Maximum Number of Checked Bags Allowed on an Airline

When it comes to flying, there is often a debate about the number of bags one can check on a flight. Many travelers wonder if there is a limit to the number of bags they can bring with them. The answer is yes, you can check more than just a few bags on a flight, and sometimes you can even check a lot more.

There have been instances where a passenger has checked as many as 75 bags on a flight from New York City to Warsaw, Poland. This is not a typo, and it is not as uncommon as you might think. In fact, this particular passenger shared a photo on Reddit of a sea of large, heavy-duty bags with handles that he checked for his flight. The most surprising part? All of these bags made it to their final destination safely. This got us wondering, is there a limit to the number of bags one can check on a flight?

To find out, we spoke to Anton Radchenko, the CEO of air passenger-rights group AirAdvisor, and Scott Laird, an aviation veteran with over two decades of experience working for major airlines. They provided us with some surprising answers to this question.

Why Would You Want to Check More Than Two Bags on a Flight?

There are many reasons why a passenger might want to check more than two bags on a flight. One of the most common reasons is for people who are constantly on the move, such as military personnel. They often need to take their essentials with them, and shipping via sea freight can take too long, so commercial flights are a better option.

Another reason is for unexpected relocations. For example, someone relocating from overseas may pack some necessary household items in their checked luggage while the rest of their belongings, such as furniture, are shipped via sea freight. Businesses may also need to move supplies this way, with one commenter recalling checking as many as 20 bags for work, many of which were oversized.

How Many Bags Are You Allowed to Check on a Flight?

The number of bags one can check varies between airlines. For example, Delta allows up to 10 bags to be checked, and most American Airlines-operated flights also allow up to 10 bags. However, this can vary depending on the airline and the destination. Flights to or from regions where checking a lot of luggage is common may have a limit on the number of bags to avoid running out of space on the aircraft.

It’s important to note that there is no set industry standard for baggage limits among American carriers. It’s best to check the airline’s website or their Contract of Carriage document for specific rules and regulations.

What Happens if the Extra Luggage Won’t Fit?

If the extra luggage will not fit on the flight, most airlines have a policy for accepting bags on a “space available” basis.