Also known as cargo or hold luggage, checked baggage is what's transported in the cargo hold of the aircraft. You have to check it at the airport, and pick it up once you land. Different airlines have different limits on baggage size, so we'll show you the size allowed for your itinerary.

Yes, hold baggage is exactly the same thing as checked baggage. The term "hold" refers to the cargo compartment (the "aircraft hold") located beneath the passenger cabin where large suitcases and bulky items are stored during a flight. Unlike "cabin baggage" or "hand luggage," which you carry onto the plane and store in the overhead bins, hold baggage is handed over to the airline at the check-in desk or a self-service bag drop. In 2026, most airlines have moved to highly automated tracking systems where your hold baggage is tagged with a unique barcode or RFID chip, allowing you to track its journey via the airline's mobile app. It is important to note that certain items, such as lithium-ion batteries, power banks, and e-cigarettes, are strictly prohibited in the hold due to fire safety risks and must be kept in your cabin baggage, while sharp objects or large liquids must be placed in the hold baggage.