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Staying a step ahead of airline baggage stipulations is never easy. Whether we are talking about a personal item or a carry-on, why do some offer free checked bags while others charge for the privilege?!
No two airlines policies are ever the same either and with shrinkflation biting down increasingly hard on the travel sector, even ‘reputable’ airlines are lowering their allowances and charging for extra.
Its confusing and frustrating so we decided to step in and help….
We put together a comparison calculator of baggage allowances for major airlines worldwide.
This helpful guide will show you how to use it, what to look out for, alongside a few ways to save time, money, and stress before you fly.
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
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Grab an eSIM!Why Baggage Policies Matter (More Than Ever)
Baggage rules vary from airline to airline, even between ticket types on the same flight.
Budget airlines (like Ryanair) have turned luggage, or should we say the confusion over luggage, into a money-making venture all of its own. Even traditional carriers are reducing what’s included and this is only getting worse with travel shrinkflation. Being aware of what you can bring onboard, along with the relevant costs, will help you avoid unexpected charges at check-in.
How to Use the Baggage Allowance Calculator
Our handy calculator below will give you a breakdown of carry-on and checked baggage allowances across 20+ airlines in 2025, arranged as follows:
- Personal item: Often free of charge, things like small backpack, purse, laptop bag.
- Carry-on: Size and weight limits differ, some budget airlines will charge for this.
- Checked bag: Often not included in the ticket price. You’re usually limited to around 23kg (50 lbs), but know that limit before you start packing!
We’ve also listed fees, extra restrictions, and anything else you should know. Have a play with it!
Baggage Allowance Calculator
What Counts as a Personal Item?
A personal item is basically the one thing you can bring on board for free, which goes under the seat in front of you. Examples include;
- Laptop bag
- Small backpack
- Purse/handbag
Note that some airlines are stricter than others. Ryanair, for instance, don’t allow a second small bag unless you pay for priority boarding.
Carry-On Baggage: What You Can Bring Onboard
Carry-on luggage is where things get trickier. Most airlines permit something like 55 x 40 x 20 cm, but again, it depends. Some, like AirAsia and Jetstar, will weigh your carry-on.
Important:
- Economy carriers (such as Spirit, Ryanair, Wizz Air) often charge for carry-ons.
- Traditional airlines (like Delta, Lufthansa, Qatar) include carry-ons — but size and weight are still taken into account.
- Some budget airlines will charge an upgrade fee for an overhead cabin bag.
Use our calculator to figure out airline-specific rules. One airline’s cabin bag might be another’s checked item, so it’s wise to give this some revision!
Checked Bags: The Heavy Stuff
Checked luggage rules are often simpler, but can be inconsistent. Most airlines allow one bag up to 23kg (50 lbs) for standard economy tickets, but if you’re flying basic economy or with a budget airline, you’ll often find yourself paying extra.
Things to be aware of:
- Oversized or overweight bags = extra charges
- International flights traditionally include a checked bag; domestic ones often don’t
- Some fare classes (like business or premium economy) offer higher limits
Tips to Avoid Baggage Fees
Like saving cash? Here’s how experienced travelers do so!
- Weigh your bags at home with a luggage scale
- Use packing cubes or compression bags for clothes
- Wear your heaviest/bulkiest clothes on the plane – classic airport hack but dangerous on a hot day!
- Look at airline credit cards or loyalty programs that offer baggage perks
- Check if children get any extra allowance (this may vary)
Who’s the Most Generous (and Who’s Not)?
Some trends we noted in our analysis:
- Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates are generous for checked bags, especially on longer-haul flights.
- Ryanair, JetBlue (basic fare), and Spirit are the most strict — charging for just about everything they possibly can, including carry-ons.
- Southwest is worth noting here. They offer two free checked bags on all fares!
FAQs
Download or Bookmark the Calculator
Need quick access to the comparison calculator while packing or booking?
Well just bookmark this page, we update it regularly as airline policies change!
Finally…
Airline baggage policies change all the time. By checking your airline’s limits before you fly, you’ll avoid any nasty shocks at check-in.
Any questions? See anything we missed? Comment below or send us a message, we love hearing from fellow travellers and it helps us stay ahead of the curve!
See you on the road guys!
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A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links, since we’ve decided to keep the site ad-free. So here it is!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
