D&D 5E (2024) Fly and carrying

[Kobold Stew]

Unless there's an explicit distinction made between flying and other movement types, I fully expect encumbered flight and encumbered walking, swimming, or what have you to be treated the same.

What is the distinction between lifting and carrying in this case?
What factor or factors explain the limit of Medium and Heavy armor for those that fly?

 

[Stormonu]

D&D's encumbrance/carry rules have always been weird. I'd say you made an appropriate call, though I know some who wouldn't reduce the spell's flight speed as it is magical in nature and not necessarily bound to the standard encumbrance rules.

(Actually, smart thing might have been to cast the fly spell on the fighter first, whose likely to have a better strength and have him doff his plate for a later crossing).

 

[AlViking]

I rule that you can't exceed your normal carrying capacity, if you are encumbered (from the 2014 rules) by carrying more than strength times 5 your speed is reduced by 10 ft and you have to land at the end of your move.