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Luggage vs. Baggage — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 26, 2023
Luggage and Baggage both refer to personal items packed for travel; "luggage" often implies suitcases, while "baggage" has a broader sense, including emotional or past burdens.
Luggage vs. Baggage — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Luggage and Baggage

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Key Differences

Luggage typically pertains to the cases, suitcases, and containers used to carry personal belongings during travel. Baggage, while often synonymous with Luggage, can have a wider implication, referring to all the personal effects one carries, including suitcases and hand-carried items.
In everyday speech, people might use Luggage when discussing specific types of travel containers, like a luggage set or a piece of luggage. Baggage, on the other hand, tends to be used more generically, addressing all items brought along, or sometimes, the collective weight and dimension of these items.
The word Baggage also bears a metaphorical meaning, denoting the intangible burdens, past experiences, or emotional encumbrances someone might carry. Luggage, while primarily referring to physical items, doesn't commonly take on such metaphorical interpretations.
While both terms can often be used interchangeably in the context of travel, the choice between them might be dictated by regional preferences. For instance, "baggage claim" is a commonly used term at airports, whereas one might refer to "luggage storage" at a hotel.

Comparison Chart

Primary Use

Suitcases and travel containers.
All personal items for travel.
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Context

Specific types of travel items.
More generic or collective term.

Metaphorical Use

Rarely used metaphorically.
Can imply emotional burdens.

Common Phrases

"Luggage storage", "luggage set".
"Baggage claim", "excess baggage".

Regional Preferences

Often interchangeable, but may vary by region.
Commonly used across regions.

Compare with Definitions

Luggage

Luggage can indicate a specific set of travel items.
His Luggage consists of two suitcases and a backpack.

Baggage

Baggage encompasses all personal effects during travel.
She always travels with a lot of Baggage.

Luggage

Luggage can be stored or checked in during travel.
The hotel offers a Luggage storage service.

Baggage

Baggage is a generic term for travel items.
Your Baggage must be checked in before the flight.

Luggage

Luggage refers to cases and containers for travel.
She bought new Luggage for her European tour.

Baggage

Baggage can be hand-carried or checked in.
Make sure to keep valuables in your hand Baggage.

Luggage

Luggage often implies suitcases and similar items.
I need to pack my Luggage for tomorrow's trip.

Baggage

Baggage can imply both physical and emotional burdens.
He carries a lot of emotional Baggage from his past.

Luggage

Luggage is used for carrying personal items.
His Luggage was lost during the flight.

Baggage

Baggage or luggage consists of bags, cases, and containers which hold a traveller's personal articles while the traveler is in transit. A modern traveller can be expected to have packages containing clothing, toiletries, small possessions, trip necessities.

Luggage

Containers for a traveler's belongings.

Baggage

The trunks, bags, parcels, and suitcases in which one carries one's belongings while traveling; luggage.

Luggage

The cases and belongings of a traveler.

Baggage

The movable equipment and supplies of an army.

Luggage

(uncountable) The bags and other containers that hold a traveller's belongings.

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).

Luggage

(uncountable) The contents of such containers.

Baggage

A woman prostitute.

Luggage

A specific bag or container holding a traveller's belongings.

Baggage

A girl or young woman, especially one is who impudent.

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!

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.

Luggage

A case used to carry belongings when traveling

Baggage

Factors, especially psychological ones, which interfere with a person's ability to function effectively.
This person has got a lot of emotional baggage.

Baggage

A woman.

Baggage

An army's portable equipment; its baggage train.

Baggage

The clothes, tents, utensils, and provisions of an army.

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.

Baggage

Purulent matter.

Baggage

Trashy talk.

Baggage

A man of bad character.

Baggage

A woman of loose morals; a prostitute.
A disreputable, daring, laughing, painted French baggage.

Baggage

A romping, saucy girl.

Baggage

A case used to carry belongings when traveling

Baggage

A worthless or immoral woman

Baggage

Baggage has weight and size restrictions in travel.
Excess Baggage fees can be expensive on some airlines.

Common Curiosities

Can Luggage be used metaphorically like Baggage?

While primarily physical, Luggage isn't commonly used metaphorically like Baggage.

Is there a significant difference between Luggage and Baggage?

Both refer to travel items, but Luggage often implies suitcases, while Baggage is broader.

What do you find at the airport related to these terms?

"Baggage claim" is a common area where you retrieve checked items.

Is it correct to say "carry-on Luggage"?

Yes, it indicates Luggage you can take with you in the cabin of a plane.

Is "luggage set" a common phrase?

Yes, it refers to a matching set of travel containers.

Can Baggage be both checked in and hand-carried?

Yes, Baggage can be either checked in or hand-carried during flights.

Can "Baggage" have metaphorical meanings?

Yes, Baggage can imply emotional or past burdens someone might carry.

Which term indicates specific travel containers?

Luggage often indicates specific types of travel containers.

What does "excess Baggage" mean?

It refers to Baggage that exceeds weight or size limits on transportation.

Is "Luggage cart" a term used for transporting travel items?

Yes, a "Luggage cart" is used to transport multiple pieces of Luggage.

What's a common term for storing Luggage at a hotel?

It's often referred to as "Luggage storage."

Can Baggage imply both tangible and intangible items?

Yes, while often physical, Baggage can also mean emotional or past burdens.

Do all airlines have Baggage fees?

Not all, but many airlines charge for excess or additional Baggage.

Does Luggage only mean suitcases?

While it often implies suitcases, Luggage can refer to other travel containers too.

Can Luggage and Baggage be used interchangeably?

Often yes, especially in travel contexts, but nuances exist between them.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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