For some traveling is the most exciting time, while for others it is a time of stress. Regardless of your destination, you want to arrive safe and sound, with as little stress as possible. Your experience at the airport when you first check-in can go a long way to determining the attitude towards your trip. Whether you are bringing a few extra pairs of swimmers or warm jackets for that white Christmas, it is always nice to see your bags board the plane at no extra cost.
Short, medium or long haul, most carriers are expanding their networks and it is great to see most airlines letting a few extra pounds on board, because most of the time, paying extra at the airport is more effort than it's worth. Some airlines, however, still make passengers fork out for one piece of baggage, even on overseas flights!
Read on to find out more. Some of the results might surprise you!
15 Excellence With Emirates
Emirates staff are accommodating in every way possible, which adds to the overall experience but it also creates passengers for life. Not to say their luggage allowance should be taken advantage of, but because they serve many long-haul flights, it is only fair they let some slide.
14 All Smiles On Virgin Atlantic
Based in the UK, Virgin Atlantic serves just over 30 cities around the world. From short-haul to long, Virgin prides itself on facilitating every passenger request. Sometimes this means allowing the baggage allowance to tip over the maximum, with a smile on their face! Even Santa Claus comes on board to visit, how cool!
13 Yoga With Qantas
The Spirit of Australia has recently expanded with its non-stop flights from Perth to London and soon Sydney to New York. Given their expanding network of medium and long-haul flights, baggage allowance has become a bit more relaxed, and let's be honest, being respectful to airline staff goes a long way.
12 Qatar Airways - a World Leader
Qatar Airways is another Middle Eastern airline leading the pack in service and amenities. Staff are generally quite relaxed about their 30kg luggage allowance, however, unless you're packing the whole kitchen sink, 30kg's is more than enough for that well-earned European adventure! If you do happen to have over 30kg's, stress no more.
11 Sensational Singapore
The pride of South East Asia, Singapore Airlines serves 66 destinations and is one of the best airlines in the world. Travelers are highly positive of the airline and its staff, and the fact that they can bring a little more luggage on board at no extra cost definitely helps their cause.
10 United Together
United Airlines, much to most passengers' surprise, is quite slack on baggage allowance. One of the most popular airlines in the US, United subtly allows a bit more than usual on board. If you are a Premium MileagePlus Member, you can bring up to 3 pieces of luggage on board!
9 Cheers Delta
Another US airline has hit the jackpot with passengers. Delta has recently been letting baggage weight slide, so cheers to that! If you are the holder of a Delta credit card you are guaranteed one checked bag for free. This initiative has seen passenger numbers sky rocket... no pun intended!
8 American Airlines
American Airlines is the staple airline of the U.S. Just like the previous 2 airlines, AA has an expanding network meaning it only makes sense to forget a little about your bag weight. While some passengers make it sound like it's hard to get away with, being respectful can go a long way.
7 Welcome On Board Air Canada
Everyone is welcome on board Air Canada, even your oversized bags! Flying to every continent (except Antarctica), it is only fair that their 23kg restriction is sometimes a little forgotten, especially on transatlantic or Pacific voyages. And, to add a little spice, Canadians being Canadians are very hospitable, so you are in great hands.
6 Oh So British
With flights from London to Sydney, British Airways has recently upped its game when it comes to luggage weight. Staff has been letting things slide which has done nothing but leave passengers with big smiles. It is great to see airlines who are expanding their networks start to allow heavier bags at no extra cost.
5 Poor Form By South West Airlines
South West is notorious for baggage allowance. Even if your bags are 1kg over the limit, you will be required to pay an additional $75 per bag. With 15 destinations outside the US border, one would think baggage allowance could be even just a little bit forgotten, even just a few pounds over, for that extra bikini.
4 May Your Spirit Be With You
Perhaps the lowest cost airline in the US, Spirit Airlines is up there with the most strict on baggage allowance. If you are heading home for the holidays and wish to bring some presents with you, be ready to fork out an extra $60-$100 USD for extra baggage!
3 EasyJet... EasyMoney
EasyJet is Europe's premier low-cost airline and for the most part, it is all you need for a 2-hour flight across Europe. However if you do decide you need extra baggage, the airline ticket is usually so cheap that it costs more for your bags than it does to board the plane, and staff will have none of it.
2 JetBlue - The Police Of The Air
Just like Spirit and South West, JetBlue is a low carrier airline in the US. While the prices for your bags aren't as hefty as its counterparts, they are still substantial even if it is only over by 1 pound. $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second. Prices are not out of this world, but not ideal and they police it to a tee.
1 Chaos With RyanAir
There have been many complaints about the baggage at RyanAir, and rightly so. The way staff handles overweight baggage is simply unacceptable. While you can get from point A to B with the airline at very cheap fares, that is about all. As the old saying goes, expect what you pay for.