Although airlines continue to offer plenty of cheap fares, including cheap airplane tickets and vacation packages, many airlines continue to change their luggage rules and fees to maximize profits, making it expensive for travelers to fly with extra bags.
Passengers should make themselves aware of their individual airline policies when purchasing tickets and packing for trips:
Domestic U.S. flights allow travelers to carry on one carry-on bag and one personal item such as a coat, purse, or laptop case, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Carry-on items must fit either in overhead bins or beneath the seats. Although carry-on bags continue to be free on most airlines, Spirit Airlines now charges a fee for any item that must be stowed overhead and other airlines are expected to follow suit.
Most airlines require passengers to pay for any checked luggage. Fees can vary significantly from airline to airline. Most airlines charge a sliding scale for checked luggage meaning the cost per bag goes up for every additional piece of luggage checked.
Checked bags are included in the ticket price for JetBlue and Southwest for the first one and two bags respectively.
Weight and dimension restrictions are fairly common between airlines. Carry-on bags have to fit dimensions of 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches or less and weigh no more than 40 lbs. Checked bags must weigh less than 50 lbs and measure no more than 27 inches by 21 inches by 14 inches to be accepted. Airlines sometimes accept overweight or oversized bags, but tend to charge prohibitive extra fees. If you are going to be checking such a bag, it is critical you check with the airline in advance to see how much it will cost to ship such a bag.
Travelers are prohibited from checking or carrying weapons, lighters, flammable chemicals, explosives, illicit drugs and certain plant and animal products. No liquids or gels in containers larger than 3 ounces are permitted in carry-ons.
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