last edited Dec 11, 2019
Before You Go
Baggage Allowance on Flights
Distinguish between checked baggage and carry-on baggage ("cabin baggage"), as different regulations apply to each.
Checked Baggage
Economy Class
While the checked baggage allowance used to be fairly uniform, things have now changed somewhat. Although the allowance still hovers around 20 kg per person in Economy Class, many airlines have now introduced their own rules.
So, while 20 kg is still generally allowed on most scheduled flights, on charter flights and increasingly on "low-cost" flights, this allowance is now 18 kg or even 15 kg. For infants (under 2 years old), the allowed baggage weight is even lower.
It’s also worth noting that now, low-cost carriers—as well as more and more regular airlines on some or even all of their flights—don’t hesitate to charge for checked baggage, even within the allowance limit and regardless of weight. So, it’s best to be aware of this and plan accordingly, especially since if you "forget" to declare checked baggage when purchasing your ticket, you’ll have to pay much more (up to 50 € or even more) to check it in later at the airport.
Other Classes
Logically, in First or Business Class, the baggage allowance is higher—generally up to 30 or 40 kg. It’s also worth knowing that a frequent flyer card with the airline may entitle you to an extra baggage allowance on its flights, regardless of the class you’re traveling in.
Piece Concept
This was originally a practice used by North American airlines. Instead of allowing a weight-based allowance, they base it on the number of checked bags per passenger. Thus, they generally accept two bags of up to 32 kg each without extra charge.
Beyond American airlines, this principle is also applied on many transatlantic flights by airlines of various origins. Since 2010, Air France has also adopted the piece concept (up to 3 bags of 23 kg max, depending on the class) but across its entire network.
Contents
Since checked baggage is subjected to rough handling, it’s best to use rigid structures and, in any case, avoid packing fragile items or liquids (but also be mindful of the regulations regarding liquids in the cabin).
It’s also advisable to always keep your medication, valuables, documents, important papers, and other essentials with you to avoid obvious inconveniences in case of lost or delayed baggage.
Carry-On Baggage
Here, too, things have tended to change, both for security reasons and to increase profitability for carriers.
Generally, the combined dimensions of a carry-on bag should not exceed 115 cm (e.g., 50 x 30 x 25 cm), and often only one bag is allowed in Economy Class, placed under the passenger’s responsibility.
But as with checked baggage, regulations can vary from one airline to another, especially with low-cost carriers. This applies even to the allowed weight for carry-on baggage, which can range from 5 to 18 kg depending on the airline, class, flight, etc.
Prohibited Items in the Cabin
Security concerns, safety, and now a good dose of paranoia mean that many items are no longer allowed in the cabin (and some in the hold as well). Beyond flammable or dangerous products, disposable razors, lighters, and even liquids over 100 ml are now prohibited. In any case, during check-in/boarding procedures, any prohibited item will be confiscated or, at best, you’ll be asked to place it in the hold.
It’s worth noting that a consequence of this new regulation, applied at European airports, is that you can no longer really buy liquids (bottles, large containers, etc.) from duty-free shops for a flight involving a connection in Europe. Since duty-free sales occur after baggage check-in, there’s no longer the option to place your purchases in the hold. You must then keep them with you in the cabin, which will obviously lead to confiscation during transit.
In Case of Excess
For carry-on baggage, anything that doesn’t meet the standards is automatically considered as checked baggage. Their number and weight are added to what you’ve already planned to check in.
For checked baggage, every extra kilogram is charged at highly variable rates depending on the airline, type of flight, and class—from 4 or 5 € to 10 € or even more.
Special Baggage
Items such as golf, ski, fishing, surfboard, or bicycle equipment, etc., generally have specific regulations and pricing with airlines. Check with them. In the meantime, it’s obviously more than advisable to inquire beforehand and not on the spot at departure...
It’s worth noting that strollers and wheelchairs generally don’t count toward the airline’s baggage allowance and are also carried without extra charge.
Tolerance
While there’s no tolerance in terms of security (fortunately), when it comes to allowed allowances, it’s still quite variable. Some airlines or staff will be more lenient than others—it’s all about luck.
Labeling
Labeling your belongings is essential, if only in case they get lost. As a precaution, you can use two labels with your contact details (including your email address), one inside and one outside each bag. On the outbound trip, you can also mention the address of your hotel if you know it. In case of problems, this will allow the staff at the arrival airport to at least know where to reach you locally and prevent your baggage from being sent directly back home.
At check-in, you’ll receive a coupon to prove ownership of your belongings upon delivery.
One last tip: whether departing or returning, never accept baggage from strangers.
How to Navigate This?
Given the differences now, the best thing is to check carefully beforehand with the agency (physical or online) where you’re buying your ticket and, above all, directly with the airlines (either in person or via their websites).
Baggage Allowance on Buses, Trains, and Cargo Ships
Buses
On buses—at least for national or international express services—the passenger is generally entitled to an allowance of 2 checked bags plus one or two carry-on bags. There’s still some tolerance here, more so than on planes.
As for local buses or shared taxis, in many countries, there’s no real limit. It’s often whatever you can fit (sometimes after negotiating) and stow as best you can. That said, it’s advisable to travel light, if only because in some transport, you’ll have to keep your belongings with you (no hold or storage space) and pay extra if your bag takes up a whole seat. Not to mention that it’s sometimes useful to keep an eye on your belongings.
As with flights, plan to label your bags.
Trains
Since passengers handle their own baggage (which should be labeled), there’s really no issue in this regard.
Cargo Ships
For the record, the allowed baggage allowance on cargo ships is 150 kg.
Flights and Lost Baggage
This is the least problematic because you can always continue your trip. Most of the time, theft or loss occurs during air transport, though of course, you can also be robbed later during your trip (especially in train stations and public transport).
Depending on the situation, it may be useful to assert liability and/or your insurance, even if it means buying the most urgent items (keep the receipts) and getting reimbursed later. Be sure to file a police report for valuables.
Insurance and Compensation
Baggage Insurance
Insurance is the contract that allows reimbursement up to a certain amount for your belongings and personal items in case of problems during your trip.
On Flights
In case of issues during air transport (theft, loss, damage), the regulations are quite clear, though not always well respected by airlines. In addition to the possibilities offered by your personal insurance, if you’ve taken out baggage insurance, it will allow you to obtain more favorable compensation than that proposed by carriers.
Other Transport
Regulations are vaguer, or often there’s no regulation at all. Your baggage insurance remains your best option.
Express Buses and Trains or in Western Countries
Theoretically, regulations—and compensations—often exist and may even be mentioned on the ticket (so start by reading it). When there’s loss or damage to baggage under the carrier’s responsibility (i.e., checked baggage but very rarely items under your direct supervision), the principle is somewhat similar to that for flights. So, file your claim as soon as possible.
Various Local Transport
Here, there’s officially nothing to hope for in 9 out of 10 cases. In short, it’s up to you to negotiate as best you can and, above all, to be vigilant about your belongings during transfers. However, you can still file a police report in case of theft to try to make your insurance work afterward.
Hotels or Other Places
Unless your belongings are under the direct responsibility of the property owner (safes, lockers, attended cloakrooms, etc.), there’s little chance of expecting any compensation. In short, it’s up to you to be careful and assume responsibility.
It’s also worth noting that leaving your belongings in your room, even in a space not intended for this purpose or unattended by the hotel staff, very rarely engages their responsibility—sometimes even in high-end establishments.