Do first choice weigh hand luggage

Recommendation: verify the allowance printed on your ticket and on the carrier’s website, then keep your carry-on under 8 kg for low-cost tickets and within 55×40×20 cm for standard cabin permits. For ultra-low-cost fares that permit only a personal item, expect dimensions near 40×20×25 cm and a practical mass limit of 7–10 kg.

Practical steps: measure volume with a tape, use a digital scale to record mass at home, and place heavy items (chargers, books, full toiletry bottles) into checked hold or wear them. Pack smart: transfer bulky shoes or jackets onto your body, consolidate small items into pouches, and trade heavy toiletry bottles for travel-size containers.

Security and boarding control: gate agents commonly use a sizing frame and portable scales. If your bag exceeds published dimensions or the gate scale shows over the allowed mass, you will be required to check the item or pay a surcharge; typical on-the-spot fees range roughly €25–€100 depending on carrier and airport.

Final checklist before leaving home: confirm the exact model of allowance for your fare class, measure external dimensions, weigh packed item on a scale, move ≥1–2 kg of heavy gear to checked carriage or clothing if needed, and place liquids in approved 100 ml containers inside a single transparent 1 L bag.

Does the carrier check cabin carry-on weight?

Answer: yes – gate and check-in staff may measure and enforce cabin carry-on weight and dimensions; prepare as if a 7–10 kg limit and a single cabin item plus one small personal bag apply.

Packing and pre-flight checks

• Weigh and measure at home with a handheld digital scale and tape measure; target 2–3 kg under the posted maximum to avoid surprises.
• Common size guides: 56×45×25 cm (full-size allowance) and 55×40×20 cm (budget carriers); confirm the exact allowance on your booking confirmation.
• Use soft-sided bags or compression cubes to fit within dimensional limits while keeping weight low.
• Limit liquids to 100 ml containers in a clear 1-litre plastic bag; move spare toiletries into checked hold if possible.
• Place heavy items (chargers, books) in a companion’s item or your worn clothing to distribute mass.

At the airport and remedies for overweight

• Where checks occur: at bag drop, security, gate or aircraft door – have options ready before boarding.
• If over the limit: options include paying an excess fee (commonly $25–$100), handing the case to be stowed in the hold, transferring items to a smaller bag, or consolidating with a travel partner.
• Fees and procedures vary by carrier and route; printing or saving the operator’s baggage rules on your phone speeds resolution.

Practical tip: keep a lightweight, foldable daypack in your checked items to transfer a few kilos if needed. If a leather cabin case gets soiled during travel, see how to clean cat pee off leather for step-by-step care instructions.

When staff assess cabin bags at check-in or boarding

Pack so your carry-on stays within the operator’s published cabin allowance and verify its mass at home with a compact scale; if over the limit, transfer heavier items to checked hold before arrival to avoid higher airport or gate charges.

Common moments for staff checks: at the ticket desk when queues are long, at security if a bag looks overfilled, and at the gate just before boarding when overhead space is limited. Flights close to capacity and routes with small aircraft see the most inspections.

Measurement methods used by airline agents include suitcase sizers (rectangular frames), wall-mounted dimension gauges and portable or fixed scales at counters and gates. Typical outcomes for excess mass: pay an online pre-purchase fee (roughly GBP 15–40), pay an airport/desk fee (about GBP 40–80), or have the item tagged and placed in the aircraft hold for no immediate cash exchange but with handling on arrival.

Packing tactics that reduce the chance of a gate recheck: use a soft-sided cabin bag that can be compressed into a sizer, distribute heavy electronics or shoes into checked items, keep valuables and documents in a small under-seat bag, and place liquids in a single transparent 1-litre pouch. For bulky accessories (umbrella, tripod, large duty-free boxes) consider consolidating or sending ahead; see an example product here: best umbrella armory aeg.

Check your fare class: allowances differ by ticket type – specific limits and actions below.

Economy tiers (Basic / Saver / Standard)

Basic / Saver: Only a small personal item is included. Maximum external dimensions: 40 x 25 x 20 cm. Maximum mass: 5 kg. No main cabin bag included; larger items must be added to the booking or placed in hold at extra cost.

Standard Economy: One main cabin bag plus one personal item. Main bag maximum dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm. Main bag maximum mass: 10 kg. Personal item (e.g., laptop bag or handbag): 40 x 25 x 20 cm, up to 5 kg.

Upgrades and premium fares

Flex / Plus / Premium: Main cabin allowance increases to commonly 10–15 kg with maximum dimensions up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm, plus an additional personal item up to 7 kg. Business/Club fares typically permit a single cabin item up to 15 kg or a higher combined allowance; verify the exact figures on your ticket.

Practical recommendations: measure outside dimensions including wheels and handles; confirm mass on a home scale; pre-book extra allowance via your reservation system to reduce airport fees; carry valuables and medicines in the personal item; consult the carrier’s fare details printed on your confirmation for the precise allowance and any applicable charges.

Measure the weight and size of your cabin bag at home with a portable scale

Use a portable hanging scale with tare and a 200–300 g safety margin: attach the packed cabin bag to the scale strap, steady the reading for 10–15 seconds, then record the value in kilograms (1 kg = 2.20462 lb).

Tools

Minimum kit: a digital hanging scale (0.1 kg resolution), 2 m retractable tape, rigid flat surface, and a 1 L bottle of water for quick calibration (1 L ≈ 1 kg). For small items use a kitchen scale; for full-bag checks use a bathroom scale plus subtraction method.

Step-by-step checks

Hanging-scale method: zip all compartments, lock external straps, clip the scale to the bag’s central grab handle (not a thin strap), lift until the bag clears the floor. Wait for a stable reading; repeat twice and use the higher value. If the handle twists or the bag tilts, reposition until vertical.

Bathroom-scale method: place scale on a hard level floor. Weigh yourself, then weigh yourself while holding the packed bag in the same posture; subtract the two numbers. Avoid holding the bag close to your torso (it changes posture); hold by the handle at arm’s length for consistency.

Calibration check: verify the hanging scale with a known mass (1 L water or packaged goods). If the scale shows a consistent offset, apply that correction to your readings. For models with a tare function, zero the device before lifting.

Measuring dimensions: measure length, width and depth at the bag’s maximum extents including wheels, handles and any protruding pockets. Lay the bag flat and press to the shape you will carry at boarding; measure the three axes with the tape pulled taut. Record external dimensions; fabric compression is accepted by some operators but assume no compression unless specified.

Accuracy tips: calibrate scales periodically, check unit setting (kg vs lb), allow a 200–300 g buffer to avoid fines, and re-check after packing electronics and liquids. Reduce mass by moving heavy items into worn clothing or a personal item worn on board. For rugged carry options consult best weighted backpack for rucking.

What to do if your cabin bag exceeds the airline’s limits: fees, gate check, and repacking

Pay the excess charge online before arrival when possible; if not, expect a higher fee at the check-in desk and the highest fee at the gate, or be required to have the item placed in the aircraft hold.

Typical financial outcomes and timing

Fee amounts depend on airline policy and route. Common ranges: pre-book online £10–£30 / €12–€35 / $15–$40; at the airport check-in £20–£50 / €25–€60 / $25–$70; at the gate £40–£100 / €45–€110 / $50–$130. Some carriers charge a flat-rate for each extra bag or an overweight surcharge per kilogram; others apply a fixed gate-check fee. Paying earlier almost always reduces cost.

Fast repacking tactics and items to keep on your person

Prioritize removing dense items (shoes, liquids in sealed bags, full toiletry containers, spare chargers, hardcover books) and transfer them into an already-checked suitcase or a detachable bag that meets carry rules. Use compression sacks for clothing, wear your bulkiest items on board (coat, boots), and move fragile valuables and essential documents into a small personal item or your pockets. If a scale is available at the desk, confirm mass after repacking.

If staff require gate-checking, they will apply a tag and place the item in the hold; retrieval typically occurs at the baggage belt after arrival or, on some short-haul flights, at the aircraft door on disembarkation. Keep electronics, medications, travel documents, and valuables out of any bag that will be checked in. Expect longer collection times and carry-on protection limits set by the carrier; declare high-value items at check-in if necessary.

Packing techniques to reduce carry-on weight without removing important items

Aim for a 20–30% mass reduction by swapping bulky items and liquids for lightweight alternatives and targeting a 1.5–2 kg safety margin below your carrier’s cabin allowance.

Replace heavy fabrics: one pair of jeans (600–800 g) can be swapped for two pairs of lightweight travel trousers (each 180–300 g) that compress small and dry quickly; trade a 500–700 g wool jumper for a 200–300 g merino or synthetic layer that provides similar warmth with far less bulk.

Adopt multi-use garments: choose a blazer or jacket that functions as both outerwear and smartwear (300–500 g) rather than packing separate outercoat and formal jacket; pack convertible items (zip-off pants, dress/scarf combinations) to cover three outfits with the mass of one.

Optimize toiletries: decant liquids into 100 ml reusable bottles and consolidate to one 200–300 g toiletry kit; replace shampoo, conditioner and soap with solid bars (each 30–80 g) to cut up to 700 g per trip when eliminating standard-sized bottles.

Compress strategically: use soft compression cubes to reduce volume by up to 40% for knitwear and casual clothes without rigid vacuum bags; place cubes near the center to keep shape and avoid overpacking that adds hidden grams.

Electronics consolidation: carry one primary device (tablet 300–700 g instead of laptop 1.2–1.8 kg) plus a single multi-port charger (60–120 g) and one lightweight power bank (150–250 g); remove duplicate cables and unused adapters to save 100–300 g.

Shoe management: wear the bulkiest pair on travel days (sneakers 300–500 g) and pack light footwear (sandals or foldable flats 80–200 g); stuff socks or small items inside shoes to use dead space and avoid adding a separate pouch.

Paperwork and extras: digitize documents and carry scans on your phone; take only necessary printed pages and a thin notebook (<100 g). Leave full-size packaging and manuals at home; transfer medicines and creams into compact containers and list emergency quantities to avoid over-packing backups.

Final packing check: distribute heavier items into the personal item you will carry on your person (coat pockets, daypack) and balance the cabin bag; weigh total mass at home and subtract 1.5–2 kg from the carrier’s cabin allowance as your buffer for last-minute additions.

Special exemptions: infants, medical devices and duty‑free allowances for the carrier

Bring supporting paperwork and declare exemptions before arrival: infant items, mobility aids and medical equipment are typically accepted outside the passenger’s standard cabin allowance if pre-notified and documented.

• Infant items
  • One collapsible pushchair/pram and one child restraint (car seat) are usually carried free; gate‑check may be required for bulk items – tag and collect at aircraft door unless otherwise directed.
  • One small baby bag with milk, formula and sterilised water is generally permitted in addition to the passenger’s onboard allowance; security may screen liquids but breast milk, formula and baby food are exempt from normal liquid limits when required for the journey.
  • Carry proof of age or infant booking (booking reference, passport or birth certificate) to avoid disputes at check‑in or boarding.
• Medical devices and mobility aids
  • Mobility aids (including manual wheelchairs, electrically powered scooters, and walking frames) are usually accepted free of charge if declared at booking; fold and pack non‑foldable items per carrier instructions.
  • For devices with batteries, supply device manuals and a clinical letter stating necessity; indicate battery chemistry and rated energy (Wh) on documentation.
  • Powered wheelchairs with non‑spillable lead‑acid batteries are commonly permitted in the hold or cabin depending on size; lithium batteries must meet air transport rules (see battery section).
• Batteries and spare power packs
  • Spare lithium‑ion batteries up to 100 Wh are normally allowed only in the cabin; those between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require prior airline approval and must be carried in carry‑on with terminals insulated.
  • Batteries exceeding 160 Wh are generally prohibited without special carriage approval from the airline and the operator handling dangerous goods; declare such batteries at least 48–72 hours before travel.
  • Always tape exposed terminals or keep batteries in original packaging, and limit spare cells to a small number per passenger as requested by the operator.
• Duty‑free purchases
  • Liquids and perfume bought airside and sealed in a tamper‑evident bag (STEB) plus receipt are usually allowed in addition to the passenger’s onboard allowance; keep the STEB sealed until final destination to satisfy security rules.
  • Alcohol and tobacco allowances depend on destination country customs limits; if in doubt, keep receipts and declare acquisitions on arrival to avoid fines.
  • If duty‑free items create a carry capacity issue at gate, present the STEB and receipt – cabin crew or ground staff may stow items in the cabin or tag them for transfer to the hold without extra charge if declared and confirmed compliant.

Quick checklist before travel:

1. Notify the airline of any mobility aid or medical device at booking and again 48–72 hours before departure.
2. Pack prescriptions, clinical letters, manufacturer specifications and battery Wh ratings in printed form and on your phone.
3. Keep infant feeding supplies and duty‑free receipts accessible; present them at security and gate if requested.
4. At check‑in and boarding, show documentation and ask staff how exempt items will be transported (gate‑check, cabin, or hold).