Each checked bag can weigh 50 pounds or less and be 62 inches in size (length + width + height). What is considered excess baggage? To check more than two bags, each extra bag will result in an additional charge each way as long as it is no bigger than 62 inches (L+W+H) and weighs 50 lbs. or less.

On international flights in 2026, the standard maximum weight for a single piece of checked baggage is 23 kg (50 lbs) for Economy Class and 32 kg (70 lbs) for Business and First Class. This 32 kg limit is often a strict "health and safety" maximum set by many airports to prevent injury to baggage handlers; bags exceeding this weight must typically be repacked or shipped as heavy cargo. It is important to note that many airlines (like American Airlines or KLM) now use "Basic" or "Light" fare categories that include zero checked bags, requiring you to pay a fee starting around $30–$75 for the first piece. If you are an elite status member of an alliance like Star Alliance or Oneworld, you often receive an additional 23 kg bag for free. Always check your specific "Fare Rules" on your ticket, as regional flights (especially in Africa or small-plane safaris) may have much lower limits, sometimes as low as 15 kg in soft-sided duffel bags.