Carry-On Weight Limits on International Flights: How Not to Get Caught Out
Most US domestic flights only care whether your carry-on fits the sizer. Fly abroad, and you may meet something new: an agent who puts your bag on a scale. Here's how to stay under the limit without paying to check a bag at the gate.
Why weight limits catch travelers out
Many airlines outside the US set a weight limit for cabin bags as well as a size limit. Limits commonly fall somewhere around 7 to 10 kg, which is about 15 to 22 lb. Some airlines count your personal item in the same allowance, and some only check the weight on busy or full flights.
Rules change and differ by fare type, so always check the airline's own baggage page before you fly. Do it for every airline on your trip, not just the first one.
Typical cabin bag sizes abroad
Many international airlines use a cabin bag size around 55 by 40 by 20 cm, about 21.7 by 15.7 by 7.9 inches. That's a little smaller than the common US size of 22 by 14 by 9 inches. Budget and regional airlines can be smaller still, especially on the cheapest fares.
Wheels and handles count on suitcases. On a backpack, a stuffed front pocket counts too.
Start with a light bag
Your bag's own weight comes out of your allowance before you pack anything. A 4 lb backpack leaves less room under a 7 kg limit than a 2 lb one. When you compare bags, look for the empty weight in the listing. The Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35, for example, lists 3.33 lb.
Pack to pass the scale
- Weigh your bag at home. A cheap luggage scale removes all the guesswork.
- Wear your heaviest items. Boots, a jacket and a sweater weigh a lot and don't count when you're wearing them.
- Use your pockets. A jacket with big pockets can carry a power bank, chargers and a book.
- Cut the liquids and the "just in case" items. Toiletries are heavy. Buy them when you arrive.
- Pack for the strictest leg. If one flight has a lower limit, pack to that weight for the whole trip.
Keep the size down too
Compression straps pull a soft backpack in so it fits the sizer. An expandable bag, like the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L, which goes from 35 to 45 liters, can stay in its smaller setting on strict flights. Don't overfill outside pockets, since that's usually what makes a bag too deep.
If you're over at the gate
Move heavy items into your jacket or your personal item, if allowed. If the bag still won't pass, checking it at the gate usually costs more than paying online in advance. So if you know you'll be close, buy the checked-bag allowance when you book.
For five backpacks compared on size, weight and security, see our international travel backpack comparison.