Everything You Need to Know
Checked baggage – why is it not the same as carry-on luggage? What does excess baggage and free baggage allowance mean? How large can the checked baggage piece be and what does it cost?
With the many regulations regarding luggage on flights, it's easy to lose track. What counts as checked baggage, how it differs from carry-on luggage, what costs are associated with checked baggage, and other important information about types of luggage can be found in the following article.
What Does Checked Baggage Mean?
Checked baggage refers to luggage pieces that travelers must hand over before the flight at the check-in counter or at special drop-off points of an airline. These luggage pieces are transported in the aircraft's cargo hold and are not accessible to passengers during the flight.
Difference: Checked Baggage vs. Carry-On Luggage
Here are the most important points at a glance where checked baggage and the smaller carry-on luggage differ:
Carry-On Luggage
Checked Baggage
*Varies depending on airline
| Feature | Hand Luggage | Checked Luggage |
|---|---|---|
| Carriage | Into the cabin | Checked in at the counter |
| Storage | Overhead compartment or under seat | Cargo hold |
| Accessibility | Yes | No |
| Size | 55 x 40 x 20 cm (depends on airline) | Total dimensions of 158 cm (depends on airline) |
| Weight | Max. 8 kg (depends on airline) | 20-23 kg or up to 32 kg (depending on airline and fare) |
| Liquids | Maximum 10 containers of max. 100 ml | No restrictions (except dangerous liquids) |
| Fees | Often included in the ticket price | Additional costs (depending on fare) |
| Pickup | Take with you after landing | Pickup at the baggage claim |
Traveling with hand luggage is simpler in many respects. However, even if you only travel with hand luggage, you should beforehand safely check the requirements of your airline regarding hand luggage.
How much checked luggage is allowed?
📏 Size & Weight
For size and weight, you can roughly refer to the information in the table above, but you should definitely check the website of your airline.
Often, airlines also offer different suitcase sizes for checked luggage – depending on the booked fare and class:
- Economy Class: usually 23 kg
- Business Class: often 32 kg
What does excess baggage mean?
If you want to delight your loved ones with souvenirs and gifts from your vacation, you should pay attention to the allowed number and permissible amount of weight and size not to exceed your checked or carry-on baggage allowance.
The costs for excess baggage vary depending on the airline, route, and fare, and may be charged either per kilogram or per additional piece of luggage.
What is special luggage? Important
Special luggage refers to pieces of luggage that cannot be transported as normal checked baggage due to their contents, size, weight, or special characteristics.
Golf, skis, surfboard, diving gear
Guitar, cello, violin
Stroller, child seat, wheelchair
In transport boxes (air-conditioned cargo hold)
💰 Baggage fees at airlines
The costs for your checked baggage vary depending on the airline, fare type, and destination:
💡 Tip: If you book your baggage only at the airport counter, you often pay higher prices!
💡 Savings tip
Choose the right suitcase size! To avoid unnecessary costs, you should select the appropriate suitcase size for your type and duration of travel.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What does "checked baggage included" mean?
What is free baggage allowance when flying?
What is prohibited in checked baggage?
📋 Conclusion: Overview of baggage types – How to prepare yourself relaxed
- Whether checked baggage, free baggage allowance, excess baggage, or special baggage – you now know the most important types of luggage.
- To avoid additional costs at the airport, inform yourself in advance about your airline's baggage regulations.
- Report special baggage early to avoid surprises.
- Think carefully about how much luggage you really need. For short trips, often a piece of hand luggage is enough instead of a large suitcase.
✈️ This is how you start your next flight trip relaxed and well prepared!
