Typically you can check one to two bags up to 50 pounds each before you start encountering excess baggage fees (though standard baggage fees may apply). Most airlines will not allow a passenger to bring more than ten pieces of checked baggage on a plane.

In 2026, the number of extra bags you can take depends on the airline's excess baggage policy and the aircraft's physical capacity. Most major carriers allow you to check up to 10 bags per passenger on domestic flights and up to 3 or 4 bags on international routes. However, each "extra" bag beyond your standard allowance comes with a steep fee, typically ranging from $40 to $200 per bag, with prices increasing for each subsequent piece. For example, a third bag often costs significantly more than a second. If you are a high-tier elite member (like United Premier or Air India Platinum), you may receive 1 or 2 extra bags for free. A "high-value" 2026 strategy is to pre-pay for extra bags online at least 24 hours before your flight, as airport counter rates are often 20%–50% higher. Always check the airline's "baggage calculator" using your PNR to confirm the specific limits for your route.