Business Travel

What is Baggage Allowance? How to Handle Issues

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Baggage allowance is an essential aspect of air travel that every passenger should be aware of. It varies from one airline to another and depends on several factors such as the class of travel, route, and the airline’s baggage policy.

Understanding baggage allowance is crucial because it can save passengers a lot of money and prevent unnecessary delays and inconveniences.

Passengers who exceed the baggage allowance are usually required to pay extra fees, which can be quite expensive. Therefore, it is essential to familiarize oneself with the baggage allowance policies of the airline they are travelling with to avoid any surprises at the airport.

Key Takeaways

• Baggage allowance refers to the amount of luggage a passenger is permitted to carry on a flight without incurring additional charges
• It varies from one airline to another and depends on several factors such as the class of travel, route, and the airline’s baggage policy
• Familiarizing oneself with the baggage allowance policies of the airline they are travelling with can save passengers money and prevent unnecessary delays and inconveniences.

What is Baggage Allowance?

Baggage allowance refers to the amount of luggage that a passenger is allowed to bring on a flight. This includes both carry-on and checked baggage. The amount of baggage allowance varies depending on the airline, the destination, and the fare class.

The baggage allowance is usually measured by weight and size. Airlines have specific weight limits for checked baggage, which is usually between 20-32 kilograms.

Types of Baggage

There are two types of baggage:

1. Carry-on Baggage:

Carry-on baggage is the luggage that passengers are allowed to bring with them on the plane. This usually includes a small bag, such as a backpack or a purse, as well as a larger carry-on bag, such as a suitcase or a duffel bag.

For carry-on luggage, the weight limit is typically lower, around 7-10 kilograms. The size limit for checked baggage is usually determined by the sum of the length, width, and height of the bag, with a maximum size of around 158 centimetres. Also, the size limit is typically smaller, around 56 x 36 x 23 centimetres.

2. Checked baggage:

Checked baggage on the other hand, is the luggage that passengers check in at the airport and is stored in the cargo hold of the plane. This usually includes larger suitcases and bags, as well as items such as sports equipment and musical instruments.

The number of checked bags allowed per passenger, as well as the weight and size limits, varies by airline and fare class.

It is important for passengers to be aware of their baggage allowance before they travel. Exceeding the baggage allowance can result in additional fees, which can be quite expensive.

Passengers should also be aware of any restrictions on items that are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage, such as liquids, sharp objects, and firearms.

Airline Baggage Policies

Travelling by air can be a convenient way to reach your destination, but it comes with its own set of rules and regulations. One of the most important things to keep in mind while travelling by air is the baggage allowance policy of the airline you are flying with.

1. Excess Baggage Fees

If you exceed the standard baggage allowance, you will be charged an excess baggage fee. The excess baggage fee varies from airline to airline and can be quite expensive, so it’s important to pack wisely and stay within the baggage allowance limits.

2. Standard Allowances

Most airlines have a standard baggage allowance policy that allows passengers to carry a certain amount of checked and carry-on baggage free of charge.

The standard allowance for carry-on baggage is usually one small bag that can fit under the seat in front of you and one larger bag that can be stored in the overhead compartment.

The weight and size restrictions for carry-on baggage vary from airline to airline, so it’s important to check with your airline before you travel.

Checked baggage allowances also vary from airline to airline, but most airlines allow passengers to check at least one bag free of charge. The weight and size restrictions for checked baggage are usually more generous than those for carry-on baggage, but they still vary from airline to airline.

Some airlines also offer a higher baggage allowance for passengers travelling in business or first class.

3. Special Items and Oversized Baggage

If you are travelling with special items such as musical instruments, sports equipment or oversized baggage, you may need to pay an additional fee. Some airlines also have specific rules and regulations for transporting these items, so it’s important to check with your airline before you travel.

It’s important to familiarise yourself with the baggage allowance policies of the airline you are flying with to avoid any surprises or additional costs at the airport.

By packing wisely and staying within the baggage allowance limits, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Factors Affecting Baggage Allowance

Here are some of the factors that affect baggage allowance:

• Class of Service

The class of service is one of the primary factors that determines the baggage allowance. Generally, passengers travelling in business or first class have a higher baggage allowance than those in economy class.

For instance, an open flight ticket might have a different baggage allowance than a closed ticket. Also, British Airways allows economy class passengers to check in one bag weighing up to 23kg, while business and first-class passengers can check in two bags weighing up to 32kg each.

• Frequent Flyer Status

Frequent flyer status is another factor that affects baggage allowance. Passengers who have attained elite status in an airline’s frequent flyer programme are entitled to additional benefits, including an increased baggage allowance.

For example, members of Emirates’ Skywards programme can enjoy an additional 12kg baggage allowance in all classes of service.

• Flight Destination

The destination of the flight is another factor that affects baggage allowance. Airlines often have different baggage policies for domestic and international flights. Additionally, the baggage allowance may vary depending on the destination country’s regulations.

For instance, passengers travelling from the UK to the US are allowed to carry two bags weighing up to 23kg each, while those travelling to India can carry two bags weighing up to 32kg each.

Handling Baggage Issues

Travelling can be stressful, and losing or damaging your baggage can make it even more so. Here are some common baggage issues and how to handle them:

1. Lost or Damaged Baggage

If your baggage is lost or damaged, report it immediately to the airline’s baggage service office before leaving the airport.

You will need to fill out a claim form and provide a detailed description of your baggage and its contents.  While travel insurance may provide coverage for trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other travel-related issues.

Keep your baggage claim tag and any other relevant documents until your claim is resolved. The airline will usually try to locate your baggage and return it to you as soon as possible.

If your baggage is lost permanently, you may be entitled to compensation, but the amount will depend on the airline’s policy and the value of your baggage and its contents.

2. Delayed Baggage

If your baggage is delayed, report it immediately to the airline’s baggage service office.

You will need to provide a detailed description of your baggage and its contents, as well as your contact information and travel itinerary.

The airline will usually provide you with a tracking number so you can monitor the status of your baggage.

In the meantime, the airline may provide you with a toiletry kit or other essentials. Keep all receipts for any expenses you incur due to the delay, as you may be entitled to flight delay compensation once you file a claim.

3. Claiming Baggage

When claiming your baggage, make sure to check that it is yours and that it has not been damaged. If your baggage is damaged, report it immediately to the airline’s baggage service office before leaving the airport. You will need to fill out a claim form and provide a detailed description of the damage.

If your baggage is not at the baggage carousel, check with the airline’s baggage service office. You may need to file a lost baggage claim. Keep your baggage claim tag and any other relevant documents until your baggage is returned to you.

FAQs

How much can I carry in checked luggage on international flights?

The amount of luggage you can carry on an international flight varies by airline and ticket type. For example, KLM’s baggage allowance varies by ticket type and travel class. In Economy Class, you’re typically allowed one piece of hand baggage plus a personal item, while in Business Class, you can usually bring two pieces of checked baggage.

What are the size and weight limits for Ryanair’s carry-on baggage?

Ryanair’s carry-on baggage policy is quite strict. Passengers are allowed to bring one small bag on board, which must fit under the seat in front of them. The bag can be no larger than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm and must weigh no more than 10kg. If you need to bring more luggage, you’ll need to pay for a checked baggage allowance.

What is TUI’s policy on checked baggage allowances?

This varies by holiday package and airline. For example, if you’re flying with TUI Airways, you’ll be able to bring one piece of checked baggage weighing up to 20kg on a package holiday, while on a flight-only booking, you can usually bring up to 15kg. However, it’s always best to check with TUI before you travel to confirm your baggage allowance.

What does a 2-piece baggage allowance entail?

A 2-piece baggage allowance typically means that passengers are allowed to bring two pieces of checked baggage on board, each weighing up to a certain amount. For example, on some flights, passengers with a 2-piece baggage allowance are allowed to bring two bags weighing up to 23kg each.

Is the baggage allowance the same for every passenger on a ticket?

It can vary by passenger on a ticket, depending on the age of the passenger and the ticket type. For example, infants are usually allowed to bring one piece of checked baggage weighing up to 10kg, while adults may be allowed to bring more. Additionally, it can also vary by ticket type, with some tickets including checked baggage and others requiring you to pay for it separately.