Airline Packing Requirements

Now, its time to start packing up the memories… and all the items you’ve
collected over your time here.
Packing for International Flights
First, check with your airline. Most international flights will allow 2
suitcases, weighing 50 lbs, or 23 kilos. Some airlines will allow heavier
suitcases (weighing up to 70 lbs.) for an additional cost (generally about
$50). There are also strict guidelines on suitcase dimensions and so it is
important to follow with these regulations.
Luggage Size and Weight Requirements. For all major airlines, the basic rule
for luggage is that you may check two pieces of luggage, size 62 in/ 157cm
or smaller, and weighing 50lbs/23 kgs or less. For carry-on, you may have
one piece of luggage to carry on size 45 in/114 cm and weighing 40lbs/18kgs
or less (this excludes normal sized purses or laptop carrying bags). An
exception to this general rule is flights to Brazil – your luggage can weigh
up to 70 lbs without being charged extra.
Overweight Charges. For overweight bags the general rule is as follows.
Customers who travel in Economy Class with checked baggage over 50 lbs (23
kg) and not exceeding 70 lbs (32 kg) will be charged at the rate of $50.00
per piece. These charges are in addition to any charge assessed for
additional or oversized baggage. Baggage weighing more than 70 lbs (32 kg)
will not be accepted as checked baggage.
Check Your Airline Rules. We recommend that you check with your specific
airline to find out exact details. For links to the airlines at MSP airport,
visit the http://www.mspairport.com/msp/Airlines/passenger.aspx
Always confirm information directly with your airline carrier. Information
changes frequently in the travel industry.
Below are guidelines provided as of 4-29-09
for checked luggage
CHECKED BAGGAGE POLICIES UPDATED
4-29-09
Checked baggage policies vary by airline, destination frequent flyer status,
booking class, bag size and weight. Fees may apply if 1) you plan to check
your bag or 2) you plan to carry sports equipment or an odd-shaped item or
3) your bag exceeds airline weight limits. Assistive devices such as
walkers, crutches and wheelchairs are exempt from fees, as are active
military personnel with ID and government issued travel orders/on active
duty status.
Air Tran $15 1st bag - $25 2nd bag December 5, 2008
1st bag effective for flights departing Dec. 5th and beyond.
3rd bag $50 Business class, airline club members exempt from first and
second bag only System wide
Alaska $15 1st bag - $25 2nd bag May 1st 2009 for travel on or
after July 7, 2009 First Class, Current MVP Gold Mileage Plan, Travel within
Alaska, Travel to/from Guadalajara or Mexico City Domestic U.S., Canada and
Mexico (except Guad. & Mexico City)
American $15 1st bag - $25 2nd bag- May 12, 2008
Not applicable to tickets purchased prior to May 12.
1ST bag-June 15, 2008
Not applicable to tickets purchased prior to June 15. Executive Platinum,
Platinum, & Gold members; Oneworld Alliance Emerald, Sapphire & Ruby
members; AAnytime® Economy Class AAdvantage award tickets, MileSAAver &
AAnytime First and Business Class AAdvantage award tickets; First & Business
Class, and full-fare tickets in Economy Class. U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S.
Virgin Islands and Canada
Continental $15 1st bag - $25 2nd bag May 5, 2008
1st bag fee effective for tkts purchased on or after 9/6/08 for travel on or
after 10/7/08.
OnePass, SkyTeam & Plus Elite members, Y Fare Ticket, Continental Airlines
Presidential Plus credit card holders, First Class, and travel to/from
Brazil or the Dominican Republic U.S. Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands
and Canada
Delta $15 1st bag - $25 2nd bag domestic $50 international
April 23, 2009
Travel on or after 7-9-09
$50 2nd international bag Business Elite & First Class, and Medallion
members (PM, GM, FO, EP) U. S., the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Frontier $15 $25 Sept 13, 2008
Tkts purchased on or after 9/13/08 for travel on or after 11/1/08 Elite Freq
Flyers and First/Business Class Tickets System wide
JetBlue N/A $20 May 1, 2008
N/A System wide
Northwest $15 $25
domestic $50 international
April 23, 2009
Travel on or after 7-9-09
$50 2nd international bag Silver, Gold & Platinum WorldPerks Elite, SkyTeam
Elite, Full Fare passengers
(Y or B), and First Class
Mexico and Canada 1st/2nd bag free allowance Domestic travel within the
U.S.,
Southwest
N/A N/A Sept. 18, 2008 N/A N/A
Spirit $15 1st bag online check-in or $25 airport check-in $25 online
check-in or $25 airport check-in June 10, 2008 N/A System wide
Sun Country $15 1st bag - $25 2nd bag
Tkts purchased after 9/05/08 1st bag-$15 fee-Travel on or after October 15,
2008.
First Class, Military, Unaccompanied Minors System wide
United $15 - $25 1st bag- Sept.16,2008
1st bag fee not applicable for tickets purchased prior to June 13, or for
travel between June 13 and August 17.
2nd-bag-Sept. 16, 2008 Confirmed First & Business, Member of Global
Services, Mileage Plus, 1K, Premier Executive, Premier & Premier Associate,
Star Alliance Silver & Gold, Active Military
Travel within the 50 U.S. States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin islands and
Canada
US Airways $25 1st bag - $30 2nd bag-April 23, 2009
1st bag fee not applicable for tickets already purchased.
2nd-bag-April 23, 2009
Travel on or after 7-9-09
Carry- on must not exceed 40 lbs and 14x9x22.
Dividend Miles Preferred members (Silver, Gold, Platinum, Chairman’s), Star
Alliance Silver & Gold, Confirmed First Class & Envoy, Flights to or from
Asia or Europe. Active Military Domestic U.S. and all flights to and from
Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean