Types of baggage
Baggage breaks down into 3 main categories: checked baggage, cabin baggage, and personal items.
The amount and type of baggage you can bring depends on the carrier — some allow free checked and cabin baggage, while others only offer a single personal item.
If you have a booking and are signed in, you can find your baggage allowance in the Passengers section of your trip.
If you need to bring special baggage — items such as strollers, or musical or sports equipment — you can find more information here.
Checked baggage
Also known as cargo or hold luggage, checked baggage is what’s transported in the cargo hold of the aircraft. You have to check it at the airport, and pick it up once you land.
Different airlines have different limits on baggage size, so we’ll show you the size allowed for your itinerary.
Some airlines or itineraries offer free checked baggage, but in most cases you’ll need to pay extra to add it to your itinerary.
Checking your baggage in
Before your flight, you have to bring checked baggage to the airline’s check-in desk. The airline staff will weigh it and send it to the aircraft.
At some airports, there is also a dedicated baggage drop area. If you’re already checked in, you can skip the line at the check-in desk and leave your baggage at the drop area.
Picking up your baggage
You pick up your baggage at baggage claim after you land. Look for the belt with your flight number.
Connections
If you have a self-transfer between flights, you need to collect and recheck the baggage between these flights. If your connections are covered by the airline, they'll automatically transfer your baggage between the connecting flights.
Cabin baggage
Cabin baggage is also known as carry-on or hand luggage, and can be a backpack or a small suitcase. Cabin baggage is usually included for free, but this is not a rule. Some carriers do not offer it at all or they will charge you to add it.
It's best to keep your valuables in your cabin baggage. There are limitations on the amount of liquids you can carry as well as prohibited items which cannot enter the cabin. You’ll take cabin baggage through security, and keep it with you once on the plane— either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.
Some airlines or itineraries offer free cabin baggage, but it’s possible you’ll need to pay extra to add it to your itinerary.
Personal items
Most itineraries allow a free personal item. Personal items refer to the small piece of cabin baggage that can fit on your lap or under the seat in front of you.
You’ll take your personal item through security, and keep it with you once on the plane.
Some examples of personal items are:
- Small backpack or handbag
- Camera bag
- Laptop case
Did this article help you?