Airline Baggage Information

 

Welcome to Pomelo Travel’s baggage information center! We hope to provide you with all the information you might need to take your luggage with you as you travel. Every airline has different fees, baggage size, and weight requirements. We have many resources to help you prepare. If at any time you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to message us. 

Airlines typically allow for one personal item. Carry on and checked baggage can quickly become complicated due to fees and differing guidelines. Below are some general guidelines for these items.

 

Personal Item:

Almost all airlines allow passengers to carry 1 FREE personal item such as a small backpack or large purse that can fit under an airline seat. 

Dimensions will vary somewhat depending on the airline. General dimensions are 8 x 14 x 8 inches and no more than 22 lbs. It’s important to check with the airline to guarantee the correct size.

 

Carry On Item:

Carry on items are more complicated. Airlines differ in how they approach carry on items. Certain airlines allow free carry on items. Some airlines have fees for basic economy or very cheap itineraries that don’t allow carry on items on their flights. Some airlines require that the weight of a personal item and carry on item not exceed 22 lbs.

Carry on items can be a medium backpack, roll aboard, or duffel and must fit in an overhead bin.

General carry on item dimensions are 22x14x9 inches and no more than 22 lbs. As with all baggage, it’s important to check with the airline to guarantee the correct size.

Checked Baggage:

Checked Bags fees vary depending on the airline, bag size, and weight, and destination. Fees can also be determined based on the seat class. Most business class, first class, or elite class passengers receive at least 1 free checked bag. Airline specific credit cards may also offer perks such as free checked baggage regardless of seat class. 

Checked bags can be larger suitcases, duffels, or backpacks.

The general dimensions vary by airline, but tend to be 62 linear inches, or 27x21x14 inches, and no more than 50 lbs. Be sure to check with the airline to guarantee the correct size.

 

Larger Items:

Items such as children’s items (strollers & car seats), sports equipment (snowboards, surf boards, skis, bikes, etc.), or medical equipment (oxygen tanks, cpap machines, wheelchairs, portable showers, etc.) can be transported but have differing guidelines and possible fees depending on the airline. Check with the airline for additional information on these items.

Carry on versus Checked Bags:

Sometimes it can be a challenge to decide whether or not to take only a carry-on, or whether to take both a carry-on and checked bag. Most of us would probably rather opt for both options, if it’s possible. However, sometimes airlines make this decision more complicated than it should be. 

For short trips (or if you like to travel light) taking just a carry-on item will almost always be the easiest option. If there’s no carry-on fee, you can also save money by only taking the small carry-on bag. There are additional perks that come along with traveling with carry-on bags, as the ability that they give you to more easily access your items (because your bag stays with you on the plane). You will also save time by not having to wait at baggage claim for checked bags. 

Of course, you can always take checked bags. It is convenient to be able to drop off checked bags as you check in. The bags usually appear at your destination’s baggage claim area so that you don’t have to drag the bags with you during your flights. If you need more space for your stuff, a checked bag is usually a must. It’s important to remember to arrive early enough to check your bags. Sometimes this process can take a significant amount of time.

Remember, the TSA is particular about what items can and can’t be transported in a carry on or checked bag. Carry-on bags have more restrictions. Some items that can’t be taken seem obvious, but others might surprise you. TSA guidelines can and do change occasionally. The TSA has an official list of what items are allowed or not. It is a good reference for travelers. 

 

Additional Information: 

*A flight itinerary with multiple layovers and airline changes might result in differing fees for each leg of the flight. Be sure to check with each airline before traveling to ensure that your baggage makes it to your destination.

**Budget airlines are an inexpensive and resourceful way to travel. Remember though, that baggage fees vary greatly. It’s essential to remember that when flying on a budget airline that the price you pay at booking can be deceiving.  Often you’ll end up paying more for bags and other fees at the gate. Gate fees can be incredibly high.

Any Other Questions?

If you have any other questions about baggage, feel free to contact us using our customer support page. Our friendly team is always happy to help!