Luggage vs. Baggage: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on December 31, 2023
Luggage refers specifically to suitcases and containers for personal belongings during travel, while baggage can also imply emotional or psychological burdens.
Key Differences
Luggage typically refers to the physical items like suitcases and bags used for carrying personal belongings while traveling, whereas baggage, while also meaning this, can additionally refer to intangible burdens or problems one carries.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 31, 2023
In modern usage, luggage is often used to describe items that are more structured and designed for convenience in travel, like wheeled suitcases, whereas baggage can include a broader range of items, not limited to physical travel gear.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 31, 2023
The term luggage is frequently used in contexts like airports or hotels to refer specifically to the physical items a traveler carries, whereas baggage can also be used metaphorically to describe emotional or historical burdens.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 31, 2023
When airlines refer to luggage, they typically mean the suitcases and bags a passenger brings, while baggage can encompass both these items and additional considerations like weight limits, fees, and restrictions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 31, 2023
Luggage has a more straightforward connotation, focusing on the practical aspects of travel gear, whereas baggage, with its dual meaning, can convey deeper, more complex concepts, both physically and emotionally.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 31, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Physical items for carrying belongings
Physical items and emotional burdens
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Dec 31, 2023
Usage in Travel
Exclusively refers to travel containers
Refers to travel containers and limits, fees
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Dec 31, 2023
Example
Wheeled suitcases, travel bags
Suitcases, emotional 'baggage' from past
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Dec 31, 2023
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Luggage and Baggage Definitions
Luggage
It represents the containers used for transporting belongings.
The airport conveyor belt was full of various types of luggage.
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Dec 14, 2023
Baggage
Baggage often has a metaphorical or symbolic meaning.
His new relationship helped him shed some of his old baggage.
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Dec 14, 2023
Luggage
Luggage refers to suitcases and bags for personal items during travel.
She packed her clothes in her luggage for the trip.
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Dec 14, 2023
Baggage
It can also imply emotional or psychological burdens.
He carried a lot of emotional baggage from his childhood.
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Dec 14, 2023
Luggage
Luggage is often designed for convenience and durability.
His luggage had wheels and extendable handles for easy movement.
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Dec 14, 2023
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Baggage
Baggage is used broadly in travel and personal contexts.
The airline charges extra for excess baggage.
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Dec 14, 2023
Luggage
Luggage is specific to travel and mobility.
The hotel offers a luggage storage service for guests.
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Dec 14, 2023
Baggage
It refers to both physical items and abstract concepts.
She had to deal with the baggage of a complicated past.
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Dec 14, 2023
Luggage
It encompasses items like backpacks, duffels, and carry-ons.
He chose a backpack as his only piece of luggage for the hike.
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Dec 14, 2023
Baggage
The trunks, bags, parcels, and suitcases in which one carries one's belongings while traveling; luggage.
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Dec 13, 2023
Baggage
Emotions or thoughts that stem from painful or unpleasant past experiences and that affect one's outlook or behavior
"I lugged a considerable amount of psychological baggage from my adolescence" (Stephen S. Hall).
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Dec 13, 2023
Luggage
(uncountable) The bags and other containers that hold a traveller's belongings.
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Dec 13, 2023
Baggage
(uncountable) Portable cases, large bags, and similar equipment for manually carrying, pushing, or pulling personal items while traveling
Please put your baggage in the trunk.
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Dec 13, 2023
Luggage
That which is lugged; anything cumbrous and heavy to be carried; especially, a traveler's trunks, baggage, etc., or their contents.
I am gathering up my luggage, and preparing for my journey.
What do you mean,To dote thus on such luggage!
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Dec 13, 2023
Baggage
Factors, especially psychological ones, which interfere with a person's ability to function effectively.
This person has got a lot of emotional baggage.
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Dec 13, 2023
Baggage
The trunks, valises, satchels, etc., which a traveler carries with him on a journey; luggage.
The baronet's baggage on the roof of the coach.
We saw our baggage following below.
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Dec 13, 2023
Baggage
A woman of loose morals; a prostitute.
A disreputable, daring, laughing, painted French baggage.
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Dec 13, 2023
Baggage
Baggage includes suitcases and personal belongings for travel.
Her baggage was lost during the flight transfer.
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Dec 14, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What items are considered luggage?
Suitcases, duffels, backpacks, and carry-ons.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 31, 2023
What is luggage?
Containers like suitcases used for carrying personal items during travel.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 31, 2023
Are luggage and baggage interchangeable in travel context?
Yes, but luggage is more specific to travel gear.
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Dec 31, 2023
Can baggage refer to past experiences?
Yes, it's often used to describe emotional history.
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Dec 31, 2023
What is the maximum size for carry-on luggage?
It varies by airline but typically fits in overhead bins.
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Dec 31, 2023
Can baggage have a non-physical meaning?
Yes, it can refer to emotional or psychological burdens.
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Dec 31, 2023
What does baggage mean in an airport?
It refers to the suitcases and travel bags of passengers.
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Dec 31, 2023
How do airlines handle lost baggage?
They typically have a process for tracking and returning lost items.
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Dec 31, 2023
What is hand luggage?
Small bags or suitcases carried into the plane cabin.
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Dec 31, 2023
How can emotional baggage be addressed?
Through self-awareness, therapy, and personal growth.
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Dec 31, 2023
Is luggage only used for air travel?
No, it's used for all types of travel.
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Dec 31, 2023
Do airlines charge for luggage or baggage?
They can charge for both, often using the term baggage.
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Dec 31, 2023
How is luggage designed for travel?
It's designed for convenience, durability, and ease of transport.
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Dec 31, 2023
How does emotional baggage affect relationships?
It can bring challenges and complexities from past experiences.
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Dec 31, 2023
Are there restrictions on what can be carried in luggage?
Yes, items like liquids and sharp objects are often restricted.
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Dec 31, 2023
Can you check both luggage and baggage on flights?
Yes, both terms refer to items you can check in or carry on.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 31, 2023
Is there a difference in baggage fees for domestic and international flights?
It can vary based on airline policies.
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Dec 31, 2023
Can baggage be a positive term?
Rarely, as it often connotes burdens or challenges.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 31, 2023
What's the best way to secure luggage during travel?
Using locks and keeping it in sight or in secure areas.
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Dec 31, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.