Checked bag size, weight and fees by airline
American, Southwest, Delta, United, JetBlue, Alaska, Hawaiian and Sun Country all allow 62 linear inches and 50 lb. Frontier allows only 40 lb, and Allegiant allows 80 linear inches. Fees are for one bag, each way, in economy on domestic flights.
| Airline | Max size | Weight | 1st bag | 2nd bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American | 62 in (158 cm) | 50 lb (23 kg) | $45 / $50 | $55 / $60 |
| Southwest | 62 in (157 cm) | 50 lb (23 kg) | $45 | $55 |
| Delta | 62 in (157 cm) | 50 lb (23 kg) | $45 | $55 |
| Frontier | 62 in (157 cm) | 40 lb (18.1 kg) | Varies by flight; cheapest when booking | |
| United | 62 in (157 cm) | 50 lb (23 kg) | $45 / $50 | Not published |
| Allegiant | 80 in (203 cm) | 50 lb (22 kg) | Varies by route; higher at the airport | |
| JetBlue | 62 in (157.48 cm) | 50 lb (22.68 kg) | $45 / $49 | $59 / $69 |
| Alaska | 62 in (157 cm) | 50 lb (23 kg) | $45 | $55 |
| Hawaiian | 62 in (157 cm) | 50 lb (23 kg) | $45 | $55 |
| Sun Country | 62 in (157 cm) | 50 lb (23 kg) | Varies by flight; most at the gate | |
Where two prices are shown, the first is paid ahead and the second later: American online vs. at the airport, United prepaid vs. in the airport lobby and JetBlue more than 24 hours before departure vs. within 24 hours. JetBlue prices are off-peak. Sizes include wheels and handles; cm figures are converted where the airline publishes inches only.
International airlines
| Airline | Max size | Weight | Checked bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | 80 x 120 x 120 cm (31 x 47 x 47 in)per side | 20 kg (44 lb) | Varies by route and date; €/£59.99 at the airport |
| easyJet | 275 cm (108 in) | 23 kg (51 lb) | Varies by route; £60 at the bag drop desk |
| British Airways | 90 x 75 x 43 cm (35 x 30 x 17 in)per side | 23 kg (50 lb) | One bag included unless your fare has no checked bag |
| Air Canada | 158 cm (62 in) | 23 kg (50 lb) | Shown in Air Canada's baggage calculator |
| Lufthansa | 158 cm (62 in) | 23 kg (51 lb) | Included on most fares; USD 90 on Basic or Light to the US |
British Airways and Ryanair limit each side rather than the total. Ryanair sells a 20 kg bag (and a 23 kg one at booking); easyJet sells 15 kg and 23 kg bags and extra weight up to 32 kg.
What is the standard checked bag size?
62 linear inches (158 cm) and 50 lb (23 kg). That is the limit at American, Southwest, Delta, United, JetBlue, Alaska, Hawaiian and Sun Country, and at Air Canada and Lufthansa in centimeters. A bag within it pays only the standard bag fee. Bigger or heavier bags are usually still accepted, for an oversize or overweight fee, up to a hard maximum.
The exceptions:
- Frontier allows 62 linear inches but only 40 lb (18.1 kg). A 41 to 50 lb bag pays a $75 overweight fee.
- Allegiant allows 80 linear inches (203 cm) and 50 lb, and charges $75 for a bag over 80 inches.
- United gives its maximum as 30 x 20 x 12 inches (76 x 52 x 30 cm), or 62 total inches.
- British Airways limits each side: 90 x 75 x 43 cm (35 x 30 x 17 in), up to 23 kg in economy.
- Ryanair allows up to 80 x 120 x 120 cm and easyJet up to 275 cm in total, with the weight set by the bag you book.
Which suitcase sizes fit 62 linear inches?
Suitcases are sold by height, but airlines measure all three sides. These example sizes show how the total adds up:
| Size (H x W x D) | Linear inches | Linear cm | Within 62 in? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 x 14 x 9 in | 45 | 114 | Yes |
| 24 x 16 x 10 in | 50 | 127 | Yes |
| 26 x 18 x 11 in | 55 | 140 | Yes |
| 27 x 19 x 11 in | 57 | 145 | Yes |
| 28 x 19 x 12 in | 59 | 150 | Yes |
| 29 x 20 x 12 in | 61 | 155 | Yes |
| 30 x 20 x 12 in | 62 | 157 | Yes |
| 30 x 21 x 13 in | 64 | 163 | No; only Allegiant |
| 32 x 21 x 13 in | 66 | 168 | No; only Allegiant |
A 30 x 20 x 12 inch bag sits exactly on the limit. Wheels, handles and side pockets count, and an expandable suitcase can grow past 62 inches once unzipped and packed, so measure it full.
How to measure linear inches
- Pack the bag the way you will check it, with any expansion zip open if you use it.
- Height: stand it upright and measure from the floor to the top of the retracted handle, wheels included.
- Width: measure across the widest point, including side handles.
- Depth: measure front to back at the deepest point, including front pockets and wheel housings.
- Add the three. 28 + 19 + 12 inches is 59 linear inches, within 62. In centimeters, multiply the total by 2.54: 59 inches is 150 cm.
Checked bag weight limit by airline
Economy bags are held to 50 lb (23 kg) at every US airline here except Frontier (40 lb). American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Alaska and Hawaiian allow 70 lb (32 kg) in first or business class. Above the included weight you pay an overweight fee, up to a maximum: American, United and Sun Country turn away bags over 100 lb, Delta and Frontier refuse bags of 100 lb or more, and JetBlue refuses bags over 99 lb.
| Airline | Economy | First / business | Not accepted |
|---|---|---|---|
| American | 50 lb (23 kg) | 70 lb (32 kg)First and Business | over 100 lb (45 kg) |
| Southwest | 50 lb (23 kg) | Same | Not stated |
| Delta | 50 lb (23 kg) | 70 lb (32 kg)Delta One and Delta First | 100 lb (45 kg) or more |
| Frontier | 40 lb (18.1 kg) | Same | 100 lb (45 kg) or more |
| United | 50 lb (23 kg) | 70 lb (32 kg)United Business, United First and United Polaris | over 100 lb (45 kg) |
| Allegiant | 50 lb (22 kg) | Same | Not stated |
| JetBlue | 50 lb (22.68 kg) | 70 lb (32 kg)Mint and BlueFirst | over 99 lb (45 kg) |
| Alaska | 50 lb (23 kg) | 70 lb (32 kg)First Class | Not stated |
| Hawaiian | 50 lb (23 kg) | 70 lb (32 kg)First Class | Not stated |
| Sun Country | 50 lb (23 kg) | Same | over 100 lb (45 kg) |
| Ryanair | 20 kg (44 lb) | Same | over 32 kg (71 lb) |
| easyJet | 23 kg (51 lb) | Same | over 32 kg (71 lb) |
| British Airways | 23 kg (50 lb) | 32 kg (70 lb)Business and First | over 32 kg (71 lb) |
| Air Canada | 23 kg (50 lb) | Same | over 32 kg (71 lb) |
| Lufthansa | 23 kg (51 lb) | 32 kg (71 lb)Business and First | over 32 kg (71 lb) |
"Not accepted" is the weight at which the airline says it won't take the bag at all. Ryanair's 20 kg is the bag it sells by default; you can buy a 23 kg bag at booking.
Overweight vs. oversize bags
An overweight bag is heavier than the included weight (usually 51 lb or more). An oversize bag measures more than the size limit (usually 63 linear inches or more). Each has its own fee, paid on top of the regular bag fee, and the two are handled differently when a bag is both: Delta, United, JetBlue, Alaska and Hawaiian charge both fees, while American, Southwest and Air Canada charge only one.
| Airline | Overweight fee | Oversize fee | Both? |
|---|---|---|---|
| American | $30 up to 53 lb, $100 up to 70 lb, $200 up to 100 lb | $30 up to 65 in, $200 up to 115 inNot accepted over 115 in (292 cm) | Pays one fee |
| Southwest | $100 for 51–70 lb, $200 for 71–100 lb | $200 for 63–80 in | Pays one fee |
| Delta | $100 for 51–70 lb, $200 for 71 to under 100 lb | $200 for 63–80 inNot accepted over 80 in (203 cm) | Pays both |
| Frontier | $75 for 41–50 lb, $129 for 51–99.99 lb | $75 for 63–110 inNot accepted over 110 in (279 cm) | Not stated |
| United | Fee shown only in United's bag fee calculator | Fee shown only in United's bag fee calculatorNot accepted over 115 in (292 cm) | Pays both |
| Allegiant | $50 for 51–70 lb, $75 for 71–100 lb | $75 over 80 in | Not stated |
| JetBlue | $150 for 51–99 lb | $150 for 63–80 inNot accepted over 80 in (203 cm) | Pays both |
| Alaska | $100 for 51–70 lb, $200 for 71–100 lb | $200 for 63–115 in | Pays both |
| Hawaiian | $100 for 51–70 lb, $200 for 71–100 lb | $200 for 63–115 in | Pays both |
| Sun Country | $25 for 51–60 lb, rising $25 per 10 lb to $125 for 91–99 lb | $100 for 63–80 inNot accepted over 80 in (203 cm) | Not stated |
Overweight fees are steep next to the bag fee. At Southwest, Delta, JetBlue, Alaska and Hawaiian a bag just over 50 lb costs $100 to $150 extra, so moving a few pounds into a second bag or your carry-on is often cheaper. American charges $30 up to 53 lb, Sun Country $25 up to 60 lb and Allegiant $50 up to 70 lb. Frontier's overweight fees start at 41 lb.
Abroad, Ryanair (€13 or £13) and easyJet (£12) charge per kilo over your booked weight, and neither takes a bag over 32 kg. Lufthansa charges a flat rate by route, from USD 65 within Europe to USD 175 on long-haul flights.
Checked bag fees in 2026
American, Delta, United, Southwest and Alaska raised their checked bag fees for tickets bought from April 2026. For domestic economy tickets bought now, the first bag costs $45 at American, Southwest, Delta, United, JetBlue, Alaska and Hawaiian when paid ahead, and the second $55 to $59 (United doesn't list its second bag fee). American, United and JetBlue charge more if you pay at the airport or close to departure. Frontier, Allegiant and Sun Country price bags by flight and date instead of publishing one fee.
- American: first bag $45 online, $50 at the airport; second bag $55 online, $60 at the airport (within the U.S. and to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America). These are Main Cabin fees for tickets issued on or after April 9, 2026. The online price applies when you pay on aa.com or in the app up to 2 hours before departure.
- Southwest: first bag $45; second bag $55 (Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred fares within the U.S. mainland). Southwest began charging for checked bags on Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus and Anytime fares booked on or after May 28, 2025. Business Select kept two free bags.
- Delta: first bag $45; second bag $55 (Delta Main and Delta Comfort within the U.S.). These fees apply to tickets bought on or after April 8, 2026. Delta raised the first bag from $35 to $45 and the second from $45 to $55.
- Frontier: Varies by flight; cheapest when booking. Frontier doesn't publish one checked bag price. It varies by travel dates and when you buy, and Frontier's bag price checker quotes it for booking, before check-in, at check-in, at the airport and at the gate. Airport prices are typically higher.
- United: first bag $45 prepaid, $50 in the airport lobby (within the U.S.). For tickets bought on or after April 3, 2026, United lists bag fees starting at $45 if you prepay, $50 in the airport lobby and $75 at the gate. Before that they started at $35, $40 and $65.
- Allegiant: Varies by route; higher at the airport. Allegiant prices checked bags by route, per segment, and the price depends on when you add the bag. Its baggage fees calculator quotes a route, and bags cost more at the airport.
- JetBlue: first bag $45 more than 24 hours before departure, $49 within 24 hours; second bag $59 more than 24 hours before departure, $69 within 24 hours (off-peak Main and EvenMore fares within the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada). Peak dates cost more: $49 for the first bag and $69 for the second when added more than 24 hours before departure, or $59 and $79 within 24 hours. Peak dates include October 10–14, November 19–30 and December 1, 2026 to January 18, 2027.
- Alaska: first bag $45; second bag $55 (Main Cabin and Saver fares in North America). These fees apply to flights ticketed on or after April 10, 2026. Earlier tickets pay $40 for the first bag ($35 prepaid online) and $45 for the second.
- Hawaiian: first bag $45; second bag $55 (Main Cabin and Saver fares in North America). These fees apply to flights ticketed on or after April 10, 2026. Earlier tickets pay $40 for the first bag ($35 prepaid online) and $45 for the second.
- Sun Country: Varies by flight; most at the gate. Sun Country prices bags by flight. A bag option is cheapest when you book, costs more after booking and at the ticket counter, and most at the gate, where a $10 gate handling fee is added.
Most of these airlines waive the first bag for elite members and holders of their co-branded credit cards; each airline's page has the details.
Carry-on vs. checked bag
A carry-on at most US airlines can be 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm), which adds up to 45 linear inches, against 62 for a checked bag. Most US airlines publish no carry-on weight limit (Frontier and Sun Country set 35 lb), but checked bags are weighed, and the 50 lb limit is the one that usually costs extra. A carry-on avoids the bag fee on most fares; United advises packing liquids over 3.4 oz (100 ml) in your checked bag.
See the carry-on size checker for carry-on and personal item limits by airline. If you would rather skip checked bags altogether,our travel backpack picks are sized to carry on.
Spirit Airlines checked bag size
Spirit Airlines stopped flying on May 2, 2026, so it has no checked bag rules today. If you bought a suitcase for Spirit's limits, check it against the airlines above. Spirit's last carry-on limits are on the carry-on size page.
How this checker works
The checker adds your three measurements and compares the total with each airline's linear limit, in the airline's own units where you measured in them. For British Airways and Ryanair, which limit each side, it lines up your longest side with their longest limit, and so on. It then finds the overweight and oversize fee band your bag falls in, and adds the two fees or takes the higher one, as each airline does. Measured in the other unit, the bag is converted (1 inch = 2.54 cm, 1 lb = 0.4536 kg) with a small allowance for rounding, so a 23 kg bag passes a 50 lb limit.
Fees are each way and on top of the regular bag fee. Where an airline only quotes a fee in its own calculator (United's overweight and oversize fees, Air Canada's), the checker says the fee isn't published rather than guessing. Policies change often; every limit here was checked on October 19, 2026.
Checked bag rules by airline
- American Airlines checked bag size and fees
- Southwest Airlines checked bag size and fees
- Delta Air Lines checked bag size and fees
- Frontier Airlines checked bag size and fees
- United Airlines checked bag size and fees
- Allegiant Air checked bag size and fees
- JetBlue checked bag size and fees
- Alaska Airlines checked bag size and fees
- Hawaiian Airlines checked bag size and fees
- Sun Country Airlines checked bag size and fees
- Ryanair checked bag size and fees
- easyJet checked bag size and fees
Sources
Airline pages checked October 19, 2026.
- American Airlines: www.aa.com/web/i18n/travel-info/baggage/checked-baggage-policy.html
- American Airlines: www.aa.com/web/i18n/travel-info/baggage/oversize-and-overweight-baggage.html
- Southwest Airlines: support.southwest.com/helpcenter/article/checked-baggage-policy
- Southwest Airlines: www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/travel-fees.html
- Southwest Airlines: investors.southwest.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1868/southwest-airlines-announces-reimagined-fare-products-new-benefits-for-rapid-rewards-credit-cardmembers-and-tier-member-customers
- Delta Air Lines: www.delta.com/us/en/baggage/overview
- Delta Air Lines: www.delta.com/us/en/baggage/checked-baggage/excess-overweight-baggage
- Delta Air Lines: www.delta.com/us/en/baggage/checked-baggage/previous-baggage-fees
- Frontier Airlines: www.flyfrontier.com/optional-services/
- Frontier Airlines: faq.flyfrontier.com/help/bags-seats-general-info-what-are-the-sizes-and-weight-limits-for-bags
- United Airlines: www.united.com/en/us/fly/baggage/checked-bags.html
- United Airlines: www.united.com/en/us/fly/baggage/carry-on-bags.html
- Allegiant Air: www.allegiantair.com/popup/optional-services-fees
- Allegiant Air: www.allegiantair.com/baggage-1
- JetBlue: www.jetblue.com/help/checked-bags
- Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines: www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/baggage/checked-bags
- Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines: www.hawaiianairlines.com/content/travel-info/baggage/checked-bags
- Sun Country Airlines: www.suncountry.com/bags-optional-services
- Ryanair: www.ryanair.com/gb/en/useful-info/help-centre/terms-and-conditions/termsandconditionsar_368204930
- Ryanair: www.ryanair.com/gb/en/useful-info/help-centre/fees
- Ryanair: help.ryanair.com/hc/en-gb/articles/12888233940881-What-dimensions-does-my-20kg-Check-in-Bag-have-to-be
- Ryanair: help.ryanair.com/hc/en-gb/articles/12888320768785-What-happens-if-my-bags-weigh-more-than-my-allowance-at-the-check-in-desk
- easyJet: www.easyjet.com/en/help/baggage/hold-luggage
- easyJet: www.easyjet.com/en/help-centre/policy-terms-and-conditions/fees-charges
- British Airways: www.britishairways.com/content/information/baggage-essentials
- Air Canada: www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/home/plan/baggage/checked.html
- Lufthansa: www.lufthansa.com/us/en/freigepaeck-regeln
- Lufthansa: www.lufthansa.com/us/en/uebergepaeck
- U.S. Department of Transportation, May 2, 2026 (Spirit Airlines): www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/trumps-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-secures-relief-spirit-airlines-flyers