Carry-On Weight Limits by Airline: Complete Guide

Packing for your next flight shouldn’t feel like a weighty puzzle—literally.

From American’s firm 18 kg guideline to Qantas’s 7 kg cap on international hops, carry-on allowances vary dramatically by carrier and route.

U.S. airlines streamline policy with a universal 22 × 14 × 9 in size sizer and a “you must lift it” rule, while European and Middle Eastern carriers layer on 8–23 kg limits depending on class.

In this guide, you’ll find side-by-side tables, packing strategies, fee-avoidance tactics, and pro tips—everything you need to lighten your load and ease through boarding.

Carry-On Weight Limits by Airline

As a travel expert, I’ve gathered the latest carry-on weight limits across nine major airlines to help you avoid surprises at the gate. While U.S. carriers like Delta and United focus on size rather than weight, others set clear kilogram caps—from American Airlines’ 40 lb (18 kg) guideline to British Airways’ generous 23 kg combined allowance.

European legacy carriers typically range between 8 kg and 18 kg depending on cabin class, and key international players such as Emirates and Qantas offer tiered limits that differ by route and service class. Use the table below for a quick reference, then dive into each carrier’s specifics.

Airline	Economy Allowance	Premium/Business Allowance	Notes
American Airlines	18 kg (40 lb) per bag	Same as Economy	Monitored weight and size
Delta Air Lines	No weight limit	No weight limit	Must fit 22 × 14 × 9 in sizer
United Airlines	No weight limit	No weight limit	Size max 22 × 14 × 9 in
British Airways	Combined 23 kg	Combined 23 kg	Cabin + personal item
Lufthansa	1 × 8 kg	2 × 8 kg	Economy/Premium vs Business/First
Air France	12 kg total	18 kg total	Economy/Premium vs Business/La Première
KLM	12 kg combined	18 kg combined	Small bag + hand baggage
Emirates	7 kg per piece	7 kg per piece (First)	Premium Economy: 10 kg
Qantas	7 kg (Intl Economy)	Dom.: up to 14 kg total	Dom.: 1×10 kg or 2 pieces ≤ 14 kg

American Airlines

American Airlines enforces both size and a weight guideline of 40 lb (18 kg) per carry-on to streamline boarding and ensure overhead-bin space. Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, keeping your bag under this limit helps avoid gate-check fees and last-minute repacking.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines does not formally weigh carry-ons, instead requiring all bags to fit within a 22 × 14 × 9 in sizer at the gate. This size-only approach means you can load up as long as you can lift and fit the bag overhead, but it’s wise to keep weight under about 40 lb (18 kg) for your own ease.

United Airlines

United Airlines follows a similar policy: there’s no published weight limit for carry-ons, only a maximum size of 22 × 14 × 9 in (including handles and wheels). As with Delta, practical limits on what you can comfortably lift make 18–20 kg a reasonable target.

British Airways

British Airways allows a combined cabin bag and personal item weight of up to 23 kg (51 lb). This full-weight allowance—one of the most generous among legacy carriers—reflects BA’s focus on premium passenger experience and sizable overhead-bin capacity.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa caps Economy and Premium Economy carry-ons at one piece up to 8 kg, while Business and First Class passengers may bring two pieces at 8 kg each. All items must meet the 55 × 40 × 23 cm dimension limit.

Air France

In Economy and Premium cabins, Air France passengers may carry up to 12 kg of hand baggage (in one or two pieces, depending on fare), increasing to 18 kg for Business and La Première travelers. Note that U.S.-origin flights may have additional TSA liquids rules.

KLM

KLM permits a combined weight of 12 kg for a small bag plus hand baggage in Economy and Premium Comfort classes, rising to 18 kg for Business class travelers. Both items must fit size allowances of 40 × 30 × 15 cm (small bag) and 55 × 35 × 25 cm (hand baggage).

Emirates

Emirates enforces a 7 kg limit per piece in Economy, Business, and First Class, while Premium Economy passengers may bring up to 10 kg in a single carry-on. Dimensions are capped at 55 × 38 × 22 cm.

Qantas

On international routes, Qantas Economy flyers are allowed one standard carry-on up to 7 kg, with Business passengers enjoying 10 kg. For domestic flights, travelers may choose either one piece up to 10 kg or two smaller bags totaling 14 kg combined.

Ready to travel smarter? Always double-check your carrier’s app for instant policy updates and consider a portable luggage scale to weigh your bag at home.

Domestic vs. International Rules

Before diving into the details, here’s what you need to know at a glance: Qantas varies carry-on weight allowances significantly by route—domestic flyers can choose from 10 kg to 14 kg depending on how they pack, while international Economy is capped at just 7 kg, with Premium cabins getting up to 14 kg total.

In contrast, U.S. carriers like American Airlines, Delta, and United maintain a single, dimension-based policy worldwide—there is no published carry-on weight limit on any route, only a strict 22 × 14 × 9 in size rule and the requirement that you be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin yourself.

How route types impact weight allowances (e.g., Qantas vs. American Airlines)

Qantas adjusts carry-on weight by route and class, so what you pack for a Sydney–Melbourne hop may differ sharply from Sydney–Los Angeles:

Route Type	Class	Piece Options	Weight Allowance
Domestic	All cabins (excl. Dash 8)	• 1 standard bag • 2 small bags • 1 small + garment	• Standard: 10 kg • Two small: 14 kg total (each ≤ 10 kg) • Small + garment: 14 kg total (each ≤ 10 kg)
International	Economy	• 1 standard bag	• 7 kg total
	Premium Economy, Business, First	• 1 standard bag • 2 small bags • 1 small + garment	• Standard: 10 kg • Two small: 14 kg total (one ≤ 10 kg) • Small + garment: 14 kg total (one ≤ 10 kg)

Plus for any Qantas flight: one personal item (purse, laptop bag, small camera) under-seat.

American Airlines, by contrast, applies the same carry-on rules for domestic and international routes:

• Dimension limit: 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm), wheels and handles included
• Weight policy: No published limit—bags are accepted as long as you personally can lift them into the overhead bin

This uniform approach removes route-based surprises but makes it all the more important to pack sensibly, aiming for 10–15 kg to keep boarding smooth.

Consistency across domestic/international on U.S. carriers

All three major U.S. airlines enforce identical carry-on policies worldwide. Whether you’re flying New York–Miami or New York–London, your carry-on must simply fit the sizer and be liftable:

Airline	Domestic vs. International	Dimension Policy	Weight Policy
American Airlines	Same on all routes	≤ 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm)	No formal limit; self-lift rule
Delta Air Lines	Universal size-only policy, with rare airport exceptions	≤ 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 35 × 23 cm)	No limit (exemptions at select airports)
United Airlines	Identical allowance on domestic & international flights	≤ 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 35 × 23 cm)	No limit; only size enforced

Note: Delta does impose weight caps at a handful of international hubs (e.g., 10 kg in Beijing, 7 kg in Singapore), but these are exceptions rather than the rule.

Key takeaway: If you fly Qantas, always check whether your trip is domestic or international to know if you have 7 kg, 10 kg, or 14 kg up your sleeve. If you fly American, Delta, or United, just nail your dimensions—and pack light enough to lift it—no matter where you’re going.

Personal Item vs. Carry-On Item

At its core, a personal item is your compact “must-have” bag that slides under the seat in front of you, while a carry-on item is the larger piece stored overhead—and airlines enforce different size and weight rules for each.

Personal items typically max out around 16 × 12 × 6 in (40 × 30 × 15 cm) with weight limits ranging from 7 kg to 10 kg on many carriers, though U.S. airlines rarely weigh them. Carry-ons must fit sizers of roughly 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm) and may be subject to weight caps—none on Delta, United, and American, but up to 18–23 kg on European and Middle Eastern carriers.

Definitions

• Personal Item
  A small bag—like a purse, laptop case, or small backpack—designed to fit under the seat in front of you, provided free of charge on virtually every airline.
• Carry-On Item
  A larger trolley, duffel, or roller suitcase that stows in overhead bins, subject to stricter size (and sometimes weight) requirements to ensure bin space and safe boarding.

Typical Size & Weight Allowances

• Personal Item
  • Dimensions: Up to 16 × 12 × 6 in (40 × 30 × 15 cm) on carriers like British Airways and Air France.
  • Weight: Generally capped at 7–10 kg on European and Asian airlines; U.S. carriers don’t publish a limit but restrict by size only.
• Carry-On Item
  • Dimensions: Standard max of 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm) enforced by most global airlines.
  • Weight:
    • U.S. carriers (AA, Delta, United): No formal weight cap; baggage must be liftable by the passenger.
    • European & Middle Eastern carriers: Typically 18–23 kg (e.g., BA allows 23 kg; Lufthansa 1×8 kg in Economy; Air France 12 kg in Economy).

Comparison Table

Item Type	Max Dimensions	Typical Weight Allowance
Personal Item	16 × 12 × 6 in (40 × 30 × 15 cm)	7–10 kg on most European/Asian carriers; size-only on U.S. carriers
Carry-On	22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm)	0 kg (size-only) on U.S. carriers; 18–23 kg on others (e.g., BA:23 kg; Lufthansa:8 kg/piece)

By knowing these distinctions and typical allowances, you can pack confidently, maximizing your personal item for essentials and your carry-on for bulkier items without risking gate checks or surprise fees.

Regional Variations & Alliance Partners

In today’s global networks, the operating carrier’s baggage rules almost always govern your carry-on allowance, even if you booked through a different “marketing” airline. Codeshare itineraries default to the strictest rules across all segments, as stipulated by IATA interline agreements and national aviation authorities.

Alliances like oneworld may offer extra perks (e.g., additional weight for elite members), but those never override the operating airline’s fundamental size or weight caps. When your trip spans multiple carriers, it’s best to pack to the lowest common denominator, verifying each leg’s policy in advance to sidestep surprises at check-in.

How partner flights may inherit stricter rules

Most of the time, the airline operating your flight sets every baggage rule—from free allowances to excess-fee thresholds.

Under IATA’s interline standards, carriers must respect the operating airline’s carry-on limits, regardless of which logo appears on your ticket. This means you can’t rely on your marketing carrier’s published limits if another airline actually flies the segment.

National and regional regulators can also impose additional weight or size caps that airlines must follow, further tightening allowances on certain routes.

Marketing Carrier	Operating Carrier	Max Dimensions	Carry-On Weight Limit	Source
American Airlines (AA)	Qatar Airways (QR)	22 × 14 × 9 in	7 kg / 15 lb	qatarairways.com
British Airways (BA)	Japan Airlines (JAL)	55 × 40 × 25 cm (115 cm)	10 kg / 22 lb (both pieces)	jal.co.jp

Tips for mixed-carrier itineraries

1. Check each segment individually. Before you pack, review the operating carrier’s website or app for that flight number, especially on codeshares.
2. Pack to the lowest allowance. If any leg has a stricter weight or size limit, adhere to that figure across your entire journey to avoid gate-checking.
3. Use a reliable luggage scale at home. Weigh your bag fully loaded—then subtract a small buffer (1–2 kg) to account for scale variance and in-airport rounding.
4. Leverage alliance benefits. If you hold elite status with an alliance, you may earn bonus carry-on weight or extra personal items—confirm on the alliance site (e.g., oneworld, Star Alliance) before departure.
5. Maintain a packing cheat sheet. Keep a table or note on your phone listing each airline’s carry-on rules for quick reference when you check in.
6. Build in a safety margin. Even if an airline doesn’t formally weigh carry-ons (e.g., U.S. carriers), aim for 7–10 kg to ensure you can lift and stow your bag comfortably.

By anticipating regional variations and codeshare complexities, you’ll breeze through security and boarding—no surprises, no extra fees, just a seamless travel experience.

Tips for Weighing Luggage at Home

Summary

Portable luggage scales give you airport-level accuracy at home, often within a few ounces of official scales when you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Bathroom scales can serve as a handy alternative by weighing yourself with and without your bag and subtracting the difference—just be sure to calibrate and use a solid, level surface.

Incremental packing—adding items in stages and re-weighing—helps you stay at least 1 kg under airline limits, avoiding surprise fees at check-in.

The Home Weighing 101 process below gives you a mobile-friendly, step-by-step cheat-sheet to keep in your phone for last-minute gate checks.

Tips for Weighing Luggage at Home

Using a Portable Luggage Scale

Digital luggage scales are compact, battery-powered devices designed specifically for suitcases and totes. They usually feature a hook or strap: attach it to your bag’s handle, lift steadily for 5–10 seconds, and wait for the weight lock to appear on screen.

High-end models (like the Samsonite manual scale) can be accurate to within a few ounces, but all digital scales benefit from being zeroed before each use to eliminate drift. For the best long-term accuracy, store your scale in a dry place and replace batteries at the first sign of a dim display.

Using a Bathroom Scale

A standard bathroom scale can give you a quick weight check without extra gear—here’s how:

1. Weigh yourself alone and note your weight.
2. Weigh yourself holding the packed bag, keeping both feet centered on the platform.
3. Subtract your body weight from the combined weight to find your luggage’s mass.

Because household scales aren’t designed for uneven loads, it’s crucial to stand still and center both feet under the scale. For precision, pick up and set down gently, and avoid carpeted surfaces.

Pre-Weighing Strategies (Incremental Packing & Weighing)

1. Start dry: Weigh your empty bag (either with a portable or bathroom scale) to know its tare weight.
2. Pack core essentials: Add your heaviest items first—shoes, toiletry kits, electronics—and weigh again.
3. Layer lighter items: Add clothes and small accessories in batches, re-weighing after each addition.
4. Build in a buffer: Aim to stop packing at least 1 kg under your airline’s maximum, since airport scales can be more sensitive.
5. Log as you go: Record each intermediate weight in your phone’s notes or a simple spreadsheet—this makes last-minute swaps faster.

Mobile-Friendly Infographic: “Home Weighing 101”

Step	Action	Pro Tip
1. Calibrate & Zero	3. Verify with the Body	Check on hard, flat floor; warm up scale 10 s
2. Attach & Lift	Hook scale to bag handle; lift steadily 5–10 s	Hold the bag still; read after the numbers stabilize
Compared to the airline limit, log result	(Bathroom scale) Weigh self + bag; subtract	Stand centered; subtract bare weight
4. Buffer & Record	Compared to the airline limit; log result	Aim ≥1 kg below to dodge airport rounding

Keep this table as a screenshot or note in your phone so you can quickly glance through the four steps—no internet needed at the gate.

By combining the precision of a digital scale with the accessibility of your bathroom scale and smart incremental packing, you’ll breeze past gate agents and avoid overweight fees every time you travel.

Consequences of Exceeding Limits

Exceeding carry-on weight or size limits can hit your wallet harder than you think. Gate-check fees often match—or even exceed—standard checked-bag charges. For example, United Airlines tacks on a $65 gate-handling fee plus the normal checked-bag rate when gate-checking an oversized carry-on.

American Airlines may valet and gate-check your oversized carry-on for free at boarding, but then applies overweight fees of $100 for 51–70 lbs (23–32 kg) and $200 for 71–100 lbs (32–46 kg).

Delta Air Lines enforces overweight checked-bag fees starting at $100 for 51–70 lbs (23–32 kg). Meanwhile, standard first-checked-bag fees range from $35 to $45—American Airlines ($35 online/$40 at airport), Delta ($35), and United ($40/$35 prepaid)—making an overweight gate-check a surprisingly costly misstep.

Gate-Check Fees vs. Standard Checked-Bag Fees

Airline	Gate-Check (Carry-On Exceed)	Standard 1st Checked-Bag Fee
American Airlines	Free gate-check for oversize; overweight fees: $100 (23–32 kg), $200 (32–46 kg)	$35 online / $40 at airport
Delta Air Lines	Free gate-check for size; overweight carry-on forced to checked bag: standard fee ($35) + overweight fee ($100)	$35
United Airlines	$65 gate-handling + standard checked-bag fee	$40 ($35 prepaid)

Risk of Delays, Involuntary Gate-Checks, and Repacking

• Higher chance of gate-checks: Airlines actively monitor overhead bins to keep flights on schedule. Delta reports that 70% of its flights now require gate-checking bags post-COVID, up 10% from pre-pandemic levels.
• Boarding slowdowns: Heavy or oversized carry-ons clog aisles during boarding. Travelers on forums note that “a lot of carry-on bags slow down the boarding process,” prompting proactive gate-checks to protect on-time departures.
• Involuntary gate-checks: When bins fill, agents may involuntarily tag and check your bag at the gate—no fee in many cases, but you surrender control of your luggage and wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Last-minute repacking: Being asked to rearrange or re-tag at the gate can add 3–10 minutes per passenger, creating stress and risking forgotten or damaged items.
• Missed connections: Delays from repacking or gate-check lines increase the risk of missing tight connections, especially on multi-leg itineraries with brief layovers.

Pro Tip: To avoid fees and boarding hiccups, weigh and size your carry-on at home (see the “Home Weighing 101” infographic), aim to stay at least 1 kg under published limits, and board early to secure overhead space.

Packing Strategies to Maximize Space & Minimize Weight

Here’s how to squeeze every last inch of space and shave off extra grams—so you can pack more, pay less, and breeze through the airport.

1. Compression Cubes

Compression cubes are the gold standard for maximizing volume without bulging your bag. By consolidating soft items (like shirts and underwear) into discrete, zippered compartments, you compress air out and keep everything organized. Just be sure not to overstuff—leave a little breathing room at the top to avoid zipper strain and fabric damage.

For best results, slide your folded clothes into the cube, zip it closed until snug (but not forced), then press down as you fasten the final zipper to expel trapped air. Premium compression cubes from brands like Eagle Creek or Bagail routinely outperform basic mesh sets, often shaving 10–15% off your packed volume.

2. Dual-Purpose Items

Every item you bring should earn its spot by doing double duty. Think clothing that layers from day to night (e.g., a neutral button-down that works under a blazer or on its own), or tech gear like a power bank that doubles as a flashlight.

Small hacks—like using socks as shoe liners or gadget cases—let you eliminate dedicated pouches while protecting valuables. And wearing your bulkiest pieces in transit (boots, jackets) not only saves luggage weight but frees up precious inches inside your case.

3. Layer-Packing

Layering isn’t just for clothes—it’s a packing principle. Start with heavy, bulky items (shoes, toiletry kits) at the bottom, then build up with mid-weight pieces, and finish with lightweight garments on top. This “heavy-to-light” ordering keeps your bag balanced, prevents crushing delicate items, and helps you locate essentials quickly without unpacking everything.

For climates with varying temperatures, select pieces that layer well—e.g., a merino-wool tee, fleece jacket, and waterproof shell—so you carry fewer items overall while staying comfortable.

Pack Smart in 5 Steps

Step	Action	Pro Tip
1. Empty & Weigh	Weigh your empty bag to know its tare weight.	Use a portable scale for ±0.1 lb accuracy
2. Bulk First	Pack heavy items (shoes, electronics, toiletries).	Fill shoes with socks or chargers for dual-purpose
3. Cube & Compress	Organize soft goods into compression cubes.	Leave ~1 in of space to avoid zipper strain
4. Layer Smart	Add mid- and light-weight clothing in descending bulk.	Roll lightweight tees to fill gaps and reduce wrinkles
5. Balance & Buffer	Distribute weight evenly; aim 1–2 kg below limit.	Distribute weight evenly; aim 1–2 kg below the limit.

Save this table as a screenshot on your phone for a quick, mobile-friendly reference at the packing table or gate.

By combining compression cubes, dual-purpose gear, and layer-packing, you’ll maximize every inch of suitcase real estate while keeping weight in check—and avoid those pesky extra fees at the gate. Safe travels!

Alternative Solutions for Overweight

Shipping your luggage ahead can cost anywhere from $35 to $300, depending on how quickly and how far you ship it, whereas overweight fees on major airlines can run up to $30 per kilogram, easily surpassing $200 for just a few kilos of excess weight.

Upgrading to a premium cabin often bumps your carry-on allowance by 4–6 kg and even grants extra pieces, making packing and boarding a breeze. By choosing the right mix of shipping, purchasing essentials on arrival, or upgrading your ticket, you’ll dodge gate-check hassles, hefty surcharges, and last-minute repacking.

Ship Items Ahead vs. Buy Essentials at Destination

Shipping your bags to your destination before you fly means you skip hefty airport surcharges and arrive “bag‐ready” without lugging extra weight through terminals. However, shipping can take 5–10 days for economy services, and you’ll need to plan well in advance.

Buying basics like travel-size toiletries or a spare T-shirt upon arrival avoids shipping delays—but can cost $10–$35 for a simple hygiene kit and $15–$25 for a basic tee, often at inflated airport or hotel rates.

Option	Cost Range	Pros	Cons
Ship via ShipGo	From $34.99 per bag	Door-to-door; minimal airport hassle	Longer lead time; upfront payment
Ship via DHL	$50–$150 (domestic) $100–$300 (intl)	Reliable global network; tracking	Higher cost for international routes
Buy at Destination	$10–$35 (toiletry kit) $15–$25 (basic tee)	Instant availability; no planning needed	Markup at convenience stores; limited selection

Upgrade to Premium Cabins for Higher Allowances

When you upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy or Business, you not only get more legroom but also larger carry-on and personal item allowances. For example, on Air France:

• Economy: 1 item + small bag, up to 12 kg total
• Premium Economy: 2 items + small bag, up to 12 kg total
• Business/La Première: 2 items + small bag, up to 18 kg total

Virgin Atlantic similarly ups the limit for its Upper Class flyers to 32 kg per checked bag and has more generous carry-on rules compared to its Economy and Premium cabins.

Airline	Economy Carry-On	Premium/Business Carry-On
Air France	1 bag + 1 small bag, ≤ 12 kg	2 bags + 1 small bag, ≤ 18 kg
Virgin Atlantic	1 bag + 1 personal item, ≤ 23 kg	Upper Class: 2 bags, each ≤ 32 kg
Lufthansa	1 bag, ≤ 8 kg	Business/First: 2 bags, each ≤ 8 kg

Upgrading can cost between $100 and $400, depending on route and timing, but for travelers with multiple heavy items or tight schedules, the extra fee is often cheaper than multiple overweight surcharges.

By weighing these options—shipping ahead, purchasing on arrival, or upgrading your cabin—you’ll travel smarter, avoid surprise fees, and arrive with everything you need, stress-free.

Conclusion

Taking charge of your carry-on isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s about reclaiming control of your travel experience.

By understanding each airline’s specific weight and size rules, you sidestep the wallet-pinching fees that can quickly eclipse your ticket cost. U.S. carriers simplify the process with a universal sizer and “self-lift” standard, making 18–20 kg a practical target; European and Gulf airlines, meanwhile, demand stricter compliance, capping bags between 8 kg and 23 kg depending on cabin class.

But data alone won’t pack your bag—you need tactics. Use a digital travel scale or your bathroom scale for home-weighing accuracy and build in a 1–2 kg safety buffer. Employ compression cubes to slash bulk by up to 15 % and layer items from heavy to light, ensuring balance and wrinkle prevention. And when you’re truly over, consider shipping essentials ahead—often cheaper than overweight fees—or upgrade to a premium cabin for bonus kilos and extra pieces.

Ultimately, a blend of precise data, smart preparation, and traveler-savvy solutions turns the dreaded gate-check into an afterthought—and lets you focus on the journey ahead.

FAQs

What happens if my carry-on is 1 kg over the limit?

Usually, you’ll be asked to gate-check it. Fees can match or exceed standard checked-bag rates ($35–$45) plus overweight surcharges ($100–$200).

Can I combine the weight of my personal item and carry-on?

Only on airlines that specify a combined allowance (e.g., BA’s 23 kg total). U.S. carriers treat them separately by size, not weight.

Do codeshare flights use my ticketing airline’s rules?

No—baggage limits default to the operating carrier’s policy, and you’ll be held to the strictest rule on your itinerary.

How can I pack under weight without ditching essentials?

Weigh incrementally, use compression cubes, wear bulkier items onboard, and choose dual-purpose gear.