A seasoned commercial pilot has revealed why airlines are enforcing stricter rules on luggage, with changes relating mainly to weight limits, safety and keeping flights on schedule.
As more airlines set rigid rules on carry-on limits, Natasha Heap, a former pilot with 25 years of experience in the aviation industry, has explained why there are different rules for different carriers – and why too much cabin baggage is a real safety concern.
It comes as Virgin Australia passengers will be limited to one standard-sized piece of luggage for the overhead locker, weighing up to 8kg, as of February 2, 2026. A small, personal under-seat bag will also be permitted.
Elsewhere across the world, airlines continue to tweak their carry-on luggage rules.
In January 2025, Air Canada restricted its Economy Basic fare to just one under-seat item for flights within Canada, the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, removing the standard carry-on bag.
Meanwhile, budget airline Jetstar offers a 7kg carry-on allowance for basic fares, split between one larger item for the overhead locker and one smaller item designed to go under the seat in front.
But what determines how individual airlines set their own bag and weight limits?
According to Heap, each aircraft has a strict maximum take-off weight, which includes the weight of the plane, fuel, food and drink supplies, cargo, the weight of pilots and the crew, and the weight of passengers and their baggage.
Natasha Heap, a former pilot with 25 years of experience in the aviation industry, reveals why airlines are enforcing stricter rules on luggage
While budget airline Jetstar offers a 7kg carry-on allowance for basic fares, Virgin Australia is set to limit passengers to one standard-sized bag for the overhead locker, weighing up to 8kg
But as the average weight of passengers has increased over the years, it means airlines have had to tweak the maximum weight of carry-on bags as a result.
Writing for the Independent, she explained: ‘At the start of my flying career in 1998, the regulated standard weight for passengers flying in Australia was 77kg per person.
‘For planes with a maximum seating capacity of 150-299 seats, like a Boeing 737, the current standard weight of an adult male passenger is assumed to be 81.8kg, while it’s 66.7kg for adult women.
‘Then the standard weight for carry-on baggage is 7kg per passenger.’
However, individual airlines are permitted to seek approval for their own passenger and cabin baggage weights, which is then approved by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This allows different airlines to have different rules around cabin baggage.
In addition, the rise of budget airlines has made carry-on rules inconsistent and stricter.
Low-cost carriers such as Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air, might offer seats at a bargain price, but passengers are commonly expected to fork out extra for carry-on luggage, in-flight WiFi and food and drink.
The former pilot also says heavier and oversized carry-on bags often cause delays during boarding when there is not enough space in overhead lockers.
According to the former pilot, heavier and oversized carry-on bags often cause delays during boarding
Cabin crew can also be injured when lifting heavy luggage from the overhead cabin
In many cases, bags must be removed and placed in the aircraft hold, slowing departures.
The former pilot also highlighted safety concerns for cabin crew, who can be injured when lifting heavy luggage, as well as risks posed by crowded cabins during emergency situations.
With air travel continuing to increase, airlines are enforcing stricter luggage limits to reduce delays, protect staff and ensure aircraft are properly loaded.
While the rules may frustrate passengers, Heap said they are necessary to keep flights operating safely and on time.
