International Luggage Quantity
Most international air carriers allow passengers to check two pieces of luggage for no additional cost. However, a few have recently started to charge some passengers for a second or even a first checked bag. Always check with your air carrier before deciding how many pieces of luggage you will take on an international flight. Passengers are also allowed to take one piece of carry-on luggage and one personal item on board an international flight.
International Luggage Size
International airline luggage regulations permit checked bags to be no larger than 62 linear inches. This is the length plus the width plus the height of the luggage. Most golf club travel bags fit these specifications. Carry-on luggage can be a maximum of 45 linear inches. A personal item can be a backpack, purse, laptop computer or any other small bag. It must also be smaller than 45 linear inches.
International Luggage Weight
International airlines will take checked bags that weigh up to 50 pounds each for no additional charge. A standard set of golf clubs in a golf club travel bag usually weighs less than 50 pounds. Any checked bags that weigh between 50 and 70 pounds are subject to an overweight charge of up to $100. Some international airlines will take checked luggage weighing up to 100 pounds for an extra charge. Always check with the international airline before going to the airport. If your bags are too heavy, the airline will not take them. Carry-on luggage and personal items must weight no more than 40 pounds each.
International Luggage Restrictions
International airline luggage regulations require that certain items be placed in checked luggage only. They are not allowed in the passenger cabin. These items include anything sharp like scissors, razors, tools and knives. There are also very strict regulations regarding liquids. Liquids in carry-on luggage are limited to 3 ounce plastic bottles. These must fit inside a one quart ziplock bag. Only three bottles fit inside the bag. Other liquids, including toiletries, must be placed in checked luggage. The only exceptions are prescription medication, baby formula and breast milk.
International Luggage Warnings
International airline luggage regulations are especially strict regarding dangerous substances onboard aircraft. No substance that is flammable, explosive, toxic or hazardous is allowed in check luggage or carry-on luggage. All living items are also restricted. This includes pets, plants, fruits, vegetables and biological samples. Always declare any questionable items before attempting to take them onboard an international flight.
About The Author
Kent Ninomiya has 23 years' experience as a TV news anchor, reporter and managing editor. He traveled to more than 100 countries on all seven continents, including Antarctica. He holds black belts in three martial arts, and writes extensively on health and fitness issues. Ninomiya has a Bachelor of Arts in social sciences from the University of California at Berkeley.
