Requirements for Luggage on International Flights

Packing for an international trip can feel daunting, but there are ways to skirt the stress. With luggage restrictions on popular international air carriers becoming stricter all the time, it is important to know the requirements before heading out to avoid frustration at the airport. While the specifics of luggage requirements vary based on the airline, most general rules of thumb cross over, which means it is a lot less complicated than it might initially appear. Read up on the important things to know before breaking out the suitcases and breeze through the airport without a hassle.

The standard for baggage allowance on international flights is one checked bag and one carry-on item. Major airlines like Delta and American allow for more than one checked bag on international flights, but all bags after the first free one come at a cost - sometimes $100 or more. If traveling between countries in Europe on a budget airline like Ryanair, flyers should be prepared to pay for each checked bag and may only check up to three. Flyers taking a traditional carrier overseas can bring one piece of hand luggage and one personal item onto the plane, while those flying with a low-budget carrier Like EasyJet or Ryanair throughout Europe should only bring one carry-on item on board. Checked luggage is generally restricted to 50 pounds or less, while carry-on baggage is based on size, and should be able to fit into an overhead bin or the seat in front. It’s integral, in these cases, to check the luggage requirements of each specific airline via its website before leaving.

It is pretty common knowledge that full-sized liquids are not allowed on board a plane, and customers unprepared to have these thrown away should ensure they are packed in a checked bag. Liquids of 3.4 ounces or less may be carried on board, but are restricted to one quart-sized, clear and sealable bag. Aerosol cans containing things like hairspray should be checked as well. The important thing when deciding what to check and what to carry on board is common sense; don’t try to take any razors or lithium batteries in a purse.

Special leeway is given to customers who need to bring medications, breast milk and baby formula on board. These items are usually permitted on an international flight, but these must be declared at security. The Transportation Security Administration knows that trying to decide if an item is permissible or not can be difficult, so any customers who have questions about a specific item in advance can send a picture or question to AskTSA via Facebook Messenger or Twitter.

Buying extra checked baggage online in advance can really decrease the overall fees, as rates are increased at airport check-in. Additionally, understanding what the checked baggage allowance is for a particular type of ticket can be important in determining what to pack. For example, some airlines have different checked baggage requirements depending on whether or not you hold a first class or an economy ticket. As always, the most important thing to do if unsure about any international luggage requirements is to call the airline in advance or consult their website for detailed information.