Excess is almost always cheaper to sort out at home than at the desk. A kilo flagged on the check-in scale costs noticeably more than the same weight paid for online in advance. Let's break down what makes up the fee and how to keep it to a minimum.
In short: paying for excess or an extra piece right at the airport is usually much pricier than buying additional baggage in advance on the airline's website. Weigh your cases at home, spread the weight across passengers, and top up your baggage online if you're short. Check your allowance and paid options in My bookings.
01 / What it isWhat counts as excess
Excess happens when your checked baggage is heavier or larger than the allowance included in your ticket. In practice this comes down to three different situations, and each is priced differently.
- Overweight piece. A case heavier than the per-piece limit (say 26 kg against a 23 kg cap) — a charge for each extra kilo.
- Extra piece. You're carrying more pieces than the fare includes — each additional piece is charged.
- Oversize. The total dimensions (length + width + height) exceed the limit — a separate fee, even if the weight is fine.
02 / How muchWhy the airport costs more
Exact amounts depend on the airline, route and fare, so always confirm the specific figures with the carrier. But the pattern holds: paying at the desk is usually noticeably higher than buying the same baggage online in advance. Here's how that plays out in practice.
03 / SavingHow to avoid the fee
Weigh your bags at home
A bathroom or handheld luggage scale the day before departure saves you any surprises at the desk. Check each piece separately — the limit is usually per piece, not for all your bags together.
Spread the weight
If you're travelling together, shift some items to whoever has room left in their allowance. Heavy day-one essentials can go in your carry-on — within its limit.
Add baggage online in advance
Short on allowance? Add a piece or extra kilos on the airline's website before you head to the airport. This is almost always cheaper than paying at check-in.
Check your booking online
Open My bookings to see the included allowance and any options you've already paid for — so you don't buy baggage twice.
04 / HelpIf you still have questions
Not sure about your allowance, or want to add baggage to your ticket? Message us via the @sales_travel_bot bot or call 8 800 1000-646. We'll explain your fare's rules and help you arrange extra baggage in advance.
05 / FAQFrequently asked
How much pricier is paying for excess at the airport?
The exact amounts depend on the airline and route, but desk excess is usually noticeably higher than buying the same baggage online in advance. Check the specific rates with the carrier.
Can I pool baggage with my travel companion?
You can always redistribute items between cases. Formally pooling allowances, however, isn't permitted by every airline — it's worth checking with the carrier in advance.
Where can I see my baggage allowance?
Your included allowance is shown in your booking details under My bookings and in the airline's fare rules. If anything's unclear, message @sales_travel_bot.
What's better: a bigger carry-on or paying for baggage?
If your things fit the permitted carry-on by weight and size, that's free and always the cheaper choice. When they don't, buying baggage online in advance beats paying excess at the desk.