What are the rules for check in baggage on international flights?

What are the check-in baggage restrictions for international flights?

It's always baggage, isn't it? Emotional or... literal. Sigh.

Size-wise... 27x21x14 inches. I always go over. Always.

• It's like I need to haul everything. Why?

The weight... around 50 pounds (23kg), usually. Feels lighter when I'm leaving, heavier when I'm coming home.

• Except for business class and first class. Up to 70 pounds (32kg).
• Never been there, doubt I ever will. It's okay.
• Just okay.
• Mom told me I should fly business class once...
• She would have liked that.
• Damn.

What are the guidelines for check-in baggage?

Oh, darling, check-in luggage rules! A delightful dance of dimensions and desires, isn’t it? Think Tetris, but with your hopes and dreams, squished into a suitcase.

So, listen up. This year? Bags don't get seats. Unless you really butter up the gate agent. Good luck with that; saw it work once in '02.

• Overhead bin? Jackpot! Provided it fits. And someone doesn't "accidentally" yeet it out because their oversized monstrosity needs room.

• Under the seat ahead? Ideal for smaller, less demanding companions. Like my cat, Mr. Fluffernutter. But only if there's, you know, a seat AHEAD.

• No seat in front? Prepare for overhead bin purgatory. It's the law. Mostly. I think.

Oh, and that delightful weight limit? Don't even ask. Just pack strategically, darling. Hide bricks in your pockets! I'm kidding. Mostly.

Weight limits really exist. And they WILL charge you. I learned that the hard way with my rock collection, dang it. Don't be like me.

Now, beyond the basics. Always confirm your airline's specifics before. This is all just general tomfoolery, a bit of fun. Consider these:

• Size matters, really I mean, when doesn't it, right?

• Check restrictions for liquids. Perfumes? Gels? Rules change. I tried to sneak in a gallon of artisanal maple syrup. Disaster.

• Dangerous goods? Fireworks and dynamite, probably not the greatest idea on a plane. But everyone needs a hobby.

What is not allowed in checked baggage on international flights?

Okay, so 2024, right? I was flying back from Bangkok, a nightmare trip, let me tell you. My checked bag? Almost didn't make it. Almost.

Lithium batteries, that's a big one. I had a spare power bank for my camera, completely forgot. Thankfully, they just confiscated it. Scared the crap out of me. Heart was pounding.

Then there were those darn fireworks. My niece, bless her heart, sneaked some tiny ones into my bag. Kids. I found them during the security check! OMG. What a mess! I'm still mad at her. I had to chuck them.

Explosives? Don't even THINK about it. That’s a jail sentence waiting to happen. I wouldn't even joke about that one.

Remember those corrosive liquids? I once saw a guy trying to sneak some acid through security, years ago, in Heathrow. They found it. Big trouble. They let him go but it looked ugly, man. Really ugly.

Guns are a total no-no, obviously. Even blank cartridges. Common sense, people.

This was my experience, and it seriously stressed me. Checked bag limits are super important. Learn from my mistakes. You don't want a repeat of 2024. Bangkok is beautiful, but getting caught with the wrong stuff? Not so beautiful.

• Lithium batteries: Absolutely prohibited in checked baggage on most airlines, including IndiGo.
• Fireworks, explosives, flares: Obvious no-nos. I almost got caught.
• Corrosive materials: Acids, alkalis, mercury are a big no-no. Dangerous stuff.
• Ammunition and firearms: Illegal. Seriously, don't even try it.

Do you have to pick up checked luggage on a connecting flight international?

International to domestic? Claim your bags. Immigration awaits. Every. Single. Time.

• Connecting flights in the USA? Bags. Re-check. Mandatory.
• International connections? Depends. Country specifics rule.

Exceptions? Rare. Always confirm policies pre-flight. Learned it during that awful layover in Amsterdam. Almost missed my cousin's wedding. Yeah, Amsterdam.

Can you check the status of your luggage?

So, about my luggage, like, checking on it? Yeah, Star Alliance's app kinda lets you see where your stuff is, pretty much. I mean, if you're flying with a Star Alliance memember.

It tells you like, "okay, it's on the plane," or something along those lines. It's supposed to, annyway.

• Tracking bags.
• With app.
• If you're a memember.

And the cool thing? Even when you're switching airlines (interline journeys), it usually still works! Well, most of the time.

• Interline journey?

• Still works usually.

• Check the app.

My sister flew to Bali last month (June 2024), and her bag went to freakin' Fiji for a hot minute, lol! Luckily, she tracked it! But still, a bit scary, right?

• Tracked my sister's bag!
• Goes to Fiji!
• Bali next time!