Everything You Need to Know
Checked luggage – why is that not the same as carry-on luggage? What do excess baggage and free baggage allowance mean? How large can a piece of checked luggage be and what does it cost?
With the many regulations regarding luggage on flights, it’s easy to lose track. What counts as checked luggage, how it differs from carry-on luggage, what costs are associated with checked luggage, and other important information about types of luggage can be found in the following article.
What Does Checked Luggage Mean?
Checked luggage refers to pieces of luggage that travelers must hand over at the check-in counter or at special drop-off points of an airline before the flight. These pieces of luggage are transported in the aircraft’s cargo hold and are not accessible to passengers during the flight.
Difference: Checked Luggage vs. Carry-on Luggage
Here is an overview of the key points that differentiate checked luggage from the smaller carry-on luggage:
Carry-on Luggage
Checked Luggage
*Varies by airline
| Feature | Carry-on luggage | Checked luggage |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | Into the aircraft cabin | Checked in at the counter |
| Storage | Overhead compartment or under the seat | Cargo hold |
| Accessibility | Yes | No |
| Size | 55 x 40 x 20 cm (depending on airline) | Total dimensions of 158 cm (depending on airline) |
| Weight | Max. 8 kg (depending on airline) | 20-23 kg or up to 32 kg (depending on airline and fare) |
| Liquids | Maximum 10 containers of max. 100 ml | No restrictions (except hazardous liquids) |
| Fees | Often included in the ticket price | Additional costs (depending on fare) |
| Pickup | Taken along after landing | Pickup at the baggage claim |
Traveling with carry-on luggage is simpler in many respects. But even if you only travel with hand luggage, you should first check the requirements of your airline regarding hand luggage as a precaution.
How much checked baggage is allowed?
📏 Size & Weight
For size and weight, you can roughly follow the specifications in the table above, but you should definitely check the website of your airline.
Often airlines also offer different suitcase sizes for checked baggage – depending on the booked fare and class:
- Economy Class: usually 23 kg
- Business Class: often 32 kg
What does excess baggage mean?
If you want to delight your loved ones with souvenirs and gifts from your holiday, you should make sure not to exceed the allowed number and permissible amount of weight and size of your checked or hand luggage.
The costs for excess baggage vary depending on the airline, route, and fare, and can be charged either per kilogram or per additional piece of luggage.
What is special luggage? Important
Special luggage refers to items that cannot be transported as normal checked baggage due to their contents, size, weight, or special characteristics.
Golf, skis, surfboard, diving gear
Guitar, cello, violin
Stroller, child seat, wheelchair
In transport boxes (air-conditioned cargo hold)
💰 Baggage fees with airlines
The costs for your checked baggage vary depending on airline, fare type, and destination:
💡 Tip: If you book your baggage only at the airport counter, you often pay higher prices!
💡 Savings Tip
Choose the right suitcase size! To avoid unnecessary costs, you should select the appropriate suitcase size for your type and duration of travel.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Checked baggage included" mean?
What is free baggage allowance when flying?
What is prohibited in checked baggage?
📋 Conclusion: Overview of baggage types – How to prepare yourself stress-free
- Whether checked baggage, free baggage allowance, excess baggage or special baggage – you now know the most important types of baggage.
- To avoid extra costs at the airport, make sure to inform yourself early about your airline’s baggage regulations.
- Register special baggage early to avoid surprises.
- Think carefully about how much luggage you really need. For short trips, a piece of hand luggage is often enough instead of a large suitcase.
✈️ This is how you start your next flight relaxed and well prepared!
