# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Entry Requirements

How to Check Your Travel Bags

When packing for your trip, it's helpful to review the baggage policy of the airline on which you'll be flying. Each airline has maximum weight and size restrictions for checked luggage that passengers must comply with to avoid extra fees. Familiarize yourself with the airport you will be departing from by checking its Web site. Knowing where to go once you arrive at the airport and the procedure for checking your travel bags will alleviate additional travel stress.

Instructions

- 1
  Pack your checked travel bags in accordance with your airline's baggage policy. This policy can be found on the airline's Web site. Be sure to stay within the baggage guidelines to avoid overweight and excessive baggage fees.
- 2
  Check in with your airline a minimum of one hour before your flight departs to receive your boarding pass at the airport. You are required to have luggage tags with your name, address and phone number on each of your bags. If you do not have tags, most airlines will provide paper tags that can be quickly filled out at the check-in counter.
- 3
  Individually place each of your checked bags on the scale when the airline agent directs you to do so. If your bags are overweight or exceed the maximum size requirements, you will be required to pay additional fees.
- 4
  The agent will place a baggage tag on each of your bags and will provide you with the stubs from the tags. Ensure that the stubs state the correct destination airport for your flight. It's important to keep these stubs, which can be used to track down your bags if they are lost.