Size

• Carry-on bags must weigh less than 40 lbs., be less than 45 inches when adding height, weight and length and fit into the overhead compartment of an airplane. To meet this last requirement, baggage should be no bigger than 14-by-9-by-22 inches.
  
  

Considerations

• Passengers should check bags that are larger than the carry-on allowance. Economy class passengers can check two bags as long as they do not exceed 50 lbs. and are less than 62 linear inches (height plus width plus length).
  
  

Types

• Personal items should be small items or items that are needed for health or safety reasons. Personal items include purses, video game consoles, laptop computers, diaper bags, umbrellas and CD players. Continental permits personal aid devices such as wheelchairs, strollers, CPAP breathing machines and crutches.
  
  

Fees

• Fees for checked bags vary according to the destination. As of September 2010, all economy class passengers flying within the U.S. and to Puerto Rico and the U.S Virgin Island, must pay a fee for all checked bags. Economy passengers to Europe, Asia, and Central and South America (except Brazil) may check one bag at not cost but pay significantly for the second.
  
  Economy passengers to Israel, Brazil, Japan and China may check two bags free. Fees are generally $2 to $5 lower for bags that are checked in and paid for online, than bags that are checked in and paid for at the airport.