What is the oversized baggage rule?


What is the oversized baggage rule? Likewise, on American Airlines flights, a single piece exceeding a combined length + width + height of 62 inches (158 cm) is deemed oversized. Odd-sized items like sport equipment and musical instruments are also labeled as oversized.


How do you fly with oversized items?

While you typically do not need to inform the airline beforehand of an oversized bag (except if you are carrying an odd-sized item), you will need to arrive at the check-in counter earlier. Some airlines will place a special tag on the bag to alert baggage handlers of its oversized or overweight nature.


Do you get charged for oversized baggage?

Oversized baggage fees Any bag with a sum of length, width, and height of greater than 62 inches will generally fall into the oversized category. Oversized baggage fees are usually charged in addition to any standard, excess, or overweight fee.


How can I avoid high baggage fees?

How to avoid paying checked baggage fees
  1. Know the fees. ...
  2. Use the right credit card. ...
  3. Book first or business class. ...
  4. Get elite status or fly with someone who has it. ...
  5. Use a military discount. ...
  6. Check your bag at the gate. ...
  7. Pack light.


How do you pay for oversized luggage?

You must prepay for your checked bags at least 24 hours before your flight to receive any discount. Prices are based on standard sized bags for one-way flights. Oversized and overweight bags, as well as special items, must be paid for at the airport.


Can I gate check an oversized bag?

If you attempt to gate check a bag that violates an airline's weight and size requirements for checked bags, you also might be charged an additional fee. Any additional fees for oversized luggage would be on top of the $30 fee most major U.S. airlines charge passengers each way to check a bag at the time of booking.


Can I bring oversized carry-on?

All carry-on must fit the sizer at the departure gate. If the bag does not fit in the sizer, it will need to be checked. American Airlines will charge a checked bag fee for oversized carry-on, which costs between $30 to $200 depending on your destination and how many bags you have already checked.


What happens if overhead bins are full?

If overhead bins are full, ask the crew for help finding space. The worst that happens is that your luggage is checked for the trip at no charge.


Can you fly with full size toiletries?

These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Placing these items in the small bag and separating from your carry-on baggage facilitates the screening process. Pack items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in checked baggage.


What is a 62 linear inches?

For most airlines, the largest luggage size for check-in is 62 linear inches. This means the total length + width + depth must equal 62 inches or less. RELATED: Our luggage size guide takes the guesswork out of measuring your bags before you get on the plane.


Do airlines check bag size?

Most airlines will allow you to check one bag and have one carry-on bag. There is normally a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds per checked bag as well as a size restriction. The most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear (total) inches. A common size bag for checking through is: 27 x 21 x 14.


Is it better to have 2 or 4 wheels on luggage?

In a two-wheel design, the wheels tend to be larger than the wheels on 4-wheel models, so they roll forward in a straight line better than 4-wheeled bags, thanks to the sheer physics of their size. If speed is your highest priority, choose a 2-wheeled bag.


What happens if my checked bag is 1 inch too big?

In general, if you're bag is not within the size restrictions at the check-in counter, different airlines will charge you a late check-in fee.


How do you travel with oversized items?

If you are traveling with an item too large or too fragile to check or put in the overhead bin, you have the option to purchase a ticket for that item and have it travel as cabin seat baggage — in it's own seat on the plane.


What if my carry-on is half an inch too big?

If your carry-on is oversized (and doesn't physically fit inside the overhead compartments) or you encounter a strict airline employee, they will ask you to check it in at the gate.


What qualifies as oversized baggage?

Generally, an overweight or oversized piece of check-in luggage is one that exceeds the standard baggage weight and size limits set by the airline. British Airways, for one, has a maximum standard checked baggage of 35 x 30 x 17 inches (90 x 75 x 43 cm) – anything larger than this is considered oversized.


What is not allowed on a plane?

Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.


Do airlines measure your carry-on?

Airlines calculate carry-on luggage size measurements using two methods: Height by width by depth: Most – but not all – airlines measure bags by inches or centimeters using this formula: height by width by depth, such as 22 x 14 x 9 inches.


How strict are airlines about oversized bags?

Summing Up: Traveling With Oversized Carry-Ons
If your carry-on is 1-2 inches over the size limit, don't stress about it too much. Most likely, you'll be allowed to pass through without anyone saying anything. But be prepared that if you encounter a strict airline employee, you might have to check it in.