Baggage allowance can make a big difference when booking a flight, especially if you want to avoid surprise fees at the airport. Whether you're packing light for a weekend trip or bringing hold luggage for a longer stay, it’s good to know what your ticket includes.
There are two main types of baggage: carry-on (cabin bags) and checked. Carry-on bags stay with you and have size and weight limits. Checked baggage goes in the hold, and often comes with stricter rules and extra charges.
Not all airlines include free baggage as standard, and what you get can depend on where you’re flying, the fare type you choose and even the route itself. Some low-cost carriers only include a small personal item, while others allow generous carry-on and checked baggage at no extra cost.
To help you avoid confusion (and extra costs), we’ve pulled together a list of airlines that offer free baggage, so you can travel smart and pack with confidence.
When it comes to flying, knowing what you can pack and where makes all the difference.
💡Quick tip: Always check your airline’s specific baggage rules before you pack - it’s the easiest way to avoid extra charges or delays.
Flying within the States? Here are a few major US airlines that include baggage, but the details can vary by fare type, so it’s worth checking before you book.
If you’re heading abroad, many international airlines include both carry-on and checked bags in the base fare, though it often depends on your route and fare type.
Some airlines don’t just let you bring a bag - they let you pack like you mean it. While many airlines stick to the basics, a few go the extra mile when it comes to what you can bring onboard. Whether you're heading off on a long-haul trip or just don't travel light, choosing an airline with a generous baggage allowance can make a big difference.
Turkish Airlines, Emirates and Qatar Airways are known for letting you bring more without paying extra, especially if you’re flying internationally. Some fares with these airlines include two checked bags as standard.
Other carriers like Ethiopian Airlines and Singapore Airlines also offer weight-based allowances that can be very flexible, depending on your destination and fare type.
Flying to or from the US? You’ll often find that international airlines offer more than their domestic counterparts. Just be sure to check your fare class - sometimes what’s included can vary.
💡If baggage is a deal-breaker, we’ve rounded up the airlines with the most generous baggage policies to help you plan with peace of mind.
Start by checking the baggage policy for the airline and fare you're booking. Allowances can vary widely, even within the same airline. Look for this info on our dedicated airline pages, directly on the airline’s website or your Alternative Airlines booking confirmation. Some airlines also offer handy baggage calculators to help you figure out exactly what you can bring based on your route and cabin.
Joining an airline’s loyalty program can pay off - elite status often comes with free checked bags. You can also get perks through co-branded airline credit cards, which may cover baggage fees for you and travel companions. Booking in premium cabins? These usually come with extra allowance too. And if you’re active-duty military, many airlines let you check bags for free.
Use packing cubes to stay organised and fit more in. Roll clothes instead of folding to save space and avoid creases. Wear your heavier items (like jackets and boots) during travel. Stick to travel-sized toiletries, and always weigh your bag at home to dodge airport surprises.
When you're flying with little ones (or furry ones), baggage rules can work a bit differently. Travelling with children or pets can mean extra gear, but with the right airline, it doesn’t have to mean extra costs.
When flying with kids, most airlines let you bring a stroller, car seat or travel cot for free, even on basic fares. Lap infants usually don’t get a separate baggage allowance, but some airlines allow an extra small bag for baby essentials. If your child has their own seat, they often get the same baggage allowance as an adult.
If you're flying with a pet, baggage rules depend on whether they’re travelling in the cabin or the hold. Pets in the cabin usually count as your carry-on item. If they’re flying as checked baggage or cargo, you'll likely need to pay an extra fee, and size and weight limits will apply.
💡Quick tip: Always check with your airline in advance, as rules vary and some require pre-approval for travelling with pets or infant gear.
Bringing golf clubs, skis or a surfboard? Some airlines include certain sports gear as part of your free checked baggage if it fits within weight and size limits. Qatar Airways and Emirates, for example, are known for being generous with their sports equipment policies. Others may charge a fee, especially for oversized or heavy items, so it’s always best to double-check.
Small instruments that fit in the overhead locker or under your seat can usually be brought as carry-on. For larger instruments, like a cello, you may need to check it in or even buy an extra seat. Most airlines require that instruments be packed securely in a hard case.
Travelling with something a bit unusual? From bicycles to camera gear, many items can fly, but you’ll likely need to book ahead and follow specific packing rules. Always check with your airline before flying to avoid last-minute fees or surprises at the airport.
Need help choosing the right airline or checking your baggage allowance? Our Customer Service team is here for you. Reach out anytime and we’ll make sure your travel plans stay on track (and your bags do too!). Contact us and we’ll get you sorted.
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If the free baggage allowance isn't enough for your trip and you'd like to book more baggage, you have a few options:
Out of all the airlines, La Compagnie is the best for free baggage and give the most generous free baggage allowance. The airline offers 18kg/40lbs of free carry-on baggage and up to 64kg/141lbs of free checked baggage, no matter which fare you buy.
However, La Compagnie might not always have the flights you're looking for. The answer to this question depends on where you’re flying and what fare you’ve booked. That said, some airlines do stand out for offering more generous allowances as standard.
For international travel, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates are known for including one or two checked bags even on economy fares. Ethiopian Airlines and Singapore Airlines also offer competitive baggage policies depending on the route.
If you’re flying within the US, most basic economy fares don’t include checked baggage, but airlines like Southwest stand out by offering two checked bags for free on all fare types.
💡Just remember: baggage allowances can vary by destination, fare class, and loyalty status. It’s always best to check the details before booking.
No, airlines don’t always include free carry-on baggage. While many full-service airlines do allow one carry-on bag and a personal item (like a handbag or laptop bag) at no extra cost, some low-cost airlines charge for anything beyond a small personal item.
Budget carriers such as Spirit, Frontier and Ryanair often offer lower base fares but make up the difference with extra fees, and carry-on bags are a common add-on. Even within the same airline, what's included can depend on your fare type.
Before you book, always check what your ticket includes. Some “basic” or “light” fares may not allow a full-size carry-on without a fee.
If travelling with a bag you’ll need in the cabin, make sure your fare includes it, or be ready to pay extra at the airport. Planning ahead helps avoid surprises at the gate.
What you can pack depends on whether it's going in your checked bag or your carry-on.
Checked baggage is less restricted - you can usually pack liquids, larger items, and things like razors or sports gear. Just avoid packing anything valuable or fragile, as your bag will be handled by airport staff.
Carry-on bags have stricter rules. Liquids must be in containers no larger than 100ml (3.4oz) and fit in a clear, resealable plastic bag. Sharp items, large tools, and flammable products aren’t allowed either.
Need a full rundown? Check out our blog on what you can carry on a plane for more details.
Yes, free baggage allowances often differ between domestic and international flights.
On many domestic routes (especially in the US), basic fares usually don’t include free checked baggage. You’ll likely need to pay extra unless you’re flying with an airline that includes bags or you have a perk like loyalty status or an airline credit card.
International flights, on the other hand, tend to be more generous. Most long-haul fares include at least one checked bag as standard, especially with full-service airlines. But it still depends on the airline, destination and fare type.
Always double-check what’s included before you book, as baggage rules can vary, even on the same airline. Look out for terms like “Basic Economy” or “Light Fare,” which often mean bags aren’t included.
Many airlines offer free checked bags to active-duty military personnel as a thank you for their service. In the US, major carriers like American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue and Alaska Airlines all provide generous baggage allowances, often more than what regular passengers receive.
For example, American Airlines allows up to five free checked bags for active-duty members on official orders, and up to three for personal travel. Delta and United offer similar benefits, with additional allowances depending on whether you're travelling for duty or leisure.
It’s always best to check the airline’s specific policy before flying, as requirements can vary. You’ll usually need to show valid military ID at check-in.
These benefits don’t always apply to companions, so make sure to review the details carefully if travelling with family.
While most free baggage perks are aimed at active-duty military, a few US airlines do extend benefits to veterans.
For other airlines, like American, Delta, United, Southwest and others, free baggage is currently only available to active-duty personnel, with benefits often increasing when travelling on official orders.
To get the most out of veteran baggage perks, always check the latest airline policy before booking, carry proof of service, and look into programs or credit cards that offer additional travel benefits.
