It is important to note that some airlines may deviate significantly from these quoted standard allowances and excess baggage charges, either throughout their domestic/international network or on specific routes only. Therefore, to avoid unexpected charges, it is essential to check with the airline, or the travel agent, before travelling. The Free Baggage Allowance comprises two elements as shown.

There are two systems determining the amount of checked baggage allowed

• the weight system is based on the total weight of baggage, no matter how many different pieces there are
• the piece system is based on the number of pieces of baggage

Free baggage allowance

The normal free baggage allowance is:

• First Class 40 kg (88lb)
• Business Class 30 kg (66lb)
• Economy Class 20 kg (44lb)

Children are entitled to the same free baggage allowance as adult passengers. Infants not entitled to a seat are only allowed one fully collapsible stroller or pushchair

An excess baggage charge is levied on baggage in excess of the free allowance. The charge is 1.5% of the highest normal direct adult one way economy class (in local currency) for each kilogram in excess of the free allowance

Exceptions:

• 1% from Austria, Bulgaria, Israel; from Australia, New Zealand (except 1.5% from Australia, New Zealand to South West Pacific); from Europe, Middle East to Australia, New Zealand
• 1.35% within Europe (except 1% from Austria, Bulgaria, Finland)

• bulky or fragile items up to 75 kg (165 lb) as hand baggage warranting the use of one or more additional seats. Normal excess charges apply for the weight carried but will be not less than 75% of the full one-way adult fare for the class used by the passenger
• accompanied pets. Normal excess charges apply but the weight of animal and container cannot be allowed in the passenger's free allowance
• snow skiing equipment and golfing equipment. Special excess baggage charges apply for these items. The weight of these items can be included in the passenger's normal free allowance and only the overweight is charged at the special rate

The normal free baggage allowance is:

First & business class passengers
2 bags (pieces) where the total of the three dimensions does not exceed 158 cm (62 inches) for each bag

Economy class passengers
2 bags (pieces) where the total of the three dimensions for any one bag does not exceed 158 cm (62 inches) and where the total for both bags does not exceed 273 cm (107 inches)

Maximum weight of any one bag is 32 kg (70 lb) except within North America where it is 23 kg (50 lb). (Note: domestic airlines within USA may apply a free baggage allowance based on a weight or piece system)

Children are entitled to the same free baggage allowance as adult passengers. Infants not entitled to a seat are allowed one checked bag of which the total of the three dimensions should not exceed 115 cm (45 inches) plus one fully collapsible stroller or pushchair

Articles considered as a single piece of baggage

The following articles, irrespective of their actual dimensions, may be considered as a piece of baggage at 135 cm (53 inches):

• one sleeping bag or bedroll
• one rucksack/knapsack/backpack
• one pair of snow skis with one pair of ski poles and one pair of ski boots
• one golf bag, golf clubs and pair of golf shoes
• one duffle-type bag or B-4 type bag
• one suitably packed bicycle
• one pair of standard water skis or one slalom water ski
• suitably packed fishing equipment comprising not more than two rods, one reel, one landing net, one pair of fishing boots and one fishing tackle box
• certain sporting firearms (subject to each airlines conditions of carriage)
• any portable musical instrument not exceeding 100 cm (39 inches) in length

Each bag in excess of the number permitted which does not exceed the dimensions/weight limits is charged at the standard fee

If within the baggage allowance a bag exceeds the dimensions limit for free carriage but does not exceed 203 cm (80 inches) and is within the weight limit, the standard fee is still applied. However, any bag both in excess of the number and dimensions, but where the sum of the three dimensions does not exceed 203 cm (80 inches) and is within the weight limit, twice the standard fee is charged

Any piece of baggage in excess of 203 cm (80 inches) or in excess of the 32 kg (70 lb) or, within North America 23 kg (50 lb), weight limit will not be carried unless prior handling arrangements are made with the airline. If accepted for carriage, such bags are weighed and charged at three times the standard fee for any amount up to 45 kg (99 lb) and at the standard fee for each additional 10 kg (22 lb) or fraction thereof

Special charges

Special charges apply for the carriage of:

• bulky or fragile items as hand baggage warranting the use of one or more additional seats. To/from the USA the normal piece system excess charges apply but the minimum charge will be 75% of the full one-way adult fare for the class used by the passenger. Elsewhere, a standard excess charge of 75% of the full one-way adult fare for the class used by the passenger applies
• accompanied pets. The animal and container cannot be allowed in the passenger's free allowance. To/from USA the normal excess baggage fee is charged. Elsewhere, the charge is twice the standard fee
• snow skiing and golf equipment. If in excess of the normal free allowance, one set of skis/ski poles/ski boots will be carried at 25% of the standard excess baggage fee and one golf bag/golf shoes at 50% of the standard fee. Additional sets are charged at the full standard fee

• between USA/US Territories and all countries
• between Canada and Europe, Middle East, Southern Africa, South Asian Subcontinent, the Far East except Guam and South West Pacific, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay
• between the Far East and Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Mexico, USA
• between Guam/Saipan and Japan, Okinawa, Hong Kong, Korea Republic, China, Taiwan, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, India.
• between Pago Pago and South West Pacific

These are smaller items that passengers can take with them onto the aircraft

Carry-on items defined

In addition to the checked baggage allowances, each passenger may carry, without additional charge, hand baggage suitable for placing in closed overhead rack, or under the passenger's seat. The maximum dimensions (the sum of the three dimensions of all such carry on items) shall not exceed 45 inches (115 cm)

Item		Applicable to
1 overcoat, wrap or blanket 1 umbrella or walking stick 1 small camera 1 pair of binoculars A reasonable amount of reading matter for the flight 1 handbag, pocket book or purse, i.e. which is appropriate to normal travelling dress and is not being used as a container for the transportation of articles which would otherwise be regarded as baggage		All passengers except infants at 10% or no fare
Infant's food for consumption on flight 1 infant's carrying basket 1 fully collapsible stroller or pushchair (in cabin or cargo compartment of the aircraft)		Infants at 10% or no fare
1 fully collapsible wheelchair and/or 1 pair of crutches and/or braces or other prosthetic device for the passenger's use		Persons who depend on a wheelchair, crutches, braces, prosthetic device
Seeing eye/Hearing dog  (dogs trained to assist persons with vision or hearing disabilities). Note: The dog, when properly harnessed, may be permitted to accompany such passenger in the cabin but shall not be permitted to occupy a seat and must not obstruct aisles or exit rows.		Persons with vision or hearing disabilities who depend on such a dog

A number of common household items, while seemingly innocuous in everyday life, are regarded as "dangerous goods" and consequently are not permitted for carriage by passengers in their checked or carry on baggage. These include:

Explosives: Fireworks, flares, toy gun caps

Corrosives: Car batteries, mercury

Flammable materials: Petrol, lighter fuel, thinners, paint, non-safety matches, lighters

Gases: Camping gas, tear gas, mace, CS gas devices

Poisons: Weed killers, insecticide

However, some dangerous goods are permitted and these include:

Alcoholic beverages: not exceeding 70% alcohol by volume, in containers of up to 5 liters (maximum of 5 liters per person)

Medical or toilet items (including aerosols): Hair sprays, deodorants, perfumes & after shaves in containers not exceeding 500gr or 500ml (maximum of 2 litres per person)

Gas-powered hair curlers: one per person, provided the safety cover is fitted at all times. Separate refills are NOT permitted

Safety matches or lighter: When carried on the person. Lighter refills are NOT permitted

Battery powered wheelchairs: In the hold, contact airline in advance to check whether special conditions apply

Certain other specific items of dangerous goods are also permitted, contact airline for further information