Baggage Guide & Tips

Master airline baggage policies, avoid extra fees, and pack smart for your next trip. Everything you need to know about luggage.

Check Your Baggage Allowance

Select your airline, cabin and trip details to find the baggage rules that apply to your journey.

Baggage Tools

Useful tools to plan and pack for your trip.

⚖️ Weight Calculator

Compare against the allowance on your ticket — it can vary by fare, route and airline.

📏 Size Calculator

Do not assume a specific airline accepts this size. Check the airline's verified carry-on or checked policy.

Carry-On vs Personal Item

Airlines and fares can have different limits, so always check your specific ticket. In general:

Personal Item

Usually a smaller bag that fits underneath the seat in front of you.

Examples: backpack, small handbag, laptop bag

Carry-On Bag

Usually stored in the overhead compartment.

Examples: small suitcase, cabin bag, travel backpack

Check Airline Carry-On Rules

Dimensions and weight limits are not universal — they vary by airline and fare.

What Can I Bring on a Plane?

Search common items to see general cabin and checked baggage guidance.

Power bank / portable charger

Electronics
Cabin: Generally allowedChecked: Not allowed in checked baggage

Lithium batteries above a certain watt-hour rating are generally required in carry-on; airlines may prohibit large power banks in checked baggage.

TSA — Portable Rechargers

Laptop

Electronics
Cabin: Generally allowedChecked: Generally allowed

Usually allowed in both; you may be asked to remove it from its case at security screening.

TSA — Laptops

Camera

Electronics
Cabin: Generally allowedChecked: Generally allowed

Generally allowed in both; film may be affected by screening X-rays, so keep unexposed film in carry-on.

TSA — Cameras

Perfume / cologne

Liquids
Cabin: Restrictions may applyChecked: Generally allowed

In carry-on, liquids must follow the 3-1-1 rule (100 ml / 3.4 oz containers). Checked baggage limits can vary by airline.

TSA — Perfume

Medicine (prescription)

Medical
Cabin: Generally allowedChecked: Generally allowed

Allowed in both; keep essential medication in carry-on and carry prescriptions where required.

TSA — Medication

Food (solid)

Food
Cabin: Generally allowedChecked: Generally allowed

Solid foods are generally allowed. Destination-country rules may restrict certain items.

TSA — Food

Baby formula / breast milk

Medical
Cabin: Generally allowedChecked: Check airline/security rules

Generally allowed in carry-on in reasonable quantities; screening procedures apply. Confirm with your airline.

TSA — Baby Formula

Hair dryer

Personal care
Cabin: Generally allowedChecked: Generally allowed

Generally allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage.

TSA — Hair Dryer

Razor (disposable / cartridge)

Personal care
Cabin: Generally allowedChecked: Generally allowed

Disposable and cartridge razors are allowed in carry-on; razor blades must be removed. Straight razors are prohibited in carry-on.

TSA — Razors

Spare batteries (lithium)

Electronics
Cabin: Restrictions may applyChecked: Not allowed in checked baggage

Spare lithium batteries must be carried in carry-on and protected from short circuit; airlines set watt-hour limits.

TSA — Batteries

Sports equipment (golf, skis, bike)

Sports
Cabin: Restrictions may applyChecked: Restrictions may apply

Most sports equipment goes in checked baggage; airlines have specific size, packaging and fee rules per item.

TSA — Sports Equipment

Liquids, gels and aerosols

Liquids
Cabin: Restrictions may applyChecked: Generally allowed

Carry-on liquids must be in containers of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less inside one clear quart-sized bag. Larger quantities generally go in checked baggage.

TSA — Liquids Rule

Guidance reflects general airline/security rules and varies by airline, airport and destination country. Always confirm with your airline and the relevant security authority.

Airline Baggage Rules

Find your airline's baggage policy page. Rules vary by fare, route and destination.

American Airlines

Source verified: 2026-08-17

Delta Air Lines

Source verified: 2026-08-17

United Airlines

Source verified: 2026-08-17

Southwest Airlines

Source verified: 2026-08-17

JetBlue

Source verified: 2026-08-17

Alaska Airlines

Source verified: 2026-08-17

British Airways

Source verified: 2026-08-17

Air Canada

Source verified: 2026-08-17

Lufthansa

Source verified: 2026-08-17

Air France

Source verified: 2026-08-17

Emirates

Source verified: 2026-08-17

Qatar Airways

Source verified: 2026-08-17

Turkish Airlines

Source verified: 2026-08-17

ANA (All Nippon Airways)

Source verified: 2026-08-17

Compare Airline Baggage Rules

Baggage allowances are highly fare- and route-dependent and change frequently. We do not publish guessed values — check each airline's official policy page for current rules.

What If Your Bag Is Lost?

If your baggage is lost, delayed or damaged, act quickly and keep your records.

Lost Baggage

File a report before leaving the airport and keep your baggage claim reference.

View Lost Baggage Guide

Delayed Baggage

  1. 1Report the issue at the airport.
  2. 2Keep the baggage claim/reference number.
  3. 3Save receipts for eligible expenses.
  4. 4Track the airline's baggage claim.
  5. 5Follow the airline's claim process.

Damaged Baggage

Reporting deadlines and procedures vary by airline and applicable rules. Report damage promptly and keep photos and receipts.

How to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees

1

Check your fare allowance before packing.

2

Weigh your bags at home.

3

Measure your carry-on.

4

Check whether baggage is included in your fare.

5

Compare prepaid baggage fees with airport fees where applicable.

6

Check overweight and oversized rules.

7

Review your airline's latest policy before departure.

Strategies do not guarantee savings — fees depend on your airline, fare, route and ticket conditions.

Smart Packing Tips

1

Weigh your luggage at home to avoid surprise overweight fees at the airport.

2

Use packing cubes to maximize space and organize your belongings.

3

Keep essentials and valuables in your carry-on in case checked bags are delayed.

4

Prepay for checked bags online to save money vs paying at the airport.

5

Know your airline's size and weight limits before you pack.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard carry-on size limit?

Most airlines allow carry-on bags up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). Budget airlines often have stricter limits.

How much does checked baggage cost?

Checked bag fees range from $30-$40 for the first bag on domestic U.S. flights. International flights often include the first bag free.

What items are prohibited in checked luggage?

Lithium batteries, power banks, matches, and flammable items are prohibited in checked bags. Medications and valuables should go in carry-on.