Eastern Airlines Baggage Fees and Allowance

If you’re planning to fly with Eastern Airlines, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the airline’s baggage policy.

How much baggage can you bring? How much will it cost? What are the size and weight limits? And what happens if your luggage gets lost or damaged?

In this post, I’ll explain everything that you need to know about Eastern Airlines’ baggage policy, including:

• The size and weight limits for carry-on baggage.
• Allowances and fees for checked baggage.
• Traveling with special baggage items like sports equipment and musical instruments.
• The recommended time to drop off your bags at the airport,
• Steps to take if you have any baggage issues upon reaching your destination.

Summary

Carry On Baggage Allowance

• 1 personal item: 17 x 13 x 8 in
• 1 carry-on bag: 22 x 14 x 9 in, 22 lb

Checked Baggage Allowance

• Size limit: 62 in
• Weight limit: 70 lb
• Economy Class: 1 checked bag
• Premium Class: 2 checked bags

Baggage Fees

• Extra bags
  • 2nd bag: $65
  • 3rd to 6th bag: $100 each
• Oversized bag (63 – 115 in): $100
• Overweight bag (33 – 45 lb): $100

Carry On Baggage Policy

Carry On Baggage Allowance

All Eastern Airlines fares include one personal item and 1 carry-on bag.

Personal Item

Size Limit

Your personal item can be up to 17 x 13 x 8 inches (43.2 x 33 x 20.32 centimeters) in size. It must be able to fit under the seat in front of you.

Examples of typical personal items include:

• Handbag
• Laptop bag
• Small backpack
• Briefcase

Weight Limit

Eastern Airlines doesn’t weigh personal items. This can be advantageous as there is a weight limit for carry-on bags. If your carry-on bag exceeds the weight limit, you can transfer some of the heavier items to your personal item.

Carry On Bag

Size Limit

Your carry-on bag can be up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 centimeters) in size. It should be able to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Hot Tip: If the overhead bins are full, you might have to check your carry-on bag. To prepare for such a situation, pack all your important documents, valuables, fragile items, and medications in your personal item. This can help avoid any last-minute frantic repacking of your carry-on items.

Examples of typical carry-on items include:

• Small suitcase
• Backpack
• Duffel bag
• Garment bag

Weight Limit

Your carry-on bag can weigh up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms). You should be able to lift it into the overhead bin without assistance.

Special Items as Carry On Baggage

Eastern Airlines has a lenient policy for carrying fragile special items, such as musical instruments or video gear, as carry-on baggage.

If the item slightly exceeds the size limit in one dimension (e.g., length), it may still be allowed on board as your carry-on bag, provided there’s sufficient space in the overhead bins.

Checked Baggage Policy

Standard Checked Bag Size Limit

Each standard checked bag can measure up to 62 linear inches (157 centimeters). To determine your bag’s size, add together its external length, width, and height. Make sure to include any protruding wheels, handles, and pockets in your measurements.

If your checked bag exceeds 62 linear inches, you’ll be charged an oversized baggage fee at the airport.

Please note that Eastern Airlines doesn’t accept checked baggage larger than 115 linear inches (292 centimeters).

Standard Checked Bag Weight Limit

The weight limit for each standard checked bag, regardless of cabin class, is up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms). To my knowledge, no other domestic airline offers such a generous checked baggage weight limit for Economy Class passengers.

If your checked bag weighs more than 70 pounds, you’ll have to pay an overweight baggage fee when you drop off your bag at the airport.

Please note that Eastern Airlines doesn’t accept checked baggage that weighs more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms).

Checked Baggage Allowance

All Eastern Airlines fares include at least one checked bag. Passengers traveling in the Premium (Globetrotter) Class are allowed to check two bags for free.

The size and weight limits are the same for all fare types:

• Size limit: 62 linear inches
• Weight limit: 70 pounds

Infant Baggage Allowance

Lap infants don’t receive a baggage allowance. However, you can check a child safety seat for free.

For other items such as extra booster seats or a stroller, you’ll have to pay a fee to check the item.

Each item can weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms).

Military Baggage Allowance

If you’re an active-duty U.S. military member traveling on orders, you can check up to 6 bags for free.

Each checked bag can be up to 115 linear inches (292 centimeters) in size and weigh up to 100 pounds (45 kilograms).

This is one of the most generous military baggage allowances available from any airline.

Baggage Fees

If you wish to travel with more checked bags than your fare includes, you’ll need to pay an additional fee.

Also, if your checked baggage is oversized or overweight, you’ll be subject to extra charges.

Please note that these fees are cumulative.

For example, if your extra bag is both oversized and overweight, you’ll incur three separate fees: one for the extra bag, one for the oversized bag, and one for the overweight bag.

Extra Baggage Fees

Each passenger can travel with up to 6 checked bags.

The following table shows how much you’ll have to pay for extra baggage, based on the fare you purchased:

How to Get a Receipt for Your Extra Baggage Fees

You may need to retrieve a copy of your receipt for extra baggage purchases. To do so, you can visit Manage My Trip on Eastern Airlines’ website.

You will need to provide your last name and reservation number to access your booking. Your reservation number can be found in your confirmation email sent to you after making your flight booking.

Oversized Baggage Fees

If your checked bag exceeds 62 linear inches (157 centimeters), you will be required to pay an oversized baggage fee.

For checked bags ranging from 63 to 115 linear inches (158 to 292 centimeters), a $100 oversized baggage fee will be charged at the airport during bag drop-off.

Please note that Eastern Airlines does not accept checked baggage larger than 115 linear inches.

Overweight Baggage Fees

If your checked baggage weighs more than 70 pounds (32 kilograms), you will be required to pay an overweight baggage fee.

Checked bags that weigh between 71 and 100 pounds (33 to 45 kilograms) are subject to a $100 overweight baggage fee, payable at the airport when you drop off your bag.

Please note that Eastern Airlines does not accept checked bags that weigh more than 100 pounds.

Special Baggage

Sports Equipment

Eastern Airlines allows the transportation of sports equipment as checked baggage. This equipment is subject to the same rules, limits, and fees as standard checked baggage.

Your equipment should be packed in a suitable hard-sided case or container that provides adequate protection from damage.

The airline may accept sports equipment packed in a soft-sided case or cover, but it won’t be held responsible for any damage that may occur while the item is in the airline’s custody.

Eastern Airlines accepts various types of sports equipment, including:

• Archery equipment
• Baseball equipment
• Boogie board
• Bowling bag
• Bicycles (non-motorized and single seat)
• Fishing equipment
• Golf bag
• Hockey equipment
• Javelins
• Kite board
• Knee board
• Lacrosse equipment
• Scuba equipment (air tank must be empty and valve open)
• Skateboard
• Snow ski equipment
• Softball equipment
• Water ski equipment

Musical Instruments

Musical Instruments as Carry On Baggage

Eastern Airlines allows musical instruments to be carried on board as your carry-on bag, provided they are within the airline’s carry-on size and weight limits:

• Size limit: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
• Weight limit: 22 pounds

The airline permits fragile items, such as musical instruments, to exceed the carry-on bag size limit in one dimension (for example, length).

For instance, if you’re traveling with a clarinet, which is typically about 26 inches long, Eastern Airlines might still allow you to bring it on board. This is despite the item exceeding the maximum length of 22 inches for carry-on bags, provided there’s enough space left in the overhead bins.

Buying a Seat for a Musical Instrument

Eastern Airlines allows you to buy a seat for musical instruments that are too large to carry on. However, there are some conditions. Your musical instrument must be packed in an appropriate case. The instrument can only be placed in a bulkhead window seat.

Musical Instruments as Checked Baggage

Eastern Airlines allows you to check a musical instrument as baggage. The instrument must be packed in an appropriate case or cover, preferably hard-sided.

The airline considers musical instruments as fragile items and will only accept them as checked baggage under the condition that it isn’t liable for any damage that may occur while the instrument is in Eastern Airlines’ custody.

Checking Your Bags at the Airport

Eastern Airlines’ check-in counters open up to 4 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure. The airline recommends that you arrive at least 2 hours before your flight.

The check-in counters for your flight close 60 minutes before your flight. It’s recommended that you arrive earlier to allow you enough time for check-in, baggage drop-off, and security clearance.

Late Airport Check-In

Eastern Airlines may still allow you to check in beyond the 60-minute cut-off time. However, they can’t guarantee that your checked bags will be on your flight. If your bags don’t make it, the airline will send them on the next available flight.

If your bags are checked in late, the airline isn’t obligated to deliver them to you. You’ll need to return to the airport to collect them or arrange for their delivery.

Delayed and Damaged Baggage

If your checked bags don’t arrive at your destination when you do, or your baggage has been damaged, you should report the incident to an Eastern Airlines agent as soon as possible. Ideally, this should be done before you leave the airport.

You must report any mishandled baggage within 24 hours of arriving at your destination airport.

Delayed Baggage

If your baggage is delayed, an airline agent will assist you in completing a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This report will include:

• Your contact details
• A description of your baggage
• A description of the contents of your bag

Once the report is completed, a copy will be emailed to you. You can also request a physical copy. The agent will then advise you on what you’ll need to do next.

The likelihood of your checked baggage being delayed when flying with Eastern Airlines is significantly lower than with most airlines. Eastern operates only direct flights, and connecting flights are a primary cause of delayed baggage. Just ensure that you don’t check in your bags late!

Damaged Baggage

If your checked baggage is damaged while in Eastern Airlines’ custody, you should report it as soon as possible.

Damage to your baggage or its contents may not always be immediately apparent.

If you have already left the airport, you can report the issue by emailing the airline at [email protected].

Remember that you need to report all mishandled baggage issues within 24 hours of your flight’s arrival.

Final Thoughts

Eastern Airlines has a generous baggage policy that allows passengers to travel with one personal item, one carry-on bag, and at least one checked bag for free.

The airline also has a high weight limit of 70 pounds for each checked bag, and a low fee of $65 for the second checked bag.

We hope that you’ve enjoyed our review of Eastern Airlines’ baggage policy.

Remember to always check Eastern Airlines’ website or contact their customer service for the latest information on baggage allowances and fees.

Sources

• Eastern Airlines