Checked baggage - what it is, what not to carry in it, and how to measure it?

Checked baggage is luggage checked in before the flight at the check-in counter or bag drop, which travels in the cargo hold rather than in the cabin with the passenger. This option is useful when you’re flying for an extended period, need a larger suitcase, or want to pack items that won’t fit comfortably in your carry-on. Weight, piece count, and size limits depend on the airline and fare class, so you should always check the specific carrier’s rules before purchasing a ticket or adding a suitcase to your booking.

Product overview:

• Checked luggage goes in the cargo hold and is checked in before boarding.
• The most common weight limit for a single suitcase on traditional airlines is 23 kg and 158 cm in total dimensions.
• Wizz Air allows you to purchase 10, 20, 26, or 32 kg suitcases, up to 149 × 119 × 171 cm.
• You should not pack documents, cash, medications, or valuable electronics in your checked luggage.

What exactly is checked baggage?

Checked baggage is simply a suitcase, bag, or other piece of luggage that you hand over to the airline before your flight. You don’t take it into the cabin; instead, you pick it up from the baggage carousel upon arrival. W practice, this type of luggage is chosen for longer trips, traveling with children, carrying a larger amount of clothing, or when regular carry-on luggage isn’t enough.

The most important thing to note is that checked baggage is not always included in the ticket price. W Wizz Air, the base fare does not include checked baggage, and the carrier sells it as an additional service or as part of select packages. W LOT and Lufthansa, the free baggage allowance depends on the travel class and fare, and it may not be included at all in the cheapest economy fares.

How do I measure checked luggage?

A checked suitcase is measured the same way as other types of luggage: you need to check the height, width, and depth, and then add these three dimensions together. Traditional W very often enforce a total limit of 158 cm per piece of luggage. LOT applies this limit for short- and medium-haul flights, and Lufthansa uses 158 cm as the maximum size for a single standard piece of luggage.

W low-cost airlines, the limit is sometimes stated differently, as the maximum dimensions for a single piece. Wizz Air allows checked baggage up to 149 × 119 × 171 cm and offers options of 10, 20, 26, or 32 kg. Ryanair, on the other hand, states that for safety reasons, it does not accept individual pieces heavier than 32 kg or larger than 80 × 120 × 120 cm.

How much can checked luggage weigh?

There is no single universal limit for all airlines. Wizz Air currently offers checked baggage options of 10 kg, 20 kg, 26 kg, and 32 kg. Ryanair allows passengers to purchase 10 kg and 20 kg checked baggage, and its baggage policy also mentions a 23 kg option in certain situations.

W traditional airlines, you’ll most often find a 1 × 23 kg allowance in Economy, but this depends on the route and fare. LOT’s tables show that on many routes, checked baggage is 0 in Economy Saver, while in higher Economy fares it’s often 1 × 23 kg. Lufthansa states that many economy fares allow for 1 piece up to 23 kg, and the specific limit depends on the travel class and ticket.

What should you avoid packing in your checked luggage?

You shouldn’t pack valuables or items you might need quick access to in your checked luggage. Wizz Air specifically lists cash, securities, jewelry, computers, phones, travel documents, keys, medications, works of art, and perishable items as items not recommended for checked luggage.

Special attention must be paid to electronics and batteries. LOT states that power banks must not be carried in checked baggage, only in carry-on. The same carrier also explains that devices with batteries up to 160 Wh and the batteries themselves for such devices should be carried in the cabin, after being properly secured. Lufthansa also classifies electronic devices and batteries as dangerous goods and refers to separate transport regulations.

Can liquids be packed in checked luggage?

Yes, liquids can be carried in checked luggage, but the simple 100 ml limit known for carry-on luggage does not apply here. LOT clearly distinguishes between the rules for carry-on and checked baggage: the 100 ml limit applies to carry-on baggage, while for checked baggage, you must primarily adhere to the weight limit and regulations regarding prohibited substances, as well as any restrictions imposed by the destination country.

W practice, this means that cosmetics in larger containers are easier to pack in the overhead compartment. However, you still need to secure them against spills, and it’s best not to put particularly valuable items or those you’ll need immediately after landing in checked luggage.

What are the current rules for popular airlines?

Ryanair

Ryanair allows you to bring one small bag measuring 40 × 30 × 20 cm under your seat for free on every fare. Additionally, you can purchase Priority to bring a larger carry-on bag measuring 55 × 40 × 20 cm, and for checked baggage, the carrier offers 10 kg and 20 kg options; the baggage policy page also mentions a 23 kg limit in certain cases. Ryanair also publishes current price ranges for some fees: for example, a 10 kg Check-in Bag costs from € / £9.49 to 44.99, and a 20 kg Check-in Bag from € / £18.99 to 59.99, with the price depending on the route and time of purchase.

Wizz Air

Wizz Air allows you to bring one piece of carry-on luggage measuring 40 × 30 × 20 cm and weighing up to 10 kg for free, while a larger trolley bag measuring 55 × 40 × 23 cm and weighing up to 10 kg requires WIZZ Priority. W checked baggage, the carrier offers 10, 20, 26, and 32 kg options, with maximum dimensions of 149 × 119 × 171 cm, and allows up to 6 pieces per passenger. Wizz Air does not publish a single fixed price table for all flights, but notes that fees for baggage purchased at the airport are higher, and excess weight costs 13 EUR per kilogram.

LOT

W LOT W, the rules depend mainly on the fare class and destination. On short-haul flights, the Saver economy fare may not include checked baggage, while higher economy fares often include 1 × 23 kg. LOT also specifies a standard size limit for a single piece of luggage: 158 cm total of height, width, and depth. Prices for additional baggage are not fixed for all routes; the carrier notes that the lowest price is usually available online or via the app, and the rate must be checked for a specific booking.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa also bases its free baggage allowance on the fare and travel class. Many economy fares W one piece up to 23 kg, and the standard maximum size for a single piece is 158 cm. The carrier emphasizes that it’s best to check the specific limit using the baggage calculator, as it varies depending on the ticket and route. On its page with sample fees, Lufthansa also shows that for an Economy passenger on the U.S.–Germany route, a second piece weighing up to 23 kg costs $90, but notes that fees are subject to change and depend on the direction of travel.

How do I choose a suitcase for checked luggage?

If you fly with traditional airlines, a safe bet is a suitcase that fits within the 158 cm total dimension limit and a weight that you can actually carry after packing. If you fly mainly with Wizz Air, it’s more important to stick to the weight limit of the service you’ve purchased and the maximum dimensions of 149 × 119 × 171 cm. W Ryanair, you also need to remember that a single piece cannot exceed 32 kg or the dimensions of 80 × 120 × 120 cm.

W practice, for a week-long trip, people usually choose a medium or large suitcase, but more important than the size itself is ensuring that, once packed, it does not exceed the weight limit. The heavier the suitcase itself, the fewer items you can fit within the 20- or 23-kg limit. That’s why, when it comes to checked luggage, it’s not just the dimensions that matter, but also the weight of the empty suitcase, the quality of the wheels, the frame, and the lock. This last point is a practical conclusion resulting from airline weight limits.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Is checked baggage the same as checked-in baggage?

Yes. Both terms refer to luggage checked in with the airline before the flight, transported in the cargo hold, and retrieved upon arrival.

How much can a single checked suitcase weigh?

It depends on the airline and fare class. Wizz Air offers 10, 20, 26, and 32 kg baggage allowances, while LOT and Lufthansa typically offer a 23 kg allowance in economy class, though not on every fare.

Can I pack cosmetics and liquids in my checked luggage?

Yes, liquids can be carried in checked luggage. The 100 ml limit applies primarily to carry-on luggage, and at the check-in counter, you must follow general safety rules and the carrier’s limits.

Can a power bank be carried in checked luggage?

No. LOT explicitly states that power banks are treated as spare batteries and cannot be carried in checked baggage.

Can medications be packed in checked luggage?

It’s best not to do this if you might need them during your trip. Wizz Air lists medications among the items that should not be packed in checked luggage.

Summary

Checked baggage is luggage placed in the cargo hold, useful for longer trips and larger amounts of belongings. Before buying a suitcase or purchasing a service, it’s essential to check: whether baggage is included in the ticket price, what the weight limit is, what the maximum dimensions are, and what you shouldn’t or shouldn’t pack in the cargo hold. Wizz Air currently offers options of 10, 20, 26, and 32 kg up to 149 × 119 × 171 cm; Ryanair sells, among others, 10 and 20 kg luggage; and for LOT and Lufthansa, the standard is very often 23 kg and 158 cm—but this always depends on the fare and route.