline Baggage

For the 2 types of airline baggage, each has a maximum weight limit. It is important to know and follow these regulations so that your baggage does not become overweight and incur charges.

Maximum Weight for Cabin Baggage (Carry-On)

Generally, the maximum weight for cabin baggage is 7 kg with an ideal cabin suitcase size of 56 x 37 x 22 cm. Make sure your cabin baggage is labeled specifically for cabin baggage. Even so, passengers are allowed to bring 1 item free of charge (carry-on item). Usually, these carry-on items can be brought by passengers without needing a cabin baggage label. Examples include laptop bags, handbags (purse or pocketbook), pocket cameras or binoculars, folding umbrellas or walking sticks, cabin-sized baby strollers, baby baskets, cabin-sized wheelchairs, or approved car seats or CARES.

Maximum Weight for Checked Baggage

The maximum weight for checked baggage is 32 kg. Passengers also receive a free baggage allowance of 20 kg per passenger. If you are traveling with friends or family under one booking code, you can combine the total weight of free baggage allowed. If the combined baggage weight exceeds the specified limit, the excess will be charged per kilogram. To find out the detailed costs for excess checked baggage on various airlines, refer to the complete guide in the article Airline Baggage Price per Kg if Over 20 Kg.

General Regulations for Checked Airline Baggage

To ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process, make sure your luggage complies with the general regulations. These regulations must be followed to maintain safety and security during the flight.

There are certain items that passengers are prohibited from bringing into the aircraft cabin, such as sharp, blunt, or easily explosive objects. These items must be declared to the officers and placed in baggage that will be weighed.

Additionally, if you carry liquids into the aircraft cabin, store them in transparent containers/bottles of a maximum of 100 ml. This excludes baby food or medicines needed during the flight. To avoid problems during security checks, it's important to know the complete rules for carrying liquids on international flights. See tips and information in the article Rules and Tips for Carrying Liquids in International Airline Baggage.

Each airline also has regulations regarding baggage weight limits. Before flying, make sure you know the allowed baggage weight limits for both domestic and international flights.

By understanding these general regulations, your journey will be more comfortable and free of issues at the airport. Let's find out more about prohibited and restricted items in airline baggage in the article Here's a List of Items Not Allowed in Airline Baggage.