Why do airlines restrict weight to 23kg? (2024)

Why do airlines restrict weight to 23kg?

Weight, Size and Number

Why do airlines have 23kg weight limit?

Why are checked bags allowed to weigh 23kg? Checked-in bags need to be lifted manually when they are loaded and unloaded. 23kg is a commonly used weight limit, considering the occupational safety of those handling the baggage. Heavier bags are marked so that those handling them know that they are particularly heavy.

What happens if your luggage is over 23kg?

What happens if my luggage is overweight? For hold luggage, most airlines set a weight limit for single items of luggage. Usually, this is 23kg. If your hold luggage is over and you haven't paid for extra, you might be charged.

Why do flights get weight restricted?

Weight can become an obstacle to a safe takeoff, for example, in challenging wind conditions or when the runway is slippery. A heavier plane needs more runway length to take off, as to lift heavier mass into the air, the wing needs a higher speed at takeoff, and, therefore, longer acceleration.

Why do airlines have baggage weight limits?

Checked-in luggage has to be weighed in all cases, to ensure each piece is within safe limits for manual handling. This known weight then eats into the takeoff weight calculation, leaving less for cargo.

How strict are airline weight limits?

Most airlines will allow you to check one bag and have one carry-on bag. There is normally a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds per checked bag as well as a size restriction. The most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear (total) inches. A common size bag for checking through is: 27" x 21" x 14".

What if my luggage is 1 kg overweight?

It depends on the airline. Some airlines will charge an additional fee for baggage that exceeds their standard allowance, while other airlines may waive the fee if the excess baggage is within a certain weight limit. Be sure to check the specific airline's baggage policies prior to travel.

What if my luggage is 23.5 kg?

A checked bag can weigh up to 23 kg. If your bag exceeds the allowed weight (up to a maximum of 32 kg), an additional fee of CA $100 (US $100 / €80 / £65) will apply.

What does 23kg luggage look like?

Checked bags that can weigh up to 23kg usually have dimensions of 50 x 80 x 28cm (length x width x height), known as the medium (M) size of a travel suitcase. Therefore, look for a good quality model that fits these measurements. The material of the suitcase can be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid.

What happens if my bag is 23.5 kg?

If you want to check in more than 23kg, you can purchase additional baggage allowance, however, the rules and fees are determined by the fare type you purchased, and may vary depending on the route and region you are traveling to.

How do you fly if you are overweight?

What do planes do when they are overweight?

In these cases, the airplane may arrive at the landing airport at a weight considerably above the maximum design landing weight. The pilot must then decide whether to reduce the weight prior to landing or land overweight. The weight can be reduced either by holding to burn off fuel or by jettisoning fuel.

What do airlines do for overweight passengers?

The criteria for fitting in a seat are consistent with other airlines – armrests must be all the way down and the seatbelt with one extender must be able to be fastened. Customers who are not able to safely and comfortably fit in a single seat are required to purchase an additional seat for each leg of their itinerary.

What size is a 23KG suitcase?

Although there are various shapes and sizes, most 23 kg suitcases have large and extra large suitcase dimensions and are appropriate for checked-in travel on airlines. Typically, a 23kg suitcase size will have the following measurements: Length: 71-81 cm (28-32 inches ) Width: 43-51 cm (17-20 inches)

What is the maximum luggage allowance for international flights?

The checked luggage weight limit for international flights is usually the same as for domestic flights: 50 lbs. Most airlines set 50 lbs as their weight limit to reduce the risk of injury to baggage handlers. As with carry-on luggage, there are exceptions to checked luggage weight limits.

Is it okay if luggage is slightly overweight?

If you are a bit overweight, first off, try to check the bag anyway, many times the check-in staff will overlook a couple of pounds. If they don't you can always use this technique: Remove enough stuff to get the bag in limits (NOT liquids, you know that bit right?) regardless of whether it all fits in your carry-on.

Which airlines allow maximum weight?

Will they weigh my carry-on?

If you're short on time, here's a quick answer: Most airlines don't routinely weigh carry-ons, but they can if the bag appears oversized. Gate agents or flight attendants may single out bags that look too large or heavy.

Do airlines actually weigh carry-on bags?

Do airlines weigh carry on bags? In over 12 years of full-time travel, our carry-ons have only been weighed twice. Most of the time we find that airlines don't bother, but that's partly because we follow the tips below.

How much is 23 kg luggage?

The 23 KG luggage weight allowance includes the weight of the suitcase and the weight of the contents. A 23 KG allowance is enough weight to allow you to bring clothes, shoes and accessories for one person for a 2-3 week time period. With Easyjet, customers can buy up to 3 hold bags.

What if my luggage is 0.5 kg overweight?

It depends. Sometimes you get lucky and can carry a few kgs more than the allowed, sometimes they will only admit 0.5 kg more than your limit. Some rules of thumb, without being able to cite from anything, If you are on a business class ticket or have status with an airline, I would expect them to be more tolerant.

How can I make my luggage weigh less?

Is 23kg a medium or large suitcase?

What size suitcase is best for 23kg? Aim for a medium to large-sized suitcase; this should give you plenty of space to pack up to 23kg of your favourite clothes. Looking to pack light? A small to medium-sized suitcase with a capacity of 40-60 litres should do the trick for a 15kg limit.

Why is luggage 23kg?

Each bag should weigh less than 23KG/50LBS. This is an international regulation set for the health and safety of airport workers who have to lift hundreds of bags daily.

How do I know if my luggage is 23 kg?

Purchase a handheld luggage scale to easily find out how much your bags weigh. If you don't want to invest in a luggage scale, no problem! Use a regular bathroom scale by weighing yourself and then yourself holding the luggage. Subtract your weight from the overall weight to find out how much your bag weighs.