A pilot explains why airlines have gotten so strict about luggage weight limits
Three factors that dictate an airline’s luggage weight limits
- Airlines are increasingly adjusting carry-on baggage rules, with Virgin Australia set to implement new domestic limits from February 2026, restricting economy passengers to one 8kg cabin bag plus a personal item.
- Despite flying the same aircraft type on similar routes, carry-on allowances vary significantly between airlines, causing confusion for passengers.
- These differing rules stem from factors such as aircraft maximum take-off weight, average passenger weight calculations, and individual airline approvals from aviation regulators.
- The rise of low-cost carriers and their focus on ancillary revenue, including charges for extra luggage, has driven the shift away from more standardised carry-on policies.
- Excessive or heavy carry-on baggage poses safety concerns, contributing to flight delays, cabin crew injuries, and potentially hindering emergency evacuations.