Group items tagged

40 kilograms (88 pounds) in first class, 30 kilograms (66 pounds) in business class and 20 kilograms (44 pounds) in economy.

Taking your heavy bags with you to Italy could be costly indeed -- even if the airline accepted them -- largely because of the difference between the so-called piece system baggage rule, which predominates in the United States and on flights between the United States and Europe, and the weight system, which is commonly used in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Airlines in general are adopting tougher baggage rules to keep fuel costs under control. British Airways, for example, no longer accepts any checked baggage over 32 kilograms (70.5 pounds), except for certain items, including musical instruments, electric wheelchairs and sporting equipment, that have not been approved and registered 24 hours in advance. Northwest and American have recently reduced their baggage allowances for coach class to about 50 pounds an item, down from 70 pounds.