Airline Baggage: Essential Tips
Are you traveling by plane, whether for business or pleasure? One of the most common questions concerns baggage: what is allowed, what sizes, weights, and types of bags are accepted?
With so many different rules among airlines, it's normal to be confused.
With that in mind, we have prepared a complete guide with practical tips to help you organize your luggage and board with peace of mind.
Types of luggage
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Carry-on luggage – goes with you in the cabin.
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Checked luggage – goes in the aircraft's hold.
Limits vary depending on the airline, type of aircraft, and destination. Everything is in the transportation contracts and on each airline's website. Here are the main points:
Carry-on luggage: what you need to know
Carry-on luggage is what you can take with you in the cabin of the plane. According to ANAC, the minimum allowance is 10 kg. If you exceed this, there may be an additional charge.
In addition to weight, note the size and quantity allowed, generally one suitcase + one personal item:
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GOL and LATAM: 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm – up to 10 kg.
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Note: on LATAM, the Basic fare does not include free baggage in some countries.
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American Airlines: 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm – up to 18 kg.
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Lufthansa: 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm – up to 8 kg.
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TAP Air Portugal: 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm – up to 8 kg.
Personal item: what is it?
It is a small additional item that you can carry free of charge:
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LATAM: 45 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm
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GOL: 43 cm x 32 cm x 22 cm
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American Airlines: approximately 45 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm (must fit under the seat)
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Lufthansa: 40 cm x 30 cm x 10 cm
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TAP Air Portugal: 40 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm – maximum 2 kg
What to carry in your carry-on baggage?
Prioritize essential or valuable items:
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Electronics (cell phone, laptop, tablet, camera)
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Medications, documents, money, and keys
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Comfort items (neck pillow, mask, headphones)
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Warm clothing (airplanes can be cold)
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A change of clothes (for unforeseen circumstances or lost luggage)
For short trips, traveling with only carry-on luggage is practical and speeds up your departure from the airport.
Checked luggage: limits and rules
Maximum weight: 23 kg per bag.
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LATAM: total dimensions up to 158 cm.
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GOL: 80 cm x 50 cm x 28 cm.
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American Airlines: total dimensions up to 158 cm – up to 23 kg (Economy); up to 32 kg (Business and First Class).
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Lufthansa: total up to 158 cm – 1 bag up to 23 kg (Economy), 2 bags up to 23 kg (Premium Economy), 2 bags up to 32 kg (Business), 3 bags up to 32 kg (First Class).
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TAP Air Portugal: total up to 158 cm – 1 bag up to 23 kg (Economy); 2 bags up to 32 kg (Business).
Excess baggage: how to deal with it?
If you exceed the weight or size limit, you may have to pay an extra fee. Buying in advance saves you money.
Special baggage: what is it?
These are items such as musical instruments, sports equipment, and large TVs. Check your airline's rules in advance, especially for connecting flights.
Quick tips to avoid baggage problems
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Carry documents and valuables in your carry-on baggage.
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Medications and baby food must have a prescription and be in appropriate quantities.
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Do not carry bags for other people.
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Avoid overpacking and don't force the zipper.
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Label your bag on the outside and inside.
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Use a padlock or security seal.
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Laminating your bag can provide extra protection.
What if your luggage is lost?
​First of all, immediately report the incident on the Bagaer app. In just a few steps, you can fill in the essential information and generate a digital document with probative value, which can protect your rights and speed up the process.
Then, notify an airline employee while still in the arrivals area.
The deadline for locating luggage is up to 7 days for domestic flights and 21 days for international flights.
During this period, emergency expenses may be reimbursed, so keep all receipts.
Ready to board?
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With this information, you can plan better and avoid setbacks. If you have any questions, consult the contract of carriage or contact the airline.
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Have a good trip!