Standing at the check-in counter, it’s easy to wonder if your perfectly packed luggage will pass without issue, or whether unexpected excess baggage fees will cost more than your ticket. With average overweight charges ranging from £15 to £50 per kilogram, understanding your check-in baggage allowance is essential.
Airline baggage rules are no longer as simple as “one bag per passenger.” Today’s policies combine weight limits, baggage size limits, and fare-specific variations that can make or break your travel budget. EUME’s modular luggage systems adapt to these rules, helping travellers stay organised and avoid costly surprises.
What Is Check-In Baggage and How Does It Work?
Check-in baggage is luggage handed over at the check-in counter or a self-service kiosk for loading into the aircraft’s cargo hold. This process allows passengers to carry larger or heavier items while keeping the cabin free of excess weight and bulk.
Check-in usually opens 2–4 hours before departure for international flights and 1–2 hours for domestic journeys. Bags are weighed, tagged, and screened separately from carry-on luggage. Although most airlines use advanced tracking systems, roughly 5.57 bags per 1,000 passengers are still mishandled worldwide.
Standard Check-In Baggage Allowance by Airline Type
How many bags you can check in depends largely on the type of airline you’re flying with:
Full-service carriers such as British Airways, Air India, and Vistara usually include checked baggage in the fare:
- Economy: 20–23kg (1 piece domestic, 1–2 pieces international)
- Premium Economy: 23–30kg (1–2 pieces)
- Business: 30–32kg (2 pieces)
- First: 32kg (2–3 pieces)
Budget airlines operate on unbundled pricing, charging extra for checked baggage:
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IndiGo: No free allowance; 15kg costs ₹1,100–₹2,500 depending on route
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SpiceJet: 15kg included on select fares; otherwise ₹750–₹2,000 for first bag
- GoAir: 15kg included on some fares; additional bags from ₹1,200
Premium carriers such as Emirates, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines offer some of the most generous limits often 2–3 pieces of 23–32kg each in economy.
How Many Bags Can I Check In for Economy, Business, and First Class?
Economy Class
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Domestic: 15–20kg (1 piece)
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International: 20–23kg (1–2 pieces)
- Size: Maximum baggage size limit of 158cm (L+W+H)
Business Class
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Weight: 30–32kg per piece
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Pieces: Usually 2 bags allowed
- Extras: Priority handling and faster baggage claim
First Class
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Weight: 32–40kg per piece depending on airlin
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Pieces: 2–3 bags permitted
- Service: Dedicated check-in desks and priority processing
Budget Airline Check-In Baggage Rules and Fees
Low-cost carriers can be cost-effective, but their baggage rules are stricter. Weight cannot usually be shared across bags each must have its own purchased allowance.
IndiGo
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6E Tuff Fare: No baggage included
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6E Flex Fare: 15kg included on certain routes
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Extra Allowance: ₹1,100–₹2,500 per additional 15kg
- Maximum: 30kg per passenger (two 15kg bags)
SpiceJet
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SpiceMax Fare: 15kg included
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SpiceClub Fare: 20kg included
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Extra Allowance: ₹750–₹2,000 for each additional bag
- Special: Student discounts available on select routes
Check-In Baggage Allowance for Domestic vs International Flights
Domestic flights usually have smaller limits, while international routes are more generous:
International Flights
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Europe: 23kg standard in economy
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Transatlantic: Often 2 × 23kg pieces
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Asia: 20–30kg depending on carrier and route
- Middle East: Usually 30kg in economy
Domestic Flights
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UK: 20kg typical for full-service airlines
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India: 15–20kg
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US: 50lb (23kg) per piece for most carriers
- Europe: 20–23kg depending on airline
Family and Group Travel Baggage Allowance Rules
Family and group bookings can sometimes combine allowances, but not always:
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Children aged 2–12 usually get the same allowance as adults
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Infants under 2 often receive 10kg
- Unaccompanied minors follow standard allowances
Pooling Rules
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Permitted: Air India, Emirates (family bookings)
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Restricted: IndiGo, SpiceJet (individual limits enforced)
- Groups: Bookings of 6+ passengers may be eligible for pooling
Multiple Bag Packing Strategies to Stay Within Your Check-In Baggage Limit
EUME’s modular baggage sets make it easier to manage check-in baggage allowance effectively:
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Distribute weight evenly across bags to avoid single-bag overweight charges
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Pack items by category keep clothing, electronics, and toiletries separate
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Keep essentials in one bag in case another is delayed
- Combine cabin and checked bags strategically to maximise your allowance
What Happens If You Exceed Your Check-In Baggage Allowance?
Extra baggage can significantly increase travel costs. Charges vary by airline:
Overweight Fees (per kg)
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Budget airlines: £25–£50
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Full-service: £15–£35
- Premium carriers: £20–£40
Additional Piece Charges
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Second bag: £75–£200
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Third bag: £150–£300
- Sports equipment: £50–£150
Booking extra baggage online before travelling usually saves 20–50% compared to airport prices.
Special Items and Prohibited Goods in Checked Baggage
Many airlines accept special items for a fee, but some goods are banned from the hold:
Accepted with Fees
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Golf clubs: £50–£100 each way
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Ski equipment: £75–£150
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Musical instruments: Charged by size
- Strollers: Usually free for families
Prohibite
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Lithium batterie
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Pressurised containers
- Valuable electronics (should be carried in cabin)
Your Smart Check-In Baggage Strategy with EUME
Knowing exactly how many bags can I check in gives you a clear advantage when planning trips. EUME’s luggage solutions are designed for flexibility whether you’re facing the tight restrictions of a budget airline or enjoying the generous limits of a premium carrier.
Modular designs make it easy to adjust packing for each airline’s baggage size limit, keeping you organised while avoiding extra charges. With the right check-in baggage allowance strategy and the right luggage, you turn airline rules into an opportunity for smarter, more efficient travel.
FAQS
How many bags can I check in on domestic flights?
Most full-service airlines include 1 checked bag in economy for domestic routes, usually 15–20kg, while business class may allow 2 bags of up to 30kg each. Budget airlines like IndiGo or SpiceJet charge separately for each piece, so how many bags can I check in depends on the allowance you purchase.
Do different ticket classes allow more check-in bags?
Yes. Check-in baggage allowance increases with class. Economy typically includes 1 bag of 20–23kg, business allows 2 bags of 30–32kg each, and first class offers 2–3 bags of 32kg or more. Premium tickets also get priority handling at check-in and faster baggage claim.
Can I check in multiple bags on budget airlines?
Yes, but each bag must be purchased separately. Budget carriers do not allow splitting weight across bags without buying additional allowances. If your baggage size limit is 15kg per bag, you will need to pay for extra bags to carry more weight.
What is the standard baggage size limit for check-in luggage?
The maximum baggage size limit for most airlines is 158cm (sum of length + width + height). Oversized bags may incur additional fees even if they are under the weight allowance. Always check your airline’s size chart before travelling.
What happens if my bag is overweight?
If you exceed your check-in baggage allowance, expect to pay overweight fees, ranging from £15 to £50 per kilogram on most airlines. Booking extra weight online in advance usually costs 20–50% less than paying at the airport.
