Sometimes, traveling light is not an option. You might exceed your given size and weight allowances if you’re carrying sports gear (like surfboards and golf equipment), large musical instruments, or if you’ve simply packed larger items. Similarly, if you’re moving abroad or going on a long trip, chances are, you’ll have a whole lot of items to bring with you. To avoid hefty excess charges, here’s what you need to know about traveling with oversized baggage.
What is oversized baggage?
Generally, an overweight or oversized piece of check-in luggage is one that exceeds the standard baggage weight and size limits set by the airline. British Airways, for one, has a maximum standard checked baggage of 35 x 30 x 17 inches (90 x 75 x 43 cm) – anything larger than this is considered oversized. Likewise, on American Airlines flights, a single piece exceeding a combined length + width + height of 62 inches (158 cm) is deemed oversized. Odd-sized items like sport equipment and musical instruments are also labeled as oversized.
However, even if your piece falls under the oversized category, it doesn’t mean that you can check in an item of just any size. British Airways will only accept oversized checked-in bags that are within 74 x 29 x 25 inches (190 x 75 x 65 cm). American Airlines doesn’t accept checked bags that are over 126 inches (320 cm). If your bag is beyond these dimensions, you will have to arrange for a cargo or freight service.
Traveling with oversized baggage
While you typically do not need to inform the airline beforehand of an oversized bag (except if you are carrying an odd-sized item), you will need to arrive at the check-in counter earlier. Some airlines will place a special tag on the bag to alert baggage handlers of its oversized or overweight nature.
Do note that oversized bags may not come through the usual baggage carousel as they can be dangerous to lift off the belt. If you find yourself unable to locate your large bag, you might need to pick it up from the oversize luggage counter at the arrival hall.
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Another thing to be prepared for is the high cost of checking in oversized baggage. While you may not be charged for transporting oversized items that fall within your given weight limits, some airlines do charge a fee for oversized bags. For example, British Airways lets you check in a musical instrument at no extra cost if it is within your 50-lb (23-kg) allowance, but American Airlines’ oversized baggage charges range from $150 to $200 one way.
Why do airlines set size and weight limits?
Baggage limits exist to ensure that:
- The aircraft doesn’t exceed its Maximum Take-Off Weight
- Every passenger has a share of space and weight in the cargo hold
- Ramp agents can safely move each piece within safe manual handling limits
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From an economic standpoint, the heavier the aircraft, the more fuel burned. Similarly, the more volume taken up by luggage, the less space there is left to carry freight in the belly.