Overweight Baggage on International Flights On flights within the United States, Canada (including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico), bags exceeding 100 lbs. (45.36 kg) are not allowed. On flights between North/South/Central America and Europe/North Africa, bags exceeding 70 lbs. (31.75 kg) are not allowed.

In 2026, the absolute maximum weight for any single piece of oversized or overweight luggage on major airlines is 70 lbs (32 kg). This is a strict safety limit designed to protect the health of ground handlers and baggage loaders. Most standard "checked" bags have a limit of 50 lbs (23 kg); if your bag falls between 51 and 70 lbs, it is considered "overweight" and will incur significant fees, often ranging from $100 to $200 per bag. If a single item exceeds the 70 lb threshold, most airlines (including American, Delta, and United) will refuse to accept it as standard luggage, requiring it to be shipped via a specialized cargo service. For 2026 travelers, "oversized" also refers to dimensions; if the total linear inches (length + width + height) exceed 62 inches (158 cm), the bag is classified as oversized, regardless of weight, and subject to additional "handling" surcharges at the check-in counter.