Whether your carry-on can exceed 7kg (15.4 lbs) in 2026 depends entirely on your airline and cabin class. Many budget carriers like AirAsia, Jetstar, and Scoot strictly enforce a 7kg limit to manage cabin space and fuel efficiency; exceeding this often results in a steep gate-checking fee. However, many full-service airlines offer more flexibility. For example, Singapore Airlines and Emirates typically allow 7kg for Economy but up to 14kg or 15kg for Business Class. Some U.S. and European carriers, like British Airways or United, often have much higher weight limits (up to 23kg) or no official weight limit at all, as long as you can lift the bag into the overhead bin yourself. A high-value 2026 tip: always check your specific ticket's "fare rules," as airlines are increasingly moving toward "Basic Economy" tiers that have stricter weight and size audits at the gate.