Which Airline Has the Worst, Most Restrictive Baggage Policy??

[Bill From PA]

While waiting to check our bags for a Delta flight last month I noticed a sign for another line, American I think, perhaps United, stating a one bag per flyer limit. At MCO on the return flight we had to shift stuff from one bag to others because it exceeded the individual bag weight limit. I've heard that airlines in general are getting more strict with their limits and making those limits more restrictive. I'd appreciate some feedback on which carriers have the lowest weight limit and which allow only one checked bag per person. We'll need to factor this into our choice of airlines for future trips.

Thanks,
Bill From PA

 

[Chuck-PA]

We flew Southwest last month.
From Philly to MCO, we had no problems but coming home from MCO to PHL, we had weight restrictions and had to move items from one luggage to another. I think the limit was 50 lbs.

 

[G's mommy]

Spirit allows only 1 checked bag per person and has a 50lb weight limit. I believe the charge is $10 for a second bag. We were able to make it with 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on each.

 

[pamjb]

Here is a link to SW's baggage allowances

http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/baggage.html

Most airlines have a 50 lb limit, but a lot of handlers go by sight alone. When leaving for our cruise, DH stood on the scale and held the bag while I looked at the weight. It read 48 lbs. YEAH! Baggage handler in Philly picked it up and said he would let it go, it was probably over. I told him to weigh it......48 lbs on the nose. Yeah!

 

[jenelope]

This summer, Spirit is going to a policy of one carry-on for free, and a charge for all checked bags. It's not a terribly costly charge, but it's still a charge. Also, they can only guarantee space for one checked bag. Any additional checked bags will be accepted only if they are reserved in advance.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

The legacy carriers -- American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways -- all have very similar luggage rules. The rules are typically:

Checked baggage allowance

• Two bags at up to 50 pounds each
• Maximum is 62 linear inches (length + width + height) per bag

Excess baggage weight fee for any bag exceeding 50 pounds

• Between 51 and 70 pounds - $25 per piece
• Between 71 and 100 pounds - $50-80 per piece (rate varies by airline)

There are also fees for excess size. And beyond a certain size, the airline will refuse the luggage entirely.

Carry-on allowance

• One carry-on bag
  • Must fit in an overhead compartment or under the seat
  • Maximum is 45 linear inches (length + width + height)
  • Should not weigh more than 40 lbs/18 kgs
• One personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, small tote bag, or laptop computer

In addition, passengers may bring on loose items such as coats, newspapers, and "to go" meals.

Assistive devices for passengers -- such as wheelchairs, walkers and CPAP machines -- do not count against the allowance.

Of course, it's a good idea to check your carrier's website for your carrier's exact rules. For very detailed information, it's best to look at your airline's Contract of Carriage.

The so-called low cost carriers (LCCs) each have their own rules. Some are just like the legacy carriers. Some are more generous than the legacy carriers. For example, Southwest allows three checked bags. JetBlue used to allow bags up to 70 pounds, but their "free" limit has now dropped to 50 pounds per bag.

The short answer to the OP is that Spirit probably has (or will soon have) the most restrictive rules, but I'm certainly not aware of the exact rules of every LCC, regional carrier, commuter/feeder airline, or international carrier.

 

[bradk]

although in perspective, if you're getting one of those $8 spirit fares, $10 for a 2nd piece of luggage ain't so bad.

i was all set to say british airways is the most restrictive i know of, but i guess that doesn't really fall into the scope here.

 

[Lewisc]

Low cost European carriers like Ryan Air not only charge for every checked bag but also limit the weight of your carry on bags.

Spirit Air is the only major US carrier that has strict policies. Many airlines are stricter with weighing bags and will charge if you're more than 1-2 pounds over the limit.

 

[bavaria]

Air Canada also weights carry on luggage on occassion. I have often had my laptop bag tagged as 'cabin approved'.

Many legacy carriers also have expanded allowances for elite flyers. For instance, I can take up to 3 pieces up to 70lbs each some airlines. I can also take up to 2 carryon items PLUS a handbag on some carriers.