People's Baggage Policy: Carry-On, Checked Allowance & Rules
People's (Altenrhein Luftfahrt GmbH) standard scheduled tickets include one piece of carry-on baggage weighing up to 8 kg plus one small personal item. Standard fare classes generally include one 23 kg checked bag with maximum linear dimensions of 158 cm. Because People's operates regional Embraer 170 jets, larger carry-on trolleys are regularly checked at the gate for Delivery at Aircraft.
Baggage Allowance Snapshot
Scheduled People's flights provide an 8 kg cabin bag, a personal item, and 23 kg of hold luggage on standard fares. Limited overhead locker space on regional jets means larger carry-on bags are frequently gate-checked free of charge.
What can change: Fare type (promotional carry-on-only vs. standard), route type (scheduled business flights vs. seasonal holiday charters), and codeshare partner connections.
Official Source Verification
Baggage rules can vary by fare, cabin, route, operating carrier, traveler status, and purchase channel. BaggageBase separates published rules from practical guidance.
Understanding People's Regional Network & Aircraft Fleet
People's (legally registered as Altenrhein Luftfahrt GmbH, previously branded as People's Viennaline) is an Austrian-Swiss regional carrier. Headquartered at St. Gallen–Altenrhein Airport (ACH) in Switzerland, near the borders of Austria, Germany, and Liechtenstein, the airline connects the Lake Constance region directly with Vienna International Airport (VIE). During warm-weather months, the carrier operates leisure charters to Mediterranean and Adriatic destinations.
Unlike mainline airlines flying broad fleets, People's operates its scheduled and charter operations using regional jet equipment-primarily the Embraer 170 (E170). The physical dimensions of a regional jet cabin dictate how luggage is handled from the departure gate to the baggage carousel.
If you frequently fly larger aircraft across Central Europe, compare how People's compares to other operators by checking the Austrian Airlines baggage policy and the regional Swiss hub rules in our SWISS baggage policy.
Regional Jet Cabin Space & "Delivery at Aircraft" (DAA)
The Embraer 170 cabin provides a 2-2 seating configuration with lower overhead ceiling clearance than standard Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 aircraft. The overhead bins on regional jets cannot accommodate standard rigid roll-aboard suitcases for an entire passenger load.
To maintain passenger comfort and avoid flight delays, People's uses a Delivery at Aircraft (DAA) system:
- Gate Tagging: Ground agents at St. Gallen–Altenrhein or Vienna check the size and weight of carry-on pieces. Even if your wheeled bag meets general hand luggage limits, agents may attach a DAA tag.
- Ramp Drop-Off: You carry your wheeled bag through the gate and leave it on a luggage cart right before walking up the aircraft boarding stairs.
- Hold Placement: Ramp workers place your bag into the forward cargo hold just before the doors close.
- Aircraft Steps Return: When you land, ramp agents unload these tagged bags immediately and place them beside the aircraft steps or jet bridge. You collect your bag on the tarmac before entering the terminal, avoiding the main baggage claim belts.
Crucial Packing Rule: If your bag is designated for DAA handling, you must remove all spare lithium-ion batteries, external power banks, electronic cigarettes, crucial prescription medications, keys, and travel passports. Keep these essential items in your smaller personal bag under the seat in front of you.
Carry-On Baggage & Personal Item Rules
Every ticketed passenger holding an adult or child fare is entitled to free hand luggage within defined weight and size boundaries.
| Hand Luggage Item | Allowed Count | Weight Limit | Storage Position | Standard Guidelines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Carry-On Bag | 1 piece | 8 kg | Overhead locker or DAA hold | Suitcase, duffel, or weekend bag (standard regional limits apply)* |
| Small Personal Item | 1 piece | Included in cabin limit | Under the front seat | Handbag, laptop sleeve, small shoulder bag |
| Infant (under 2 years) | 0 cabin bags | N/A | With adult | Pushchair/stroller checked at boarding stairs free of charge |
*Exact published centimeter dimensions are subject to carrier confirmation; regional carriers commonly align with 55 × 40 × 23 cm limits.
To review general cabin sizing norms across regional and long-haul carriers, view our master airline carry-on size comparison.
Personal Item Guidelines
Your personal item must fit entirely beneath the seat in front of you without blocking the aisle. Standard permitted items include:
- One small handbag, purse, or pocketbook.
- One slim laptop case or small briefcase.
- Medical support equipment or required assistive devices.
- Duty-free purchases in an approved, sealed tamper-evident bag.
Items such as winter coats, umbrellas, crutches, and walking canes do not count against your carry-on piece allowance.
Checked Baggage Allowances: Scheduled vs. Charter Fares
Checked baggage rules on People's depend heavily on whether you are traveling on a scheduled business flight or an inclusive holiday package charter.
1. Scheduled Commuter Routes (St. Gallen–Altenrhein to Vienna)
For standard corporate and individual bookings on the ACH–VIE corridor:
- Classic & Flex Tiers: Include 1 checked bag up to 23 kg as part of the base ticket price.
- Light / Hand-Luggage-Only Fares: May occasionally be offered on promotional fare structures. If you book a Light fare, you must purchase a checked bag before arriving at the airport to avoid higher gate surcharges.
- Maximum Linear Dimensions: The combined total of length, width, and height must not exceed 158 cm (62 inches), including wheels, pockets, and handles.
2. Seasonal Holiday Charter Packages
During peak summer months, People's operates charter flights to destinations like Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Calvi, Preveza, and Olbia on behalf of regional tour operators (such as High Life Reisen).
- Charters do not automatically follow standard scheduled ticket rules.
- Tour contracts frequently cap checked hold luggage at 20 kg per passenger, while others permit the full 23 kg.
- Essential Action: Always verify the baggage allowance printed on your tour operator booking confirmation, travel voucher, or e-ticket before departure.
Hold Baggage Allowance Comparison
The following table summarizes checked baggage parameters by passenger booking type:
| Booking Type | Included Bags | Weight Allowed | Dimensions ($L + W + H$) | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Classic Fare | 1 piece | Up to 23 kg | Max 158 cm | Standard business commuter ticket |
| Scheduled Flex Fare | 1 piece | Up to 23 kg | Max 158 cm | Includes flexibility and standard hold bag |
| Scheduled Light Fare | 0 pieces | 0 kg | N/A | Add-on hold luggage available for purchase |
| Charter / Package Tour | 1 piece | 20 kg or 23 kg* | Max 158 cm | *Exact weight printed on tour operator voucher |
| Children (2–11 years) | 1 piece | Same as adult | Max 158 cm | Hold bag matching fare tier rules |
| Infant on Lap (0–23 mos) | Special policy | Varies | Compact stroller | Pram transported free of charge to aircraft steps |
Excess, Overweight, and Oversized Baggage
Baggage that exceeds the allocated piece count, weight, or dimensions is subject to excess baggage surcharges at the check-in counter.
Overweight Bags (24 kg to 32 kg)
If your included allowance is 23 kg and your bag weighs between 24 kg and 32 kg, you will be assessed an overweight fee at the airport desk.
- Charges are evaluated either as a flat handling fee or as an incremental per-kilogram rate. (Official verification required for current airport desk pricing).
- Strict 32 kg Maximum: Under European civil aviation safety regulations, airport ground handlers are not permitted to lift individual bags weighing more than 32 kg (70.5 lbs). Any single piece exceeding 32 kg will be refused at check-in and must be repacked into separate bags or shipped via air cargo.
Oversized Bags (Exceeding 158 cm)
Baggage measuring more than 158 cm across total linear dimensions (Length + Width + Height) requires specialized baggage handling. Oversized items may incur special handling fees and must be confirmed during booking to ensure the Embraer 170 hold can physically accommodate them.
Traveling with Children and Infants
People's provides accommodations for families traveling with young children from regional stations:
- Strollers and Pushchairs: Families traveling with an infant or small child may bring one fully collapsible stroller, pram, or buggy free of charge. You can push the stroller through the security checkpoint all the way to the aircraft boarding door, where ramp agents will take it into the hold and return it to you at the steps upon landing.
- Child Restraint Systems (Car Seats): An FAA- or EASA-approved child safety seat may be brought into the aircraft cabin only if an individual passenger seat has been purchased for the infant. The seat must fit between the armrests of the regional jet (which generally measure 43–45 cm wide).
- Diaper Bags: Diaper bags containing milk, formula, and baby food are generally carried as part of the accompanying adult's hand baggage allowance.
Sports Equipment, Ski Gear, and Musical Instruments
Because of regional jet weight and hold limits, special items must be registered in advance with the airline.
Alpine Ski & Snowboard Gear
Serving the Vorarlberg and eastern Swiss Alps, People's frequently carries winter sports gear between Altenrhein and Vienna:
- Included Substitution: If your ticket includes a standard 23 kg checked bag, you may substitute your standard suitcase for one ski set (one pair of skis, poles, boots, and helmet) or one snowboard set, provided the combined weight does not exceed 23 kg.
- Additional Ski Bags: If you wish to check a ski bag in addition to your regular suitcase, an extra sports equipment fee applies. Because regional aircraft holds have strict length limits, you must notify customer service in advance to guarantee hold space.
Bicycles and Golf Bags
- Bicycles: Accepted only if properly packed in a dedicated hard-shell case or a reinforced cardboard bike box. Handlebars must be turned parallel to the frame, pedals must be detached, and tire pressure must be completely deflated. Due to the small cargo door dimensions of the Embraer 170, bicycle reservations are mandatory.
- Golf Equipment: One standard golf bag containing clubs, balls, and shoes can be carried within your 23 kg allowance or registered as a dedicated sporting accessory for an additional charge.
Musical Instruments
- Cabin Stowage: Small instruments (such as violins, flutes, or violas) may be taken onboard as your single carry-on piece, provided they do not exceed 8 kg and can be placed in the overhead bin.
- Cabin Seat Baggage: Fragile or large instruments (such as cellos) that cannot withstand cargo hold transit can travel on an extra passenger seat. You must book this extra seat alongside your original ticket through customer service. Standard checked baggage allowances do not apply to the extra seat.
Connecting Flights and Partner Itineraries via Vienna
The scheduled corridor between St. Gallen–Altenrhein (ACH) and Vienna (VIE) is designed to connect Lake Constance travelers with global networks.
Interline Transfers
- Single E-Ticket Bookings: If your itinerary from Altenrhein connects via Vienna to an onward flight with partner airlines (such as Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, or other Star Alliance carriers) on a single ticket, your hold luggage will be checked through to your final destination.
- Baggage Allowance Rule: When flying on an interline ticket, the Most Significant Carrier (MSC) rule under IATA Resolution 302 usually dictates which airline's baggage policy applies to your journey. Check your master e-ticket confirmation receipt carefully to confirm whether the regional or long-haul carrier's limits control your journey.
- Separate Ticket Risks: If you book a People's flight from ACH to VIE and book a completely separate ticket with another carrier out of Vienna, your bags will not transfer automatically. You must collect your baggage at the Vienna baggage carousel, clear arrivals, and check the luggage in again at your onward airline's terminal desk.
Airport Procedures at St. Gallen–Altenrhein and Vienna
St. Gallen–Altenrhein Airport (ACH)
Altenrhein is a boutique regional airport known for short walking distances and fast processing:
- Check-In Timelines: The check-in and baggage drop counters typically open 90 minutes before departure and close strictly 30 to 45 minutes prior to scheduled takeoff.
- Fast Processing: Security screening and boarding take significantly less time than at mega-hubs like Zurich or Frankfurt, making it ideal for passengers checking luggage on quick business turnarounds.
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
- Terminal Operations: People's scheduled flights at Vienna typically operate via Terminal 3 or dedicated regional bus gates.
- Baggage Reclaim: If your bag was checked through to the carousel, follow signs to the main baggage hall. If your bag was tagged with a Delivery at Aircraft (DAA) tag, do not proceed to the carousel; wait at the aircraft steps or the bottom of the jet bridge to receive your bag directly from the ramp crew.
Delayed, Lost, or Damaged Baggage
If your luggage fails to arrive at the carousel or sustains damage:
- Locate the luggage handling desk in the arrivals hall before passing through customs (Altenrhein Ground Handling at ACH, or the central baggage service desk at VIE).
- Complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This document is essential for insurance claims and tracking.
- Keep your original baggage claim tags and ticket receipts safe.
People's Passenger Baggage Checklist
Follow these practical steps to prevent hold baggage fees, delays, or gate-check complications when flying with People's.
- Review your ticket fare tier. Verify whether your scheduled ACH–VIE booking includes a 23 kg checked bag or if you purchased a hand-luggage-only fare.
- Check your tour voucher on charters. If you booked a seasonal Mediterranean holiday package, confirm whether your allowance is capped at 20 kg or 23 kg.
- Weigh your cabin bag at home. Ensure your main carry-on does not exceed the strict 8 kg limit to avoid airport counter penalties.
- Pack essential electronics into your personal item. Because Embraer 170 aircraft often require Delivery at Aircraft gate-checking, keep power banks, medications, and passports in your small under-seat bag.
- Pre-register skis, bikes, and golf equipment. Cargo space on regional jets is limited; register sporting items at least 48 hours before departure.
- Comply with standard liquid limitations. Carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of 100 ml or less inside a clear, resealable 1-liter plastic bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carry-on baggage allowance on People's?
People's permits one carry-on bag weighing up to 8 kg plus one small personal item (such as a handbag, small laptop sleeve, or compact briefcase). The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.
Why do flight attendants take carry-on bags at the aircraft steps?
People's operates Embraer 170 regional jets with smaller overhead bins than larger commercial aircraft. When bin space is filled, ground agents apply a Delivery at Aircraft (DAA) tag to compliant wheeled bags. These bags are carried in the cargo hold and returned to passengers at the aircraft steps immediately upon landing.
Is checked luggage included on all People's flights?
Standard scheduled tickets (Classic and Flex fares) between St. Gallen–Altenrhein and Vienna include one checked bag up to 23 kg. Promotional Light fares exclude checked luggage, while seasonal vacation charters typically provide either 20 kg or 23 kg depending on the contracted tour operator.
What is the maximum size allowed for checked baggage on People's?
Checked bags on People's scheduled flights must not exceed 158 cm (62 inches) in total linear dimensions, calculated by adding length, width, and height together. Bags exceeding this dimension are classified as oversized.
Can I take ski or snowboard equipment on People's?
Yes. On scheduled flights, you may substitute your included 23 kg checked bag allowance with one set of ski or snowboard equipment free of charge. If you bring ski equipment in addition to your regular suitcase, excess baggage fees apply, and the equipment must be pre-booked due to regional hold capacity.
What happens if my checked bag weighs more than 23 kg?
Checked bags weighing between 24 kg and 32 kg are accepted as overweight baggage subject to an excess baggage surcharge at the airport check-in counter. No single bag may exceed 32 kg under civil aviation safety rules.
Does People's check bags through to connecting flights in Vienna?
If you hold a continuous booking on a single e-ticket connecting through Vienna onto an interline partner like Austrian Airlines, your luggage will generally be checked through to your final destination. If you booked separate tickets, you must collect your bags in Vienna and re-check them.
Can I bring a baby stroller or pram on a People's flight?
Yes. One collapsible stroller, pushchair, or pram can be checked free of charge for each infant. You can generally use the stroller through the airport terminal up to the boarding stairs, where it will be loaded into the hold.
Baggage policies, excess charges, and equipment restrictions can vary depending on your specific route, operating carrier, cabin class, and booking channel. Always verify the exact baggage rules printed on your official flight itinerary or tour operator confirmation, as the operating transport company's official conditions of carriage ultimately govern your journey.
