What is a checked baggage?

Also called hold luggage

Checked baggage is luggage you hand over at the airline counter or bag drop to travel in the aircraft's hold, collected from the carousel on arrival. It allows larger and heavier bags than a carry-on, often for an added fee.

Keep essentials — medication, travel documents, a change of clothes, valuables — in your carry-on rather than checked baggage, in case a checked bag is delayed.

Related terms

Carry-on
Personal item

Updated June 29, 2026

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