Always ask the captain. The gate agent at certain airlines will receive a preliminary max payload count (Ex. 50 people, 60 bags) and the lesser-minded ones will deny you gate access solely based on that. But that count doesn't consider kids, fuel inaccuracies, or change in flight plan. I had one agent try to take my jumper off the flight deck. She told ME I was too heavy, even though I was staring at the numbers telling me we were good to go. Don't let gate agents attempt to w&b.