Most travelers know airlines have weight limits for checked bags. But many international airlines also limit the weight of carry-on bags — and not everyone takes the news well.
All around the world, checked baggage will have maximum height and weight requirements, and if your bag has an overage, you’re going to have to pay extra.
With only 2 or 3 exceptions, airlines in the U.S. don’t have a weight requirement for carry-on bags. However, outside the U.S., it’s relatively common for carry-on bags to have a maximum weight, typically between 5kg (11 pounds – Air China, Economy class) and 23kg (51 pounds – British Airways, all classes) — which is why I bought what was then said to be “the lightest carry-on bag in the world” several years ago.
A handful of international airlines even place a maximum weight on personal bags.
Again, this is something you would think people would know before they fly. But apparently that’s not the case.
A female traveler from China was filmed having a childlike meltdown at an Italian airport after airline officials confirmed her carry-on bag was too heavy.
According to multiple smaller news outlets at the time (the video is about 9 months old) the middle-aged Chinese woman was traveling through the Milano Malpensa Airport in Italy on June 8, 2025, when she reached the boarding gate and the incident occurred.
Staff working the gate apparently informed the female traveler that her carry-on luggage was too heavy and that she would be required to either pay an extra fee or discard some of the bag’s contents before they would let her board her flight.
This was her response, according to Twitter/X user @RickyDoggin
This passenger threw an epic tantrum when she was told her hand luggage was too heavy. pic.twitter.com/CBY3EJKL0h
— A Man Of Memes (@RickyDoggin) June 11, 2025
Obviously, she was not happy.
Instead of following their instructions, the woman began throwing an epic tantrum. Meanwhile, other travelers at the airport either stared at her in disbelief, or took the opportunity to videotape her lying on the floor, stomping her feet, and screaming.
Security officers reportedly tried to intervene but the woman kept at it until she finally calmed down on her own.
Australian outlet news.com.au reported that the decision was eventually made that she wouldn’t be allowed to board her originally scheduled flight, but the airline did let her re-book another ticket later in the day.
Carry-on weight limits are common on airlines outside the U.S., but incidents like this show that not every traveler is prepared for them — even when the rules are clearly posted.
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