Airline Luggage Limits: kg to lbs Quick Guide

June 9, 2025 • 4 min read

Nothing ruins the start of a holiday like being told your suitcase is overweight at check-in. Most airlines display weight limits in kilograms, but if you are used to thinking in pounds, that number might not mean much. Here is a quick guide to help you pack smart.

Common Airline Weight Limits Converted

Most airlines use these standard limits:

• ▶ Carry-on bag: 7 kg = 15.4 lbs
• ▶ Carry-on bag (generous): 10 kg = 22 lbs
• ▶ Checked bag (economy): 20 kg = 44 lbs
• ▶ Checked bag (standard): 23 kg = 50.7 lbs
• ▶ Checked bag (business): 32 kg = 70.5 lbs
• ▶ US domestic (legacy carriers): 50 lbs = 22.7 kg

The Quick Conversion

For a rough estimate, just double the kg number and add a bit. A 23 kg limit is approximately 50 lbs. A 7 kg carry-on limit is about 15 lbs.

Tips to Avoid Overweight Fees

• ▶ Buy a luggage scale — portable digital scales cost under $15 and save you from surprise fees of $50-200
• ▶ Weigh before you leave — check your bag at home, not at the airport
• ▶ Account for souvenirs — leave 2-3 kg of headroom for your return trip
• ▶ Wear heavy items — boots and coats on the plane do not count toward luggage weight
• ▶ Distribute weight — if travelling with a partner, balance bags to keep both under the limit

Overweight Bag Fees by Airline Type

Exceeding your luggage allowance can be expensive:

• ▶ Budget carriers (Ryanair, Spirit): $30-75 per kg over the limit
• ▶ Full-service carriers (BA, Delta): $50-200 flat fee for overweight bags
• ▶ Long-haul flights: fees tend to be higher, sometimes $100+ per bag

Empty Suitcase Weights to Consider

Remember that your suitcase itself has weight:

• ▶ Lightweight carry-on: 1.5-2.5 kg (3.3-5.5 lbs)
• ▶ Standard checked bag: 3-5 kg (6.6-11 lbs)
• ▶ Hard-shell large case: 4-6 kg (8.8-13.2 lbs)

If your airline limit is 23 kg and your suitcase weighs 4 kg, you only have 19 kg (42 lbs) of actual packing space.