excess baggage

You will likely be charged an additional fee by the airline.

The fee can vary depending on the airline and the weight and size of your luggage. Remember - it's not just weight that counts. Oversized baggage – even if it isn’t overweight – can incur excess baggage fees due to the additional handling and space requirements.

In some cases, you may be able to purchase additional baggage allowance in advance to avoid paying higher fees at the airport.

If you are unable to pay the excess baggage fees, you may be required to leave some of your luggage behind or ship it separately.

Not necessarily. Excess baggage refers to any luggage that exceeds the weight or size limit set by the airline, whether it's an additional bag or just one piece of luggage that is overweight or oversized.

Some airlines may allow you to bring an extra bag for free, while others may charge a fee for any additional bags, regardless of their weight or size.

Each airline has its own policies regarding excess baggage, including weight and size limits, fees, and restrictions on certain types of luggage.

However, there are some common aspects that most airlines' policies tend to address:

1. Baggage allowance: Most airlines have a standard baggage allowance based on the class of ticket purchased. This usually includes a limit for checked baggage and carry-on baggage, both in terms of number of bags and their weight and dimensions.
2. Excess baggage fees: If passengers exceed the standard baggage allowance, they will typically be charged excess baggage fees. These fees can be based on weight, size, or the number of extra bags. The charges can vary greatly among airlines, and sometimes even among different routes on the same airline.
3. Special items: Airlines often have separate rules for special items, like musical instruments, sports equipment, or medical equipment. These can sometimes be carried in addition to the standard allowance, or they may incur extra fees.
4. Pre-payment: Some airlines offer the option to pre-pay for excess baggage, often at a lower rate than if you pay at the airport. This can be done online or over the phone.
5. Prohibited items: Airlines also list certain items that are not allowed to be checked in, such as hazardous materials or certain types of electronics. Some items may be allowed in carry-on baggage but not in checked baggage.

The typical fee for excess baggage can vary widely depending on the airline, the weight and size of the luggage, and the destination. Fees can range from a few dollars per kilogram to more than $200 for each additional bag.

Some airlines may also charge different fees depending on the route or the class of travel.

Excess baggage fees on full-service airlines are generally higher than on budget airlines, as full-service airlines typically offer more amenities and services. However, the fees for excess baggage can still vary widely depending on the airline and the specific route.

Some budget airlines may charge a flat fee for each additional bag, while others may charge a fee based on the weight and size of the luggage.

Excess baggage fees can vary depending on whether you are traveling on a domestic or international flight.

In general, international flights tend to have higher baggage fees than domestic flights, due to the longer distances and increased costs associated with international travel.

Some airlines may also have different weight limits for checked baggage on domestic vs. international flights, so it's important to check the baggage allowance and fees for your specific airline and destination.

Premium passengers often get more generous baggage allowances. Flying in business or first class, or holding elite status in an airline's frequent flyer program, can significantly increase your baggage allowance.

However, excess baggage fees for business class passengers can still be quite high, especially if the luggage is overweight or oversized.

Some airlines may be more flexible than others when it comes to excess baggage. In some cases, airlines may allow a small amount of excess baggage, such as 1kg, without charging additional fees.

However, this can vary depending on the airline and the specific route, and there is no guarantee that the airline will be flexible with excess baggage.

Some airlines may offer cheaper excess baggage fees than others. Budget airlines, such as Ryanair and EasyJet, may offer lower excess baggage fees than full-service airlines, such as British Airways and Emirates.

Here are some airlines that were known for more reasonable excess baggage fees:

1. Southwest Airlines allows two free checked bags per passenger, a rarity among U.S. airlines. Overweight bags (51-100 lbs) and oversized bags can incur fees, but these are generally lower than many other airlines.
2. JetBlue's excess baggage fees are comparatively lower, although the first checked bag isn't free.
3. For certain regions, Emirates has a relatively lower fee per extra kilogram of excess baggage when paid in advance.
4. Turkish Airlines offers a discount on excess baggage fees when purchased in advance.
5. Air India generally has lower excess baggage rates, especially for domestic flights
6. Qantas allows passengers to purchase an additional baggage allowance at lower rates before their flight.

Full-service airlines, such as Emirates and Singapore Airlines, usually offer higher baggage allowances than budget airlines, such as AirAsia and EasyJet.

Here are some airlines known for their generous free baggage allowances:

1. Southwest Airlines allows two free checked bags per passenger, a policy that sets it apart from most other U.S. carriers. Each checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds and measure up to 62 inches (L+W+H).
2. JetBlue's baggage policy allows one free checked bag included for Blue Plus fares, and two free checked bags for Mint or Mosaic members.
3. Emirates allows economy passengers to check in up to 35kg of luggage for free (depending on the fare type). Business class passengers get a 40kg allowance, and first-class passengers can check in up to 50kg.
4. Cathay Pacific allows 30kg, 40kg, and 50kg of free checked baggage for economy, premium economy, and business class passengers, respectively.

Many airlines around the world allow passengers to check 2 bags for free on international flights, but the weight and size limits may vary depending on the airline and the destination.

Some airlines that offer 2 free checked bags include:

1. Southwest Airlines allows two free checked bags per passenger on all routes, with each bag allowed to weigh up to 50 pounds and measure up to 62 inches (L+W+H).
2. Delta Airlines usually allows two checked bags on many international flights and certain premium domestic routes.
3. United Airlines also generally allows two checked bags for international travel and for premium transcontinental services.
4. American Airlines typically allows two checked bags for international and certain long-haul domestic flights, especially for premium or business class tickets.
5. Emirates allows two checked bags for most economy class tickets on routes that use the piece concept (most flights to/from the Americas and flights from Africa).
6. Turkish Airlines offers a generous allowance of two free checked bags for international flights.

Some airlines that allow 25kg (or more) of free checked baggage include Air France, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, KLM, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines.

Allowances of 50kg per passenger are relatively rare, especially for economy class passengers, but there are some airlines that offer this level of allowance, usually for their first-class or top-tier frequent flyer customers.

Airlines that allow 50kg of free checked baggage include Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines. Unfortunately, you need to be a first-class passenger to enjoy this level of free checked luggage.

The best way to avoid excess baggage fees is to pack light and bring only essential items, or to ship any excess baggage separately.

If you do need to bring extra luggage, you may be able to purchase additional baggage allowance in advance to avoid paying higher fees at the airport.

One way to reduce the cost of excess baggage fees is to purchase additional baggage allowance in advance, which can be a more cost-effective option than paying for excess baggage at the airport.

Some airlines may also offer discounts on excess baggage fees for members of a loyalty program or passengers who book their flights well in advance.

Another option is to transfer some of your items to a travel companion's baggage or to ship items separately to reduce the weight and size of your luggage.

Try to choose lightweight and compact luggage, and to pack only essential items. You can also use packing cubes or compression bags to make the most of the available space and to keep your items organized.

Another strategy is to wear your heaviest or bulkiest items, such as jackets or boots, on the plane to save space in your luggage.

Many airports around the world offer baggage storage facilities, where you can store your excess baggage for a fee. These facilities can be a convenient option if you have a long layover or if you want to explore the city without your luggage.

The cost of baggage storage can vary depending on the airport and the duration of storage, but it is typically charged per item per day.

Yes, there are many shipping companies that specialize in excess baggage, such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS. These companies offer a variety of shipping options, including air freight, sea freight, and express delivery.

To ship your excess baggage, you will need to provide the weight and dimensions of your items, as well as the destination and delivery date. The cost of shipping can vary depending on the size and weight of your items, as well as the destination and shipping method.

In general, larger instruments such as cellos or double basses may require special handling and may be subject to higher fees. Some airlines may also have weight or size limits for musical instruments, and may require advanced notice or approval.

In general, larger and heavier equipment such as surfboards, skis, or bicycles may require special handling and may be subject to higher fees.

Some airlines may also have weight or size limits for sports equipment, and may require advanced notice or approval. The cost of excess baggage fees for sports equipment can also vary depending on the destination and the airline's policies.

Excess baggage fees for artwork can vary depending on the airline and the value of the artwork. Some airlines may have specific policies for transporting artwork, and may require advanced notice or approval. It's important to properly pack and protect the artwork to prevent damage during transport.

The cost of excess baggage fees for artwork can also vary depending on the destination and the airline's policies. Some airlines may offer special handling and care for artwork, but this may come at an additional cost.