Luggage Weight Limit?

[MaXXimus]

Someone told me that airlines have a limit of only 2 check in and one carry on per person and the check in can only weigh less then 50lbs or it will cost $$$? Is this true, cause I never heard of such a thing?

 

[Kerby626]

They are correct. It will cost you additional if you exceed. I usually come pretty close.

 

[Monty]

Someone told me that airlines have a limit of only 2 check in and one carry on per person and the check in can only weigh less then 50lbs or it will cost $$$? Is this true, cause I never heard of such a thing?

Check the airline website. Each have different limits.

EDIT:

Air Canada says:

6. Unless you have opted out of your free checked baggage allowance. You may travel with 2 pieces of checked baggage not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) each, with overall dimensions (total of length, width and height) not exceeding 158cm (62in). Any items exceeding these limits will be subject to applicable excess baggage charges. No piece of baggage weighing more than 32 kg (70lbs)or exceeding 292 cm (115 in) in dimension will be accepted.

You may also carry onboard one standard article with maximum dimensions of 23 x 40 x 55cm (9 x 15.5 x 21.5in) and one business article with maximum dimensions 16 x 33 x 43cm (6 x 13 x 17in) each weighing no more than 10kg (22lbs). It is recommended that documents and medication are packed in your carry-on baggage, as Air Canada will not be responsible for their loss, damage or delay. For additional information, please refer to Baggage Information section.

 

[Nemo14]

Someone told me that airlines have a limit of only 2 check in and one carry on per person and the check in can only weigh less then 50lbs or it will cost $$$? Is this true, cause I never heard of such a thing?

I think it varies with each airline. I know that SW has a 50 lb limit, but I think you can chek up to 3 bags each. You are allowed one carryon and one personal bag (purse or whatever).

 

[Nemo14]

I found this on the SW website:
<LI class=listDoubleSpace>Baggage Allowance: For each ticketed Customer, Southwest allows three (3) checked pieces with size limitations for each individual piece. <LI class=listDoubleSpace>Excess Baggage: Excess baggage will be charged at the rate of $50.00 each for the first (1st) through the ninth (9th) extra bag and $110.00 for each piece checked thereafter. <LI class=listDoubleSpace>Weight and Size Allowance: Maximum weight is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height) per checked piece of luggage. Effective March 1, 2005, overweight items from 51 to 70 pounds will be accepted for a charge of $25.00 per item. Items weighing from 71 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches but not more than 80 inches (i.e., surfboards, bicycles, vaulting poles) will be accepted for a charge of $50.00 per item. Any item weighing more than 100 pounds must be shipped as Air Cargo. However, Customers cannot use SWA Cargo unless classified as a Known Shipper as defined by the FAA or FAA approved Indirect Air Carriers (IAC). For all Cargo inquires please call the Cargo Sales and Service Center at 1-800-533-1222.

 

[ELopez]

As everyone has said - check with your airline to be sure, but most are 50lb limit per bag - max. 2 bags per person. They are usually very strict about this, so weigh your luggage before going to the airport (and leave room for souvenirs to bring home!). It can be tough, because the large size suitcases, filled with only clothes can push 50lbs or more.

Believe it or not, this isn't just about money - it's safety. I'm actually surprised SW allows 3 bags/person. 4 years ago, a plane crashed here in Charlotte (hitting the hangar where my husband was working) because it was over-weight.

Rules about carry-ons vary, as well, and can also be restrictive.

 

[Nemo14]

As everyone has said - check with your airline to be sure, but most are 50lb limit per bag - max. 2 bags per person. They are usually very strict about this, so weigh your luggage before going to the airport (and leave room for souvenirs to bring home!). It can be tough, because the large size suitcases, filled with only clothes can push 50lbs or more.

Believe it or not, this isn't just about money - it's safety. I'm actually surprised SW allows 3 bags/person. 4 years ago, a plane crashed here in Charlotte (hitting the hangar where my husband was working) because it was over-weight.

Rules about carry-ons vary, as well, and can also be restrictive.

I think SW used to be 2 also - I also was surprised that it said 3. My guess is because they have set limits on carry-ons now, so this might be to compensate for that?

 

[tigsmom]

Jet Blue is 50 pounds/checked bag and all carry ons must fit within a certain space (they have a box set up to see if it fits). AirTran was the same way.

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

Continental is 50lbs also. I should know because I was over the limit by only a couple of pounds and was charged $$.

Pam

 

[Dwarful]

This is my biggest concern with my girl scout troops upcoming trip. We are going to have one meeting where we practice packing suitcases and guesstamating weights vs. real weight. I don't want the headache of a girl or two whose luggage goes overweight and then don't have the $$$ to get their stuff home.

 

[colliera]

SW weight limit rules

I ran into the SouthWest limit rule once when I was 5 lbs. over on one bag. I moved a pair of shoes form that bag to one that was underweight and was good to go. It is 50 lbs. PER bag and not the average weight of the bags but their enforcement of that rule is inconsistent.

Now I put the packed bags on a scale before I head out to the airport.

 

[jasondiff]

This is my biggest concern with my girl scout troops upcoming trip. We are going to have one meeting where we practice packing suitcases and guesstamating weights vs. real weight. I don't want the headache of a girl or two whose luggage goes overweight and then don't have the $$$ to get their stuff home.

Just tell them to weigh the bags on the bathroom scale and make sure it's not over 45. Then you're good to go, even if the scale is off a little.

 

[hokielutz]

It really is going to depend on the mood of the check-in attendant that morning... Sometimes they will give you a pass if you are under 60 lbs, but don't rely on it. Use a bathroom scale and check the airline's weight limits.

Spirit had a 70 lb limit when we traveled on it back in 2006. I don't know if its changed... but it would be best to check.

good luck.

 

[Zummi Gummi]

It really is going to depend on the mood of the check-in attendant that morning... Sometimes they will give you a pass if you are under 60 lbs, but don't rely on it. Use a bathroom scale and check the airline's weight limits.

Spirit had a 70 lb limit when we traveled on it back in 2006. I don't know if its changed... but it would be best to check.

good luck.

That is exactly right. I had a bag that was nearly 60 pounds get through (58) and the attendant just smiled and said, "Close enough, sweetie." Then, another time, my bag weighed a mere 52 pounds, and I had to take a few things out, right there at the counter.

 

[Rob562]

I was recently shopping for a new luggage set, and came across a high-end brand of luggage that came with a digital scale built into the handle. You pushed the button, picked up the bag, and it displayed the weight.

I've also seen in the travel accessories section of Target a small luggage scale that you can pack and bring along to weigh your bag while you're away on your trip. I've started packing a duffel bag that I can pack into my suitcase and use in case I end up bringing too many souvenirs home with me, and then use the duffel as my second checked bag.


-Rob

 

[summerluvin]

I was recently shopping for a new luggage set, and came across a high-end brand of luggage that came with a digital scale built into the handle. You pushed the button, picked up the bag, and it displayed the weight.


-Rob

I saw these at costco yesterday, I thought they were reasonably priced at $100.00 a piece. It sure beats the $85.00 i had to give air canada last year for an overweight bag.:veryconfu

 

[Deadmanwalking]

For anyone flying American Airline, we found that unlike most every other American Terminal in the country.... Orlando gets picky about their per bag limit. We were spoiled by other American Terminals where they would just weigh them together an as long as they didn't exceed the total limit we were good to go. Orlando was very annoying in doing it per bag so that we had to spend a bit of time repacking heavy things from one bag at the counter to avoid getting a penalty for on bag. So beware all you AA flyers Orland is picky.

 

[Rob562]

For anyone flying American Airline, we found that unlike most every other American Terminal in the country.... Orlando gets picky about their per bag limit. We were spoiled by other American Terminals where they would just weigh them together an as long as they didn't exceed the total limit we were good to go. Orlando was very annoying in doing it per bag so that we had to spend a bit of time repacking heavy things from one bag at the counter to avoid getting a penalty for on bag. So beware all you AA flyers Orland is picky.

Baggage weight also factors into the baggage handlers' jobs. They have to lift and haul the bags around. It may be that American Airlines in Orlando has had a rash of workers' comp injuries, and has started getting strict about baggage weight limits. (Because who wants to throw their back out heaving that 85-pound behemoth suitcase into the cargo hold because it was averaged with its' accompanying 5-pound tote?)

-Rob

 

[ErickainPA]

I think the hotels should provide scales to weigh your luggage, I tell hubby this after every trip. You go away and buy things to bring home and if you were close going, coming home will be even or over in weight.

One airline the person was going to have to pay the $50 for the overweight bag (they were about 20 lbs over) and were either offered the chance to buy a $25 bag or just pay $50 to be over. They actually chose to just pay the $50. I personally would have just taken the bag and moved to the side for a quick move of a few things and been on my merry way. (They were still 2 hours from their flight taking off, so that wasn't the issue)

My bags come close in weight usually (I overpack I admit it) to about 45lbs. Sometimes the airline at check-in will put a heavy sticker on it, just so the handler knows it's on the heavy size doesn't say overweight on it. One time I was at 52 lbs, it was the holidays though and the airline said they would leave it since it was the holidays, but to make sure to keep it under 50 next time. They put a 50-75lb tag on it for the handler.

Sometimes they are easy going, other times not so. Plus depends on how full the flight will be. If the bags are all overweight, you don't want them being too heavy with all the passengers and drag the flight time on.

 

[darrin933]

I am pretty sure all the resorts have a scale and the front of the resort. I always rent a rental car and get my bag at baggage claim but when I leave I check my bags at the front of the resort and they weight them there. It is great when they take care of the bags for you at the resort.