I always wonder about these two systems. I thought I'd ask here.

What are the reasons behind the existence of the two different systems (weight and piece)? Why do we have two different systems? Does this mean carriers flying to and from the U.S./Canada/other piece sytem countries carry more bags from pax than cargo? Who determines what country uses what system?

I know it's nice to be able to fly, for example from the U.S. to Europe, with the two 50lb bag allowance (in Y in this case), but it would be expensive to fly within Europe on a separate ticket with that much baggage since they would charge you for the excess baggage, unless you have a way to leave your stuff somewhere.

If you're on a through ticket, you're fine b/c it's covered once it's been checked in. If you have separate PNRs where you need to collect and then re-check your luggage, yes it can be very expensive. Having elite status makes this a bit easier. If you're connecting to an LCC within Europe for example, you'd be better to pack for the lowest common denominator in terms of allowed luggage b/c they may make you leave something behind without giving you the option to pay a surcharge.

Luggage restrictions are airline policy not any sort of regulation. The weight limit PER bag is for safety purposes, there is usually a buffer between the max allowed and the max permitted with surcharge. In the latter case, the bag is tagged as heavy so the baggage folks know they need help or it'll be that much heavier than the other bags. The # of bags is limited because there is only so much room underneath, and it costs the airline $ in fuel to carry all that weight and baggage.

BTW - all airlines have a piece restriction accompanied by some sort of weight restriction. The limits may differ, but they're there.

I think the piece concept to/from North American is a an American regulation. When BA "simplified" it's baggage policies it said "passengers travelling to/from US,Canada etc.etc. are still permitted two pieces as per the regulation." OWTTE

Cheers,

In the good old days, we were allowed 2 pieces of luggage with a maximum weight of 70lbs each, but this has snce been decreased to 50 lbs except for certain exceptions. While in other countries, the baggage allowance was by the total weight of one's luggage which made more practical sense, because ultimately, what really matters is the total weight.

Here in the US, isn't the restrictions to the weight of each luggage not to exceed 70 lbs each due to some labor agreement by the airlines with the unions? Well of course nowadays, this may be moot since most airlines have decreased the baggage allowances to 50 lbs/piece. Although certain international destinations have had exceptions, depending on the marketplace.