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What happens if you go over 23kg?

Short answer: Of course you can, but you're going to be charged for excess baggage by almost any airline in the world. Some airlines may overlook the charges if you're traveling on a first class ticket (British Airways First passengers max allowed is 32kg/70lbs, most airlines are about the same).



If your checked bag exceeds the standard 23kg (50 lbs) limit on most airlines in 2026, you will be subject to "Heavy Piece" or Excess Baggage fees. These fees vary by carrier and route but generally range from $75 to $150 per bag if the weight is between 23kg and 32kg. It is a grounded reality that most airlines will refuse to carry any single bag weighing more than 32kg (70 lbs) for the safety of ground handlers. If you are only a few kilograms over, a supportive peer tip is to move heavier items—like shoes or books—into your carry-on or wear a heavy coat during check-in to shed some weight. Some airlines, like Air India or Malaysia Airlines, charge per-kilogram rates on certain routes, which can become extremely expensive very quickly. Always check your specific fare class before heading to the airport; while "Economy Flex" might allow 30kg, a "Basic Economy" ticket is usually strictly capped at 23kg with no leniency at the counter.

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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. If your bag weighs more than this, you may be asked to repack, or have it labeled as heavy luggage.

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Do airlines allow 1kg overweight? Bags weighing 50 to 70 lb (23 to 32 kg) are accepted as overweight. Bags measuring 63 to 115 in (160 to 292 cm) are accepted as oversized.

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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.

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That means that if your checked bag weighs more than 50 pounds, your airline will charge you a set fee on top of their standard baggage rate. Most airlines also have a weight limit, usually 70-80 pounds, after which they don't accept bags, even for an extra fee.

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If your bag is over 50 lbs (23 kg), or if its length, width, and height added together are over 62 inches (157 cm), you may be charged an additional fee, on top of the normal bag fee.

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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.

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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.

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Weight, Size and Number 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.

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So can you expect to find yourself on a scale before boarding your next domestic flight? Likely, no, but it isn't impossible. The U.S. does not require airlines to weigh passengers as South Korea does. However, a 2019 advisory from the FAA said airlines can weigh passengers, according to CNBC.

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What if my luggage is 0.5 kg overweight? It's over the limit so assume you will be charged. There must be something in your hand luggage you can put in your pocket to get it under. Wear a coat with big pockets.

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Sticking a foot under a luggage scale to get bags under the limit is becoming a viral travel hack. People on TikTok say they've tried this trick and gotten away with bringing a heavy bag on board. Others say using this travel hack could endanger airline staff and one's fellow passengers.

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Keep reading for our top tips for packing lighter.
  1. Pack for a week (or less) and plan to do laundry.
  2. Pack around one basic color.
  3. Don't pack any more than three pairs of shoes.
  4. Use a wardrobe planner.
  5. Pack visually.
  6. Know what to roll and what to fold.
  7. Use compression cubes and bags.


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Major US domestic airlines carry-on policies
  • Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches, free, no weight limit.
  • Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches, free, must fit in the sizer at the airport (including handles and wheels), no weight limit.


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23KG is a good amount of weight to work with and ideal for a 2 week holiday, and with some careful planning is enough for up to 3 weeks.

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What is the size of 23kg luggage bag? A suitcase of size M (50 – 80 liters) or L (80 – 100 liters) is suitable for 23 kg of luggage. Choosing the right suitcase size depends on whether you want to pack a lot of light items or a few heavy ones.

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Your baggage will be considered oversized or overweight when it exceeds the permitted dimensions and weight for checked baggage (50 lb in Economy class, 70 lb in Business class, and 158 linear cm).

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If your luggage is heavier than your luggage allowance when you check-in, you'll need to pay an excess luggage charge, as outlined below: Short-haul flights: £13 or €17 per kilogram. Mid-haul flights: £15 or €19 per kilogram.

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Are cabin bags weighed? They can be, but more often they are size-checked. We recommend that you ensure your bag is within the weight and size limits the airline specifies if you want it on board with you. If the staff deem your bag too big or too heavy, it will be checked.

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