If you are considering flying with Level Airline or have an upcoming trip with the airline and want to familiarize yourself with its baggage policy, you’ve come to the right place. Level is a low-cost carrier, based in Madrid, Spain. The airline services much of Europe as well as several destinations in North and South America.
This blog post will explore Level Airline’s carry-on and checked baggage policies, including allowances, limits, fees, and restrictions. We will also cover the rules and fees that you’ll need to know when traveling with special baggage such as sports equipment and musical instruments.
Carry On Baggage Policy
In this section we will cover Level’s carry-on baggage allowance and restrictions.
Carry On Baggage Allowance
All fares include a personal item and a carry-on bag.
Personal Item
Size Limit
Your personal item can be no larger than 15.8 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm) in size. It must be able to fit under the seat in front of you.
If your personal item exceeds this size limit, Level may require you to check the item as checked baggage. You will also be subject to a baggage fee.
Typical personal items include:
- A purse
- Handbag
- Laptop bag
- Small backpack
Weight Limit
Level doesn’t impose a weight limit for your personal item.
Carry On Bag
Size Limit
Your carry-on bag can be up to 22 x 15.8 x 13.8 inches (56 x 40 x 25 cm) in size. The bag must be able to fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins.
If your carry-on bag exceeds this size limit, the airline may require you to check the bag as checked baggage. You will also have to pay a checked bag fee.
Weight Limit
Your carry-on bag can weigh up to 22 pounds (10 kg). You should be able to lift your bag into the overhead bins unassisted.
If your carry-on bag weighs more than 22 pounds, the airline may require that you check it as checked baggage. You will also have to pay a checked bag fee.
Carry On Baggage Restrictions
Liquid Restrictions in Carry On Baggage
U.S.
For U.S. travel, the Transport Security Administration (TSA) has a restriction on liquids in carry-on baggage. You can bring 3.4-ounce (100 ml) containers of liquids, gels, or pastes, which must fit in a transparent and resealable 1 quart-sized bag.
Everywhere Else
Most other countries have restrictions on liquids in carry-on baggage. You can travel with liquid containers that can fit in a 1 quart-sized (1 liter) resealable bag.
U.S. Restrictions on Powdered Substances
You aren’t allowed to travel with more than 12 ounces (350 grams) of powdered substances in total, in your carry-on baggage.
Examples of prohibited items include:
- Sugar
- Flour
- Ground coffee
- Species
- Powdered milk
- Cosmetics
If you want to travel with more than 12 ounces of these types of substances, they should be packed in your checked baggage. Otherwise, airport security staff may confiscate these prohibited items.
However, some powdered substances are exempt from these restrictions:
- Baby formula
- Human remains
- Medically prescribed powders
- Duty-free items from the airport that were purchased in a sealed duty-free bag
Checked Baggage Policy
In this section we will explore Level Airline’s checked baggage size and weight limits. We will also cover baggage fees for extra and overweight baggage.
Checked Bag Size Limit
Checked bags can be up to 62 linear inches (158 centimeters) in size. Your bag’s size is calculated by measuring its outside length, width, and height, and adding these measurements together. You must include any protruding wheels, handles, or straps in your measurements.
Checked Bag Weight Limit
Level doesn’t have a standard checked bag weight limit, as none of the airline’s fares include a checked baggage allowance.
However, if you decide to buy a checked bag, you have 3 sizes available to choose from:
- 33 pounds (15 kg)
- 50 pounds (23 kg)
- 70 pounds (32 kg)
Level won’t accept checked baggage that exceeds 70 pounds.
Checked Baggage Fees
Level flight bookings don’t include checked baggage as standard. If you intend to travel with checked baggage, you have 2 options:
- Buy your checked baggage separately
- Buy a checked baggage allowance as part of a package
Let’s explore each of these options in detail:
Buy Checked Bags Separately
You can buy checked baggage in three weight categories:
- 33 pounds (15 kg)
- 50 pounds (23 kg)
- 70 pounds (32 kg)
The fee that you will have to pay depends on your destination and when you buy your allowance. Paying for your checked bags at the airport is more expensive.
The following baggage fee tables list the lowest checked bag fee you would expect to pay. The bag fees are expressed in U.S. dollars, for travel to/from the U.S. If you are traveling within Europe, your bag fees will be charged in euros (€).
Online Checked Bag Fees
If you purchase your checked baggage allowance before you reach the airport, you can expect the following minimum charges, depending on your destination:
| Bag Allowance | Bag Fee |
|---|---|
| 33 pounds (15 kg) | $66+ (€55+) |
| 50 pounds (23 kg) | $78+ (€65+) |
| 70 pounds (32 kg) | $114+ (€95+) |
Airport Checked Bag Fees
If you are flying to/from North or South America, you can expect the following minimum checked baggage fees, when purchased at the airport:
| To/from | Bag 1 | Bags 2 to 3 |
|---|---|---|
| North America | $80+ (€70+) | $120+ (€105+) |
| South America | $85+ (€75+) | $125+ (€110+) |
Buy Checked Bags as Part of a Package
Level offers bundles that you can add to your booking that includes extra services, including a checked baggage allowance.
The packages available depend on whether you’re flying in the Level’s Economy or Premium cabin. The airline doesn’t have a Business Class cabin.
- Economy
- Light
- Comfort
- Extra
- Premium Economy
- Premium Comfort
- Premium Extra
These fares offer the following benefits:
| Benefit | Light | Comfort | Extra | Premium Comfort | Premium Extra |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Checked bags | 0 | 1 x 50 lb | 2 x 50 lb | 1 x 50 lb | 2 x 50 lb |
| Meals | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Flexible ticket | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Premium cabin | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Priority check-in | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Priority boarding | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Seat selection | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Onboard amenities | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Fee Charge | Included | $74+ | $162+ | Included | $112+ |
Although the Premium Comfort package is included with the flight booking, it’s important to point out that you’re paying for a Premium Economy ticket which is significantly more expensive than an economy fare.
These fares are difficult to recommend. If all you want is the checked baggage allowance, you’re better off paying for them separately. However, if you also want to have the extra benefits included with the fare, I strongly recommend flying with an airline that includes many of these services with an airline’s fare. If you’re intending to fly between the U.S. and Spain, Iberia would be the obvious choice.
Overweight Baggage
Overweight baggage fees are charged for every 2.2 pounds (1 kg) or part thereof. For each 2.2 pounds your checked bag exceeds the purchased allowance, you will be charged 15 euros ($16.48 at the time of this writing).
These fees come into effect depending on the baggage allowance you purchased:
- 33 pounds (15 kg)
- 50 pounds (23 kg)
Level won’t accept checked bags that exceed 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
As an example, if you buy one of the bag allowances above, and your packed bag weighs 70 pounds (32 kg), your overweight bag fee would be:
| Bag Allowance | Bag Weight | Overweight Bag Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 33 pounds (15 kg) | 70 pounds (32 kg) | +€255 (approx. +$280) |
| 50 pounds (23 kg) | 70 pounds (32 kg) | +€135 (approx. +$148) |
This fee is in addition to the standard bag charge.
Overweight bag fees have to be paid at the airport, during check-in.
Special Baggage
Level allows you to travel with special baggage such as sports equipment and musical instruments. You should pack your special equipment in a bag, case, container that provides adequate protection against damage.
Special Baggage Fees
Your special baggage should be within checked baggage limits:
- Size: 62 linear inches (158 centimeters)
- Weight: 50 pounds (23 kg)
Exceptions to these limits are noted below.
All special baggage is subject to a special item fee:
| Special Item | Online Fee |
|---|---|
| Sports Equipment | $105 (€95) |
| Musical Instrument | $105 (€95) |
If your special baggage weighs more than 50 pounds (23 kg), you will be subject to an overweight fee:
- Special baggage overweight fee: £15/kg (approx. $16.48/2.2 pounds)
Sports Equipment
Bicycles
You can check a non-motorized, single-seat bike as checked baggage. Level won’t accept electrical bikes or scooters at check-in.
Your bike should be packed in a suitable bike bag, case, or box to properly protect it. Level’s airline partner, Iberia, has bike boxes available for sale. The box is 52 x 28 x 8 inches (131 x 72 x 21 cm) in size and costs 20€.
Personally, I wouldn’t want to wait until I reach the airport to organize packing a bike. I’d rather have it securely packed before leaving for the airport.
If your packed bike weighs no more than 50 pounds (23 kilograms), it can be checked as a standard checked bag. However, if it exceeds this weight, it will be subject to an overweight fee.
Level won’t accept bikes weighing more than 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
Bodyboards and Boogieboards
A board can be no larger than 39 x 20 x 8 inches (100 x 50 x 20 centimeters).
If your board weighs no more than 50 pounds (23 kilograms), it can be checked as a standard checked bag. However, if it exceeds this weight, it will be subject to an overweight fee.
Diving Equipment
Your diving equipment bag can include:
- 1 empty bottle
- 1 hydrostatic vest
- 1 mask
- 1 pair of flippers
- 1 pressure gauge
- 1 snorkel
- 1 weight belt
If your diving equipment bag weighs no more than 50 pounds (23 kilograms), it can be checked as a standard checked bag. However, if it exceeds this weight, it will be subject to an overweight fee.
Fishing Equipment
Your fishing equipment can include:
- Up to 2 fishing rods
- 1 pair of fishing boots
- 1 pair of waders
- 1 tackle box
- Fishing nets
Your fishing equipment can be distributed across up to 2 bags, but checked as 1 bag, if the combined weight doesn’t exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms). If your equipment weighs more than 50 pounds, it will be subject to an overweight fee at the airport.
Level won’t accept any bags weighing more than 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
Golf Equipment
Your golf bag can contain the following items:
- Up to 14 golf clubs
- Up to 12 golf balls
- 1 pair of golf shoes
Your golf bag should be packed in a travel bag that can provide adequate protection.
If your golf equipment weighs no more than 50 pounds (23 kilograms), it can be checked as a standard checked bag. However, if it exceeds this weight, it will be subject to an overweight fee.
Inflatable Rubber Boat
You can check 1 deflated non-motorized rubber boat and a pair of oars contained in one bag.
If your bag weighs no more than 50 pounds (23 kilograms), it can be checked as a standard checked bag. However, if it exceeds this weight, it will be subject to an overweight fee.
Life Jackets or Personal Flotation Devices
You are allowed to check 1 inflatable life jacket and 1 60g CO2 cartridge.
If your equipment weighs no more than 50 pounds (23 kilograms), it can be checked as a standard checked bag. However, if it exceeds this weight, it will be subject to an overweight fee.
Ski Equipment
Your ski equipment should be packed in a suitable bag specifically designed to hold this type of gear.
Your checked baggage can include:
- 1 pair of skis
- 1 pair of ski poles
- 1 pair of ski boots
- 1 helmet
This equipment can be packed in up to 2 bags but checked as 1 bag if the combined weight doesn’t exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms). If your ski equipment weighs more than 50 pounds, it will be subject to an overweight fee at the airport. Level won’t accept any bags weighing more than 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
Snowboard Equipment
Your snowboard equipment should be packed in a proper bag specifically designed to hold this type of gear.
Your checked baggage can include:
- 1 snowboard
- 1 pair of snowboard boots
- 1 snowboard helmet
This equipment can be packed in up to 2 bags but checked as 1 bag if the combined weight doesn’t exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms). If your ski equipment weighs more than 50 pounds, it will be subject to an overweight fee at the airport. Level won’t accept any bags weighing more than 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
Surfboards, Kiteboards, and Wave Boards
A board can be no longer than 11.5 feet (3.5 meters).
If your board weighs no more than 50 pounds (23 kilograms), it can be checked as a standard checked bag. However, if it exceeds this weight, it will be subject to an overweight fee.
Windsurfing Equipment
When packing your windsurfing equipment, you must securely wrap the board, boom, centerboard, mast, and sail together.
If your windsurfing equipment weighs no more than 50 pounds (23 kilograms), it can be checked as a standard checked bag. However, if it exceeds this weight, it will be subject to an overweight fee.
Musical Instruments
Carry On Baggage
You can bring your musical instrument on board as your carry-on bag if it doesn’t exceed 47 x 15 x 12 inches (120 x 38 x 30 cm) in size. This size is larger than for a standard carry-on bag to accommodate standard guitars. This size only applies to musical instruments.
Checked Baggage
Musical instruments up to 75 x 30 x 26 inches (190 x 75 x 65 cm) in size can be checked in. This size allowance is larger than standard checked baggage to accommodate larger sized musical instruments.
If your musical instrument’s weight doesn’t exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms), you can check it as a standard checked baggage. However, if it weighs more than 50 pounds, you’ll be subject to an overweight fee when checking it in at the airport.
As with standard checked baggage, Level won’t accept musical instruments weighing more than 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
Airport Check In
If you are traveling with checked baggage, you’ll need to allow extra time to ensure that they make your flight.
You can check your bags up to 4 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure. Level won’t accept checked baggage checked later than 60 minutes before your flight.
Final Thoughts
Level Airline is a low-cost carrier, so you’d expect some “nickel-and-diming”. Let’s just say that it doesn’t disappoint.
It’s not all bad, however. All transatlantic flights include a personal item and carry-on bag. If this is all the baggage that you’ll need for your trip, then you may want to consider Level for your next trip.
However, if you require checked baggage, the fees can quickly mount up. Also, special baggage such as sports equipment and musical instruments are subject to a special (more expensive fee). For checked baggage travelers, Level is difficult to recommend.
Remember to always check Level’s website or contact their customer service for the latest information on baggage allowances and fees.
Sources
(Featured image credit: JacobAviation. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.)
