How Much Stuff Can I Check In - The Airline Policies

Non - US Airlines

First, it was the weight from 70lbs to 50lbs. Then, it was the overweight and oversize charges that increased. The allowance for sports equipment diminished, and the pieces of luggage for an infant or toddler dropped too.

The ones who have been least affected are those traveling on executive/business/first class airfares, or some top tier members of frequent flyer programs who have long enjoyed a bit more flexibility with luggage allowances.

Unless otherwise noted, wheelchairs are checked in as free baggage, and do NOT count toward the free luggage allowance. Some airlines allow strollers for free and do not require you to use up part of the free luggage allowance. Most airlines, regardless of excess baggage fees that you may be willing to pay, will not accept bags that weigh more than 100lbs as checked luggage.

So what is an air traveler to do? It is a case of trying to keep up with the tightening luggage policies of the airlines. The following policies are for passengers traveling in economy class, and are not top tier frequent flyer members:

Air Canada
Free Baggage Allowance- The free checked in allowance is 2 pieces of luggage at 50lbs (23 kg) each, and an additional 44lbs (20kg) maximum of carry on luggage. Excess baggage fees for extra/oversized/overweight luggage start at $50 and can run into the several hundred dollar range.
Sports Items/Other Restrictions - Several sports items may be checked in as part of the free luggage allowance. Heavier/larger equipment, for the most part, may be checked for a cost of $50-$150 per direction. Canoes/Hang Gliders/Kayaks/Luges/Polevaults/Windsurfers/Kite Boards cannot be checked in. Umbrella style strollers are free to transport, larger strollers count towards the free baggage allowance.
Baggage Policy

Westjet

Free Baggage Allowance - 2 pieces - checked in allowance is 60lbs(27kg)per bag, and an additional 44lbs (20kg) maximum of carry on luggage. Excess baggage fees for extra/oversized/overweight luggage are $40-$75.
Sports Items/Other Restrictions- Several sports items may be checked in as part of the free luggage allowance. Heavier/larger equipment may be checked for a cost of $40 to $75 per direction.
Baggage Policy

British Airways
Free Baggage Allowance- 2 pieces - checked in allowance is 50lbs (23kg) per bag, and an additional 44lbs (20kg) maximum of carry on luggage. Within Europe, it is one bag at 50lbs and one piece of carry on luggage. Excess baggage fees for extra/oversized/overweight luggage range from 16-75 pounds.
Sports Items/Other Restrictions- Several sports items may be checked in as part of the free luggage allowance. The following sports equipment cannot be checked in: hang gliders, windsurfing boards, and sails, surfboards, kayaks, canoes and oars, pole vaults, javelins.
Baggage Policy

Ryanair
Free Baggage Allowance- NO free checked in baggage allowance. Carry on maximum of 10kg (22lbs) is permitted. For checked in luggage, the maximum weight is 15kg (33lbs) total. The first piece of checked luggage is 6-12 Euros, with a second piece being 12 Euros. Excess baggage is at a per kilo fee of 8 Euros. An umbrella stroller is permitted for infants, anything else is subject to fees.
Sports Items/Other Restrictions - 22.50-30 Euros per flight.
Baggage Policy

Easyjet
Free Baggage Allowance- NO free checked in allowance. The check in procedure for luggage is as follows - "Up to 8 pieces of checked-in hold baggage (each bag charged at £3.99 online or £8 at the airport) to a maximum combined weight of 20kg. A fee per kilo for excess weight is charged at the airport prior to departure".
Sports Items/Other Restrictions- 22.50-30 Euros per flight.
Baggage Policy

Qantas
Free Baggage Allowance -15lbs for carry on items. Within Australia you are allowed to check in one piece of luggage for free. International travel means a free checked in allowance of 2 pieces of luggage at a maximum of 70lbs per piece for several destinations such as Canada, US and UK, and less for others. Excess luggage fees are based both on zone and per kilo.
Sports Items/Other Restrictions- Several sports items may be checked as part of the free luggage allowance.
Baggage Policy

Air New Zealand
Free Baggage Allowance- 2 pieces of checked luggage at 50lbs (23 kg) per bag. Certain destinations have a much lower weight allowance - Domestic New Zealand flights and flights between New Zealand and Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia, Japan or London via Hong Kong allows for 44lbs total. Carry on luggage is limited to 15lbs. Excess baggage fees are assessed both by zone and per kilo.
Sports Items/Other Restrictions- Several sports items may be checked in as part of the free luggage allowance.
Baggage Policy

Lufthansa
Free Baggage Allowance- With the exception of Brazil or Japan travel, where 2 pieces of checked luggage at a weight of up to 70lbs each(32kg)is permitted, the free checked in allowance is 50lbs(23 kg)per bag, and an additional 8kg for carry on luggage. Excess baggage fees for extra/oversized/overweight luggage are collected based both on mileage zone and kilos.
Sports Items/Other Restrictions- Several sports items may be checked in as part of the free luggage allowance. Heavier/larger equipment, may be checked for a cost of $25 - $200 per direction.
Baggage Policy

Singapore Airlines
Free Baggage Allowance- With the exception of travel to/from the US or Canada where 2 pieces of checked luggage at a weight of up to 50lbs each(23kg) is permitted, the free checked in allowance is 44lbs(20kg) total, and an additional 7kg for carry on luggage. Excess baggage fees for extra/oversized/overweight luggage are collected based both on mileage zone and kilos.
Sports Items/Other Restrictions- Several sports items may be checked in as part of the free luggage allowance.
Baggage Policy