Weight Restrictions

• For checked baggage, many airlines have imposed fees that get progressively higher the larger the bag. U.S. Airways charges fees for over-50 lbs. bags, comprising $50 for bags weighing between 51 and 70 lbs. and $100 for bags between 71 and 100 lbs. Delta Airlines charges $90 for bags between 51 and 70 lbs. and $175 for bags between 71 and 100 lbs. Delta doesn't accept bags over 100 lbs.
  
  

Carry-on Luggage

• Some airlines restrict the maximum weight of bags that can be carried on board the plane. U.S. Airways restricts each carry-on item to 40 lbs. or fewer.
  
  

Considerations

• A 2010 study by SITA, an aviation analyst firm, found that after airlines took steps to reduce checked baggage on planes in 2009, there was a 24 percent reduction in mishandled bags, saving the U.S. airline industry $94 million.