For more information on baggage fees and allowances, click on the relevant airline link at the bottom of this page.

Luggage fees can vary depending on the airline, type of flight, flight class, and a few other factors. For international flights almost all airlines allow you to bring one piece of luggage up to 23 kg (50 lbs) free of charge. You can of course take more, and may or may not have to pay a fee, depending on the above mentioned factors.

Whether you are checking Lazenne's Wine Check airplane wine carrier full of wine, or another regular piece of luggage full of souvenirs from your trip, here are some tips on how to minimize your baggage fees.

See: Flying with Wine and Alcohol 101

Research your airline's baggage rules and fees

Ensure there are no surprises by understanding your airline's baggage rules ahead of time. Find your airline link below.

Get an airline credit card

This is the most common in the US and Canada, where airlines offer branded credit cards that include checked baggage fee wavers for cardholders (who purchase the ticket on the credit card), and in some cases for their travel companions. Delta, United, and American Airlines offer these types of credit cards as of the writing of this guide, but so does Wizz Air in Europe.

Book a higher class ticket

International air travel is an ordeal when sitting in economy. Yet we put up with it because business-class tickets and even economy plus often cost 3 to 10 times the price of the lowest economy seat available. However, with award travel, upgrading to a higher class can be a bargain. To upgrade to business class using your miles is often a mere 20-30 percent more than booking economy. Most of us realize higher class provides benefits like comfortable seats, better food and service, and bypassing the lines at check-in and security. However, you can also save hundreds of dollars/euros in baggage fees alone. Economy plus and business-class passengers typically receive an allowance of at least two bags that can weigh up to 32 kg (70 lbs).

Upgrade your flight 

Upgrading class at the airport can often be cost-efficient and automatically add free baggage allowance.

Get Status Membership / Frequent Flyer Program

You might already know that frequent fliers who have elite status get their bag fees waived. But did you know that having status on one airline can get other carriers to waive their fees? Most carriers within an airline alliance honor passengers who hold status with one of their partners. For example, being a United Gold Premier will allow you to waive bag fees on US Airways and other Star Alliance carriers.

Pack light going to your holiday destination 

Whether its wine or other souvenirs, expect that you will be brining more stuff back from than to your holiday destination. Plan accordingly and try to minimize what you take. If you are travelling with a companion, pack your two suitcases lightly on the way to your holiday. If you are disciplined and plan ahead, you can combine your two bags once you arrive and have your second suitcase for that wine or those souvenirs.

Weigh your bags

There's nothing worse then getting hit with an unexpected overweight fee. On most international flights luggage weight limits are 23 kg (50 lbs) per bag. You can go up to 32 kg (70 lbs), but you may be charged an excess weight fee. Wine lovers transporting wine should know that a typical wine bottle weighs 1.4 kg (3 lbs).

Remember all our Wine Check versions (whether the 12-classic bottle, the 12-large bottle, or the 15-mix bottle), fully loaded with wine, fall under 23 kg (50 lbs) so you don't have to worry about going overweight. Pick up a handy portable luggage scale and you'll be able to weigh your bags on the go, whether at home or in you hotel room.

Maximize carry-on (cabin) bags

Most airlines allow one carry-on (aka cabin) bag and one “personal item” – a purse, backpack, or briefcase that can fit underneath the seat in front of you. Don’t incur any baggage fees until you’ve taken advantage of that. Since carry-on luggage isn’t usually weighed on international flights, you can pack your heaviest items there. In the winter, you can also wear a bulky jacket on board rather than pack it.

Leverage free items

If you're traveling with small children, you can usually check baby gear, such as a car seat, stroller or play yard for free. The same goes for medical equipment. Place these items in a duffle bag and you can usually get away with throwing in a few items with them.

Baggage Policies by Airline: