On my recent MXP-MAA flight I was stopped at the DXB gate and asked to weigh my bags. I did not even have a carry on. Just my laptop backpack and one Dubai duty free bag.

The guy weighed the backpack and the duty free cover and tells me I am 2kgs over the 10kg weight limit and had to pay around US$100.

Apparently laptop bags are the same as carry-ons (7kg limit) and duty free purchases are included in the 10kg limit. Went back to the duty free and returned all the gifts for a refund.

The Emirates website says a 'reasonable' amount of duty free purchase is allowed. Had a long argument with the guy at the gate and he said the 'reasonable' weight is 3kgs and not more.

The supervisor at the duty free said this is happening quite a lot of late and there isn't much they can do, of course.