Whether your hand carry can exceed 7kg depends entirely on the airline and ticket class. As of 2026, many budget carriers and regional authorities (particularly in India and Southeast Asia) strictly enforce a 7kg (15lb) limit for Economy passengers to speed up boarding and ensure overhead bin safety. If you exceed this, you may be forced to check the bag at the gate for a steep fee. However, "Full-Service" carriers like British Airways or United often allow up to 10kg or even 23kg, provided you can lift the bag yourself. Business and First Class passengers almost always enjoy a more generous allowance, often up to 12–15kg. Always weigh your bag at home, as modern airports are increasingly using automated scales at the gate that flag overweight bags instantly, regardless of their physical size.