There are two types of luggage accepted on international flights: checked and carry-on. Checked luggage is stowed in the cargo hold of the plane; it is taken when you check in for your flight. Carry-on baggage is taken with you onto the plane.
Luggage restrictions on international flights are based on number, size and weight of bag per customer. Specific sizes and weights for luggage vary by airline. Some airlines, for example, allows coach class passengers to take two free checked bags on international flights. Each bag must be under 50 lbs. and must not be longer than 62 inches. Business class passengers are sometimes allowed three pieces of checked baggage, each of which cannot exceed 70 lbs. or 62 linear inches. For most accurate requirements, always contact your chosen airline.
Passengers often think that carry-on baggage is exempt from some restrictions, particularly weight. While travelers can often get away with overweight carry-on bags, many airlines have begun enforcing policies on size as fuel prices rise.
Major airlines tend to have similar baggage restrictions, but requirements for international flights on low-cost airlines can vary dramatically. RyanAir, a European budget airline, charges fees per checked bag and is particularly strict about weight restrictions, even on carry-on luggage. If you plan to take a flight with one of these smaller airlines, be sure to research their luggage policies, as luggage that is acceptable on a major airline might not fit a smaller airline's regulations.
Be sure to follow all of the policies, since failure to comply can result in considerable extra charges or refusal to check bags. Be sure to research your airline's policies in advance; some allow extra weight for a fee if passengers call in advance. Others simply charge the fee at the gate. Charges for excess baggage can add up.
