How We Calculate Airline Baggage Strictness ​

Every airline on Luggage Validator comes with a strictness score from 1 to 10. This score tells you how likely you are to face extra fees or get your bag taken away at the gate. A higher number means the airline is stricter about its baggage rules.

We do not make these numbers up. We look at six real factors from each airline official website and combine them into one simple rating.

1. Free Baggage Allowance ​

The first and biggest factor is how much free baggage you get with a basic ticket.

Airlines that include only a small personal item and charge for everything else get a high strictness score. Ultra low cost carriers often score 8 or higher because their cheapest fares include almost no free bags.

Airlines that include both a carry on bag and a checked bag for every passenger get a lower score. Full service airlines usually land in the 5 to 7 range.

2. Carry On Size Limits ​

The second factor is the maximum size allowed for a cabin bag.

Most airlines use a standard size near 55 x 40 x 20 cm or 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Airlines with smaller limits get a higher strictness score. Airlines that allow slightly bigger bags score lower.

We always use the official size from the airline website, including wheels and handles.

3. Weight Limits for Carry On ​

The third factor is how much your carry on bag can weigh.

Some airlines have no published weight limit at all. These airlines get a lower strictness score because you do not have to worry about the scale.

Other airlines set strict weight limits like 7 kg or 8 kg and actually check it. These airlines get a much higher score. Even a small overage can lead to extra fees.

4. Gate Enforcement ​

The fourth factor is how often airlines actually check bags at the boarding gate.

Some airlines almost never measure or weigh bags at the gate. These get a lower score even if the written rules are tight.

Airlines known for regular gate checks and size sizer bins score higher. Budget carriers and airlines with small overhead bins on regional planes often have very strict gate enforcement.

5. Baggage Fees ​

The fifth factor is how much you pay if you go over the limit.

Low fees mean a lower strictness score. Very high fees especially gate fees that cost two or three times the online price push the score up.

We also look at overweight and oversized charges. Airlines that charge per kilogram over the limit tend to be stricter overall.

6. Personal Item Rules ​

The sixth factor is whether you get a separate personal item and how big it can be.

Airlines that allow both a carry on bag and a separate personal bag under the seat get a lower strictness score. You can pack more without paying extra.

Airlines that count every item together or do not allow a separate personal item score higher. Every bag counts against your allowance.

The Score Range ​

Here is what each score range generally means:

• 1 to 3: Very relaxed. Generous free allowance, almost no gate checks, low fees.
• 4 to 6: Average. Standard free bags, occasional checks, reasonable fees. Most full service airlines fall here.
• 7 to 8: Strict. Lower free allowance, regular checks, higher fees. Many European hybrid airlines fall here.
• 9 to 10: Very strict. Bare fare with almost nothing included, frequent gate checks, expensive fees. Most ultra low cost carriers fall here.

Why This Matters ​

Knowing the strictness score helps you plan before you book. If you travel light with just a backpack, even a 9 out of 10 airline can work fine. If you pack a full carry on suitcase, you might want to pick an airline with a 6 or 7 score to avoid stress at the gate.

You can also use the strictness filter on our 177 Airline Baggage Allowance Rules 2026 (A–Z) to find airlines that match your packing style.

All scores are based on official airline rules published on their websites. We update them when airlines change their baggage policies.