Luggage Allowance Calculator

Airlines publish baggage rules that look simple at a glance and then get complicated once you add fare classes, routes, and partners. This calculator focuses on the single detail most travelers need before leaving home: how heavy can each checked bag be. The defaults mirror a common economy allowance where each bag has a standard limit of twenty-three kilograms and an absolute maximum of thirty-two kilograms. You can raise or lower those numbers to match your ticket, then type the weight of each bag to see the status instantly.

The result line uses clear labels. OK means the bag is at or under the standard limit. Overweight means the bag is heavier than the standard limit but does not exceed the maximum that most airlines will physically accept. That tier usually triggers a fee. Not accepted means the weight is above the airline’s handling threshold and the bag will need to be repacked or shipped another way. Because the tool reports per-bag status, it’s easy to spot the one piece of luggage that is causing the problem and fix only that one.

Weights can be entered in kilograms or pounds; switching units converts both the limits and any values you’ve already typed. If you travel with a compact luggage scale, weighing at home is quick and accurate. Without one, a bathroom scale and a little subtract-the-person trick still works: step on with and without the bag and note the difference. Even a rough estimate is useful for planning, and the calculator’s suggestion line can highlight a simple move that brings every bag under the standard limit.

Redistribution is where travelers save the most time and fees. If one suitcase is slightly heavy and another has room, moving a small amount from the heavy bag to the lighter one can flip two statuses at once. The suggestion looks for the single easiest transfer that solves the excess, expressed in kilograms to keep the math tidy. You can repeat the calculation as many times as you want; it’s designed for quick iteration while you pack.

Remember that airline rules vary by route and fare brand. A basic economy ticket on a short-haul flight might not include any checked bags at all, while a long-haul premium ticket could allow two or more. Sports equipment, musical instruments, strollers, and mobility devices often have special handling rules that override standard limits. If your itinerary crosses multiple airlines on one ticket, the most significant carrier typically sets the baggage policy for the whole journey. When in doubt, match the numbers on your booking confirmation and use the calculator to stay comfortably under those limits.

It’s also smart to think about distribution beyond weight. Very dense items, like books or hardware, can push a bag over a threshold even when the size looks fine. Spreading dense items between cases avoids last-minute repacking at the counter. Delicate or valuable items generally belong in carry-on luggage if permitted. Battery packs are a special case: they go in carry-on by safety rule, not in checked bags. The calculator ignores those content rules on purpose and focuses on weight so the guidance stays simple and reliable.

Finally, leave a small buffer when you can. Scales at home, the airport, and partner stations rarely match to the gram. A cushion of half a kilogram gives you room for small variations and souvenirs. If you plan to shop on the trip, consider starting a kilogram or two under the threshold so the return flight stays easy. With a few numbers and a minute of planning, you can avoid counter surprises, skip repacking on the floor, and walk straight to security with confidence.