There are two baggage types: Checked luggage and carry-on or also referred to as cabin/hand luggage. Personal belongings on board are referred to as hand luggage (cabin baggage), luggage delivered to an airline to be stored in an inaccessible area to the passenger during the flights is referred to as checked baggage.

In the airline industry, baggage is primarily classified into two categories: Carry-on Baggage and Checked Baggage. Carry-on baggage (which includes a "Personal Item") is the luggage you keep with you in the aircraft cabin. In 2026, airlines are enforcing a stricter universal standard of 22 x 14 x 9 inches for carry-ons to maximize overhead bin space. A "Personal Item" is typically a smaller bag, like a laptop case or backpack, that must fit under the seat in front of you. Checked Baggage is the larger luggage that you hand over to the airline at the check-in counter or bag drop; it is stored in the aircraft's pressurized cargo hold and retrieved at the "Baggage Claim" upon arrival. Checked bags are usually subject to a weight limit—typically 50 lbs (23 kg) for Economy—and often incur a fee unless included in your fare class or loyalty status. The distinction is vital for safety, as certain items (like lithium batteries or power banks) are strictly prohibited in checked baggage due to fire risks but are permitted and encouraged to be kept in your carry-on.