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.

For the vast majority of commercial airlines in 2026, the standard maximum weight limit for a single piece of checked baggage is 50 pounds (23 kilograms) for Economy class passengers. If you are flying in Business or First Class, or if you hold elite status with an airline like Delta, United, or British Airways, this limit is often increased to 70 pounds (32 kilograms). It is critical to note that 32kg (70lbs) is the absolute hard limit for many airports worldwide due to occupational health and safety regulations for baggage handlers; many airlines will refuse to carry a single bag heavier than this, regardless of the fee you are willing to pay. If your bag exceeds the 50lb limit but stays under 70lbs, you will typically be hit with an "Overweight Baggage" fee, which ranges from $100 to $200 per segment in 2026. To avoid these hefty charges, travelers often use "luggage scales" before heading to the airport or distribute weight across multiple smaller bags. Always verify your specific carrier's rules, as ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) may have even stricter limits as low as 40 pounds (18 kilograms).