The Truth about Excess Baggage Fees

When traveling domestic or international it is suggested that you be aware of the airline company’s policy and charges when it comes to your baggage. The traveler should know the allowable dimensions, the number of luggage that is permitted, as well as the maximum weight and dimensions of the carry-ons. Not everyone has the luxury to ride business class, so most of us fly via coach or economy. That is why for our budget traveler, knowing the important information such as baggage charges is essential for us not to pay extra for large and overweight bags, extra pieces of luggage and such.

What can we bring?  

Most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on and one personal bag/item. When we talk about carry-on luggage its dimensions are usually 9inches x 14inches x 22 inches or 22 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 56 centimeters. One example of this is Thai Lion Air baggage policies that allows their passengers to bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item. Now the thing to determine is what can be considered to be a personal item? It simply states that you bring one of the following:

  • A personal bag that can be stowed under the seat in front of you upon lift off.

  • A briefcase or A Laptop Bag.

  • A small camera bag.

  • Food items for on-board consumption.

  • A blanket, a heavy coat or a large wrap.

Always keep in mind that airline policies regarding allowable personal bags/items differ, it is advisable to check their website or call their customer service number before utilizing questionable items.

Here are some useful information on carry-on requirements for budget friendly airlines:

JETSTAR

One of the lead budget friendly airlines that allows its passengers to have one carry-on baggage and one personal item. Total combined weight of the luggage should not exceed 7kgs or approximately 15 lbs. Carry-on dimension should not exceed 23cm x 36cm x 56cm.

LION AIR

Lion Air baggage policy allows their passengers one carry-on luggage and one personal item. Combined weight of the luggage should not exceed 15 lbs. or 7kg. They have a slightly different allowable carry-on dimension which is 40cm x 30cm x 20cm.

AIR ASIA

One of the best airlines in Asia, that has allowed their passengers to bring on-board, one carry-on plus one personal bag or one laptop bag. That has a combined weight of 7 kgs and the carry-on should have a maximum dimension of 23cm x 36cm x 56cm.

CEBU PACIFIC

Is another excellent airline company that only allows 1 carry-on luggage and a small sized personal bag. They also have two policies for their fleet of aircrafts. For Airbus flights 56 x 36 x 23 cm for and for their ATR Flights (a smaller plane) maximum carry-on dimensions would be smaller 56 x 35 x 20 cm.

SCOOT

This is an example of an airline company that has lenient policies when it comes to carry-on luggage. They allow passengers to have a carry-on and a personal bag that would have a combined weight of 7kgs or 15lbs, but if in such cases that a passenger would have a laptop in stow then they would extend a courtesy of 3kgs more for the total weight of the carry-on luggage. The carry-on should also have a maximum dimension of 54 x 38 x 23 cm.

MALINDO AIR

Another asian budget friendly airline, that accept passengers that have one carry-on and a personal bag or a laptop, that would have a combined weight of 15lbs or 7kgs. They allow a smaller sized carry-on which is 30 x 40 x 20 cm.

If you have any concerns or questions or would like to ask about details, you can visit their respective websites or call their customer service numbers to be provided assistance. On a few of these airlines, purchasing baggage in advance can save you a lot of money, however, it can be extremely difficult, or even impossible.

If you are unable to purchase your baggage in advance, we recommend using buybaggage.com, they have made buying baggage in advance very easy on some of the most difficult airlines.

Having an idea of what your chosen airline company has to offer is useful so that you can plan and pack ahead of time that will save you time and effort that will save you money too. Remember when booking a flight choose the best airline company that would provide you with the necessary comfort that you need. Having enough storage space when travelling is a must.

Vibeke Johannessen

My name is Vibeke. A travel blogger and a photographer from Norway. I am posting about my journey around the world as well as my experiences living in Ecuador.

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