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Why do Airlines Restrict Luggage Weight to 23kg?

Why do Airlines Restrict Luggage Weight to 23kg?

If you fly often, you have probably come across the 23kg luggage weight limit. This is a common rule that most airlines around the world follow. Whether you are heading on holiday or a business trip, fitting everything you need within that limit can sometimes feel like a challenge. But why exactly do airlines set 23kg as the standard? Let’s take a look at the key reasons behind this restriction.

Image: A photo of a woman sitting on the ground with an open suitcase in front of her, sorting out the contents of the suitcase.

Safety

This is one of the biggest reasons for luggage restrictions. Aeroplanes have to balance the weight they carry, including passengers, luggage, fuel, and cargo. If the plane gets too heavy, it can affect how well it flies.

Too much weight could lead to issues like the plane needing more fuel, which can be costly, or the possibility of overloading certain parts of the aircraft. Keeping your luggage within the limit helps to ensure a safe and smooth flight.

Space in the Cargo Hold

Every aeroplane has a limited amount of space in its cargo hold (the area where your luggage is stored). Allowing bigger or heavier bags would mean fewer bags could fit in the plane. This could be a problem, especially on busy flights where lots of passengers are travelling.

By setting a 23kg limit, airlines ensure that there is enough room for everyone’s luggage without having to leave anything behind or charge extra fees for taking up too much space. The goal is to maximise the number of passengers and bags while maintaining efficiency.

International Standards

The 23kg limit is part of international travel standards. Many airlines around the world have agreed on this weight limit as a way to keep things consistent and easy to follow. This way, passengers don’t have to guess how much they are allowed to bring when flying with different airlines. It also makes things easier for baggage check-in and security checks, helping everything run more smoothly.

Image: A photo of a man sitting on a set of stairs with a suitcase beside him.

Fairness for All Passengers

Imagine if there were no luggage limits. Some people might bring huge bags, while others travel light. This could create issues with fairness, especially on full flights where every kilo counts.

Setting a standard 23kg limit ensures that everyone has the same opportunity to bring a reasonable amount of luggage without anyone going overboard and taking up more than their fair share of the plane’s weight and space.

Handling by Airport Staff

Another reason for the 23kg limit is the people handling your luggage. Airport staff need to lift and move hundreds, if not thousands, of bags every day. Lifting heavy suitcases repeatedly can take a toll on their bodies. If bags were allowed to be much heavier, it would make their job even harder, leading to injuries or more strain.

The 23kg limit is a weight that can be managed by the staff without too much difficulty. So, in a way, these restrictions also look out for the well-being of the people behind the scenes who make sure your luggage gets on and off the plane, safely.

Conclusion

Airlines restrict luggage weight to 23kg for various reasons, including safety, ease for airport staff, and fairness to passengers. While it might be a little frustrating to leave some things behind when packing, this limit helps make air travel safer, more efficient, and more affordable for everyone. 

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