In short
Checked baggage is the luggage you hand over at check-in or the baggage drop and which travels in the aircraft's cargo hold; carry-on luggage stays with you in the cabin. Typical guideline values: maximum 158 cm total dimensions (height + width + depth), 23 kg per piece in Economy, up to 32 kg in Business and First Class. How many pieces are included for free depends on the fare and airline.
Updated: 28 October 2026 · Fees and dimensions for checked baggage change regularly depending on the airline. For binding figures before booking, please check the relevant airline's website.
What exactly is checked baggage? Why isn't it the same as carry-on luggage? What do excess baggage and free baggage allowance mean? How big can your luggage be – and how much does it cost? With so many rules around baggage for air travel, it's easy to lose track. In this guide, we explain all the key terms: what counts as checked baggage, how it differs from carry-on luggage, what costs you can expect, and what special rules apply.
What is checked baggage?
Checked baggage refers to items of luggage that you hand over before your flight at the check-in counter or at special drop-off points (baggage drop) of your airline. These suitcases are transported in the cargo hold of the aircraft and are not accessible to you during the flight. You collect them after landing at the baggage carousel at your destination airport.
Difference: checked baggage vs. carry-on luggage
The difference between the two types of baggage is fundamental – here are the key features at a glance:
Carry-on luggage
- TransportIn the aircraft cabin
- StorageOverhead locker or under the seat in front
- Access during flightYes
- Typical dimensions55 × 40 × 23 cm (varies by airline, Ryanair 55 × 40 × 20 cm)
- Weightmax. 8 kg (varies by airline)
- Liquidsmax. 100 ml per container, 1-litre bag
- CostUsually included in the ticket price
Checked baggage
- TransportChecked in at check-in
- StorageCargo hold
- Access during flightNo
- Typical dimensionsTotal up to 158 cm (varies by airline)
- Weight20 – 32 kg (depending on fare & class)
- LiquidsNo quantity restriction
- CostDepends on fare, often an add-on
Travelling with carry-on luggage alone is simpler in many respects. If you're travelling with carry-on luggage only, check your airline's requirements before booking. You'll find detailed rules in our airline guides for Ryanair, Lufthansa and Eurowings.
How much checked baggage is allowed?
Size & weight for checked baggage
For checked baggage, the sum of all three outer dimensions (width + height + depth) is considered – the so-called "linear dimensions". Typical guideline values:
- Maximum dimensions: total of 158 cm combined width + height + depth
- Economy Class weight: usually 23 kg per piece
- Business/First Class weight: up to 32 kg per piece
- Absolute upper limit: 32 kg per individual suitcase
Airlines offer varying numbers of free checked baggage pieces depending on the fare. With Lufthansa, for example, no checked baggage is included at all in the Economy Light fare, while Economy Comfort includes 1 × 23 kg, and Business includes 1 or 2 × 32 kg depending on the fare. With Ryanair, checked baggage is chargeable except in the Plus and Family Plus packages, and is tiered by weight (10, 20 and 23 kg).
Which suitcase size suits checked baggage?
The right suitcase size for your checked baggage depends on trip duration and luggage needs:
- Medium suitcase (M): approx. 66 × 44 × 27 cm, 60–80 litres – for 4–7 days
- Large suitcase (L): approx. 75 × 50 × 30 cm, 90–110 litres – for 1–2 weeks
- XL suitcase: from 80 × 55 × 35 cm, 120+ litres – for long-term trips
Find more details on choosing the right suitcase size in our suitcase size guide.
What does excess baggage mean?
If your luggage exceeds the permitted number of pieces, size or weight, airlines refer to this as excess baggage. The costs vary depending on the airline, route and fare, and can be charged either per kilogram or per additional piece of luggage.
Note: Adding baggage at the airport counter is almost always more expensive than booking online in advance. With Ryanair, for example, a 20 kg suitcase costs from €39.99 at the airport compared to from €21.49 online. It's best to add it when booking your flight.
What is special baggage?
Special baggage refers to items of luggage that, due to their contents, size, weight or particular nature, cannot be transported as standard checked baggage. Four typical categories:
Special baggage is subject to its own fees and almost always requires advance registration. It's best to register bicycles, surfboards and larger sports equipment already at the time of booking.
How much does checked baggage cost?
The cost of checked baggage varies depending on the airline, fare and destination. Here's a rough guide:
Money-saving tip: Choose the right suitcase size for your type of trip so you don't end up paying unnecessary excess baggage fees. A lightweight suitcase weighing just 3 kg empty gives you 20 kg of packing capacity within a 23 kg allowance – a heavier 4.5 kg suitcase gives you only 18.5 kg.
Packing your luggage correctly – tips for checked baggage
- Keep fragile items separate: glass, electronics and valuables are better off in your carry-on luggage
- Secure liquids: put bottles in sealable bags and seal lids with tape – find more on this in our guide to liquids in checked baggage
- Weight distribution: heavy items at the bottom, light items on top
- Allow a buffer: it's best to leave 1–2 kg of headroom below your free allowance to avoid trouble at the counter
- Use a luggage scale: compact luggage scales help you avoid excess baggage fees
- Lock: a TSA lock is recommended for trips to the USA and a bonus elsewhere
Frequently asked questions about checked baggage
What does "checked baggage included" mean?
If your booking states "checked baggage included", your fare already includes one piece of checked baggage in addition to carry-on luggage – so you don't need to add baggage separately. The allowance (usually 1 × 23 kg in Economy) varies by airline and fare.
What is a free baggage allowance?
The free baggage allowance refers to the amount of luggage a passenger is allowed to bring without extra charge. The allowance depends on the airline, fare and class – typically 1 piece up to 23 kg in Economy and 1 to 2 pieces up to 32 kg each in Business Class.
How big can my checked baggage be?
Most airlines allow checked baggage up to a total combined dimension of 158 cm (width + height + depth). The absolute weight maximum is 32 kg per individual piece. Standard suitcases in size M or L easily fit within these limits.
What happens if my suitcase is too heavy?
If your luggage is overweight, airlines charge extra fees – for example €13 per kilo with Ryanair and €17 with TUI fly, sometimes also a flat fee per piece. A single piece usually can't weigh more than 32 kg – Ryanair, for instance, doesn't transport individual pieces over 32 kg.
Can I add extra checked baggage online afterwards?
Yes, almost all airlines allow you to add baggage online or via the app up to a few hours before departure – usually much cheaper than at the airport counter. With Ryanair, for example, a 20 kg suitcase costs from €21.49 online, compared to from €39.99 at the airport.
What counts as special baggage?
Sports equipment (skis, golf bags, bicycles, surfboards, diving gear), musical instruments, prams, child car seats, wheelchairs and pets in carriers all count as special baggage. Most are subject to their own fees and often require advance registration – ideally at the time of booking.
Conclusion: planning your checked baggage correctly
Checked baggage is your suitcase in the cargo hold, which is not accessible during the flight. With the right planning – choosing the correct suitcase size, keeping the weight under the free allowance, and booking extra baggage online – you avoid stress and extra costs at the counter. If you need more space than your carry-on luggage allows, there's no way around checked baggage – but in return, you can bring liquids without quantity restrictions and have significantly more volume. Choose the right suitcase size based on your trip duration and mode of transport.
