Luggage Weight Splitter
Got an overweight suitcase but spare capacity in another? See exactly how much to move from one bag to another to avoid airline overweight fees.
Redistribution plan
Overweight fee per bag
Most major airlines charge between US$50 and US$200 for the first overweight bag (typically 23–32 kg / 50–70 lbs). Heavily overweight bags (over 32 kg / 70 lbs) are often refused outright.
About the Luggage Weight Splitter
Airlines weigh each bag individually. It doesn't matter if your total luggage weight is under the combined allowance — if any single bag is over its own limit, you pay an overweight fee for that bag. That's why two travellers with one 28 kg bag and one 18 kg bag (both within 23 kg limit on paper) still end up paying $100+ in fees: the math is per-bag, not per-traveller.
This tool fixes that. Enter each bag's current weight and its airline-imposed limit, and the splitter calculates the optimal redistribution — which bag to move weight from, which bag to move it to, and exactly how many kilograms or pounds. If your total is over the combined allowance it'll tell you that too, with a clear estimate of what you'd otherwise pay in fees.
How to Use the Luggage Weight Splitter
- Weigh each bag. Use a portable luggage scale (the most accurate) or a bathroom scale: weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding the bag, and subtract.
- Enter the current weight for each bag in your travel party.
- Set the max allowed weight. Use an airline preset (one click) or enter your specific allowance — economy is usually 23 kg, premium often 32 kg, low-cost airlines can be 15–20 kg.
- Add more bags if you're travelling as a couple or family. Pooling allowances across travellers is one of the best ways to avoid fees.
- Read the plan. The redistribution suggests specific transfers (e.g. "Move 1.5 kg from Bag A to Bag B"). You don't need to identify exact items — just move heavier things (shoes, jeans, books, toiletries) from the overweight bag into the lighter one.
- Re-weigh and adjust. After moving items, weigh again. Aim to be 0.5–1 kg under each limit to account for scale variance at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
My total weight is under my total allowance — why do I still pay a fee?
Because airlines enforce limits per bag, not per traveller. One overweight bag triggers a fee even if every other bag in your party is well under. This tool exists specifically to fix that situation by rebalancing.
What's a typical overweight fee?
US carriers (American, Delta, United) charge around $100–$200 per overweight bag (23–32 kg). European and Middle Eastern carriers often charge per kilo over the limit (e.g. €15–€30/kg). Low-cost carriers (Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air) are typically €10–€15 per kg but enforce strictly at the gate.
Can I pool weight across multiple travellers?
On most airlines, yes — bags don't have to be assigned to a specific traveller, they're weighed as a group at check-in. As long as you're travelling together on the same booking, you can move heavy items into your partner's lighter bag freely. Some airlines (notably US carriers on basic fares) check more strictly per ticket, so always confirm.
What about my carry-on?
Carry-on weight is often weighed at the gate, especially on long-haul, Middle Eastern (Emirates, Qatar — 7 kg), Asia-Pacific (Singapore, Cathay, Qantas — 7 kg) and low-cost European flights. You can include carry-ons as separate "bags" in this splitter — just enter the airline's hand luggage allowance.
What if my total is still over the combined limit?
Redistribution can't help. Your options: remove items, buy an extra bag allowance online (almost always cheaper than at the airport), wear heavy clothes/shoes onto the plane, or use a personal item bag.
Are my entries private?
Yes. All your bag weights and settings are saved only in your browser's local storage. Nothing is sent anywhere.