No one ever traveled alone – they all take baggage with them. Before you start your aero trip, it is necessary for you to know the regulations about baggage allowance, screening, and claiming.
This article will give you a brief intro to baggage allowance policies, baggage screening procedures, and baggage claims.
I. Baggage allowance
1. What is the baggage allowance?
Free baggage allowance refers to the total number, size, and weight of your baggage that your airline allows you to carry on board or checked free. There isn’t a universal regulation on this issue. It depends on your airline, where you depart from, and go to as well as your cabinet class.
2. Checked baggage policies
There are two baggage allowance systems. Most US airlines adopt the “Piece” system in which each ticketed passenger can take 1-2 pieces of luggage of maximum weight 50lbs each( for domestic travelers up to 70lbs) and with linear dimensions not to exceed 62. Others implement the “Weight” system: Coach Class passengers can have a maximum weight of 44lbs in total, 66lbs for business class passengers, and first-class passengers get 88lbs.
3. Regulation on carry-on luggage
Typically, the carry-on baggage contains one carry-on bag plus one personal item. The maximum size of the carry-on container is 40-45 linear inches (height + width + depth). The individual piece may be a cosmetics case, laptop, purse, or briefcase. Valuables, fragile articles such as jewelry, cash, mobile phones and PDAs, and objects you may need to use during the flight like cosmetics should put in your carry-on bag. Notice that metal does not include knives or any cutting instrument of this sort. (For more info on prohibited items see article Carry-on Restrictions).
4. Charges on over-weight baggage
The general operation of the free baggage allowance is two pieces checked and one carry-on. However, the weight and size of the pieces are under restriction. Over-sized or over-weighted baggage subjected to an additional fee. All charges are calculated on a one-way and composed at the airport ticket counter. For a more detailed rate, please consult the airline you are flying.
5. Tips on packing your baggage
1. Do check with your airline for their free baggage allowance policy before you pack your luggage.
2. Choose a smaller bag than your airline allows, because your stuff will add a little to the bag after packing.
3. The standard dimension of your carry-on bag should be 22″ x 14″ x 9″.
4. International airlines have stricter limitations on the size, weight, and the number of containers you take than domestic ones.
II. Baggage screening
Passengers required the boarding pass before going to the security checkpoint. At the security checkpoint, you should place your bags, all-metal objects on a conveyor belt to x-ray. Your coat or jacket may need to x-rayed too. You may also need to remove your shoes.
The security officers may examine your bags or personal items. Training Services Agency suggests that you do not lock your bags when the screening procedure expected. If the container is closed and the screeners need to open your wallet, they can break it.
III. Baggage Claiming
When you get off the plane, you should find out where the Baggage Claiming area is. For convenience, you can get yourself a luggage cart. You can stand at the end of the conveyer and watch your baggage. It has two benefits: first, it prevents you from the crowd standing in the place where luggage delivered out onto the conveyer; second, it gives you a more unobstructed view of your bags, and you can have enough time to fetch them.
If you travel with your family, select one or two adults to claim the baggage, others could rest in the lobby. In some airports, passengers required to display their baggage check before they claimed the luggage. This measure can reduce the possibility of luggage loss. If you do find your luggage missing, report your airline’s problem immediately and list all the items in your luggage.