Yes, in 2026, airlines are weighing carry-on bags more strictly than ever before, largely due to increased "carry-on crunch" and the industry-wide move toward standardized 22 x 14 x 9 inch dimensions. While legacy carriers in the U.S. like Delta and United rarely weigh bags unless they look visibly oversized, international and low-cost carriers (such as Ryanair, Emirates, and AirAsia) are notorious for weighing every piece of luggage at the check-in desk or even at the boarding gate. Many international airlines enforce a strict 7 kg (15 lb) limit for economy passengers. In 2026, airports in regions like India and Southeast Asia have introduced automated "gate sizers" that include integrated scales. If your bag exceeds the weight limit, you may be forced to pay a "gate-check" fee, which can be significantly higher than the cost of a pre-booked checked bag. To avoid surprise fees, travelers are now encouraged to use a portable luggage scale at home, as the "one bag" rule—where your personal item must fit inside your carry-on during the weighing process—is being enforced with zero tolerance at many major global hubs.