Carry‑on Weight Limits: What You Need to Know
Where carry‑on weight is enforced
- Asia‑Pacific: Frequent checks at check‑in and gates; 7–10 kg limits are typical.
- Europe: Many carriers enforce weight, especially low‑cost operators.
- United States: Weight limits are rare; size is the primary constraint. You may still be asked to gate‑check on small aircraft.
Common posted limits (reference)
| Limit (kg) | Approx. pounds | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 7 kg | ≈ 15.4 lb | Frequent on APAC and low‑cost carriers. |
| 8 kg | ≈ 17.6 lb | Common in Europe and APAC. |
| 10 kg | ≈ 22.0 lb | Often allowed with premium fares or larger aircraft. |
| 12 kg | ≈ 26.5 lb | Less common; sometimes combined weight across carry‑on + personal item. |
How checks happen
- At check‑in: Scales at the counter; some carriers weigh both carry‑on and personal item together.
- At the gate: Random spot checks or when a bag appears heavy or oversized.
- Sizer frames with scales: Some airports combine a sizer with an integrated scale.
Pro tips to avoid surprises
- Weigh at home: Use a luggage scale; weigh a fully packed bag.
- Distribute weight: If allowed, move dense items to your personal item.
- Wear heavier layers: Coats and shoes can shift pounds out of your bag.
- Liquids & batteries: Follow security rules; keep spare lithium batteries in your personal item.
- Keep essentials accessible: If asked to gate‑check, remove valuables and meds quickly.
How this relates to the checker
When your airline posts a carry‑on weight limit, use the checker’s Add weight option to see a warning if your bag exceeds the limit. We flag borderline results conservatively to reflect real‑world enforcement.
Check your bag Open the Carry‑On Checker
FAQs
Does my laptop count toward weight? Often yes. Some airlines exempt laptops and small duty‑free items, but others do not—check your carrier’s rules.
Combined weight or per‑bag? Some airlines set a combined weight across carry‑on + personal item. Others set a limit per bag.
Are there exceptions? Medical devices and infant items may be treated differently—consult your airline before travel.
Why airlines care about weight
Weight limits aren’t arbitrary. Heavy bags can damage overhead bins, strain hinges and slow boarding as passengers wrestle them into the cabin. On smaller aircraft, weight must be balanced carefully to stay within performance limits for takeoff and landing. Fuel burn is another factor—every kilogram carried aloft costs money, especially on long hauls. By enforcing carry‑on weight, airlines control operational costs and maintain safety margins.
While U.S. carriers rarely weigh carry‑on bags, foreign authorities sometimes require airlines to demonstrate that cabin baggage stays within certified weight limits. As a result, you’ll encounter scales at check‑in counters and boarding gates across Asia, Europe and Australia.
Policies by region & airline type
Within the Asia‑Pacific region, low‑cost carriers such as AirAsia and Scoot enforce strict 7 kg allowances, while full‑service airlines like Singapore Airlines and Qantas may allow 7–10 kg in economy and up to 14 kg in premium cabins. European airlines—especially Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet—also weigh bags at the gate, offering higher weight allowances only with paid upgrades. In the Middle East, carriers like Emirates and Qatar often allow a generous 7–10 kg for carry‑ons plus a personal item, but will enforce limits if bins are full. Latin American and African carriers vary widely; some apply North American‑style size‑only rules, whereas others mirror European weight limits.
Beyond geography, fare class matters. Business and first‑class passengers usually enjoy higher weight limits or additional pieces. Some airlines also differentiate by frequent‑flyer status, giving elite members more leeway. Always check your booking confirmation for the specific limit that applies to your fare.
Packing strategy for weight
Once you know your limit, weigh your bag at home using a handheld luggage scale. If you’re close to the limit, remove dense items like chargers, books or shoes and place them in your personal item. Wear heavier clothing layers on the plane—coats and boots don’t count toward your bag’s weight. Consider lightweight luggage: modern soft‑sided carry‑ons can weigh under 2 kg empty, whereas older bags may exceed 4 kg.
If your airline allows a combined weight across the carry‑on and personal item, distribute items accordingly. Pack toiletries and electronics in the personal item to keep the carry‑on under the limit. Remember that lithium batteries and power banks must travel in the cabin, so make room for them there.
More FAQs
What happens if my bag is overweight? Policies vary. Some airlines charge an overweight fee at the gate, while others require you to check the bag. Fees can be steep and are often charged in local currency.
Do premium or elite passengers get extra weight? Often yes. Many carriers offer an additional 2–5 kg for business‑class or elite‑status travelers. Check your fare rules.
Does my personal item have a separate weight limit? Sometimes. Certain airlines publish a per‑item weight (e.g., 7 kg carry‑on + 3 kg personal item) while others list only a combined total. Read the fine print.
Are duty‑free bags exempt? Many carriers allow a small duty‑free bag in addition to your carry‑on and personal item, but it may count toward your weight allowance if you’re close to the limit.
Related guides
- How to measure your bag correctly — Accurate dimensions help you avoid surprises.
- Personal item vs. carry‑on — Understand how airlines treat different bag types.
- Smart packing tips — Strategies to fit everything in and stay under the limit.