If you’re travelling by plane or bus, you may have been given a suitcase weight limit you need to stick to. With this in mind, you need to think carefully about what you are going to take with you.

A 15kg weight limit isn’t very much, and it would typically be enough for a long weekend break or a week-long trip if you are very selective about what items you take with you. This size is typically the weight limit for a large cabin bag.

Sticking to the weight limit doesn’t have to be complex, you just need to be careful about what items you take with you. There are also smart ways you can make your cabin baggage limit go further.

How big is a 15kg suitcase?

This all depends on the items you put in it. For the average person, a large cabin bag can be kept well within the 15kg weight limit. A large cabin bag is typically around H56cm x W45cm x D25cm. It would certainly be possible to fill this case beyond the 15kg capacity, but if you are packing for a weekend trip, it would likely be sufficient.

What items can I take with a 15kg limit?

With a 15kg weight limit, you are going to be limited in what you can take with you. It would typically be enough for a long weekend trip, or a week-long trip if you are very careful about what items you take with you. This would typically include:

  • 2-3 changes of clothing
  • Nightwear
  • Underwear for your entire trip
  • One extra pair of shoes
  • Toiletries and medicines

How to maximise space in your case

If you have a weight limit, you need to think carefully about what you put in your case. The best way to maximise space in your case is to wear your heaviest items to the airport. For example, if you are taking a pair of heavy boots and a pair of trainers, pack your trainers and wear your boots. The same goes for bulky jumpers and coats. Layer up your clothes you wear to the airport, as you can always take these items off.

What happens if your case is overweight?

There are often a few options if your case is over the weight limit. The concern that cabin crew have about passengers having heavy cases in the cabin is that they might not be able to lift them into the overhead lockers. In this case, they might ask you to check your case. If this happens, you may be charged a fee.

You may also be charged a fee simply for having an overweight case, even if you are allowed to keep it with you in the cabin. You are more likely to be asked to check your case if it is oversized rather than overweight. However, by using the tricks outlined above you should be able to keep your suitcase within the weight limit of your chosen airline or bus operator.