Our answer
On most international business class tickets from the US, you get two checked bags of up to 70 lb (32 kg) each, free. Some airlines are more generous, especially in first class, where three bags is common.
Size: each bag is usually limited to 62 linear inches (158 cm), length plus width plus height. Carry-on: normally one bag plus one personal item, and some airlines allow two carry-on pieces in business class.
Does status add more? It depends on the airline.
- On some airlines, top-tier frequent flyer members get an extra bag on top of the business class allowance.
- On many US airlines, the extra bags for status mainly help in economy, and in business class you simply get the business class allowance. They don’t add together.
- Partner airlines may give status benefits differently to the airline that issued your status.
Watch out for:
- Bags over 70 lb, which usually can’t be checked at all, even for a fee.
- Small planes, safari flights and separate tickets, which can have much lower limits.
- Some routes that use a total weight, such as 40 kg, instead of a number of bags.
Your e-ticket shows your exact allowance, and we confirm it when you book.
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Answered by the Global Business Flights team, booking business and first class since 2017. Last reviewed November 2026.
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