Contour Airlines baggage policy: Fees, Rules & Tips (2026) 

Contour Airlines allows one carry-on (max 22 x 14 x 9 inches) and one personal item per passenger at no charge. Checked baggage fees start at $45 for the first bag (Super Saver and Standard fares) or free for Flexible fare holders. Overweight bags (51–70 lbs) incur a $100 surcharge. All fees apply per person, each way.

Contour Airlines is a regional carrier based in Smyrna, Tennessee, connecting smaller U.S. cities to major hubs. Founded in 1982 as Corporate Flight Management Inc., Contour launched public airline service in 2016 and has since expanded its network to serve destinations across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest.

Flying regional means a few things are different from major carriers and baggage is one of the biggest areas where travelers get caught off guard. Contour operates Embraer Regional Jets with just 30 seats and notably compact overhead bins. That means your standard carry-on roller bag may end up gate-checked even when you’re technically within the allowed dimensions.

What Is Contour Airlines’ Baggage Allowance?

Contour Airlines’ standard baggage allowance includes one carry-on bag and one personal item for all passengers, regardless of fare type. Checked baggage is not complimentary on Super Saver or Standard fares, but Flexible fare holders receive their first checked bag free.

Fees effective May 1, 2026. All fees are per person, each way, and non-refundable.

What Are the Contour Airlines Carry-On Size Requirements?

Contour Airlines permits one carry-on bag measuring no more than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including wheels and handles. The bag must fit in the overhead compartment. Your personal item a purse, backpack, laptop bag, or similar must fit underneath the seat in front of you and should not exceed 9 x 10 x 17 inches, per Contour’s Contract of Carriage.

Carry-on rules at a glance:

• Maximum carry-on size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
• Personal item max size: 9 x 10 x 17 inches
• All bags must be stowed before takeoff
• Items that don’t fit will be gate-checked and returned plane side on arrival

A practical note competitors miss: Contour exclusively flies Embraer Regional Jets in a 30-seat, 2-1 row configuration. The overhead bins on these aircraft are significantly smaller than those on full-size jets. Many standard carry-on roller bags won’t physically fit even if they meet the stated dimensions. Expect your roller bag to be gate-checked at the jet bridge. When that happens, remove all medications, electronics, e-cigarettes, and spare lithium batteries before handing it over.

Items that don’t count toward your carry-on allowance:

• Diaper bags
• Child safety seats
• Medical or mobility devices
• Strollers (fully collapsible strollers under 20 lbs may be carried on if they fit overhead; all others must be checked at the ticket counter)

How Much Is a Checked Bag on Contour Airlines?

As of May 1, 2026, a first checked bag on Contour Airlines costs $45 for Super Saver and Standard fare passengers. Flexible fare holders receive the first checked bag free. The second bag is $55 across all fare types, and any bag beyond the second is $200 each.

Contour Airlines Checked Baggage Fees (Effective May 1, 2026):

Standard checked baggage rules:

• Maximum weight: 50 lbs (bags 51–70 lbs incur a $100 overweight fee; 71–99 lbs incur $200)
• Maximum size: 90 linear inches (length + width + height)
• Bags over 100 lbs are not accepted under any circumstances
• Bags may only be checked on your day of travel
• All checked bags must be headed to the same final destination as the traveler
• Your name must be clearly labeled on each bag

Cost scenario example: A family of three traveling on Standard fare with two checked bags each would pay $45 + $55 = $100 per person, or $300 total in checked bag fees one way.

What Are Contour Airlines’ Baggage Rules for Oversize and Overweight Items?

Overweight and oversized bags are accepted on a space-available basis and carry significant fees. Per Contour’s official policy effective May 1, 2026:

All oversized items must fit within the aircraft’s cargo compartment. Given the small size of Embraer Regional Jets, this is a meaningful restriction always confirm with Contour before traveling with bulky items.

What Is Contour Airlines’ Policy on Special Items and Sports Equipment?

Contour Airlines accepts sports equipment and specialty items as checked baggage, subject to oversize fees if they exceed standard dimensions. Sports equipment measuring between 63 and 80 linear inches is assessed a $200 fee. Items must fit safely within the aircraft’s cargo compartment; those that don’t may be refused.

Musical instruments may be carried as checked baggage. Under Contour’s legacy Contract of Carriage, standard checked baggage weight limits apply (50 lbs), with an exception allowing instruments up to 40 lbs in certain cases. For current musical instrument rules, contact Contour directly at 1-888-332-6686, as fees may have changed under the updated 2026 contract.

Prohibited items in checked or carry-on baggage include:

• Electronic cigarettes and spare lithium batteries (must be carried on)
• Aerosol spray products beyond TSA limits
• Hazardous materials (flammable, corrosive, or pressurized substances)
• Anything Contour deems unsuitable for transportation by size, weight, or character

For TSA-prohibited liquids and carry-on items, refer to TSA’s 3-1-1 carry-on policy.

Can You Bring a Pet on Contour Airlines?

Contour Airlines allows small domesticated dogs and cats in the cabin for a fee of $150 each way, effective July 1, 2026. Pet reservations must be made in advance by phone online booking for pets is not available.

Pet travel requirements:

• Only domesticated dogs and cats permitted
• Maximum 3 pet containers in the cabin at any time
• Maximum 1 pet carrier per passenger
• Pet carrier max dimensions: 24″ L x 16″ W x 10″ H
• Carrier must fit under the seat and counts as your carry-on item
• Pets must remain in the carrier at all times
• Passengers with a pet carrier may not sit in an Emergency Exit row

Service animals travel free under the Air Carrier Access Act. The animal must be a trained dog and must fit at your feet, on your lap, or under your seat without blocking the aisle. A completed U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form must be submitted to customercare@contourairlines.com at least 48 hours before departure.

What Happens if Contour Airlines Loses or Delays Your Baggage?

If your bags don’t arrive with you, Contour Airlines’ goal is to return them within 24 hours for domestic flights. You can track the status of a delayed bag claim via Contour’s baggage tracking portal at app.bagagent.ai.

Steps to take if your bag is delayed or lost:

1. Report the issue immediately at the baggage claim desk before leaving the airport
2. Provide a local name, phone number, and delivery address
3. Track your claim online at app.bagagent.ai
4. Contact Customer Care at customercare@contourairlines.com or call 1-888-332-6686
5. If theft is suspected, ask a gate agent to contact airport police

Delays are more common on connecting itineraries involving other airlines. Contour’s baggage claim policies vary by airport; check Contour’s airport information page for destination-specific details.

Practical protection tips (based on real traveler experiences):

• Place an AirTag or GPS tracker inside every checked bag
• Pack one change of clothes and all essential medications in your personal item
• Don’t pack valuables, cash, electronics, or irreplaceable items in checked bags
• File a written damage claim within 7 days if your returned bag is damaged

What Are Contour Airlines’ Baggage Rules for Connecting Flights?

Contour Airlines has interline agreements with American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, and United Airlines. When travel on Contour and one of these partners is booked as a single ticket, bags are automatically tagged and transferred to your final destination.

If connecting to American, Alaska, JetBlue, or United:

• Bags are checked through automatically on a single ticket
• Review the partner airline’s baggage fees, as theirs may apply separately

If connecting to any other airline:

• Retrieve your bags from baggage claim
• Re-check them with the connecting airline
• Go through TSA screening again before your departure gate

Contour accepts no responsibility for missed onward connections on itineraries not booked as a single ticket.

Is Contour Airlines a Good Airline?

Contour Airlines is a solid choice for travelers in smaller regional markets with limited access to other carriers. The airline connects underserved communities to major hubs and offers a more civilized in-flight experience than budget carriers, with 36 inches of seat pitch and free soft drinks and snacks. Seat selection is free, and TSA PreCheck is supported.

Where Contour excels:

• Nonstop routes between smaller cities and major hubs
• Free seat selection across all fares
• Comfortable seating with 36″ pitch on Embraer jets
• Interline agreements with American, Alaska, JetBlue, and United

Where Contour falls short:

• No WiFi or power outlets onboard (older fleet)
• Limited daily frequencies on most routes (often once or twice per day)
• Baggage delays and mishandling reported more frequently on connecting itineraries
• Small overhead bins mean most carry-on bags must be gate-checked
• No alcohol service on short routes

Smart Packing Tips to Avoid Contour Airlines Baggage Fees

• Book a Flexible fare if you need to check a bag the first checked bag is free, saving you $45 each way
• Weigh your bag at home before heading to the airport; anything over 50 lbs will cost $100–$200 extra
• Use your personal item wisely it’s your most reliable storage option given that carry-on bins are small
• Remove lithium batteries and e-cigarettes from any bag that may be gate-checked; airlines are prohibited from transporting these in cargo
• Label every bag clearly with your name and contact details to help Contour return delayed bags faster
• Pack medications and irreplaceable items in your personal item, not your gate-checked carry-on

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the carry-on size limit for Contour Airlines?
Contour Airlines’ carry-on size limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including wheels and handles. Your personal item must not exceed 9 x 10 x 17 inches and must fit under the seat in front of you. Both items are carried free of charge.

Does Contour Airlines charge for a first checked bag?
Yes, as of May 1, 2026. Super Saver and Standard fare passengers pay $45 for the first checked bag. Flexible fare passengers receive the first checked bag free. All fees apply per person, each way.

What is the weight limit for checked bags on Contour Airlines?
The standard weight limit is 50 lbs. Bags weighing 51–70 lbs incur a $100 overweight fee; bags weighing 71–99 lbs incur a $200 fee. Contour does not accept bags over 100 lbs.

Can I bring my guitar or instrument on Contour Airlines?
Musical instruments may be checked as baggage on Contour Airlines. Standard weight limits apply (50 lbs), with a legacy exception for certain instruments up to 40 lbs. Oversize fees ($200 for items 63–80 linear inches) may apply. Contact Contour at 1-888-332-6686 to confirm current instrument-specific rules.

Will my carry-on bag fit in the overhead bin on Contour Airlines?
Possibly not. Contour flies Embraer Regional Jets with compact overhead bins. Even bags within the 22 x 14 x 9-inch allowance are often too large for these bins and are gate-checked at the jet bridge. Remove medications, electronics, and lithium batteries before boarding.

How do I track a delayed bag on Contour Airlines?
Use Contour’s official baggage tracking portal at app.bagagent.ai. You can also contact Customer Care at customercare@contourairlines.com or by calling 1-888-332-6686. Contour aims to return delayed domestic bags within 24 hours.

Does Contour automatically transfer bags to connecting airlines?
Yes but only if your itinerary is booked as a single ticket through Contour’s interline partners (American, Alaska, JetBlue, or United). If you book separate tickets, you must retrieve and re-check your bags yourself and go through TSA screening again.

How much does it cost to bring a pet on Contour Airlines?
Effective July 1, 2026, the pet travel fee is $150 each way. Only domesticated dogs and cats are permitted in-cabin. Pet reservations must be made by phone in advance online booking for pets is not available.

What is the fee for oversized sports equipment on Contour Airlines?
Sports equipment measuring between 63 and 80 linear inches is subject to a $200 oversized fee. Items must fit within the aircraft’s cargo compartment. Excess and oversized items are accepted on a space-available basis only.

What happens if Contour Airlines damages my checked bag?
Report any damage immediately at the airport baggage desk. File a written claim within 7 days of receiving the damaged bag. Under DOT regulations, airlines are liable for up to approximately $4,700 for lost or damaged bags on domestic flights. Contour advises against packing valuables, cash, or electronics in checked luggage.