Every so often, I like to throw out a common question that I either find online, or one that I tend to find in some comments here and there.  Today, I had seen the following question on the Internet and it really didn’t give a great, detailed answer.  I thought I would try my best to get you on the right path.

Here is the question…

How much stuff can I check in at the airport?

The first thing that you’re going to want to do is make sure that you know what airline that you’re going to fly with.  Every airline is going to be different with their baggage policies.  What you’re going to find out is that one may be strict, while another many be a lenient.

When you want to know what your particular airline baggage policy is, you can reference to this airline baggage policy website, where I have provided you with all the United States airline policies, as well as the links on where you can find more information.

The weight of your bags

Most experts are going to tell you to play it safe when it comes to weighing your bags.  You’re not going to want your bag to weigh more than 100 pounds.  If it weighs anything more than this, the airline may have to make you take something out, or they may not take it at all.  If you’re unsure of how much it weighs, you can use your scale at home, or you can purchase a luggage scale for less than $20.  These come in handy when you fly a lot.

The price of checked in bags

Just about every airline today is going to charge you to check in your bags for both ways.  For example, Delta will charge $25 one way, as well as $25 back.  The point here is to make sure that you need to check in.  You may find that you can just bring carry on luggage and save the $50 for each person.

Know the restrictions

Just because you check in your bags, it doesn’t mean that you can bring anything on board.  There are some restriction guidelines that you’re going to have to follow.  Be sure to read this TSA page on what you can and can’t bring onto an airplane.  This is very important!

Restrictions are usually pretty well laid out.  Make sure that you know what you can and can’t bring, as well as how much you’re limited to in terms of weight.  By knowing so, you should be safe with your travels.