Luggage Weight Calculator

US domestic economy: 50 lbs (23 kg) per checked bag on most major carriers. Economy international: 50 lbs on most US and European airlines. Business and first class: 70 lbs (32 kg) on most carriers. Budget airlines: often 44 lbs (20 kg) or even less. Always confirm the limit for your specific fare class and route at booking.

Most US major carriers charge $100 for bags 51 to 70 lbs and $200 for bags over 70 lbs, per direction. Some international carriers charge $50 to $150 per overweight bag. Budget airlines in Europe and Latin America can charge by the kilogram over the limit, making fees for very heavy bags surprisingly steep.

Sometimes. One 60 lb bag with a $100 overweight fee can be cheaper than a $45 second-bag fee plus a $60 third-bag fee on some airlines. Use this calculator to compare the scenarios for your specific fee schedule. Moving 10 lbs from a heavy bag to a second bag to bring both under 50 lbs can save $100 per direction.

If a bag is 10 or more lbs over the limit and you would incur a $100 to $200 fee each direction on a round trip, compare shipping costs for the items. FedEx and UPS ground shipping can be competitive for heavy items, especially if the destination is a house or hotel rather than a hotel with no package receiving.