How Much Can My Carry On Weigh?

With airlines tightening down on carry on travel rules, it’s important to ask “how much can my carry on weigh?”. You could be made to check your luggage and be charged a hefty fee at the gate if your carry-on goes over the limits.

Most major airlines restrict the size of your carry-on, most commonly to about 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (55 x 35 x 22cm). However the weight varies greatly from as low as 15 lbs (7kg) in budget airlines, up to as high as 35 lbs (15.8 kg). And many airlines, especially domestic US carriers, don’t even have a weight limit.

If you are flying a budget Asian or European line, you definitely want to stick to the carry on weight limit. Airlines are increasingly checking bag weights at the gate, especially if your bag looks like it might be too big.

A trick to weighing your bag is to use a bathroom scale. Weight yourself first without, then with your bag, and subtract the difference. If your weight limit is in the lower 15 lb range, you might want to pick up a travel scale so you can really tell if you’re over the limit.

Be sure to check your airline’s carry on rules before you even start packing. I’ve created a handy Carry On Luggage Dimensions table you can check right here. If your airline doesn’t have a limit, then you don’t need to worry. If it does, you are going to want to weight your bag before you get to the airport.

Rolling luggage is really heavy and can add significantly to your total weight. If you have a heavy rolling suitcase, consider switching to a lighter carry-on travel backpack. They weigh less, and gate attendants are less likely to give them a second look. I’ve created a giant post with details on almost every carry on backpack on the market.

The weight of your personal items often counts towards your total weight allowance. This isnt true for every airline, you can check if it counts on my Personal Item Luggage Dimension table. If it’s weighed together with your carry on, it will have the word “total” in the right column.

If you still asking how much can my carry on weight after reading this post, please ask me questions in the comments below. This site is here to help you travel lighter, so ask away!