Checked baggage excess:What is considered excess checked baggage and how is it charged?
Q: What is considered excess checked baggage and how is it charged?
A: Excess checked baggage refers to luggage that exceeds an airline's free baggage allowance in terms of piece count, weight, or dimensions. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Resolution 302, airlines may apply excess baggage charges per additional piece or per kilogram/pound over the limit. For example, many carriers charge a flat fee for a second checked bag on domestic routes. International flights often use a weight-based system, where fees increase with each weight tier. Passengers should check their airline's specific policy, as fees vary significantly and are typically higher when paid at the airport rather than online in advance.
Q: How can passengers avoid or reduce excess checked baggage fees?
A: To avoid excess checked baggage fees, passengers can prepay for additional bags online, which is often cheaper than airport rates. According to a 2023 report by the U.S. Department of Transportation, many airlines offer a discount for prepaid baggage. Travelers can also pack lighter, wear bulky items, or use a luggage scale to ensure bags meet weight limits. Joining an airline's loyalty program or using a co-branded credit card may include free checked bags. Additionally, shipping luggage separately via courier services can be cost-effective for heavy items, as noted by Consumer Reports. Always review the airline's baggage policy before travel.
Q: What are the typical weight and size limits for checked baggage before excess fees apply?
A: Typical weight limits for checked baggage are 50 pounds (23 kg) for economy class and 70 pounds (32 kg) for business or first class on many international airlines, according to IATA guidelines. Size limits usually require the total dimensions (length + width + height) not to exceed 62 inches (158 cm). For domestic U.S. flights, most airlines allow 50 pounds per bag. Exceeding these limits triggers excess baggage fees. However, policies vary: some airlines like Emirates allow 30 kg in economy, while others like Ryanair have lower limits. Passengers must verify their specific airline's rules, as excess fees can be substantial.
Q: Can excess checked baggage fees be refunded or waived?
A: Excess checked baggage fees are generally non-refundable, but waivers may apply in certain cases. According to the European Consumer Centre, if a flight is delayed or cancelled, passengers may be entitled to a refund of baggage fees under EU Regulation 261/2004. Some airlines waive fees for active military personnel, passengers with disabilities, or loyalty program elites. Additionally, if an airline mishandles baggage and it is later found, fees are typically not refunded. Travel insurance may cover excess baggage fees if the reason is covered, such as a medical emergency. Passengers should contact the airline directly and provide documentation to request a waiver or refund.
Q: How do excess baggage fees differ between domestic and international flights?
A: Excess baggage fees differ significantly between domestic and international flights. Domestic flights within the U.S. often charge a flat fee per additional bag, such as $35 for the first checked bag, according to a 2023 Airlines for America report. International flights typically use a weight-based system, charging per kilogram or pound over the limit, with fees ranging from $30 to $200 or more per bag. For example, Delta Air Lines charges $100 for a second checked bag on transatlantic flights, while overweight fees can be $100-$200. IATA notes that international fees are higher due to longer routes and varying regulations. Passengers should check both the airline and route-specific policies.
Dialogue about
Common scenarios of "Checked baggage excess"
【Traveler】 Hi, I'm checking in for flight CA982 to Beijing. I have two large suitcases and one carry-on. Can you tell me the baggage allowance for economy class?
【Check-in Agent】 Good morning. For economy class on this international route, the free checked baggage allowance is one piece up to 23 kg. Your carry-on can be up to 10 kg. Let me weigh your suitcases.
【Traveler】 Sure. I think one is around 26 kg and the other is 31 kg. I hope that's okay.
【Check-in Agent】 I'm afraid both are over the limit. The first is 26 kg, which is 3 kg over. The second is 31 kg, which is 8 kg over. We'll need to charge excess baggage fees for both.
【Traveler】 Oh no. How much is the excess baggage fee per kilogram?
【Check-in Agent】 For this route, the fee is 1.5% of the highest one-way adult economy fare per kilogram, but we also have a flat rate option: 30 USD per kg for the first 5 kg, then 45 USD per kg beyond that. Let me calculate both to see which is cheaper for you.
【Traveler】 Please do. I didn't expect it to be so expensive. Is there any way to reduce the fee?
【Check-in Agent】 You could redistribute items into your carry-on, but your carry-on is limited to 10 kg, and it's already 7 kg. You could also wear heavier clothing or put some items in your pockets, but that's not ideal. Another option is to pay for an extra checked bag, which might be cheaper than excess weight.
【Traveler】 What's the cost for an extra checked bag?
【Check-in Agent】 An additional piece of checked baggage up to 23 kg costs 120 USD. If you move some items from your heavy suitcases into a new bag, you might avoid excess weight fees on the original bags.
【Traveler】 Let me think. If I buy an extra bag, I can move 8 kg from the 31 kg suitcase to bring it to 23 kg, and move 3 kg from the 26 kg suitcase to bring it to 23 kg. That's 11 kg total moved into a new bag, which is under 23 kg. So I'd pay 120 USD for the extra bag and no excess fees?
【Check-in Agent】 Exactly. That would be 120 USD instead of the excess fees. Let me calculate the excess fees for comparison: for the 26 kg bag, 3 kg over: 3 x 30 = 90 USD. For the 31 kg bag, 8 kg over: first 5 kg at 30 USD = 150 USD, remaining 3 kg at 45 USD = 135 USD, total 285 USD. So total excess fees = 375 USD. The extra bag at 120 USD is much cheaper.
【Traveler】 Wow, that's a big difference. I'll go with the extra bag. But I don't have an extra bag with me. Can I buy one here?
【Check-in Agent】 Yes, we sell a sturdy duffel bag at the check-in counter for 25 USD. It's large enough to hold 23 kg. So total would be 120 USD for the extra bag allowance plus 25 USD for the bag itself, which is 145 USD.
【Traveler】 That's still much better than 375 USD. I'll take it. Can I repack here?
【Check-in Agent】 Certainly. There's a repacking area just behind the check-in counters. Take your time. Once you've redistributed, bring all three bags back to me for weighing and tagging.
【Traveler】 Okay, I'll go repack now. Thank you for explaining everything so clearly.
【Check-in Agent】 You're welcome. I'll be here. Just a reminder: please ensure each bag is under 23 kg and that your carry-on remains under 10 kg. Also, no dangerous items in the new bag.
【Traveler】 Got it. I'll be back in about 15 minutes.
【Check-in Agent】 Perfect. See you soon.
