Luggage Allowance & Overweight Fee Estimator
Check if your bag is within airline limits and estimate overweight/oversize fees for major carriers.
What this calculates
Airline baggage rules vary by carrier, route, and fare class. This calculator checks your bag against standard checked-baggage limits and estimates the overweight/oversize fee if you're over. Always verify against your carrier's current policy — fees change frequently.
Formula & how it works
Most US/EU economy checked bag: 23 kg (50 lb) and 158 cm (62 in) linear (L+W+H). Premium cabins or status: 32 kg (70 lb). Excess fee tiers: typically $100 for 23-32 kg, $200 for 32-45 kg, refused above. Oversize fee: $100-200 for bags over 158 cm linear. Bag count fees: $30-75 per extra bag in economy.
Worked example
Bag weighs 26 kg (4 over limit), dimensions 70×50×30 cm (150 cm linear, OK). Overweight fee on a US domestic flight: $100-200 typically. International: $100-400. Solution: move 4 kg to carry-on (if room) or redistribute to a second checked bag (often cheaper than overweight fee).
Frequently asked questions
Why are weight limits 23 kg / 50 lb?
Worker safety rules — baggage handlers can lift bags up to that weight repetitively without injury risk. EU OHSA and US ADA equivalent regulations. The 23 kg cap is industry-wide for that reason.
Carry-on size?
Most US airlines: 22×14×9 inches (56×36×23 cm). EU airlines vary: Lufthansa 55×40×23, Ryanair 55×40×20 with strict measurement, Wizz Air 40×30×20 free + larger paid. Weight: 7-10 kg typical.
Liquid 3-1-1 rule?
US TSA: liquids in 3.4 oz (100 mL) containers, all fitting in 1 quart-size clear bag, 1 bag per passenger. EU: same 100 mL rule. Powders >12 oz also need separate screening on US international.
Cheapest way to fly with lots of luggage?
Pre-purchase bags online — 30-50 % cheaper than at airport. Buy multiple normal-weight bags rather than one overweight. Some credit cards (Amex Gold, Capital One Venture) waive bag fees. Check your card.