Each airline has different baggage regulations, and knowing them beforehand can help you save some money as well as stress. The Airline Baggage Policy Guide 2026 will unite new data on baggage allowance per flight, the size of the carry-on baggage, the cost of the baggage being shipped in 2025, and the cost of overweight baggage on most airline companies, such as Emirates, Delta, and United Airlines.
The guide also includes the list of the TSA prohibited items, the real 2025 baggage fees data, and a packing checklist by airlines, which means that you will be able to prepare your trip in advance and will not be surprised by something last-minute.
Airline Baggage Policy Overview
Every airline has its own policy on baggage depending on the route, fare type, and membership status. Some of them have a generous free allowance, whereas others impose fees on the first bag.
Below is a general overview:
- Full-service airlines (e.g., Emirates, Qatar Airways)- include one or more luggage bags at no cost to economy flyers.
- U.S. domestic carriers (e.g., Delta, United) – typically, basic fares are charged on the first and second checked bags.
- Low-cost airlines (e.g., Spirit, Frontier) – check and carry-on baggage are charged separately.
Always verify your specific ticket class and route, as the same airline may have different rules on domestic and international flights.
Airline Specific Baggage Policies
To illustrate it, we will consider some examples of large airlines in 2025-2026:
Emirates Airlines
- Checked Baggage: Emirates has two systems, namely, the Weight Concept (calculated on the total weight) and the Piece Concept (calculated on the number of bags).
- Weight Concept: Economy Class 20kg to 35kg depending on the fare type.
- Piece Concept: Two pieces, each of up to 23 kg on U.S. routes.
- Carry on: Economy customers- 1 bag not exceeding 7 kg (55 x 38 x 20 cm).
- Overweight Policy: A per-kilogram charge is imposed depending on the destination, which is normally between $15-$50 kg.
(Source: https://www.emirates.com/ )
Delta Air Lines
- Carry On Baggage: 1 standard bag and 1 personal bag with no fee.
- Carry-on Bags: 1st bag $35, 2nd bag $45 (23kg limit).
- Overweight Baggage Charges:
- 51–70 lbs: $100 per bag.
- 71–100 lbs: $200 per bag.
- Bags above 100 lbs are not accepted.
(Source: https://www.delta.com/ )
United Airlines
- Carry On: 1 carry-on and 1 personal item. Size limit: 22 × 14 × 9 in.
- Carry-on: Bag first $35, bag second $45.
- Overweight Fees:
- 51–70 lbs: $100.
- 71–100 lbs: $200.
(Source: https://www.united.com/ )
Carry-on Luggage Rules Comparison
| Airlines | Carry-on Weight / Size | Checked Bag Limit | Overweight Fee (USD) | Special Notes |
| Emirates | 7 Kg (55x38x20 cm) | 20-35 kg depending on fare | $15 – $50 per kg | Piece system on U.S. routes |
| Delta | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item | 23 kg / 50 lbs | $100 – $200 | First bag $35, second $45 |
| United | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item | 23 kg / 50 lbs | $100 – $200 | Basic economy may exclude carry-on |
| Qatar Airways | 75 kg – 15 kg based on class | 25 kg – 35 kg | $25 – $55 per kg | Routes differ by region |
Pro Tip: Airlines now strictly enforce carry-on luggage size limits. Always measure your bag before flying to avoid last-minute gate fees.
(Source: Airline Official sites, 2025)
Prohibited Items and TSA Guidelines
The TSA prohibited item list helps travelers know what items cannot be taken in their hand luggage or in their baggage.
Carry-On Restrictions:
- Liquids, gel, aerosol above 100 ml (3.4 oz) are prohibited.
- Blades of any kind (scissors, knives, razors) should be put in the checked baggage.
- Prohibited lighters, matches, and fuel cans.
- Power banks and Lithium batteries are only allowed in carry-on.
- Food products such as yogurt, peanut butter, or jam are considered to be in the liquid rule.
(Source: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring )
Restrictions on checked luggage:
- Guns and ammunition are permitted only with a TSA declaration and secure packaging.
- Combustible or pressurized substances are forbidden.
- Other international airports have stricter IATA dangerous goods rules.
Overweight & Oversized Bag Charges
Overweight Baggage is one of the biggest travel expenses that passengers overlook.
| Airlines | Overweight Limit | Charges (Approx.) | Remarks |
| Delta | 51 – 70 lbs | $100 | Not accepted over 100 lbs |
| United | 51 – 70 lbs | $100 | $200 for 71-100 lbs |
| Emirates | 32 kg max | $15 – $50 per extra kg | Based on the route |
| British Airways | 51 – 70 lbs | $90 – $150 | Charges differ by route |
Tip: Always prepay online for extra baggage. Most airlines offer a 20-30% discount on advance payment compared to airport counters.
(Source:https://www.delta.com/us/en/baggage/checked-baggage/excess-overweight-baggage?utm_source,
Packing Checklist by Airline
This simple list will make sure you are not going over your airline baggage allowance and will not carry forbidden things:
Carry-On Packing
- Passport, identification, and traveling documents.
- Laptop, charger, and other important electronics.
- Toiletries less than 100 ml (in a transparent bag).
- Drugs (prescription).
- One outfit for emergencies.
- Power bank (under 100 Wh).
Checked Baggage Packing
- Shoes and clothes (label your bag).
- Bulkier washrooms or fluids.
- Sharp tools (Packaged in checked only).
- Gifts or souvenirs wrapped securely.
- Lock up with locks that are approved by TSA.
Avoid Packing
- Valuable or cash in baggage.
- Fragile electronics without protective cases.
- Flammable goods or perishable goods.
Tips to Save on Airline Baggage Fees
- Book smarter: Choose fare classes that include baggage.
- Join loyalty programs: Sometimes, the elite members will receive 1-2 bags free of charge.
- Pay online: Most airlines have baggage discounts on baggage purchased in advance.
- Weigh your bag at home: Save on the overweight fee at the counter.
- Light packing: Think of minimum packing when traveling.
Conclusion
The Airline Baggage Policy Guide 2026 will provide travelers with a clear picture of the baggage allowance to be used by each airline, the size of carry-on luggage, and the price charged for the baggage to be transported in 2025-2026. A better way to pack and avoid spending money on things you do not need is by comparing the charges on overweight baggage and checking out the TSA-prohibited items list to make better packing decisions.
Be it Emirates, Delta, or United, being aware of baggage policy comparison will enable you to travel with a lot of confidence. Always revisit the websites of airlines before traveling on the plane because regulations may vary annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Que. How much is the international baggage allowance?
Ans. In the Economy Class, most full-service airlines permit 20kg-30kg or 1-2 pieces (23kg/apiece).
Que. What is the limit on the size of carry-on luggage?
Ans. Common limit: 55 x 38 x 20 cm (Emirates) or 22 x 14 x 9 in (United/Delta). The weight range is between 7kg and 10kg.
Que. What are the fees for checked baggage in 2025?
Ans. In the United States, domestic companies charge approximately $35-45 for the first two bags, whereas the first bag (or bags) is usually free with international airlines.
Que. What will be the case if my baggage is overweight?
Ans. The cost of overweight baggage will be between $100 and 200, depending on the route and the airline.
Que. Do you have the TSA prohibited items list?
Ans. Visit https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all for the complete 2025 update.
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