Most travelers know that carry-on bags have weight limits. Fewer realize that the personal item you stuff under the seat—your backpack, purse, or laptop bag—also has a maximum weight. And enforcement is wildly inconsistent.
A traveler on r/TravelHacks just discovered that airlines impose weight limits on personal items, not just overhead carry-ons, sparking a discussion about which carriers actually enforce the rules and which look the other way.
Here's what travelers need to know: the rules exist, but enforcement varies dramatically by airline, airport, and even individual gate agent.
Most major airlines specify personal item weight limits in their terms and conditions:
United, American, Delta: 18 lbs (8 kg) combined for carry-on and personal item, though limits are rarely broken out separately
Budget carriers (Spirit, Frontier, Ryanair, EasyJet): Strictly enforce both size and weight, sometimes as low as 15 lbs (7 kg) total for personal items
International carriers: Varies widely, with some Asian and Middle Eastern carriers enforcing 15 lb personal item limits
The Reddit thread revealed a clear pattern:
"Flown hundreds of times with a heavy backpack. Never once been asked to weigh my personal item," wrote one frequent traveler.
Another countered: "Ryanair made me weigh everything including my purse. They're ruthless."
So when do airlines actually check?
Budget carriers are the most aggressive, using baggage fees as a revenue stream. They'll weigh personal items at check-in, at the gate, and sometimes even while boarding.
Full-service carriers rarely check unless your bag looks obviously oversized or overstuffed. If you're hauling what looks like a 40L backpack as a "personal item," you might get stopped.
International flights, especially long-haul, see more enforcement because weight affects fuel costs more significantly.
Full flights have stricter enforcement. When overhead bins are packed and space is tight, gate agents crack down on both size and weight.
Strategies from experienced travelers to avoid getting caught:
Pack smart, not heavy. A sleek, well-packed bag attracts less attention than a bulging, obviously stuffed one. Even if the weight is the same, appearance matters.
Wear your heaviest items. That jacket, boots, and laptop can add 5-10 lbs. Wear them through security and onto the plane, then stow them.
Distribute weight between bags. If you have both a carry-on and personal item, balanced weight is less suspicious than one super-heavy bag.
Board early. Once you're on the plane with your bag under the seat, no one's checking weight. It's at the gate where enforcement happens.
Know your airline. Research which carriers are strict. Budget carriers and full flights are highest risk. Mid-sized carriers on domestic routes rarely check.
Have a backup plan. If you're borderline, be ready to move items to your carry-on, wear extra layers, or check a bag rather than argue.
One savvy traveler shared a specific tactic: "I always keep my backpack slightly under capacity with the top section loose. If questioned, I can redistribute or even remove non-essentials. A bag that looks like it could shrink is less threatening than one that's maxed out."
The reality is that most leisure travelers never face personal item weight checks on major carriers. But business travelers hitting budget carriers weekly report regular enforcement, especially in Europe.
The bottom line? Personal item weight limits exist across most airlines, but enforcement depends on carrier type, route, flight load, and sometimes just the mood of the gate agent.
If you're flying budget carriers or international routes, assume they'll check. If you're on domestic full-service carriers, you can probably push the limits—just don't make it obvious.
The best travel isn't about the destination - it's about what you learn along the way. And one lesson is universal: the less attention your luggage draws, the smoother your journey will be.
