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Too Much to Carry? Handling Carry-on Weight Limits

Posted on September 2, 2023September 2, 2023 by Traveling Tiffani
Rows of seats with passengers sitting inside an airport terminal.
The tiny airport with two gates in Cappadocia, Turkiye where the nice airline agent let me check in with an overweight carry-on.

This isn’t going to be another post about the greatness of traveling carry-on only. For the record, I almost always check a bag and I think those of you who preach the greatness of traveling only with a carry-on are a bit cult-like. You try very hard to get me to convert to your way of thinking, and often get frustrated when I do not.

That being said, more and more airlines (especially non-United States ones) are now weighing carry-on baggage and setting severe weight limits. On a recent flight on Turkish Airlines, my rolling carry-on was limited to 8 kg (17.6 pounds). Other airlines allow just 5kg or 11 pounds! It used to be the size they were worried about (I specifically bought an international carry-on because it is a bit smaller than an American one) and now it’s the weight.

Between my laptop, items I had purchased (it was the end of my trip), electronics, and a few other things I couldn’t afford to lose, I was over the weight limit.

They didn’t weigh my personal item, so the guy behind the counter told me to move my laptop into that bag. I also told him I paid for a few extra pounds in my checked bag and showed him the receipt for that, so he let me check in.

What’s the point of these shenanigans? Both my rolling bag and personal item were going into the cabin with me. Why weigh one and not the other?

Also, with the constant threat of losing or mis-routing my checked bag, my carry-on always contains the things I cannot lose, especially on an international trip.

So, I’m beginning to ponder how to adjust to the harsh carry-on weight rules while still having everything I need and want with me.

One thing I am doing is flying United States based airlines on the overseas legs as much as I can. They don’t usually weigh hand baggage when you check in and I hope it stays that way. Other airlines overseas often check size, but not weight when connecting.

I can adjust a few things I have in my carry-on, but I know the second I do that, the airline will lose my checked luggage and I will be kicking myself.

I really want to know how you carry-on only people can get everything you need for an international trip into just 11 pounds. I know it wouldn't be possible for me.

 

 

 

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