Airline Luggge Rules - Things You Need to Know
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Checked luggage is rarely included in basic airfare anymore. If you're on a "light" ticket, you'll almost certainly have to pay an extra fee. Read our guide to understand these luggage pricing principles, understand the other crucial rules, and make the most economical choice for your next flight.
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Luggage – A Cost in Air Travel
Most low-cost airlines—and even some traditional carriers—charge hefty fees for checked luggage on top of a cheap ticket price. A handful of full-service airlines still include free checked bags on long-haul flights, and premium airlines often offer luggage allowances no matter your route or class. But if you’re flying internationally, especially in Europe, chances are the cheapest ticket comes with just the bare minimum free luggage.
Small Bag or Personal Item
A small bag is a compact carry-on piece, like a backpack, that easily fits under the seat in front of you. Some airlines still refer to this as a personal item, although that term is gradually fading out. From experience, a small bag always flies free. These bags aren’t typically allowed in the overhead bins, and they often won’t fit there anyway.
There’s seldom a separate weight limit for your small bag, but its weight usually counts toward your total carry-on allowance.
Carry-On Luggage
The typical carry-on or cabin bag is a wheeled suitcase you stow in the overhead bin, since it rarely fits under the seat. Airlines have strict size limits for these bags, and many enforce them to the letter, including the dimensions of wheels and handles.
Usually, you get a single combined weight limit for all carry-on items. Therefore, if you have both a small bag and a larger cabin bag, their combined weight must stay within the limit.
On many airlines, bringing a standard carry-on costs extra. For example, Wizz Air, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Finnair, and SAS all charge fees for cabin bags. Sometimes, paying for a Priority Boarding pass allows you to board earlier and bring a complimentary full-sized carry-on. Usually, though, you’re still allowed to bring a small free bag along with that.
Checked Luggage
Checked luggage is your biggest bag. While there’s a maximum size limit, it’s usually generous enough for any standard suitcase. You drop off your checked bag at the check-in or bag drop counter, then pick it up at your destination’s carousel.
Checked bags usually come with a fee. Top-tier airlines often still include one free checked bag on long-haul flights, sometimes even on shorter routes. But these perks are rare with airlines flying in Europe.
Special Luggage
Special luggage covers items that don’t fit the usual rules and need extra care during your flight. Think of sports gear, such as skis or golf bags, musical instruments like guitars or violins, or bulky items like strollers and wheelchairs. Rules and fees vary, so always check directly with the airline before travelling.
Maximum Weight Allowances for Luggage
Weight limits vary by airline, but here’s a rough guide. Always double-check your airline’s exact rules before booking.
Generally, carry-on luggage has a combined weight limit of around 10 kg, though some airlines, like Sunclass Airlines, allow just 5 kg. This limit typically applies to all hand-carried bags combined.
Checked luggage limits differ, but 23 kg is standard on many traditional airlines. You’ll usually pay extra for anything above that. A hard limit of 32 kg per bag is common—no amount of extra fees will get heavier bags accepted. Low-cost carriers often have lower weight limits, sometimes as low as 10 kg per checked bag, with fees rising in 5 kg steps beyond the limit.
How to Save on Luggage Fees
When comparing flight prices, always factor in luggage fees. Travelling light with just a small bag is the cheapest — and often enough for a weekend trip. The cash you save can even get you access to airport lounges. If you need a bigger suitcase, consider a pricier ticket that includes luggage. Often, these aren’t much more expensive and cover checked or full-size carry-on bags. Another smart move: use frequent flyer points to upgrade your class and get checked bags included for free.
What Are You Allowed to Carry
There are certain rules that you are allowed to carry on your luggage.
Cabin Bags
In general, liquids over 100 ml aren’t allowed in the cabin, and you can’t bring anything that you might use as a weapon. Explosives and firearms are obviously banned. Most everyday items are safe as long as they are.
Checked Luggage
Flammables, explosives, and lithium batteries aren’t allowed in checked bags. Toxic or corrosive materials and weapons also need special airline approval. Some things allowed in checked luggage aren’t allowed in carry-on bags.
Check out your airline's rules if you plan to carry unusual items.
Common Questions
- What is the maximum weight allowed for checked luggage?
- For many airlines, such as Finnair, the limit is 23 kg. Low-cost airlines often have a lower limit, such as 15 or 20 kg.
- Where should I buy luggage allowance?
- It’s best to buy luggage allowance on the airline’s official website. Third-party sites usually charge more.
- How much luggage can I bring in the cabin?
- It varies by airline, but you often get one small bag, up to 8 kg, for free. Anything extra often costs more.
- Does the trip length affect luggage fees?
- Yes. Longer flights sometimes have higher luggage fees.
- Can I pay the luggage fee at the airport?
- Yes, but it’s usually much more expensive to pay at the airport.
Bottom Line
Checked luggage fees can sometimes cost more than your flight itself. Plus, hauling extra bags burns more fuel and increases emissions. So travelling light is the smartest bet.
To avoid steep fees, book your luggage allowance ahead of time and go through the airline’s official site—prices are typically better. Often, spending a bit more on your ticket up front saves money overall by including luggage. Taking time to compare options pays off.
Are you still packing checked bags even though it may cost a lot? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
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