Checked luggage (checked baggage)

Checked luggage or checked baggage is the luggage handed to the air carrier during check-in to be transported in an area inaccessible to the passenger as opposed to the carry-on baggage that can be taken to the aircraft cabin. Some rail operators also offer baggage services, handling checked luggage and storing it in a separate compartment during the trip. 

Checked luggage allowance is defined by the baggage policy of each individual airline. It also depends on the ticket fare, cabin class, frequent flyer status, and other factors. Typically, full-service carriers include one or two complimentary pieces of checked baggage on most international flights. Low-cost carriers usually don’t have checked bags included in the ticket fare, charging a fee for each piece.

The baggage policy also defines the limits on the weight and size of checked luggage, fees for extra or oversized baggage, and the list of items not permitted on the aircraft (flammables, explosives, etc.). A common standard for checked bags is a maximum of 50 pounds/23 kg measuring 62 inches/158 cm total (length + width + height).

Checked luggage is usually screened before check-in but can also be inspected by hand if required.