Flying business class opens up many perks: priority boarding, increased baggage allowance, blankets instead of boring pillows. Airline staff will generally let business flyers check more bags for free, and allow heavier bags than in economy class. But you should still know the limits, and pack efficiently. In this guide we’ll outline typical baggage allowances for business class flyers (including free checked bags and carry-on allowance) along with tips to help you avoid paying baggage fees.

Business Class Baggage Allowance Details 

Free Checked Bags 

On international flights airlines typically allow 2 free checked bags for business class passengers. Airlines like American, United, Delta all allow two complimentary checked bags up to 70 lbs/32 kg and 62 linear inches (158 cm) total size for business passengers. British Airways will often allow two pieces of checked baggage up to 23 kg (51 lb) each.

Checked Bag Weight Limits 

Airline checked baggage weight limits are usually 70 lbs (32 kg) per piece when flying business class. Heavier bags will incur overweight baggage fees. 

Limits on Extra Bags 

Business class passengers are sometimes allowed to check a 3rd bag for a fee. Booking extra bags online before your trip is almost always cheaper than paying at the airport.

Carry-On Allowance 

Business-class tickets usually include one cabin bag and one personal item. The dimensions of a typical carry-on for business passengers is around 9″×14″×22″ (23×35×56 cm). As for the personal item, dimensions are typically around 9″×10″×17″ (22×25×43 cm). Though enforcement isn’t quite as strict in business class you shouldn’t overpack your carry-on either!

All in all, flying business class typically earns passengers two checked bags (one of which may include an overweight or extra bag fee), a carry-on sized bag and one personal item.

Example Business Class Allowances by Airline 

Keep in mind that each airline has different policies. For international routes British Airways may limit business passengers to only one checked bag. Also double check if you will earn mileage credits for an alliance partner airline: Star Alliance and Oneworld baggage rules may apply.

Tips for Packing and Paying Less 

Avoiding checked bag fees completely is tricky, but possible if you pack carefully. Here are some tips for maximizing your baggage allowance and fitting everything you need into less:

Know Your Limits! 

Don’t find out at the airport your bag is overweight. Weigh your luggage before leaving for the airport. If your checked suitcases are overweight in business class, redistribute items or put them in a lighter “empties” suitcase. You’ll pay less if you buy that extra baggage allowance online rather than incur overweight charges at the airport check-in counter.

Make Room With Your Carry-On 

As mentioned, you are allowed one carry-on bag as well as a personal item. Use that free carry-on allowance to your advantage. Pack heavier, breakable items (electronics) in your carry-on to save on checked bag weight. You should also stuff as much as possible into your carry-on using compression packing cubes.

Pack clothes that mix and match. Don’t try to pack a different outfit for every day you’re gone. Airlines aren’t trying to scrutinize how many shirts you’re traveling with, but smart travelers (especially on Reddit) say “Remember, it isn’t a fashion show, you don’t need a different outfit every day”. Wear your clothing when possible, and plan to do laundry during your trip. Less clothes means less need for an extra packing cube or bag.

Compress Your Things 

Purchase some packing compression sacks to roll your clothes in. Vacuum seal your clothes into bags. Every little bit of space you can shave off can ensure you fit everything into your bags.

Think about what you wear on the plane as well. Wear your bulkiest shoes and heaviest jacket on your flight instead of packing them. In the event you do get a cold stack on lighter layers instead of a heavy coat.

Shipping may be cheaper 

If you really need to bring a lot of stuff with you (think gifts, souvenirs, sports equipment) compare the price of shipping something to your destination vs paying for extra baggage. Sending things ahead via mail or courier service may be cheaper than having the airline send your items for you.

Airline Credit Cards and Elite Flying 

Airline Credit Cards 

Co-branded airline credit cards frequently offer perks like a free first checked bag (and sometimes for a companion too!). If you fly enough the credit card fee can often be paid back just with that one perk alone. Flying business also typically includes a free checked bag already (often two). Benefits like this are why so many people love airline affinity cards.

Elite Flying Status 

Fly at a higher-tier elite/ loyalty status and you might be allowed additional complimentary bags or weight. One example is elite status with United: Premier Gold/Platinum members can bring the same 70 lbs bags even when flying in economy. Depending on your status (or airline status card) you may be allowed more free checked bags.

Business Just Includes a Free Bag 

Merely purchasing a business-class ticket comes with a free checked bag yourself (sometimes two). That means business class tickets alone (without any fancy status or credit cards) avoid any pesky overweight baggage fees that a basic economy fare would incur.

Business Travel Hacks & Know How 

Share the Weight 

If you’re traveling with someone, split heavy items. One overweight bag can easily be split into two bags to avoid fees.

Know your airline baggage calculator 

A lot of airlines have baggage calculators on their websites. Simply plug in your route, travel class and loyalty status to determine what is actually included in your fare. Knowing how many bags you get free of charge can help you plan ahead.

Book Seats and Upgrades with BCFlights 

If you book with BCFlights you can sometimes purchase extra bags for cheaper than the airline’s own website. At BCFlights, we know business class: we search exclusively for business-class fares. Our number one advice for business class travelers is to compare shops using their flight search engine. Why? Because BCFlights states business class travelers “enjoy spacious seats, additional baggage allowance, gourmet food options and delicious meals.”

When you book your flight through BCFlights you’ll also work with a travel advisor who can help you select an itinerary that fits your baggage needs. BCFlights advisors can show you which airlines offer the most generous baggage allowance or may allow you to pre-purchase additional bags at a discount. BCFlights wants you to find the ideal itinerary, one with that lie-flat seat and proper baggage strategy for your trip.

Pay for Extra Bags Ahead Of Time 

No matter what, pay for extra bags on the airline’s website. Airlines always charge less if you purchase baggage fees online before you fly. Don’t be afraid to buy multiple checked bags online. If you know you need three bags you might as well buy all three through the website and avoid overweight charges later.

International vs One Way Baggage Allowance 

Rules for international flights may be different than standard domestic fares. Additionally some airlines weight each flight separately. For instance if you fly one airline to your destination and a partner airline home, you’ll need to check both airlines’ baggage policies. You may be entitled to more complimentary bags on one flight than the other.

Tips for Packing Your Carry-On and Personal Item

Avoid checked baggage fees by fitting everything into a carry-on sized bag. Here are a few tips to get a little more mileage out of that carry-on and personal item:

Pack what you need in your carry on

Important items like valuables, electronics chargers, medications, a spare change of clothes, should all be in your carry on in case your checked bags get lost.

Your personal item is like your “free 3rd bag” Use that laptop bag or large tote to its fullest. Some savvy travelers pack a small second bag and squeeze it under the seat in front of them. (But do make sure to check airline size requirements first!) The personal item allowance is usually heavier for business class passengers. Check with your airline. 

Gate Check if Necessary 

In some extremely full flights where there may not be enough room in the overhead bins for your carry-on bag. Most airlines will gate check your bag for free. Have your baggage tag ready. 

Conclusion 

Business class baggage allowances are typically generous. Two free checked bags allow you to bring plenty. Just make sure you (and your travel companions) don’t pack unnecessary items. Buy that extra checked baggage online if you must, just don’t pay for it at the airport. And use that airline credit card and status to earn free checked bags whenever possible. BCFlights wishes you happy travels and always remembering your toothbrush!