What happens if your checked bag is over 50lbs?

American Airlines overweight baggage is considered any bag weighing more than 50lbs. The fees for checking overweight baggage are $100 for bags weighing 51-70lbs and $200 for bags weighing 71-100lbs. These fees are charged in addition to any standard, excess or oversized baggage fees.



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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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That's because the ultra-low-cost carrier is tweaking its definition of an overweight bag, as first reported by the USA Today. Beginning on March 1, 2022, checked bags will be capped at 40 pounds each, and those that weigh between 41 and 50 pounds will be charged an additional $50 per bag, per direction.

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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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Checked Luggage Most airlines will allow you to check one bag and have one carry-on bag. There is normally a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds per checked bag as well as a size restriction. The most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear (total) inches. A common size bag for checking through is: 27 x 21 x 14.

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If your suitcase is just slightly over the weight limit, some airlines are pretty lenient and won't charge you anything. You should always visit your airline company's website or call them to know their policy on this matter. The fees and baggage allowances vary drastically for different airlines.

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Traveler's tip – Shoes, shoes, shoes and jeans are the heaviest items. Plan your travel wardrobe carefully to limit the amount of heavy items you're bringing. Coordinate your outfits while planning your trip at home.

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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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Regardless of your destination, the bag must be under 62 linear inches, and the Jet Blue luggage weight limit is 50 pounds. Exceeding these limits will incur additional costs, bumping up your rates to $150 per bag until you exceed 80 inches or 99 pounds. If over the upper limits, the bag won't be accepted.

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The extra baggage fee helps offset overall costs for operation. Without that fee, it will be more difficult for airlines to function as well as they currently do.

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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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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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If you are trying to use two bags, but only pay the fee for one by keeping the combined weight of both bags under 50 pounds, then no - you can't do that either. If you check 2 bags, you are being charged for 2 bags. Different airlines each have their own rules, some allow just one checked bag for each passenger.

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One reason they don't measure your weight is that most people wouldn't feel comfortable getting weighed in front of strangers, then charged for that. Only Air Samoa currently weighs each passenger and tickets them by weight. In the West, weight is a contentious issue, so an assumed average is used for passengers.

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Few things add weight and bulk to a suitcase more easily than shoes. If you're traveling somewhere cold, wear your heavier boots during the journey there rather than placing them in your bag. For warmer leisure travel, find a pair of comfortable-but-stylish walking shoes and some versatile flats.

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Pay a Fee at the Airport Every airline company has its own rules for overweight suitcases, but generally speaking, if your suitcase is just over 50 lbs (23 kgs), which is the limit for most airlines, then you can still bring your suitcase with you. In that case, all you need to do is pay the fee, and you're good to go.

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Most airlines also have a weight limit, usually 70-80 pounds, after which they don't accept bags, even for an extra fee. Information about overweight bag policies can be found on your airline's website or by calling the reservations desk.

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Southwest will accept the first two checked bags for free provided that the bags do not exceed 50 lbs and 62 inches (L+W+H). Overweight items from 51-70 pounds will cost $100. Overweight items 71-100 pounds will cost $125.

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