Visit USTOA's Website for Airline Baggage and Security Regulations.

With another record-breaking year for travel, airlines are increasingly enforcing their regulations, especially for checked baggage weight. Clients need to know the requirements and limits if they are to avoid excess baggage fees.

To help, USTOA has posted an Airline Baggage and Security Guideline page on its website: www.ustoa.com with general information and helpful hints. Travelers will find the page in the Smart Travel Planning section. An online chart provides baggage allowances for both checked and carry-on luggage for various parts of the world. For instance, most domestic U.S. and transatlantic flights allow two checked pieces with a maximum linear measurement (height+width+depth) each of 62 inches. Maximum weight for coach class passengers is 50 pounds in the U.S., but may be only 44 pounds for flights within the European Union and South America

Carry-on baggage allowances are usually 45 linear inches, with maximum weight varying from 40 to 50 pounds, depending on the airline. While some parts of the world allow a personal item and an additional bag as carry-on, flights departing to or flying through the U.K. permit only one carry-on item. Clients should be aware that that even if their bag is within the maximum size measurement, if it’s an unusual shape it could still be rejected because it may not fit in the overhead storage compartment. This not only means that it may need to be checked, but also that it could be charged an “excess baggage” fee as well. Some airlines also stipulate that passengers be able to lift their carry-on baggage into overhead compartments and, in the case that there is no room in overhead storage, be able to fit it under the seat in front, which affords less space than the bin. Consequently, it’s wise to take the smallest, rather than the largest, carry-on.

For all luggage, it’s important to remember to take wheels and handles into consideration when measuring, and don’t overstuff the bag, which can add inches. Avoid the temptation to lock bags since they may need to be opened for inspection, and always place ID tags both inside and outside all pieces—you never know when a tag could be ripped off in handling.

Clients should also be instructed to get to the airport in plenty of time.  Due to Transportation Safety Administration screening requirements, there are now luggage acceptance cutoff times, ranging from 30 to 60 minutes before departure (depending on city, or domestic or international flight), after which the airline neither guarantees that the luggage will make it onto the plane nor is responsible for shipping the luggage if it doesn’t arrive on the same flight. Customers arriving at the boarding gate less than 15 minutes before departure (30 minutes for international) may also lose their reservation. It’s important to check each airline’s approximate processing time.

Security Considerations
A section on the USTOA Airline Baggage Allowance web page also lists U.S. Transportation Security Administration guidelines for flights departing the U.S. and general information on flights originating at non-U.S. airports. In general, liquids limited to 3 ounces and packed in a one-quart, zip-top, clear plastic bag are allowed for most destinations worldwide. One caveat: Only one bag is allowed per passenger and it’s a good idea to keep it readily accessible since it must be taken out of the carry-on and placed separately in the screening bin when passing through security.

On the USTOA Baggage page, travelers can also find website links to the U.S. TSA as well as to representative airline sites. However, it’s important to note that baggage allowance and security regulations can change without notice, so it’s always best to check with the airline you’re booking or flying.

About USTOA
USTOA’s more than 130 member brands are responsible for the vacations of 11 million people yearly. To qualify for USTOA membership a company must meet the travel industry’s toughest requirements, including participation in the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program. Among other things, the program requires each USTOA corporate member to set aside $1 million in security to protect consumer payments in case the company goes out of business. And, all USTOA member products must be commissionable to travel agents.