USTOA Updates Airline Baggage Rules

The US Tour Operators Association (USTOA) has updated its Baggage Allowance Table to reflect new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations, according to Bob Whitley, president of the USTOA.

The update includes policies regarding lithium batteries, more relaxed carry-on rules for passengers flying into some UK airports, and more stringent rules on checked baggage for U.S. domestic airlines.  The updated table can be found at www.ustoa.com/consumernews/airlinebaggage.cfm.

Located in the USTOA web site’s “Smart Travel Planning” section, The Airline Baggage and Security Guideline page provides an online chart with baggage allowances for both checked and carry-on luggage for various parts of the world.

Updates include: As of May 5 most domestic U.S. flights will only allow one free-checked piece with maximum linear measurements (height+width+depth) of 62 inches apiece; as of January 1, 2008, some airports in the UK have relaxed their baggage carry-on rules, and—as in  most parts of the world—allow a personal item and an additional small bag.

Other updates include a maximum luggage weight for coach-class passengers of 50 pounds in the U.S., but which may only be 44 pounds for flights within the European Union and South America. Depending on the airline and route, prices for overweight or extra bags range from $25 to $150. Carry-on baggage allowances are usually 45 linear inches, with maximum weight varying from 40 to 50 pounds, depending on the airline.

To illustrate the various types of luggage and carry-on baggage meeting the above requirements TravelSmith, a luggage supplier, has prepared a complementary chart at:  www.travelsmith.com/luggagerules. For more information, visit www.ustoa.com.