Airline Luggage Specifications
There are certain restrictions and specifications involved with what you carry in your luggage and how much each bag weighs. Below is a brief overview of the basic luggage requirements for some of the most popular airlines.
Carry-on Luggage Limitations
|
Airline |
# of Free Bags |
Max. Size (inches) |
Weight Limit |
Telephone # |
|
Alaska Airlines |
1 |
22 x 14 x 9 |
-- |
1 (800) 654-5669 |
|
American Airlines |
1 |
22 x 14 x 9 |
-- |
1 (800) 433-7300 |
|
Delta Airlines |
1 |
22 x 14 x 9 |
-- |
1 (800) 221-1212 |
|
Frontier Airlines |
0 |
24 x 16 x 10 |
35 lbs. |
1 (801) 401-9000 |
|
Hawaiian Airlines |
1 |
22 x 14 x 9 |
25 lbs. |
1 (877) 426-4537 |
|
Japan Airlines |
1 |
22 x 16 x 10 |
22 lbs. |
1 (800) 525-3663 |
|
JetBlue Airways |
1 |
22 x 14 x 9 |
-- |
1 (800) 538-2583 |
|
Korean Air |
1 |
21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 |
25 lbs. |
1 (800) 438-5000 |
|
Qantas Airways |
1 |
45 total linear |
22 lbs. |
1 (800) 227-4500 |
|
Southwest Airlines |
2 |
24 x 16 x 10 |
-- |
1 (800) 435-9792 |
|
Spirit Airlines |
0 |
22 x 18 x 10 |
-- |
1 (801) 401-2222 |
|
United Airlines |
1 |
22 x 14 x 9 |
-- |
1 (800) 864-8331 |
|
Virgin Atlantic |
1 |
22 x 14 x 9 |
22 lbs. |
1 (800) 862-8621 |
This should go without saying, but charges for carry-on luggage may apply. Each airline is different, so it is wise to contact your specific airline before travel.
While many airlines don’t measure each carry-on luggage to verify size, your luggage must be able to fit in the overhead compartment or under your seat. If not, you’ll more than likely be required to check in your luggage, which usually costs you more out of pocket.
Per the current TSA policy, each customer is only allowed to carry two bags on-board: one carry-on item (such as small luggage) and one personal item (such as a backpack or purse).
While it is rare that luggage loss occurs nowadays, it's still possible. Therefore, we recommend that you always carry important documents and items with you in your carry-on. Some examples include prescription medicine, money, your wallet, home and car keys, your passport, and other important documents.
Checked Luggage
Most airlines allow you to check one bag during your travels. While each airline may be different, there is usually a maximum weight limit of around 50 pounds per checked bag and a common maximum size limit of around 62 linear (total) inches.
However, most airlines do allow overweight, oversize, or additional baggage. However, this comes at an additional cost that is often quite expensive. To help you have a smoother experience during your travels, check with your specific airline for weight limits and fees for overweight luggage.
If you decide to put a lock on your checked luggage (which you should), make sure that the lock is TSA-approved. These special locks keep out potential thieves while allowing TSA staff to open the lock using a special key. If you opt for a lock that TSA staff cannot get into, they will most likely break your lock for inspection.
Always place an identifier on your checked luggage, such as a name tag, colored yarn, etc. Having your information on the luggage will help you find it in the midst of other luggage and will prevent others from mistakenly picking up your luggage.
Airline Liabilities
Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage
While most airline passengers receive their checked luggage on time and in good condition, some luggage may occasionally become damaged, delayed, or lost during transit. Under DOT (domestic) regulations and international regulations, airlines are required to compensate passengers should their luggage be damaged, lost, or delayed.
Damaged Baggage
Airlines are held responsible for repairing or reimbursing passengers for damaged baggage or contents. If the damage cannot be repaired, the airline will compensate based on the value of the bag/item and its depreciation.
Delayed Baggage
If your checked luggage doesn’t arrive on time at its destination, the airline is responsible for tracking and locating the bag using its tracking system. Should your baggage be delayed, you should file a claim as soon as possible. In average situations, the airline is required to compensate passengers for actual incidental expenses that the passenger may incur while their bag is delayed.
Lost Baggage
For most airlines, if the bag is not found within five to fourteen days after the flight, the baggage is considered lost. If a specific airline refuses to consider your bag lost after it is missing for a considerable amount of time, that airline could be at risk for DOT policy enforcement.
In most cases, once the airline determines your luggage to be lost, it is responsible for compensating you for the luggage as well as its contents (subject to depreciation evaluation and maximum liability limits).
Limits on Baggage Liability
Domestic Baggage Liability
Currently, for domestic flights, the current maximum liability is $3,500. This means that this is the most an airline will pay a passenger for any lost, damaged, or delayed luggage.
International Baggage Liability
For a large majority of international flights, the current maximum liability is approximately $1,545. This is the most an airline will have to pay a passenger for any lost, damaged, or delayed luggage.
Lost or Damaged Luggage Claims
If you have a situation where your checked luggage is lost, delayed, or damaged, please consult with the baggage service office of the airline you traveled with. They will assist you with filing a claim and finding the information you need.