Airport excess charges are one of the few travel costs that are entirely avoidable, and one of the most painful when they catch you out. A few minutes at home beats a queue and a surprise bill at the check-in desk.
The only number that matters is on your ticket
Baggage rules are confusing because every airline sets its own, and they differ between carry-on and checked bags, between fare types, and between domestic and international routes. Don't rely on what an airline allowed you last time. Confirm the allowance on your specific booking before you pack.
Weigh the bag fully packed — including anything you plan to bring back on the return leg. Souvenirs are the classic reason people sail out under the limit and come home over it.
Typical allowances (always check your ticket)
- Carry-on: commonly around 7–10 kg, but budget airlines are often stricter and may charge for anything beyond a small personal item.
- Checked, economy: often 20–23 kg per bag on full-service airlines, though many budget fares include no checked bag at all.
- Long-haul or premium fares: frequently more generous, sometimes two checked bags.
- Size matters too: a bag can be under the weight limit and still rejected for being too big, especially carry-on.
Estimate yours below
Enter your packed weight, pick your airline's allowance, and adjust the excess rate to match your carrier's published fee.
Baggage check → weigh the bag fully packed first
An estimate only — confirm your actual allowance and excess rate on your booking.
How to avoid the fee altogether
The single biggest saving is to pre-purchase extra allowance online if you know you'll be over — airport rates are dramatically higher than buying ahead. Beyond that: a lightweight suitcase can save 3–4 kg before you pack a thing, wear your heaviest clothes and shoes on the plane, and leave room on the way out for the way back. If you're travelling as a group, some airlines pool allowances so a light bag can offset a heavy one.
Go deeper
Questions
How much does excess baggage cost?
It varies a lot by airline and route, but airport excess is typically charged per kilo and can be very expensive — often several times the cost of pre-buying allowance online. Check your airline's excess rates and buy ahead if you expect to be over.
What is the standard carry-on weight limit?
There is no universal standard — it's commonly around 7–10 kg, but budget airlines are often stricter. Check your specific airline, as carry-on rules are where travellers most often get caught and charged at the gate.
Is it cheaper to buy baggage online or at the airport?
Almost always online and in advance. Adding a checked bag or extra weight through the airline's website before you fly is much cheaper than paying excess at the check-in desk.
Does the weight of the suitcase itself count?
Yes — the allowance is the total weight including the bag. A heavy hardshell case can use 4–5 kg before you pack anything, so a lightweight suitcase effectively gives you more room.
Can two people share one baggage allowance?
Some airlines allow allowances to be pooled for passengers on the same booking, so a light bag can offset a heavy one. Policies vary, so check first — and note it usually applies to checked, not carry-on.
How can I weigh my bag at home?
A small handheld luggage scale is cheap and accurate. If you don't have one, weigh yourself on bathroom scales while holding the bag, then subtract your own weight — less precise, but enough to know if you're close.
Allowances and fees vary by airline, route and fare type and change over time. The figures here are general guidance only — always confirm the limits on your own booking before you travel.