Most airlines let you check bags that weigh 20–23 kg (44–50 lbs), and will assess extra fees ranging from $30 to $100 per kg or piece, depending on the carrier. Budget airlines like Ryanair and Spirit charge for all bags while full-service carriers usually service one free checked bag. No matter what you are doing, consider weighing and measuring your luggage before you travel, and when it comes time to check your bag and realize you are overweight, check to see if you can prepay online for overweight bags, it is usually cheaper.
Understanding Airline Baggage Weight Limits
Airlines have a maximum weight limit for checked bags and carry-on bags. The reason for these limits, among other things, is safety and to mitigate boarding problems. Checked bags typically weigh no more than 20 to 23 kg, or 44 to 50 lbs (on average), though limits vary by airline and ticket. The limit for carry-on bags is typically stricter, and is normally around 7 to 10 kg or 15 to 22 lbs! Many airports apply strict limits and if you must check your baggage at the airport, you will likely pay a high price if you are unable to repack your bags within the limits. To avoid these kinds of surprises at the airport, you should weigh your baggage on a sensitive scale at home and prepare as necessary prior to arrival at the airport.
Airlines limit checked bags to 20–23 kg and carry-ons to 7–10 kg for safety. Weigh your luggage at home to avoid costly airport fees! © Pexels
Common Excess Baggage Fees and How They Are Charged
Additional baggage fees vary depending on airline, flight type, and route; low-cost carriers such as Spirit Airlines and Ryanair charge monumental fees per kilogram or per bag (in some instances $30 to $50, or 25 to 45 euros, and more for extra kilograms), making it quite prohibitive to make a choice or bring extra or overweight baggage. Full-service airlines typically limit excess baggage participants to “reasonableness” so are sometimes less precise and less costly, but they do add charges for bags over their limits and/or excessive weight. In terms of size, oversized items, such as recreational devices or large suitcases, always cost extra as there is a separate price tag for oversized bags that is completely different from weighing.
Carry-On Baggage Rules and Restrictions
Policies on carry-on luggage will vary between airlines. Generally, airlines will allow you to take one carry-on and one personal item (like a purse, handbag, laptop bag etc.). The general limit for a carry-on bag is 55×40×20 cm, although low-cost airlines may have a smaller limit, and will allow you a small personal item for free, but not a carry-on bag. In addition to size limits, some airlines impose weight limits for carry-on bags, although these limits are not infrequently ignored.
Don’t be surprised if you are told you will have to check your carry-on bag at the gate if you don’t comply with the size restrictions, and to pay the checking fee. If you review all the airlines’ exact size and weight limits for carrying on baggage prior to packing, you can avoid spending extra money and or wasting time at the boarding gate when the boarding agent is asking you about the size and/or weight of your bags.
How to Prepay Baggage Fees and Save Money
A number of airlines offer discounted prices for baggage fees, which they may offer to you during your booking, or after, during your check-in process. In some cases, the prices can be up to 50% less than you would get at the airport. In addition, paying fees in advance (if applicable) allows you to bypass waiting in long baggage counter lines at the airport. It is possible to purchase extra baggage allowance before your departure as well, this depends on the airline you travel with, and could be transferred, or refunded in some cases. You will certainly save money by using a lot of these options, but it will also lessen worry for you since you will have confirmed baggage payments before heading to the airport.
Beyond baggage strategies, technology is playing a growing role in helping travellers stay ahead of additional charges. Insights from Kiwi.com reviews reveal how AI-powered travel planning in 2026 show how smarter tools can highlight total trip costs upfront and reduce unexpected expenses.
For UK travellers comparing flight options, baggage costs are only one part of understanding the total price of a trip. Kiwi.com Fees in 2026 explains how travellers can review baggage options, service fees, seat selection, protection options, and other extras before booking, helping deal-hunting travellers make more confident decisions and avoid surprises later in the journey.
Packing Tips to Avoid Overweight and Oversized Bags
Smart packing can help reduce your forward luggage and luggage size and weight restrictions, meaning you can avoid those pesky overweight fees. By packing in lightweight luggage such as a suitcase or backpack, the base weight of the bag is significantly reduced, giving you more allowance to pack. Packing heavier items evenly across a few bags help to stay within weight restrictions. Try to roll your clothing tightly and compress the clothing, so bulk can be reduced and maximized space. You can also consider wearing the bulk of your clothing onto the plane, that will free up a considerable amount of weight and packing space in your suitcase.
Baggage Policies for Popular Airlines
Ryanair
Ryanair has extremely strict baggage policies and promotes extremely low fare policies. Passengers only get to take one small personal bag onboard free of charge, usually restricted to 40×20×25 cm. If you want to take a large cabin bag onboard, you have to purchase a priority boarding ticket or pay an additional cabin baggage fee. Checked baggage is limited to 20 kilograms per bag - if you want more than one checked bag and being overweight is then when charges can skyrocket, up to an astonishing sometimes over €50 per additional excess kilogram. Ryanair always urges passengers to pre-pay baggage fees online to avoid higher baggage fees once passing through the airport.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines may be one of the lowest-priced base fares, however it charges separately for carry-on and checked bags. It is free to bring a personal item like a purse or small backpack but there are fees for carry-on bags which varies depending on whether you purchase the baggage at the time of booking or later for a checked bag. Checked bags have a maximum weight limit of 23 kg (50 lbs) and overweight and oversized bags could face extra fees. Spirit’s baggage fees will range from $30 to over $100, so you will need to plan for this and try to prepay.
Delta Air Lines
Compared to a lot of budget airlines, Delta allows a lot more baggage. Most economy fares include (1) free checked bags, up to 23 kg (50 lbs). If you purchased a higher fare class or are an elite member, you may have more free checked bags. Generally speaking, most rules will be about size and weight for the carry-on bags and personal items, but would generally have more flexibility compared to most low-cost carriers. Expect additional bag fees (about $100 - $200) if the bags are overweight and/or oversized. Delta encourages customers to check baggage polices online ahead of travel to avoid surprises.
British Airways
British Airways includes at least one checked bag for free with most long-haul fares and many domestic fares, usually with a 23 kg (50 lbs) limit for each bag. Personal items allowances include one cabin bag and one personal item, with maximum dimensions depending upon the combined volume of the, which should be a bag. For extra checked bags, overweight bags, or oversized luggage, a fee is charged. Typically these fees start at £50. British Airways even has a “prepaid bag” option to reduce any fees provided it is pre-purchased before arriving at the airport.
Emirates
Emirates has different baggage policies depending on the route and fare type. While the policies differ, the allowances are generally very generous. Economy class passengers receive 20-30 kg free checked baggage, depending on fare class. Passengers are allowed 7 kg of carry-on baggage with specific size restrictions. Emirates airline charges excess baggage per kilogram with fees different depending on the destination. Emirates airline allows checked luggage to combine baggage weight from multiple bags, giving travelers more options. Paying for excess baggage online in advance can yield a price savings compared to the airport.
Avoid surprise fees, compare airline baggage rules in one glance © Kiwi.com
Tips for Families and Multi-City Travelers
A family traveling or an individual traveling multi-city can experience challenges managing baggage. The baggage rules for each airline/flight can, and often are, different. Also, whether traveling with multiple bags, or traveler’s bags and children, it doesn’t take long to become confused that could lead to excessive charges and/or delays. Here are five tips that can assist a family or traveler to a multi-city trip for avoiding additional baggage fees and stress.
- Check All Airlines’ Baggage Policies In Your Multi-City Flight
If you are booking a multi-city or connecting flight with different airlines, make sure to check each airline’s baggage policies. Some airlines have similar rules but, in truth, the variations are vast, so simply knowing each airline’s baggage policies will lessen your surprises and planning headaches.
- Combine Luggage Whenever Possible
If you’re a family traveling together, consider packing together to reduce the total number of checked bags. The less baggage, the less brain power it takes to check in at the airport. Just remember, you can pack into larger luggage and still use some smart packing and stay under the free baggage allowance and avoid paying for additional luggage.
- Use Carry-On Bags to Their Fullest
You can also benefit from using the carry-on limitations of your airline, allocating necessary items or entertainment for the kids in personal items and carry-on bags, reducing the total number of luggage you have to check, and securing valuable items to avoid potential baggage fees bought at the gate from having to either gate check or risk loss of luggage.
- Pre-Purchase Bag Fees When Traveling with Multiple Passengers
Typically, added baggage fees or overweight bags during long-stay planning when booking or online check-in will be less than paying for baggage fees at the airport. If flying with multiple flyers, this is especially important for avoiding added baggage fees.
- Equalize Weight of Your Bags
Packing for a family may mean you are packing for a whopping 4 checked bags! If you distribute equal weight to each suitcase, you can avoid incurred overweight bag fees. To accompany you on your travels, portable luggage scales add tracking weight and quick adjustments to packing prior to checking bags at the airport.
Airline Carry-On Baggage Comparison
| Airline | Carry-On Size | Personal Item Allowed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | 40×20×25 cm | Yes | Overhead cabin bags require a paid fare or priority boarding |
| Lufthansa | 55×40×23 cm | Yes | One carry-on + personal item included with all fare types |
| Spirit Airlines | 45×35×20 cm | Yes | Personal item free; carry-on bag requires additional fee |
| Delta Air Lines | 56×35×23 cm | Yes | One carry-on + personal item free; size strictly enforced |
| British Airways | 56×45×25 cm | Yes | One cabin bag + personal item included; fees apply for extras |
| Emirates | 55×38×20 cm | Yes | Carry-on + personal item allowed; weight limit 7 kg combined |
Helpful Answers About Baggage Fees
What counts as excess baggage?
Excess baggage is defined as any luggage that exceeds the airline’s allowed weight, size or number of bags which are included in the ticket fare. This includes overweight bags, oversized bags, additional checked bags, and any carry-on bags, all in excess of the allowable pieces of luggage given the fare type.
How much does excess baggage cost?
Excess baggage fees are varied by airline and route, but typically $30 to more than $100 per additional bag or per kilogram over the limit. Budget airlines typically have higher excess baggage fees than full service airlines.
Can I prepay my baggage fees to save money?
Yes, many airlines will discount baggage fees when you prepay for baggage when purchasing tickets or check-in online. Prepaid baggage fees are usually much cheaper than you would pay at the airport and will save time at check-in.
What are normal carry-on baggage size limits?
Most airlines will allow carry-on bags around 55×40×20 to 56×45×25 cm and a small personal item (for example: a laptop bag or purse). Low cost airlines commonly have smaller size limits and sometimes only allow you to bring a small personal item for free.
What happens if I am overweight or over-size at the airport?
Airlines will charge you Excess Baggage if your checked bag exceeds their airline weight or size limits. Excess baggage charges could be quite high. Depending how bad your bag is over the limit, you will likely have to re-pack or remove items to meet the limits, or you could pay for an additional bag.
Are baggage rules different with connecting or multi-city tickets?
Yes, bag policies can differ when flying with connecting flights on different airlines, especially if it is a separate ticket. You should verify each airline’s bag policies and fee associated with your trip so you are not surprised.
How should families manage luggage to avoid excess baggage fees?
Families save fees with luggage planning by combining every item they have into the fewest number of bags, maximization of carry-on luggage, equally distributing heavy items, and by pre-paying baggage fees on the airline’s website. Families also can eliminate unexpected additional fees if they plan their guideline and check airline sites in advance of arriving at the airport!
Are sports equipment or special items charged differently?
Yes, almost every airline has separate fees that apply to different items such as sporting equipment, framed pictures, furniture, and musical equipment for example. These special items require advance notice and special handling. Please check all airline policies prior to packing.
