If luggage is over 50 pounds, most airlines charge an overweight fee or require you to remove items. Weight limits vary by airline.
Fees
Most US airlines charge an overweight fee. Typical fees are $100 to $200 for bags 51 to 70 pounds.
Over 70
Fees or refusal for bags over 70 pounds.
Options
Remove items, carry on or pay.
Heavy item
Some airlines allow 70 pounds in premium cabins.
Check
Your airline’s baggage policy.
Tip
Weigh your bag at home.
Airline weight rules
Most US airlines set a 50 pound (23 kg) limit for standard checked bags. Bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds usually incur an overweight fee, commonly about 100 USD per bag on domestic flights, and bags from 71 to 100 pounds can cost 200 USD or more. Many airlines do not accept bags over 100 pounds, which must be shipped as cargo.
- Premium cabin passengers and elite members often have a higher limit of 70 pounds.
- International fees can be higher, such as 100 to 200 USD per overweight bag.
- Southwest eliminated free checked bags in 2025 and has similar weight limits.
Options
Weigh bags at home with a luggage scale before leaving, move items to a carry-on, wear heavy items, or ship items ahead. Compare the overweight fee to shipping or buying an extra bag. Check your airline’s baggage page, since fees change. Baggage handlers have lifting limits, which is why airlines have weight caps.
Airline weight rules
Most airlines charge extra for checked bags over 50 pounds, often 100 USD, and limit weight to 100 pounds. Bags over 70 pounds may be refused on some. Fees vary by airline.
Options
Redistribute weight, ship items, or use a luggage scale. Premium class may allow 70 pounds.
Airline policies
Most US airlines charge an overweight fee for checked bags above 50 pounds (23 kilograms), usually 100 USD each way domestically, and up to 200 USD or more for 51 to 70 pounds, depending on the airline. Bags over 70 pounds may cost more, and over 100 pounds are often refused. Premium cabins and status members may get up to 70 pounds, and some airlines such as Southwest and Alaska have their own limits.
Avoiding fees
Weigh bags at home with a luggage scale, ship items ahead, wear heavy clothing, and distribute weight. Check the airline’s baggage policy since international carriers use 20 to 23 kilograms or piece rules. Heavy bags can injure baggage handlers, which is why the weight limit exists. Compare the overweight fee to shipping costs. Carry on bags have separate limits, often about 15 to 22 pounds on some carriers.
Based on data from airline baggage policy pages and the US Department of Transportation
