How to Avoid Hassles with Airline Baggage Rules

Navigating the maze of airline baggage rules can be a daunting task. Combine airline baggage policies with ever-changing security procedures, and you have a recipe for irritating delays and expensive extra fees. Follow the steps below to avoid problems and get you on your way.

Instructions

1. Contact the airline to find out the maximum size allowed for carry-ons.

2. Do not assume that carry-on limits apply to every leg of your trip. If you are transferring to another airline, its limits may vary, especially if you are connecting on a foreign carrier.

3. Leave liquids at home. Purchasing toiletries at your destination will allow you to avoid numerous security hassles.

4. Keep your checked bags below 70 pounds. As with carry-on bags, check with your airline to find out how many bags are allowed.

5. Be especially careful with checked baggage when you have connections on foreign discount carriers. Ryanair, for example, charges excess baggage fees if the total weight of your baggage exceeds 33 pounds.

Tips & Warnings

• You will get the most generous baggage allowances if you travel on a single airline. Combining different carriers, especially when traveling internationally, is one of the surest ways to incur extra baggage charges.