Most major US airlines use a checked-bag limit of 62 linear inches (157–158 cm) and 50 pounds (23 kg) for a standard economy bag. However, the exact allowance and price depend on the airline, route, fare, ticket-purchase date and any eligible benefits. Frontier, for example, has a standard checked-bag weight limit of 40 pounds (18 kg), while other airlines may use different rules for international journeys.
Use the chart below as a starting point, then confirm the rules for your specific flight before paying for baggage or leaving for the airport.
Key points
- Standard size: 62 linear inches is common among major US airlines, but some international carriers use different limits.
- Standard weight: 50 lb (23 kg) is common, but it is not universal.
- Fees vary: A first checked bag may be free, included in the ticket or charged separately.
- Extra charges can stack: A bag that exceeds both the size and weight limits may incur separate fees for each violation.
- International rules differ: Some airlines calculate allowances by the number of bags; others use a total weight allowance.
- Always check your booking: The airline’s current policy and your ticket conditions take precedence over a general comparison chart.
Standard checked bag size and weight limits
| Measurement | Common standard | Metric equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum linear dimensions | 62 inches | Approximately 157–158 cm |
| Standard checked-bag weight | 50 lb | Approximately 23 kg |
| Frontier standard weight limit | 40 lb | Approximately 18 kg |
| Linear measurement | Length + width + height | Length + width + height |
These are common reference limits, not universal airline rules. Always check the policy for your carrier and itinerary.
How to calculate linear inches
Airlines that use linear dimensions generally add the bag’s outside length, width and height. Include wheels, handles and other protruding parts when measuring.
For example, a suitcase measuring 28 × 20 × 14 inches has the following total:
\[ 28+20+14=62\text{ linear inches} \]
That reaches the common 62-inch limit. Check the airline’s measuring instructions and allow for any bulging or protruding parts rather than relying solely on the suitcase’s advertised size.
How to measure checked luggage
Length or height
Measure the suitcase from its lowest outside point to its highest point, including wheels and fixed handles.
Width
Measure across the widest part of the bag, including external pockets if they protrude.
Depth
Measure the thickest outside point, including bulging pockets. Add all three measurements to get the linear dimension.
US airlines: checked bag size, weight and fees
The following chart provides a practical comparison of major carriers. Fees are examples for specified domestic travel conditions, not guaranteed prices for every itinerary.
| Airline | Standard size limit | Standard weight limit | First checked bag | Second checked bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 62 in / 158 cm | 50 lb / 23 kg | $50; $45 online for applicable routes | $60; $55 online for applicable routes |
| Delta Air Lines | 62 in / 157 cm | 50 lb / 23 kg | $45 | $55 |
| United Airlines | Commonly 62 in | Commonly 50 lb / 23 kg | Route and fare dependent | Route and fare dependent |
| Southwest Airlines | 62 in / 157 cm | 50 lb / 23 kg | Verify current ticket rules | Verify current ticket rules |
| JetBlue | 62 in / 158 cm | 50 lb / 23 kg | $45 off-peak; $49 peak for applicable domestic fares | $59 off-peak; $69 peak for applicable domestic fares |
| Alaska Airlines | Commonly 62 in | Commonly 50 lb / 23 kg | Check current route-specific fee | Check current route-specific fee |
| Frontier Airlines | Commonly 62 in | 40 lb / 18 kg | Dynamic; depends on booking and route | Dynamic; depends on booking and route |
| Spirit Airlines | Verify current policy | Verify current policy | Check current booking price | Check current booking price |
Sources and conditions: American’s current policy lists $50 for the first bag and $60 for the second on specified routes, with lower online prices and exceptions. Delta lists $45 and $55 for standard domestic Main and Comfort customers without qualifying benefits. JetBlue’s published 2026 pricing varies by travel date and eligibility.
For United, Southwest, Alaska and Spirit, check the official policy or booking flow for the exact allowance and price rather than treating a general estimate as universal. Frontier’s published baggage options are available on its official bag-options page.
American Airlines checked baggage
American generally uses a 62-inch combined-dimension limit and a 50-pound standard economy weight allowance, with exceptions for certain premium cabins and routes. Its domestic and regional baggage fees can depend on the fare and ticket-purchase date.
For applicable US and nearby-region itineraries, the published first-bag fee is $50, or $45 online, and the second-bag fee is $60, or $55 online. Some Basic Economy tickets and international routes have different prices or allowances.
Official source: American Airlines checked baggage policy
Delta Air Lines checked baggage
Delta’s standard checked bag must not exceed 62 linear inches or 50 pounds for the applicable domestic allowance. Its published fee for a standard first checked bag is $45, and the second is $55, each way, for eligible Main and Comfort customers without applicable exemptions.
Eligible Medallion members, certain cardholders and other qualifying travelers may receive free checked baggage under the applicable terms.
Official source: Delta checked baggage policy
United Airlines checked baggage
United’s baggage allowance and fee depend on the itinerary, cabin, fare and traveler eligibility. International journeys may have a different included allowance from domestic flights.
Before purchasing an extra bag, check the allowance displayed for your reservation and the official United Airlines baggage information.
Southwest Airlines checked baggage
Southwest’s allowance should be verified against the current ticket and policy rather than assumed from older articles or historical baggage rules. Size, weight, route and applicable exceptions can affect the final charge.
Official source: Southwest baggage policy
JetBlue checked baggage
JetBlue uses a standard limit of 62 linear inches and 50 pounds for regular checked bags. Its domestic first- and second-bag fees vary by peak or off-peak travel dates, fare type and benefits. The airline also applies additional charges to bags exceeding standard size or weight limits.
Official resources: JetBlue checked bags and JetBlue bag calculator.
Alaska Airlines checked baggage
Alaska’s baggage fees and allowances can vary by route and traveler eligibility. Verify the current published rates, size and weight limits, and applicable status or card benefits before departure.
Official source: Alaska Airlines baggage information
Frontier Airlines checked baggage
Frontier’s standard checked-bag weight limit is 40 pounds (18 kg), lower than the 50-pound limit used by many major US airlines. Its bag prices can also vary according to when and where the baggage is purchased.
Official source: Frontier bag options
Spirit Airlines checked baggage
Spirit baggage pricing can vary by itinerary and purchase timing. Confirm the current checked-bag dimensions, weight allowance and applicable fees in the airline’s official booking flow.
Official source: Spirit Airlines
International airlines: checked baggage allowances
International baggage policies are particularly important because an airline may use a piece-based allowance, a total-weight allowance, or route-specific restrictions.
| Airline | What to check | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | Standard bag dimensions, weight and fare allowance | Air Canada baggage |
| British Airways | Included bags, weight per bag and cabin allowance | British Airways baggage |
| Emirates | Route-specific piece or weight allowance | Emirates baggage |
| Qatar Airways | Fare, route and piece-versus-weight allowance | Qatar Airways baggage |
These are official policy destinations, not a claim that every fare includes a free bag or the same weight limit.
Piece-based versus weight-based baggage allowances
Piece-based allowance: Your ticket specifies how many bags you may check and the permitted weight and dimensions of each bag.
Weight-based allowance: Your ticket specifies a total permitted baggage weight, subject to any restrictions on individual bags.
For example, an allowance of 30 kg does not automatically mean that a passenger can check one 30 kg suitcase on every airline or route. Individual-bag limits and route rules still apply.
Qatar Airways illustrates why route matters: its published baggage offers can specify different total allowances for particular fares and destinations.
Which airlines include a free checked bag?
A free checked bag depends on the specific ticket and the passenger’s eligibility. It is not enough to compare airline names alone.
Common factors include:
- Fare type: Some basic economy or light fares exclude checked baggage.
- Cabin class: Premium cabins may include additional baggage.
- Frequent-flyer status: Eligible members may receive additional allowances.
- Airline credit cards: Some cards provide baggage benefits on qualifying bookings.
- Route: International itineraries can have different included allowances.
- Ticket and operating carrier: Codeshare or partner flights can complicate which baggage rules apply.
For example, Delta identifies qualifying SkyMiles Medallion members and eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express cardholders as groups that may receive free checked baggage on domestic flights, subject to its terms.
Before booking a ticket or applying for a card, compare the actual baggage benefit with the fare conditions. Do not assume that a benefit applies to every passenger, route or operating airline.
Overweight and oversized baggage fees
An overweight bag exceeds the airline’s permitted weight. An oversized bag exceeds its dimensional limit. These are different violations, and both may result in additional charges.
| Situation | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Bag exceeds the weight limit | The airline’s weight bands and excess-weight fees |
| Bag exceeds the size limit | Maximum dimensions, oversize charges and acceptance rules |
| Bag exceeds both limits | Whether overweight and oversize fees are cumulative |
| Bag exceeds the airline’s absolute maximum | Whether the airline will refuse it as checked baggage |
| Extra bag beyond the allowance | The additional-bag fee and any route restrictions |
JetBlue, for example, states that a bag can incur both overweight and oversized fees when both conditions apply. It lists a separate charge for bags between 63 and 80 inches and does not accept checked bags exceeding 80 inches under its stated rules.
Do not assume that paying an oversize or overweight charge guarantees acceptance. Sports equipment, musical instruments, fragile objects, mobility equipment and other special items can have separate policies.
How to avoid overweight baggage fees
- Weigh your packed suitcase at home. Leave a margin below the limit to allow for measurement differences.
- Measure the outside dimensions. Include wheels, handles and protruding pockets.
- Check the airline’s specific limit. A 45-pound suitcase, for example, exceeds Frontier’s standard 40-pound limit.
- Purchase bags in advance when appropriate. Some airlines charge different prices depending on the booking stage.
- Review the full itinerary. Check each relevant carrier and any transfer or codeshare conditions.
- Compare the total cost. An extra-bag fee, a higher fare with baggage included, or a different packing arrangement may change the overall cost.
Why route, fare and ticket date matter
A comparison chart can help estimate costs, but the final allowance should come from your actual booking.
Before relying on a baggage fee, verify:
- Departure and destination airports.
- Airline and operating carrier for each segment.
- Fare family and cabin class.
- Ticket-purchase date and travel date.
- Number of bags included in the ticket.
- Applicable loyalty status or card benefits.
- Weight and dimension limits for each bag.
Fees may apply per passenger and per direction, so the cost of a return journey can be higher than the one-way figure shown in a chart. American Airlines explicitly states that its applicable baggage fees are charged per person and each way.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard checked bag size for airlines?
A 62-linear-inch limit, approximately 157–158 cm, is common among major US airlines. However, international carriers, specific routes and special baggage categories can have different requirements. Check the official policy for your flight.
How much can a checked bag weigh?
Many major US airlines use 50 pounds (23 kg) as the standard limit for an ordinary economy checked bag. Frontier uses a 40-pound (18 kg) standard limit. Premium cabins and some international tickets may have different allowances.
How do you calculate 62 linear inches?
Add the bag’s outside length, width and height in inches. A suitcase measuring 28 × 20 × 14 inches totals 62 linear inches. Include wheels, handles and protruding parts.
How much does a first checked bag cost?
There is no universal price. For applicable domestic travel, Delta lists $45 and American lists $50 ($45 online) for a standard first bag, while JetBlue’s domestic fees vary by peak dates and fare eligibility. Other airlines and itineraries can differ.
Is the second checked bag more expensive?
It often costs more than the first bag, but not on every airline or fare. For applicable domestic itineraries, Delta lists $55 for a second standard checked bag, compared with $45 for the first. Check your booking for the actual price.
Can a checked bag be both overweight and oversized?
Yes. Depending on the airline, separate overweight and oversize charges can apply to the same bag. The airline may also refuse a bag that exceeds its maximum permitted dimensions or weight.
Are international checked baggage rules different?
Yes. International allowances may use a piece-based or total-weight system and may vary by route, cabin and fare. Confirm the allowance shown on your ticket and the applicable airline rules before travel.
Is it cheaper to pay for checked bags online?
It can be. American Airlines publishes lower online fees for certain domestic baggage charges, and baggage prices on some low-cost carriers depend on when you purchase. Compare the price in your booking with the airport price before deciding.
Final checklist before you fly
Pre-flight baggage checklist
0 of 7Confirm the baggage allowance for your exact ticket and route.Measure the suitcase, including wheels and handles.Weigh the fully packed bag.Check first-bag, second-bag and extra-bag prices.Verify overweight, oversized and special-item rules.Confirm any applicable card, cabin or loyalty benefits.Recheck the airline’s official policy before departure.
Baggage rules are easiest to manage when you verify them before buying the ticket and again before departure. For more practical guides and resources, explore OfferBin.io.