Do you have to pay extra if your checked bag is overweight?

Overweight baggage is usually considered any bag weighing more than 50lbs. The fees for checking overweight baggage are usually charged in addition to any standard, excess, or overweight fee.



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For example, if an extra piece of baggage exceeds the weight and size limits, it will be subject to three fees: one for the extra bag, one for exceeding the weight limit and one for going over the size restriction. Fees are charged for each additional bag, each way.

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Most airlines charge $100-$200 if your luggage is overweight. Delta and American Airlines charge $100 if your bag weighs 51-70 pounds and $200 if your bag weighs 71-100 pounds. United airlines charges up to $400 for overweight bags depending on the weight and destination.

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For example, if an extra piece of baggage exceeds the weight and size limits, it will be subject to three fees: one for the extra bag, one for exceeding the weight limit and one for going over the size restriction. Fees are charged for each additional bag, each way.

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That means that if your checked bag weighs more than 50 pounds, your airline will charge you a set fee on top of their standard baggage rate. Most airlines also have a weight limit, usually 70-80 pounds, after which they don't accept bags, even for an extra fee.

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Checked Suitcase Weight Limits Most domestic flights have a checked bag weight limit of around 50 pounds (unless you want to pay a fee to pack something heavier). However, your international checked baggage size varies considerably depending on which airline you choose.

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Keep reading for our top tips for packing lighter.
  1. Pack for a week (or less) and plan to do laundry.
  2. Pack around one basic color.
  3. Don't pack any more than three pairs of shoes.
  4. Use a wardrobe planner.
  5. Pack visually.
  6. Know what to roll and what to fold.
  7. Use compression cubes and bags.


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Here are a few ways to tell if your luggage is 50 pounds:
  • Use a luggage scale. This is the most accurate way to measure the weight of your luggage.
  • Weigh yourself on a bathroom scale, then weigh yourself again with your luggage. The difference is the weight of your luggage.
  • Try to lift your luggage.


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What if my checked bag is 52 lbs? The standard overweight fee for normal bags (your first two) is $100 if the bag is between 50.1 LBS and 70 LBS, and $200 if the bag is between 70.1 LBS and 100 LBS. Bags over 100 LBS are not allowed.

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Southwest Checked Baggage Allowance Southwest is the only airline that provides 2 FREE CHECKED BAGS for all fares.

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Delta Airlines (DL) will charge the following for bags that are greater than the standard 50 pounds or 23 kilograms on U S domestic flights: 51 to 70 pounds or 24 to 32 kilograms: $100.00 USD extra per bag. 71 to 100 pounds or 33 to 46 kilograms: $200.00 USD extra per bag.

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A common sized bag for carry-on luggage is 22x 14x 9. Most airlines have a carry-on weight limit of 40 pounds.

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Hit a snag at check-in? Here's what to do when your suitcase weighs too much
  1. Share the load. ...
  2. Add it to your hand luggage. ...
  3. Wear everything you own – or the heaviest stuff. ...
  4. Leave the queue and buy another bag to check. ...
  5. Ask a cafe for a garbage bag. ...
  6. Cough up and pay the excess. ...
  7. Abandon some items.


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It is rare for airlines to weigh your carry on or hand luggage. So long as your bag is not clearly overweight, and you're able to carry it with ease – you shouldn't have any issues with a slightly overweight bag.

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Most airlines measure check-in luggage in linear dimensions, which means the sum of the length, width and height. The most common linear limit for check-in luggage is 62 inches, though it's prudent to confirm.

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In general, your personal item should be smaller than your carry-on and under the specific airline's carry-on dimensions, allowing it to fit under the seat in front of you. In most cases, backpacks are considered personal items as long as they fit under the seat in front of you.

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If your bag is over 50 lbs (23 kg), or if its length, width, and height added together are over 62 inches (157 cm), you may be charged an additional fee, on top of the normal bag fee.

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