Read both the number of bags and the kilos
A booking showing one bag at 23 kg means one piece within that limit. It does not automatically allow two smaller bags totalling 23 kg. A two-piece allowance may also have a separate weight limit for each piece.
Check the outward and return flights independently. A fare called Basic may include no checked bag, while another fare on the same airline includes one. Save the baggage allowance alongside your flight details before you begin packing.
Know what the common weight options mean
easyJet offers 15 kg and 23 kg checked bags, with additional weight available in 3 kg increments up to 32 kg per bag. Ryanair lists 10 kg, 20 kg and 23 kg checked bag options. These are different products, not weights you can choose at the airport without paying for the right allowance.
British Airways Economy Basic generally has no included checked bag; Economy fares with checked baggage generally include one 23 kg bag. Route and fare exceptions still need checking in your booking. A 23 kg entitlement does not become 32 kg simply because a bigger suitcase fits the belt.
Treat 32 kg as a ceiling where the airline uses it
easyJet will not accept a single checked bag weighing more than 32 kg. That handling ceiling is separate from the allowance you purchased: a 28 kg suitcase exceeds a 23 kg booking unless you have added the required weight.
If your bag is over the airline’s maximum per-piece weight, paying an overweight charge may not solve the problem. Redistribute items into another booked bag before travelling, and check separate rules for sports equipment or oversized items.
Do not assume you can share another passenger’s kilos
easyJet allows passengers on the same flight and booking to pool checked baggage weight, within its piece and maximum bag rules. That is an airline-specific policy. Do not assume another carrier, separate booking or a sports equipment allowance works the same way.
If two passengers have 23 kg each, a 26 kg bag and a 20 kg bag may be acceptable under a pooling policy, but may incur an excess charge where each bag is assessed separately. Confirm the rule before packing a shared suitcase.
Weigh at home and plan for the return
Weigh the bag after adding shoes, toiletries and any gifts. If it is close to your limit, remove something before leaving rather than relying on airport scales matching yours exactly.
Buy any required bag or weight addition through the airline before the relevant deadline. Keep documents, essential medication, valuables, power banks and spare batteries out of the checked suitcase. After checking the bag, keep its receipt and photograph the case so it is easier to describe if delayed.
Check before you go
Airline allowances, check-in deadlines and airport rules can change. Check the rules for every flight in your booking before you travel.
