Allowed Suitcase Weight on Flights: 8, 23 or 32 kg? Every Limit in One Place

On scheduled flights (like El Al or classic European airlines), the weight allowed for a checked suitcase is usually up to 23 kg in economy. On low-cost flights, the weight depends on the ticket you bought (usually tiers of 10 kg, 20 kg or 32 kg). Note that for the safety of airport baggage handlers, the maximum weight for a single suitcase never exceeds 32 kg.

The vast majority of airlines don't allow weight pooling. If the limit is 23 kg per passenger and you're traveling as a couple with one 28 kg suitcase and a second 15 kg suitcase, the heavy suitcase will count as overweight and be charged a fee, even though your total weight is below the allowance.

Yes, absolutely. Airlines weigh the whole suitcase as it sits on the scale at the counter. That's why choosing a lightweight suitcase made of advanced materials is critical to maximizing how much you can take with you.

If you're over, you can move heavy items (like books, shoes or a coat) to your backpack or wear them. If there's no other choice, it's better to pay for extra weight in advance on the airline's website before you get to the counter, since rates at the airport itself are significantly more expensive.

If you're stuck without a luggage scale, you can use an ordinary bathroom scale. The best way is to weigh yourself first, then weigh yourself again while holding the suitcase, and subtract your weight from the combined result.