Travel Information
Baggage Policy
Last updated: May 20, 2025 · Domestic & International · Delta · United · Alaska · Southwest
International Baggage Liability — Montreal Convention 1999
On all international journeys between countries that are signatories to the Montreal Convention (MC99) — including the US, all EU/UK countries, Canada, Australia, Japan, UAE, Mexico, and most others — airline liability for baggage is governed by MC99:
- ▸Lost/damaged/delayed checked baggage: up to 1,288 SDR (~$1,730 USD) per passenger
- ▸You must file a written complaint for baggage damage within 7 days of receipt
- ▸For delayed baggage: file within 21 days of when baggage was returned
- ▸Consider purchasing travel insurance for coverage beyond MC99 limits
- ▸Excess valuation declarations are available at check-in for an additional fee (up to a higher limit set by the airline)
Delta Air Lines (DL)
✓ Carry-On (Overhead Bin)
1 carry-on (fits overhead bin, max 22×14×9 in) + 1 personal item (max 18×14×8 in) — Free for all passengers except Basic Economy.
✓ Personal Item (Under Seat)
18×14×8 in — Free for all including Basic Economy.
| Bag Type | 🇺🇸 Domestic US | 🌍 Transatlantic | 🌎 Latin America | 🌏 Transpacific |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Checked Bag | $30–$35 | Free (Main Cabin on select routes); $30–$60 others | $30–$35 | Free on Delta One / Premium Select; $30–$60 Economy |
| 2nd Checked Bag | $40–$45 | $40–$100 | $40–$45 | $40–$100 |
| 3rd+ Checked Bag | $150 each | $150–$200 each | $150 each | $150–$200 each |
| Overweight (51–70 lbs) | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 |
| Oversize (>62 linear in.) | $200 | $200 | $200 | $200 |
Who Gets Free Checked Bags:
- ▸Delta One (Business Class): 2 free checked bags (70 lb limit)
- ▸Delta Premium Select: 2 free checked bags (70 lb limit)
- ▸Delta First Class (domestic): 2 free checked bags
- ▸Delta SkyMiles Medallion members: 1 free bag (Silver), 2 free bags (Gold/Platinum/Diamond)
- ▸Delta SkyMiles Reserve, Platinum, Gold, or Blue Business Plus Amex cardholders: 1st bag free
- ▸Military personnel on active duty: bags generally free
⚠ Basic Economy / Lowest Fare Note:
Basic Economy: No overhead bin carry-on. Personal item (under-seat only) is included. No seat selection, no changes after 24-hr window.
🌐 International Route Notes:
Transatlantic: Delta One includes 2 free bags; Delta Premium Select includes 2 free bags; Main Cabin fees apply per route. Some routes (e.g., NYC–London) include 1 free bag for Main. Always verify at booking.
United Airlines (UA)
✓ Carry-On (Overhead Bin)
1 carry-on (max 22×14×9 in) + 1 personal item (max 17×10×9 in) — Free (except Basic Economy domestic).
✓ Personal Item (Under Seat)
17×10×9 in — Free for all including Basic Economy.
| Bag Type | 🇺🇸 Domestic US | 🌍 Transatlantic | 🌎 Latin America | 🌏 Transpacific |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Checked Bag | $35 | $35 (Economy); Free on Business/First | $35 | $35 (Economy); Free on Polaris/First |
| 2nd Checked Bag | $45 | $45–$100 | $45 | $45–$100 |
| 3rd+ Checked Bag | $150 each | $200 each | $150 each | $200 each |
| Overweight (51–70 lbs) | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 |
| Overweight (71–100 lbs) | $200 | $200 | $200 | $200 |
| Oversize (>62 linear in.) | $200 | $200 | $200 | $200 |
Who Gets Free Checked Bags:
- ▸United Polaris Business: 2 free checked bags (70 lb limit each)
- ▸United First (international): 2 free checked bags (70 lb limit)
- ▸United First (domestic): 2 free checked bags
- ▸Premier Silver: 1 free checked bag
- ▸Premier Gold, Platinum, 1K: 2–3 free checked bags
- ▸United Explorer Card, United Club Card, United Quest Card: 1st bag free per person (up to 2 travelers on same reservation)
- ▸Star Alliance Gold: 1 extra free bag on United-operated flights
⚠ Basic Economy / Lowest Fare Note:
Basic Economy domestic: Carry-on restricted to personal item (under-seat) only. On international routes, carry-on rules vary — confirm at booking. No changes, no upgrades, no same-day standby.
🌐 International Route Notes:
Transatlantic: First bag $35 for most Economy routes from the US. Polaris Business and United First include 2 free bags at 70 lb limit. Transpacific/Latin America: Similar structure. Confirm exact allowance per route at booking.
Alaska Airlines (AS)
✓ Carry-On (Overhead Bin)
1 carry-on (max 22×14×9 in) + 1 personal item (max 17×13×6 in) — Free for all fare types including Saver.
✓ Personal Item (Under Seat)
17×13×6 in — Free for all including Saver.
| Bag Type | 🇺🇸 Domestic US | 🌍 Transatlantic | 🌎 Latin America | 🌏 Transpacific |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Checked Bag | $35 | N/A (Alaska does not operate transatlantic routes) | $35 (Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Belize, Cabo) | N/A |
| 2nd Checked Bag | $45 | N/A | $45 | N/A |
| 3rd+ Checked Bag | $150 each | N/A | $150 each | N/A |
| Overweight (51–70 lbs) | $75 | N/A | $75 | N/A |
| Overweight (71–100 lbs) | $100 | N/A | $100 | N/A |
| Oversize (>62 linear in.) | $75 | N/A | $75 | N/A |
Who Gets Free Checked Bags:
- ▸First Class: 2 free checked bags
- ▸MVP® (Gold status): 1 free checked bag
- ▸MVP® Gold and MVP® Gold 75K: 2 free checked bags
- ▸Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® and Visa Business credit cardholders: 1st checked bag free (primary cardholder + up to 6 companions on same reservation)
- ▸Active US military: bags generally free per DOD policy
⚠ Basic Economy / Lowest Fare Note:
Saver Fare: Carry-on in overhead bin is included (unlike most competitors). However, no seat selection at booking — assigned at check-in. No changes or cancellations after 24-hr window. Boards last.
🌐 International Route Notes:
Alaska Airlines primarily serves North America: US domestic, Canada, Mexico, Central America (Costa Rica, Guatemala, Belize), and the Caribbean. Baggage fees on international routes match domestic rates ($35 first bag, $45 second). Alaska does not operate transatlantic or transpacific routes — for those, consider booking on a partner airline through our agents.
Southwest Airlines (WN)
✓ Carry-On (Overhead Bin)
1 carry-on (fits overhead bin, max 24×16×10 in) + 1 personal item — Free for all passengers on all fares.
✓ Personal Item (Under Seat)
Must fit under the seat — Free for all.
| Bag Type | 🇺🇸 Domestic US | 🌍 Transatlantic | 🌎 Latin America | 🌏 Transpacific |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Checked Bag | FREE | N/A (Southwest does not operate transatlantic routes) | FREE (Mexico, Caribbean, Bahamas, Central America) | N/A |
| 2nd Checked Bag | FREE | N/A | FREE | N/A |
| 3rd Checked Bag | $75–$150 | N/A | $75–$150 | N/A |
| Overweight (51–70 lbs) | $75 | N/A | $75 | N/A |
| Overweight (71–100 lbs) | $100 | N/A | $100 | N/A |
| Oversize (>62 linear in.) | $75 | N/A | $75 | N/A |
Who Gets Free Checked Bags:
- ▸First 2 checked bags are FREE for ALL passengers on ALL fare types — no status or card required
- ▸Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members: Priority boarding position
- ▸Business Select fare: Guaranteed A1–A15 boarding (boarding position, not a free bag — bags already free)
⚠ Basic Economy / Lowest Fare Note:
Southwest has no Basic Economy equivalent. The lowest fare (Wanna Get Away) still includes 2 free checked bags, 1 free carry-on, and 1 free personal item. No change fees on any fare.
🌐 International Route Notes:
Southwest international routes include: Mexico (Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan), the Caribbean (Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Turks and Caicos), and Central America (Belize, Costa Rica). The 2-free-bags policy applies on all these international routes as well.
Special & Oversized Items
| Item | Typical Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Golf Bag | Normal checked bag fee (or free if bags are free) | Counts as 1 checked bag on most airlines. Must be in a hard or soft case. |
| Skis / Snowboard | Normal checked bag fee or dedicated fee ($25–$150) | Varies by airline and season. Southwest: counts as 1 of your 2 free bags. |
| Surfboard / Bicycle | $50–$150+ depending on airline | Requires specific packaging. Must be declared at check-in. |
| Musical Instrument (small) | Carry-on (free) if fits in overhead bin | Can purchase a seat for a cello or larger instrument. |
| Mobility Equipment / Wheelchair | FREE on all airlines (US DOT requirement) | Manual and power wheelchairs are transported free of charge on all US carriers. |
| Pet in Cabin | $95–$125 each way (varies by airline) | Must be in an approved carrier fitting under the seat. Advance booking required. Not available on all routes. |
| Pet as Checked Baggage | $200–$400+ each way | Available on some airlines. Not accepted on Southwest. Breed and size restrictions apply. |
Not sure about your baggage allowance?
Call us and we will check your specific ticket's exact allowance before you pack — including international routes, fare class waivers, and elite status benefits.
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