The short answer
The usual checked bag limit is 50 lb (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (158 cm), length + width + height, in economy. 11 of 12 US airlines we track use 50 lb and 11 use 62 in. Business and first class usually allow 70 lb (32 kg). Bags over the limit pay an overweight or oversize fee on top of the bag fee.
Checked bag limits: US airlines
| Airline | Checked weight | Checked size | 1st checked bag | 2nd checked bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | 50 lb23 kg | 62 in157 cm (L+W+H) | $45 | $55 |
| American Airlines | 50 lb23 kg | 62 in158 cm (L+W+H) | $50 ($45 online) | $60 ($55 online) |
| United | 50 lb23 kg | 62 in157 cm (L+W+H) | $50 ($45 prepaid) | $60 ($55 prepaid) |
| Southwest | 50 lb23 kg | 62 in157 cm (L+W+H) | $45 | $55 |
| JetBlue | 50 lb23 kg | 62 in157 cm (L+W+H) | $50–$55 | $70–$75 |
| Alaska Airlines | 50 lb23 kg | 62 in158 cm (L+W+H) | $45 | $55 |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 50 lb23 kg | 62 in158 cm (L+W+H) | $45 ($30 interisland) | $55 ($40 interisland) |
| Frontier | 40 lb18 kg | 62 in158 cm (L+W+H) | About $39–$89+ | Higher than the 1st bag |
| Allegiant | 50 lb22 kg | 80 in203 cm (L+W+H) | Varies by route | Varies by route |
| Sun Country | 50 lb23 kg | 62 in158 cm (L+W+H) | About $35–$59+ | Higher than the 1st bag |
| Breeze Airways | 50 lb23 kg | 62 in158 cm (L+W+H) | About $50–$75 | About $60–$75 |
| Avelo | 50 lb22 kg | 62 in157 cm (L+W+H) | $49–$75 | $49–$75 |
Checked bag limits: international airlines
| Airline | Checked weight | Checked size | 1st checked bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | 50 lb23 kg | 62 in158 cm (L+W+H) | $45 (Basic & Standard) |
| British Airways | 50 lb23 kg | 82 in208 cm (L+W+H) | Included, except on Economy Basic |
| Lufthansa | 50.7 lb23 kg | 62.2 in158 cm (L+W+H) | €35–€50 in Europe; €80 / $90 to the US |
| Air France | 50 lb23 kg | 62.2 in158 cm (L+W+H) | Included on Standard; paid on Light & Basic |
| KLM | 50.7 lb23 kg | 62 in158 cm (L+W+H) | Included on Standard; extra bag $75 US–Europe |
| Aer Lingus | 44 lb20 kg | 62.2 in158 cm (L+W+H) | €28–€60 (Saver, Europe) |
| Icelandair | 50 lb23 kg | 62 in158 cm (L+W+H) | Included on Standard; varies on Light |
| Ryanair | 44 lb20 kg | — | €/£21.49–€59.99 (20 kg) |
| easyJet | 51 lb23 kg | 108.3 in275 cm (L+W+H) | Varies; £60 at the bag drop |
| Wizz Air | 44 lb20 kg | — | €10–€122 online (20 kg); €70–€80 at the airport |
| Turkish Airlines | 50.7 lb23 kg | 62.2 in158 cm (L+W+H) | Usually included (1–2 × 23 kg to the US) |
| Emirates | 50 lb23 kg | 59 in150 cm (L+W+H) | Included (20–35 kg or 1–2 × 23 kg) |
| Qatar Airways | 50 lb23 kg | 62 in158 cm (L+W+H) | Included (20 kg+ or 1 × 23 kg) |
| Volaris | 55 lb25 kg | 62 in158 cm (L+W+H) | Up to $180 Mexico–US at booking |
| Aeromexico | 55 lb25 kg | 62 in158 cm (L+W+H) | From $30 Mexico–US (Basic), more in peak season |
International fees vary by route and fare; many long-haul economy fares include one or two bags.
Weight limits explained
Most airlines weigh every checked bag at the counter. Going even a pound over 50 lb triggers the overweight fee, which on US airlines is usually $100–$200 per bag for 51–70 lb. Above 70 lb (32 kg) many airlines refuse the bag or charge more, and above 100 lb most won’t accept it at all.
Weigh it at home with a luggage scale and move heavy items, like shoes and toiletries, into your carry-on if you are close.
Size limits explained
Checked size is measured in linear inches: add the bag’s height, width and depth, wheels and handles included. A large 29 × 20 × 12 in suitcase is 61 in, just under 62. Many 32-inch bags are 65 in or more and pay an oversize fee. Our suitcase size chart shows common sizes.
International flights
On international long-haul routes, economy fares often include one or two 23 kg (50 lb) bags. Some airlines, especially in the Middle East and Asia, use a weight concept instead: a total allowance such as 25–30 kg across all your bags. When you connect between airlines on one ticket, the rules of the “most significant carrier” usually apply.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weight limit for airplane luggage?
What is the luggage weight limit for international flights?
What size is checked luggage?
What happens if my bag is 51 lb?
Related guides
- Delta Checked Bag Size & Weight Limit
- American Airlines Checked Bag Size & Weight Limit
- United Checked Bag Size & Weight Limit
- Southwest Checked Bag Size & Weight Limit
- Frontier Checked Bag Size & Weight Limit
- Best Luggage Scales
- Carry-On vs Checked Bag: Which Should You Pick?
- Suitcase & Luggage Size Chart (Carry-On to Large Checked)