If your check-in luggage is overweight at the airport in 2026, you have three primary options: repack, pay, or ship. First, try moving heavy items (like shoes, electronics, or books) into your carry-on or personal item, as these are rarely weighed by full-service carriers. You can also "wear" your heaviest clothes, such as a thick coat or boots, through the checkpoint. Second, you can pay the excess baggage fee, which usually starts around $100 for intercontinental flights; many airlines like KLM or Air France offer a discount if you purchase "extra weight" online at least 24 hours before departure. Third, if the bag is significantly over the 32kg (70lb) hard limit, the airline will refuse to transport it as standard luggage due to health and safety rules for ground crew. In this case, you must use a service like "Luggless" or the airline's own cargo division to ship the bag separately. To avoid high airport rates, always use a portable luggage scale before leaving for the terminal to ensure you are under your ticketed allowance.