Baggage Handling and Cargo Flashcards

What is the standard maximum weight for a checked bag on most US domestic airlines before overweight fees apply?

Answer: 50 pounds (23 kg)

Most US domestic airlines set 50 pounds (23 kg) as the standard weight limit for checked baggage, charging overweight fees for bags exceeding this.

What is the purpose of a baggage reconciliation system (BRS)?

Answer: To ensure that checked baggage only travels on the same flight as the passenger who checked it in

A BRS matches each piece of checked baggage to the corresponding boarded passenger, preventing unaccompanied bags from flying — a key security requirement.

What is a 'ULD' in cargo and baggage operations?

Answer: Unit Load Device — a pallet or container used to load cargo and baggage onto aircraft

A ULD (Unit Load Device) is a standardized pallet or container that holds cargo and checked baggage for efficient loading into wide-body aircraft cargo holds.

What HAZMAT class category do lithium-ion batteries in carry-on baggage fall under?

Answer: Class 9 — Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials

Lithium-ion batteries are classified as Class 9 Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials with specific quantity and watt-hour limits for carry-on versus checked baggage.

What is the IATA resolution for liability on damaged checked baggage for international flights?

Answer: Montreal Convention — up to approximately 1,288 Special Drawing Rights per passenger

The Montreal Convention governs international baggage liability and limits compensation for damaged or lost checked baggage to approximately 1,288 SDRs per passenger.

What is the DOT domestic baggage liability limit for checked baggage on US domestic flights?

Answer: $3,800 per passenger

The DOT sets a liability limit of $3,800 per passenger for checked baggage mishandling on domestic US flights.