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Baggage 5
Baggage allowance varies by airline and ticket class. Generally:
Economy Class:
• Carry-on: 1 bag (7-10kg) + 1 personal item
• Checked bag: 1 bag (23kg) - may incur fees on budget airlines
Business/First Class:
• Carry-on: 2 bags (10-14kg each)
• Checked bags: 2 bags (32kg each)
Budget Airlines (e.g., Spirit, Frontier, Ryanair):
• Usually only a personal item is included
• All other bags require additional fees
Always check your specific airline's policy before traveling.
Economy Class:
• Carry-on: 1 bag (7-10kg) + 1 personal item
• Checked bag: 1 bag (23kg) - may incur fees on budget airlines
Business/First Class:
• Carry-on: 2 bags (10-14kg each)
• Checked bags: 2 bags (32kg each)
Budget Airlines (e.g., Spirit, Frontier, Ryanair):
• Usually only a personal item is included
• All other bags require additional fees
Always check your specific airline's policy before traveling.
Standard carry-on dimensions (may vary by airline):
Most Airlines:
• Size: 22" x 14" x 9" (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels
• Weight: 7-10 kg (15-22 lbs)
Personal Item:
• Size: 18" x 14" x 8" (fits under seat)
• Examples: Purse, laptop bag, small backpack
Tips:
• Measure your bag before arriving at the airport
• Soft-sided bags may squeeze into overhead bins easier
• If your carry-on is too large, you may be forced to check it (with fees)
Most Airlines:
• Size: 22" x 14" x 9" (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels
• Weight: 7-10 kg (15-22 lbs)
Personal Item:
• Size: 18" x 14" x 8" (fits under seat)
• Examples: Purse, laptop bag, small backpack
Tips:
• Measure your bag before arriving at the airport
• Soft-sided bags may squeeze into overhead bins easier
• If your carry-on is too large, you may be forced to check it (with fees)
Prohibited in Carry-On (but OK in Checked Bags):
• Sharp objects (knives, scissors over 4")
• Sporting goods (bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks)
• Tools (screwdrivers, wrenches over 7")
• Self-defense items (pepper spray, martial arts weapons)
Prohibited in ALL Luggage:
• Explosives and fireworks
• Flammable items (gasoline, lighter fluid)
• Compressed gas cylinders
• Poisons and toxic substances
• Lithium batteries over 160Wh (spare batteries must be in carry-on)
Liquids Rule (3-1-1):
• Containers must be 3.4oz (100ml) or less
• All containers in ONE clear quart-sized bag
• ONE bag per passenger
• Sharp objects (knives, scissors over 4")
• Sporting goods (bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks)
• Tools (screwdrivers, wrenches over 7")
• Self-defense items (pepper spray, martial arts weapons)
Prohibited in ALL Luggage:
• Explosives and fireworks
• Flammable items (gasoline, lighter fluid)
• Compressed gas cylinders
• Poisons and toxic substances
• Lithium batteries over 160Wh (spare batteries must be in carry-on)
Liquids Rule (3-1-1):
• Containers must be 3.4oz (100ml) or less
• All containers in ONE clear quart-sized bag
• ONE bag per passenger
Musical Instruments:
• Small instruments (violin, guitar): Can be carry-on if fits in overhead bin
• Large instruments: May require purchasing an extra seat
• Fragile instruments: Consider a hard case
Sports Equipment:
• Golf clubs: Usually checked (fees may apply)
• Skis/Snowboards: Checked as oversized baggage
• Surfboards: Checked as oversized (fees vary by airline)
• Bicycles: Must be boxed, checked as oversized
Tips:
• Call airline in advance for large/unusual items
• Consider sports equipment insurance
• Fees typically range $25-$150 per item
• Some airlines offer free sports equipment for elite members
• Small instruments (violin, guitar): Can be carry-on if fits in overhead bin
• Large instruments: May require purchasing an extra seat
• Fragile instruments: Consider a hard case
Sports Equipment:
• Golf clubs: Usually checked (fees may apply)
• Skis/Snowboards: Checked as oversized baggage
• Surfboards: Checked as oversized (fees vary by airline)
• Bicycles: Must be boxed, checked as oversized
Tips:
• Call airline in advance for large/unusual items
• Consider sports equipment insurance
• Fees typically range $25-$150 per item
• Some airlines offer free sports equipment for elite members
Immediate Steps:
1. Report to airline baggage service desk BEFORE leaving airport
2. Get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) number
3. Keep all receipts for essential purchases
Lost Baggage:
• Airlines must search for 21 days (international) or 5-7 days (domestic)
• Compensation up to ~$3,800 (international) or varies (domestic)
• File claim with tracking number and contents list
Delayed Baggage:
• Airlines should cover reasonable essential expenses
• Keep receipts for toiletries, clothing (reasonable amounts)
• Most bags are found within 24-48 hours
Damaged Baggage:
• Report immediately at airport
• Take photos of damage
• Airlines may repair, replace, or compensate
Tips:
• Keep valuables and essentials in carry-on
• Take photo of bag contents before travel
• Consider travel insurance for high-value items
1. Report to airline baggage service desk BEFORE leaving airport
2. Get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) number
3. Keep all receipts for essential purchases
Lost Baggage:
• Airlines must search for 21 days (international) or 5-7 days (domestic)
• Compensation up to ~$3,800 (international) or varies (domestic)
• File claim with tracking number and contents list
Delayed Baggage:
• Airlines should cover reasonable essential expenses
• Keep receipts for toiletries, clothing (reasonable amounts)
• Most bags are found within 24-48 hours
Damaged Baggage:
• Report immediately at airport
• Take photos of damage
• Airlines may repair, replace, or compensate
Tips:
• Keep valuables and essentials in carry-on
• Take photo of bag contents before travel
• Consider travel insurance for high-value items
Check-In 2
When to Check In:
• Online check-in opens: 24-48 hours before departure
• Best time: As soon as it opens for best seat selection
• Closes: 1-2 hours before departure
How to Check In:
1. Go to airline website or app
2. Enter booking reference and last name
3. Confirm passenger details
4. Select seats (if not already done)
5. Add any extras (bags, meals)
6. Download or print boarding pass
Benefits of Online Check-In:
• Skip check-in counter lines
• Early seat selection
• Digital boarding pass on phone
• Faster airport experience
When You MUST Check In at Airport:
• Traveling with pets
• Unaccompanied minors
• Oversized baggage
• Document verification needed
• International flights (some airlines)
• Online check-in opens: 24-48 hours before departure
• Best time: As soon as it opens for best seat selection
• Closes: 1-2 hours before departure
How to Check In:
1. Go to airline website or app
2. Enter booking reference and last name
3. Confirm passenger details
4. Select seats (if not already done)
5. Add any extras (bags, meals)
6. Download or print boarding pass
Benefits of Online Check-In:
• Skip check-in counter lines
• Early seat selection
• Digital boarding pass on phone
• Faster airport experience
When You MUST Check In at Airport:
• Traveling with pets
• Unaccompanied minors
• Oversized baggage
• Document verification needed
• International flights (some airlines)
Recommended Arrival Times:
Domestic Flights:
• Standard: 2 hours before departure
• Peak times/holidays: 2.5-3 hours
• With checked bags: Add 30 minutes
International Flights:
• Standard: 3 hours before departure
• First-time international: 3.5 hours
• Complex connections: 4 hours
Factors That May Require More Time:
• Traveling with children/pets
• Special assistance needed
• Large/oversized baggage
• Peak travel days (Friday, Sunday)
• Holiday periods
• Visa/immigration document checks
Cutting It Close?
• Check-in counters close: 45-60 min before departure
• Boarding gates close: 15-30 min before departure
• TSA recommends 30 min minimum at security
Domestic Flights:
• Standard: 2 hours before departure
• Peak times/holidays: 2.5-3 hours
• With checked bags: Add 30 minutes
International Flights:
• Standard: 3 hours before departure
• First-time international: 3.5 hours
• Complex connections: 4 hours
Factors That May Require More Time:
• Traveling with children/pets
• Special assistance needed
• Large/oversized baggage
• Peak travel days (Friday, Sunday)
• Holiday periods
• Visa/immigration document checks
Cutting It Close?
• Check-in counters close: 45-60 min before departure
• Boarding gates close: 15-30 min before departure
• TSA recommends 30 min minimum at security
Bag Info 6
Checked Baggage Information:
Standard Allowance:
• Size: 62 linear inches (158 cm) total
• Weight: 50 lbs (23 kg) typically
• Number varies by fare class
Typical Fees (one-way):
• 1st bag: $30-35 (free on premium fares)
• 2nd bag: $40-45
• Additional bags: $100-150 each
By Class:
• Basic Economy: Usually none included
• Main Cabin: 0-1 bag included
• Premium Economy: 1-2 bags included
• Business: 2 bags included
• First Class: 3 bags included
Overweight/Oversize Fees:
• 51-70 lbs: +$100
• 71-100 lbs: +$200
• Oversized (63-80"): +$100
Save Money:
• Pay online in advance (save $5-10)
• Use airline credit cards (free bags)
• Check elite status benefits
Standard Allowance:
• Size: 62 linear inches (158 cm) total
• Weight: 50 lbs (23 kg) typically
• Number varies by fare class
Typical Fees (one-way):
• 1st bag: $30-35 (free on premium fares)
• 2nd bag: $40-45
• Additional bags: $100-150 each
By Class:
• Basic Economy: Usually none included
• Main Cabin: 0-1 bag included
• Premium Economy: 1-2 bags included
• Business: 2 bags included
• First Class: 3 bags included
Overweight/Oversize Fees:
• 51-70 lbs: +$100
• 71-100 lbs: +$200
• Oversized (63-80"): +$100
Save Money:
• Pay online in advance (save $5-10)
• Use airline credit cards (free bags)
• Check elite status benefits
Adding Checked Bags:
When Booking:
• Add bags during checkout
• Usually cheapest option
• Automatically included in your itinerary
After Booking:
1. Go to 'Manage My Trip'
2. Select your booking
3. Click 'Add Baggage'
4. Select number of bags
5. Pay and receive confirmation
At the Airport:
• Can add at check-in kiosk
• Or at airline counter
• Usually most expensive option
• Subject to availability
Best Practices:
• Add bags at least 24 hours before
• Online prices are usually lower
• Check if bags included in your fare first
• Consider upgrading fare vs adding bags
Bag Tags:
• Print at home or airport kiosk
• Some airports have bag drop
• Keep receipt until you collect bags
When Booking:
• Add bags during checkout
• Usually cheapest option
• Automatically included in your itinerary
After Booking:
1. Go to 'Manage My Trip'
2. Select your booking
3. Click 'Add Baggage'
4. Select number of bags
5. Pay and receive confirmation
At the Airport:
• Can add at check-in kiosk
• Or at airline counter
• Usually most expensive option
• Subject to availability
Best Practices:
• Add bags at least 24 hours before
• Online prices are usually lower
• Check if bags included in your fare first
• Consider upgrading fare vs adding bags
Bag Tags:
• Print at home or airport kiosk
• Some airports have bag drop
• Keep receipt until you collect bags
Lost or Delayed Baggage Procedure:
Immediate Steps:
1. DO NOT leave the airport yet
2. Go to airline baggage service desk
3. File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR)
4. Get your PIR reference number
5. Provide delivery address for when found
Information to Have Ready:
• Baggage claim ticket
• Booking confirmation
• Description of bag (color, brand, size)
• Contents description
• Contact phone number
• Delivery address
Reimbursement for Essentials:
• Keep ALL receipts
• Airlines cover reasonable necessities
• Toiletries, underwear, basic clothing
• Usually $50-100 per day limit
• Save receipts for reimbursement
Tracking Your Bag:
• Use airline app or website
• Call baggage hotline with PIR number
• Most bags found within 24-48 hours
Immediate Steps:
1. DO NOT leave the airport yet
2. Go to airline baggage service desk
3. File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR)
4. Get your PIR reference number
5. Provide delivery address for when found
Information to Have Ready:
• Baggage claim ticket
• Booking confirmation
• Description of bag (color, brand, size)
• Contents description
• Contact phone number
• Delivery address
Reimbursement for Essentials:
• Keep ALL receipts
• Airlines cover reasonable necessities
• Toiletries, underwear, basic clothing
• Usually $50-100 per day limit
• Save receipts for reimbursement
Tracking Your Bag:
• Use airline app or website
• Call baggage hotline with PIR number
• Most bags found within 24-48 hours
Filing a Baggage Claim:
For Damaged Bags:
1. Report immediately at airport
2. Show damage to agent
3. Take photos of damage
4. Complete damage report form
5. Keep your claim number
For Lost Bags (after search period):
1. Airline searches for 21 days (international)
2. If not found, file formal claim
3. Provide contents inventory
4. Include purchase receipts if available
5. Submit within time limit (varies by airline)
Compensation Limits:
• International: Up to ~$3,800 (Montreal Convention)
• Domestic US: Up to ~$3,800
• Higher with declared value
What to Include in Claim:
• Detailed contents list
• Value/age of items
• Photos if available
• Original receipts (helpful)
• PIR number
Processing Time:
• Usually 4-8 weeks
• Payment by check or card refund
For Damaged Bags:
1. Report immediately at airport
2. Show damage to agent
3. Take photos of damage
4. Complete damage report form
5. Keep your claim number
For Lost Bags (after search period):
1. Airline searches for 21 days (international)
2. If not found, file formal claim
3. Provide contents inventory
4. Include purchase receipts if available
5. Submit within time limit (varies by airline)
Compensation Limits:
• International: Up to ~$3,800 (Montreal Convention)
• Domestic US: Up to ~$3,800
• Higher with declared value
What to Include in Claim:
• Detailed contents list
• Value/age of items
• Photos if available
• Original receipts (helpful)
• PIR number
Processing Time:
• Usually 4-8 weeks
• Payment by check or card refund
Items Prohibited in Hold Baggage at London Heathrow & Gatwick
Passengers are not permitted to carry the following in hold baggage:
Explosives and Incendiary Substances:
• Ammunition
• Blasting caps
• Detonators and fuses
• Mines, grenades, and other explosive military stores
• Fireworks and other pyrotechnics
• Smoke-generating canisters and cartridges
• Dynamite, gunpowder, and plastic explosives
These items are capable of being used to cause serious injury or pose a threat to aircraft safety.
Passengers are not permitted to carry the following in hold baggage:
Explosives and Incendiary Substances:
• Ammunition
• Blasting caps
• Detonators and fuses
• Mines, grenades, and other explosive military stores
• Fireworks and other pyrotechnics
• Smoke-generating canisters and cartridges
• Dynamite, gunpowder, and plastic explosives
These items are capable of being used to cause serious injury or pose a threat to aircraft safety.
Assistive and Special Devices
There's NO LIMIT to the number of assistive devices you can bring as carry-on or checked item. They do NOT count against your bag allowance.
Assistive Devices Include:
• Car seats
• Crutches and canes
• Child carriers/backpack carriers
• Walkers
• Braces/prosthesis
• Wheelchairs
• Wheelchair batteries
• Strollers (pet strollers NOT included)
• Breast pumps
• POC and CPAP machines
• Crates for Service/Emotional Support Animals
Size Requirements:
• Must fit in overhead bins to be brought onboard
• If too large, can be gate-checked
• Gate-checked items returned to jetbridge first
• Or pick up at baggage claim
Battery-Powered Devices:
• Respirators, CPAP machines, POCs, ventilators accepted
• Allowed in checked bags AND cabin
• Non-spillable batteries required
• Must be marked "NONSPILLABLE" or "NON-SPILLABLE BATTERY"
• OR completely enclosed in a case
FAA Guidance:
The FAA provides guidance for safely bringing your assistive devices.
Note: If battery is not labeled "non-spillable" or enclosed in case, it will be treated as spillable battery with additional procedures required.
There's NO LIMIT to the number of assistive devices you can bring as carry-on or checked item. They do NOT count against your bag allowance.
Assistive Devices Include:
• Car seats
• Crutches and canes
• Child carriers/backpack carriers
• Walkers
• Braces/prosthesis
• Wheelchairs
• Wheelchair batteries
• Strollers (pet strollers NOT included)
• Breast pumps
• POC and CPAP machines
• Crates for Service/Emotional Support Animals
Size Requirements:
• Must fit in overhead bins to be brought onboard
• If too large, can be gate-checked
• Gate-checked items returned to jetbridge first
• Or pick up at baggage claim
Battery-Powered Devices:
• Respirators, CPAP machines, POCs, ventilators accepted
• Allowed in checked bags AND cabin
• Non-spillable batteries required
• Must be marked "NONSPILLABLE" or "NON-SPILLABLE BATTERY"
• OR completely enclosed in a case
FAA Guidance:
The FAA provides guidance for safely bringing your assistive devices.
Note: If battery is not labeled "non-spillable" or enclosed in case, it will be treated as spillable battery with additional procedures required.
General 1
Travel Insurance Options:
Trip Cancellation:
• Reimburses prepaid costs
• Covers illness, emergency, job loss
• Usually 100% of trip cost
Medical Coverage:
• Emergency medical treatment
• Medical evacuation
• Coverage: $50,000-$500,000+
Travel Delay:
• Meals, hotel for long delays
• Missed connection coverage
• Typically after 6-12 hour delay
Baggage Protection:
• Lost, stolen, damaged luggage
• Delayed baggage expenses
• Coverage: $500-$2,500
Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR):
• Cancel for ANY reason
• 50-75% reimbursement
• Must buy within 14-21 days of deposit
• Premium option (40-60% more)
Tips:
• Buy early for best coverage
• Read exclusions carefully
• Check credit card travel benefits
• Compare multiple providers
Trip Cancellation:
• Reimburses prepaid costs
• Covers illness, emergency, job loss
• Usually 100% of trip cost
Medical Coverage:
• Emergency medical treatment
• Medical evacuation
• Coverage: $50,000-$500,000+
Travel Delay:
• Meals, hotel for long delays
• Missed connection coverage
• Typically after 6-12 hour delay
Baggage Protection:
• Lost, stolen, damaged luggage
• Delayed baggage expenses
• Coverage: $500-$2,500
Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR):
• Cancel for ANY reason
• 50-75% reimbursement
• Must buy within 14-21 days of deposit
• Premium option (40-60% more)
Tips:
• Buy early for best coverage
• Read exclusions carefully
• Check credit card travel benefits
• Compare multiple providers
Travel Requirements 1
Connecting International Flights in the U.S.
Requirements for International Travelers:
• Valid passport for U.S. entry
• Valid visa for the U.S. (unless ESTA/VWP eligible)
• May need visa for final destination country
Baggage at Connection:
• You may need to claim your checked bags upon arriving in the U.S.
• Clear Customs and Immigration with bags
• Recheck bags to your final destination
• Allow extra time for this process
Before Departure:
• Verify at the ticket counter whether bags will be checked through to final destination
• Know your connection time requirements
• Factor in Customs/Immigration processing time
Tips:
• Book connections with 2-3 hours minimum
• Know where to recheck bags at connecting airport
• Have all documents ready for each entry point
Requirements for International Travelers:
• Valid passport for U.S. entry
• Valid visa for the U.S. (unless ESTA/VWP eligible)
• May need visa for final destination country
Baggage at Connection:
• You may need to claim your checked bags upon arriving in the U.S.
• Clear Customs and Immigration with bags
• Recheck bags to your final destination
• Allow extra time for this process
Before Departure:
• Verify at the ticket counter whether bags will be checked through to final destination
• Know your connection time requirements
• Factor in Customs/Immigration processing time
Tips:
• Book connections with 2-3 hours minimum
• Know where to recheck bags at connecting airport
• Have all documents ready for each entry point
Still Have Questions?
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