Traveling Light: A Visual Guide to 50 Pounds of Luggage

In general, typical luggage’s weight lies between 30 to 50 pounds. When you have a lot of stuff to carry, your luggage might weigh 50 pounds or more. Actually, what does 50 pounds of luggage look like? You may wonder if you do not have experience packing such a heavy suitcase. Today, we are going to explain some important factors about 50 pounds of luggage. At the end of this discussion, you can get a clear idea of heavy luggage.

Why does the Weight of Luggage Matter?

Mainly, the weight of your luggage affects on two factors. The very first thing is the particular restrictions of the airline you are going to fly with. You should be aware of those weight limits before you choose luggage and pack your stuff. If your luggage has exceeded the limit, you are embarrassed at the airport because you have to remove some stuff until the luggage is compatible with the weight limit.

Or else, you have to pay additional charges for an oversize suitcase; those charges are expensive, so you might be charged $100 to $200 most of the time. But these restrictions and charges depend on the classes of a flight.

Another thing is your ease when traveling. Practically, traveling with heavy luggage is a huge inconvenience. Even if you use another transportation mode, such as a train, it will be bothersome to carry heavy luggage. Therefore, it would be better to minimize using heavy luggage as much as you can.

What does 50 Pounds of Luggage Look Like?

Most of the time, the airlines allow you to carry 50 pounds or 22kg-23kg of luggage. But even some smaller luggage can exceed the weight of 50 pounds when they are fully packed with heavy stuff such as books, electronics, etc. Therefore, it is not possible to describe the exact appearance and size of luggage which weigh 50 pounds. 

Most of the time, the maximum size of luggage is 62 linear inches. This size of luggage can surely hold 50 pounds. Apart from that, 30- and 28-inches suitcases are capable of bearing 50 pounds. But if your 28 inches luggage does not have heavy stuff, your full weight can stay below 50 pounds. All the other small-size suitcases, from 18 inches to 24 inches, cannot hold 50 pounds.

If you use a duffle bag instead of rolling luggage, you are able to stay below 50 pounds because they are lightweight. Usually, 28 inches of rolling luggage weigh 10 to 11 lbs. However, when we consider ease, rolling luggage is the winner due to its expandable handle and wheels.

The luggage is also known as the checked bag. Apart from your luggage, you are allowed to carry a carry-on bag, probably a backpack or a handbag, on the flight for necessary personal stuff.

How do I Know if My Luggage is 50 Pounds?

Before getting to the airport, it would be better to measure the weight of your luggage to avoid unnecessary barriers for your journey. If you have a scale, there is no issue; you can use it. But if you cannot find one, here is what you can do.

You can simply compare the weight of your luggage to an item you know the weight of. For instance, 50 pounds of luggage is similar to a can of 6 gallons of water. Or else, you can use 50 pounds of dumbbells for this comparison. It will be difficult to lift the luggage and the other object at the same time with your hands.

So first, lift the object for a few seconds. Immediately after, you should lift your luggage. Then you can guess which one is heavier. If you feel your luggage is lighter than the object, you can add some other stuff to your luggage and vice versa.

If you can find out the exact weights of each item you have packed in the luggage, then you can check the sum and see whether it exceeds the limit of 50 pounds. For example, you can check the weight of your laptop online.

What Happens if your Luggage is Over 50 Pounds?

According to most international and domestic airline luggage restrictions and policies, luggage over 50 pounds is considered a heavy bag. Indeed, the maximum weight limit is 35 pounds for domestic bags. If you are flying internationally, 50 pounds is the limitation. This is the general rule for the economic class, so these restrictions are light for the business class.

If your luggage is over 50 pounds, you have to reduce some items from it. Shift some of your stuff from your luggage to your carry-on bag or the pockets on your jacket to reduce the overweight, if it is possible. Or else you will be asked to pay the additional fee for overweight luggage. However, if the overweight amount is very small, the staff will allow you to carry the luggage without a fee. The next solution is to choose the business class; then, you will be free from these kinds of restrictions.

How to Pack Under 50 Pounds?

The next burning question is how do you limit yourself to under 50 pounds, isn’t it? First of all, choose lightweight luggage, then you can avoid being overweight. Usually, the weight of rolling luggage depends on its size and material. Choose one in a smaller size and light material. Although you have a big size one, you can be smart when packing as described below.

Pack only essential items for your journey; unpack all the unnecessary stuff, such as additional clothes, shoes, etc. And make sure to take clothes and shoes which are made of lightweight materials. Moreover, you can always go for travel-size items when you pack the luggage. For example, there are toiletries in smaller sizes when compared to regular sizes. You can save a lot of space if you choose tiny items.

And do not forget to utilize your carry-on bag. Pack some of your heavy but essential items in your carry-on bag. For example, if your carry-on is a backpack, you can even put your laptop in it.

VIDEO CREDITS: PlanUrEscape – Cruise Planners Travel YouTube Channel

 

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