Suitcase Weight & Space Planner
Packing Too Much? Check Your Weight Now
Your Packing Summary
How It Works
The planner adds up all your items and compares the total against your airline’s baggage allowance. Different airlines and travel classes have different weight limits, so the calculator adjusts based on your selection.
Total Weight = Σ(Item Weight × Quantity)
Excess Weight = Total Weight – Baggage Allowance
Excess Fee = Excess Weight × Fee Rate per kg
Most international airlines from Nigeria allow 23 kg per checked bag in economy. Premium economy gets 23-28 kg, business gets 32 kg, first class goes up to 40 kg. Emirates and Turkish are more generous, budget carriers stricter.
Excess fees hurt. Airlines charge ₦15,000 to ₦35,000 per extra kilogram on international routes. If you’re 5 kg over, that’s ₦75,000 to ₦175,000 at the airport. Planning saves money.
Why Weight Limits Matter
Airlines are strict about weight because of fuel costs and safety rules. Every extra kilogram affects fuel consumption and weight distribution. They don’t negotiate at check-in.
The agent weighs your bag in front of you. If it’s over, you have three options: pay the excess fee (expensive), redistribute to carry-on if it’s not full (risky), or remove items (painful). Airport scales are calibrated and catch everything.
Actual Airline Weight Limits
British Airways, KLM, and Lufthansa stick to 23 kg per bag for economy on international flights from Nigeria. One checked bag plus one carry-on (7-10 kg).
Emirates is more generous at 25-30 kg for economy, depending on route. Check their specific allowance for Dubai routes.
Turkish Airlines matches 23 kg for economy but offers students extra 10 kg with documentation. Bring your admission letter and ID.
Delta and United allow two checked bags at 23 kg each for international flights (46 kg total). This makes a huge difference for US routes.
How to Pack Within Limits
Weigh everything before packing. Buy a luggage scale (₦3,000-5,000) or use a bathroom scale. Weigh yourself, then weigh holding the item. The difference is the item’s weight.
Heavy items kill your allowance. Shoes are 0.5-1.5 kg per pair, books are 1-2 kg each, toiletries in large bottles are 0.5 kg. Be ruthless about what you need versus what you want.
Roll clothes instead of folding. This saves space and prevents wrinkles. Place heavy items at the bottom near the wheels for better weight distribution.
Wear your heaviest items on the plane. Jeans, boots, and jacket might be uncomfortable but keep weight off your checked bag.
When to Pay for Extra Baggage
Buy extra allowance online before your flight if you know you’ll be over. It’s always cheaper than airport fees. Airlines charge ₦30,000-50,000 online for extra 10 kg versus ₦150,000-350,000 at check-in.
Students and people relocating should consider cargo shipping for heavy items. Shipping 30 kg costs less than excess fees and reduces stress.
Surprisingly Heavy Items
Electronics add up fast. Laptop is 1.5-2.5 kg, chargers are 0.5 kg, tablet is 0.5 kg, speakers or headphones are 0.3-0.5 kg each. Multiple devices easily hit 4-5 kg.
Food items are heavy. Garri is 2-3 kg per bag, dried fish is 1-2 kg, palm oil bottles are 1 kg per liter. Be selective with food.
Souvenirs destroy weight budgets. Ankara fabric, wood carvings, bronze sculptures, beaded items feel reasonable individually but collectively push you over. Buy lightweight or ship separately.
Common Packing Mistakes
Not weighing until the airport. By then it’s too late. You’re stressed, rushed, and stuck paying whatever fee they quote.
Assuming all airlines have same limits. They don’t. US carriers give two bags, European carriers one. Middle Eastern airlines vary. Always check your specific airline.
Forgetting carry-on weight limits. Airlines rarely weigh carry-ons but when they do (on full flights), they enforce 7-10 kg strictly. If it’s too heavy, they check it, and if your checked bags are at limit, you pay excess.
Who Needs This Planner
Students moving abroad pack months of items. You balance clothes, books, electronics, and personal items against strict limits. This planner helps decide what makes the cut.
Nigerians in diaspora traveling home carry gifts and electronics. You want to maximize what you bring without paying fees.
Business travelers can’t afford check-in delays. Knowing your exact weight prevents problems when you’re on tight schedules.
Excess Fee Structure
Airlines charge per kilogram over your limit. If your allowance is 23 kg and your bag is 28 kg, you pay for 5 kg. Rates range from ₦3,000 to ₦7,000 per kg for international flights from Nigeria.
Some airlines have tier pricing. First 5 kg over might be ₦3,500 per kg, but over 10 kg jumps to ₦6,000 per kg.
If your bag exceeds 32 kg, airlines won’t accept it as checked baggage. You’ll ship it as cargo (different process, higher fees, longer delivery).
Carry-On Strategy
Carry-on allowances are separate. Most airlines allow 7-10 kg for cabin bag plus small personal item (laptop bag, purse). Personal items usually aren’t weighed, main carry-on might be.
Full flights have stricter enforcement. Gate agents will weigh and force you to check oversized bags. This happens frequently on Lagos to London, Dubai, or Atlanta routes.
Use carry-on strategically. Pack heaviest small items there (laptop, shoes, books). This keeps weight off checked bags where you’re more likely to hit limits.
Packing Hacks
Vacuum bags compress clothes but don’t reduce weight. Use them for bulky items like jackets to fit more, but weight stays the same.
Stuff socks and underwear inside shoes. This saves space and uses empty volume efficiently. Wrap shoes in shower caps or plastic bags to keep clothes clean.
Pack a foldable duffel inside your suitcase. If you buy items or receive gifts, you’ll have an extra bag for return. You can check two bags if needed.
Ship non-urgent items ahead via DHL or FedEx if relocating long-term. Costs more upfront but eliminates weight stress.
Real Baggage Scenarios
| Trip Type | Sample Items | Total Weight | Status (23kg limit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend trip | 3 outfits, shoes, toiletries, laptop | 8.5 kg | ✓ Well under |
| One week vacation | 7 outfits, 2 shoes, toiletries, books | 15.2 kg | ✓ Within limit |
| Two week business | 10 outfits, 3 shoes, laptop, documents | 21.8 kg | ⚠ Close to limit |
| Student relocation | 15 outfits, 4 shoes, 5 books, bedding | 28.3 kg | ✗ Over by 5.3 kg |
| Family visit | 7 outfits, electronics, food, fabrics | 26.5 kg | ✗ Over by 3.5 kg |
Weight estimates are approximate. Always weigh your actual packed bag before heading to the airport to avoid check-in surprises.