Originally Posted by LGA_UAL
This type of comment annoys me so much, especially when said by ground staff in Europe. Next time you are on a plane, look in the overhead bin. The aircraft manufacturer has placarded the bin with a maximum weight. This means that the manufacturer has certified that it is safe for that much weight to be placed in that bin. The weight limits clearly allow for bags that weight more than 7kg. Additionally, it is important to note that it is much more likely for a small/light bag to fall out of a bin than for a 22x14x9 suitcase to fall out – that’s pure physics. When I got on my BD flight, it was so annoying to see very empty bins that were placarded for over 50lbs, yet the BD ground staff wouldn’t let me take it on because my “trolley was much to heavy.” Heavy for what?
How about
: Too heavy to NOT injure someone if it falls on them while the owner is trying to heave it into or out of the overhead bin?
I had the misfortune once of being hit by a heavy bag that someone was struggling to get into the overhead bin. It wasn't much fun.
I agree that 7 kg is a bit on the low side, especially for someone who needs to travel with a laptop. But I fully support the 10 kg limit imposed by most European carriers.