Use this checked luggage checklist before you fly. Confirm your allowance, pack with care and check the weight of your case before you leave home.
Checked-bag limits depend on the airline, fare, route and baggage purchased. Confirm the permitted number of bags, maximum weight, dimensions and any fees for every flight in your itinerary.
Checked luggage checklist: before you fly
Work through these steps in order. Tick them off as you prepare, or use the printable summary below.
1 Check your baggage allowance
- Confirm how many checked bags are included with your ticket.
- Check the maximum weight and overall dimensions, including handles and wheels.
- Review connecting-flight allowances and charges for extra or oversized bags.
2 Inspect and prepare your suitcase
- Test the zip, wheels, telescopic handle and any lock.
- Remove old baggage labels and add a secure identification tag.
- Photograph the case and keep a record of its appearance.
3 Pack the right items in the right bag
- Keep passports, travel documents, valuables and essential medication in your cabin bag where permitted.
- Check airline rules for spare lithium batteries, power banks, electronics, aerosols and other restricted goods; some items must not go in checked luggage.
- Protect fragile items and place leak-prone toiletries in sealed bags.
4 Weigh and secure your bag
- Weigh the packed case using a luggage scale, allowing a margin below your limit.
- Check the complete external size, including protruding parts.
- Close all compartments securely and use an appropriate lock if needed.
5 Prepare for baggage drop
- Check when online check-in opens and the airport bag-drop deadline.
- Allow time for queues, transport delays and security checks.
- Keep your bag-tag receipt after checking in your suitcase.
Common checked-baggage mistakes to avoid
| Common mistake | Better approach |
|---|---|
| Assuming every airline has the same limit | Check your ticket and each operating airline's current baggage policy. |
| Weighing the suitcase before packing | Weigh the fully packed case and leave a little margin. |
| Packing power banks in the hold | Follow your airline's battery rules; power banks and spare lithium batteries generally belong in cabin baggage. |
| Leaving important items in the checked case | Keep essentials accessible in your cabin bag, subject to security rules. |
| Arriving after the bag-drop cutoff | Check your flight's specific deadline and plan to arrive with time to spare. |
Quick checklist to save before departure
- Ticket and checked-bag allowance confirmed
- Weight and dimensions checked
- Wheels, handles, zip and lock inspected
- Restricted items and battery rules reviewed
- Essentials packed in cabin baggage
- Identification tag attached and case photographed
- Bag-drop time and airport journey planned
The best way to avoid baggage surprises is to check the exact rules on your booking, pack essentials separately and weigh your case once it is fully packed.
Choosing a suitcase for checked travel
For a new suitcase, compare its empty weight, overall external dimensions, wheel durability, handle comfort and packing layout. A lighter case can leave more room within a weight allowance, but strength and ease of handling matter too.
Read our suitcase size buying guide, explore suitcase comparisons, or see the luggage care guide for maintenance tips. If you are also travelling with a cabin bag, check the cabin luggage comparison.
This is general travel information, not airline-specific or legal advice. Airline rules, security restrictions and baggage charges can change. Always verify the current requirements with your airline and relevant authorities before travelling.