Last Updated on April 15, 2020
Airplanes don’t have unlimited storage space in the hold. So naturally, airlines impose size limits on check-in bags.
Our chart below has the maximum size and weight limits for check-in luggage from the most popular airlines in the US.
We also have the correct links to the airline websites so you can find the most up to date information.
This is important stuff because if your checked luggage is overweight or oversized then airlines will impose expensive extra fees.
Use this chart to make sure your checked baggage is under the airline limits.
If you are not sure if your bag will fit you can read our guide on how to measure luggage which explains what linear inches are.
| Airline | Maximum Check-In Bag Dimensions | Maximum Check-In Bag Weight | Fees For 1st Bag | Fees For Oversize Bag | Fee For Overweight Bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 62 Linear Inches | 50 lbs | $30 | $150 – $200 | $100 – $450 |
| Delta Airlines | 62 Linear Inches | 50 lbs | $30 | $200 – $300 | $100 – $200 |
| United Airlines | 62 Linear Inches | 50 lbs | $30 | Up to $200 | $100 – $200 |
| Southwest Airlines | 62 Linear Inches | 50 lbs | $0 – The first two bags checked are fee-free | $75 | $75 |
| JetBlue | 62 Linear Inches | 50 lbs | $30 | $150 | $150 |
| Frontier | 62 Linear Inches | 50 lbs | $30 | $75 | $75 |
| Spirit | 62 Linear Inches | 40 lbs | $34 | $100 – $150 | $35 – $100 |
| Alaska Airlines | 62 Linear Inches | 50 lbs | $30 | $100 | $100 |
| Allegiant | 80 Linear Inches | 40 lbs | $25 – $35 | $75 | $50 – $75 |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 62 Linear Inches | 50 lbs | $25 – $30 | $35 – $100 | $35 – $70 |
In general airlines in the US allow for checked bags that are under 62 linear inches (Height + Width + Depth) and under 50 lbs.
Notable exceptions are Spirit who only allow 40 lbs and Allegiant who also only allow 40 lbs but allow you 80 linear inches.
It’s only really Southwest who allow you to take a checked bag for free on their basic fare.
That’s why you can save a lot of money if you can travel carry on only. Or if you are taking a lot of large, heavy bags to ship your luggage using a service like Luggage Forward.
Watch Out For Airline Oversized Or Overweight Baggage Fees!
The most important thing to take away is the high fees that you might encounter if your bag is oversized or overweight.
A lot of people have been burned in the past. Here are a few examples that I found on Twitter.
AA might charge you for an overweight bag and then go ahead and lose your bag. Classy.
It’s not just American Airlines. Delta are in on the game too.
United Airlines also have been guilty in the past.
Craig had a shock taking his guitar with Southwest:
If you do need to fly with an oversize bag make sure you shop around.
Does Allegiant Air have an allegiance to dirty socks and sneaky charges?
It was hard work to even compile this chart. Too many airlines hide their fees and over-complicate them.
I understand that airlines do incur extra handling difficulties with oversize and overweight baggage. There does need to be fees but I think the industry could go a long way towards fair pricing and increasing transparency.
What do you think? Are airlines trying to cheat customers? Let me know in the comments.