How big is allowed for carry on luggage

Recommendation: Keep a cabin bag at or under 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 in) and limit weight to 7–10 kg depending on carrier; when uncertain, target 8 kg to minimize chance of gate-checking.

Typical policies: Low-cost European free small item frequently restricted to 40 x 20 x 25 cm; paid priority or upgraded cabin allowance commonly set at 55 x 40 x 20–25 cm; most full-service international carriers publish 56 x 36 x 23 cm. Weight guidance: 7–10 kg in many regions; several U.S. domestic carriers state no formal weight limit but expect passengers to lift bags into overhead bins.

Practical checklist: Measure external dimensions including wheels and handles; weigh packed bag on a bathroom scale at home; choose soft-sided designs to compress into tight spaces; store liquids in containers ≤ 100 ml inside a single clear 1-l bag; keep laptop and tablet in an accessible pocket to speed security screening.

Operational tips: Confirm carrier rules on the official website and review your fare type 24–48 hours before departure; when flying low-cost, anticipate stricter size and weight enforcement and consider buying priority boarding or an upgraded cabin allowance that guarantees a larger compartment such as 55 x 40 x 20–25 cm.

Maximum dimensions and weight limits: cabin bags

Set external dimensions at 56×45×25 cm (including wheels and handles) and weight at 8–10 kg unless the airline specifies different limits.

Measurement method

• Measure height × width × depth with zipper closed; include wheels, handles and external pockets.
• Weigh the packed bag on a kitchen or portable scale; keep a 1–2 kg safety margin to avoid gate fees.
• If external size or mass exceeds the carrier’s published threshold expect either gate-checking or excess-charge application.

Representative rules and common thresholds

• European low-cost carriers: small personal item ~40×20×25 cm; priority/main cabin bags typically ~55×40×20–23 cm with weight caps near 10 kg.
• Major US carriers (American, Delta, United): standard allowance about 22×14×9 in (56×36×23 cm); weight often unspecified but passenger must stow bag in overhead bin or under seat.
• Gulf carriers (Emirates, Qatar): common cabin limit 55×38×20 cm with weight bands 7–12 kg depending on travel class.
• Legacy European carriers (Lufthansa, British Airways): usual max ~55×40×23–25 cm; some publish soft weight guidance 8–10 kg while others rely on the passenger’s ability to lift the bag.

Packing recommendations: use a soft-sided bag to compress into tight bin spaces; place heavy items near wheels to keep the center of gravity low; pack liquids in a single clear resealable 1 L bag with containers max 100 ml each; keep valuables and fragile items in a personal item (laptop bag or small backpack) stowed under the seat.

• Confirm exact dimensions and permitted mass on the ticket and carrier website prior to departure; purchase priority boarding when overhead bin space may be limited.
• Gate staff may gate-check items that exceed stowage capacity or cause boarding delays; retain medication, electronics and travel documents in the onboard personal item.
• When itinerary includes multiple carriers check each carrier’s limits; the most restrictive segment governs compliance.

Measuring a cabin bag to match airline size limits

Use a flexible tape measure and record three external dimensions while including wheels, feet, external bumpers and fully retracted handles: height, width, depth.

Place the empty bag upright on a rigid flat surface, close all zippers and straps, then measure with the bag standing as it will be stored in the overhead compartment.

Height – measure from the floor to the highest external point; include wheel housings, handle housings and any rigid bumpers.

Width – measure across the widest external points, taking side pockets, external straps and buckles into account.

Depth – measure front-to-back at the deepest visible point; compress soft pockets to their typical packed thickness before measuring.

If a carrier uses a single linear allowance, add the three numbers (H + W + D). Example: 22 in + 14 in + 9 in = 45 in (56 cm + 36 cm + 23 cm = 115 cm).

Measure again after loading typical contents when items create bulges; apply a 1–2 cm safety margin and round up to the nearest whole centimetre or half-inch.

Verify results by testing the bag in a standard airport sizer or checking the carrier’s published dimensions online; keep a compact soft-sided backup if measurements exceed the limit.

Common weight limits and when bags are forced into hold

Weigh each onboard bag at home: most low-cost European carriers set upper limits around 7 kg; legacy airlines commonly permit 10 kg; many long-haul economy fares allow 12–14 kg in the cabin.

Gate agents will move items to the hold if a bag exceeds the posted weight, if overhead bin space is exhausted, if a cabin has smaller bins (regional jets), or if boarding without priority causes excess items at the gate.

Clear numeric triggers to watch: 7 kg and 10 kg are frequent cabin caps; 12–14 kg appears on some international tickets; 23 kg is a common checked-bag allowance – bags heavier than the cabin cap are typically checked and may incur immediate fees.

If a bag is forced into the hold, expect one of these outcomes: a gate-check tag with free stowage (common on full flights), an overweight charge applied at desk/gate, or mandatory checked processing with boarding delay. Immediate actions at the gate: shift heavy objects into another passenger’s checked case (with permission), remove dense items into pockets, or purchase checked baggage if time allows.

Regional differences: domestic, transatlantic and short-haul limits

Recommendation: On transatlantic sectors select a cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm (including wheels and handles) and a distinct personal item under-seat; on short-haul low-cost services choose a compact under-seat bag (typically 40 x 20 x 25 cm) unless a priority add-on is purchased.

Domestic routes (US, Canada, Australia, China)

Typical allowance: 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 35 x 23 cm) as the maximum outer dimensions for a single overhead bag plus one personal item. Major US carriers (American, Delta, United) usually do not publish strict weight limits for overhead pieces, though regional jets and some transcontinental aircraft have smaller bins that may force gate-checking when overhead space is scarce. Recommendation: keep onboard items under ~9–10 kg and nominate one personal item sized about 45 x 35 x 20 cm to avoid complications on regional connections.

Transatlantic versus short-haul low-cost

Transatlantic legacy carriers commonly state cabin dimensions in the 55–56 x 35–45 x 20–25 cm range. Examples: British Airways 56 x 45 x 25 cm (plus a small personal item), Lufthansa 55 x 40 x 23 cm, Air France 55 x 35 x 25 cm. Weight guidance varies: some European carriers list 8–12 kg limits, while many full-service carriers do not publish a strict figure but expect items to be lifted into the bin by the passenger. Practical tip: if flying economy across the Atlantic, keep the main onboard bag under 10–12 kg to satisfy typical gate staff handling expectations.

Short-haul low-cost operators enforce much smaller free allowances and charge for larger onboard pieces. Representative limits: Ryanair free small bag 40 x 20 x 25 cm (priority adds a 55 x 40 x 20 cm wheel bag); Wizz Air free small bag 40 x 30 x 20 cm (priority adds 55 x 40 x 23 cm); easyJet free under-seat item ~45 x 36 x 20 cm (larger cabin bag permitted with paid options). Weight rules on these carriers are often strict for paid cabin allowances (commonly 10 kg or specified by cabin product). Recommendation: buy priority or a checked option if your main bag exceeds the airline’s advertised small-item dimensions to avoid mandatory gate-check fees and boarding delays.

Measure precisely: include wheels, handles and side pockets when checking dimensions. Final step: verify the ticket type and the airline’s exact measurement and weight figures on the confirmation page prior to packing to prevent unexpected charges or gate check.

Low-cost carriers: strict size policies and fee avoidance tips

Purchase priority boarding or a fare bundle to secure overhead-bin space and prevent gate-check charges.

• Know ticket inclusions: most ultra-low-cost tickets include only a small under-seat item; upgrade while booking or during online check-in to add an overhead bag at reduced price.
• Online purchase vs gate pricing: typical add-on ranges – online: €6–€40; airport/desk: €30–€80; gate: €50–€120. Amounts vary by carrier and route.
• Airline examples:
  • Ryanair – complimentary tiny personal item; priority grants an extra cabin bag; early priority ~€6–€20.
  • easyJet – single small personal item standard; Up Front/Extra Legroom or bundled fares permit a second larger bag; add-on ~£6–£30.
  • Wizz Air – base fare covers only a small item; Wizz Priority secures overhead access; typical cost €4–€35.
  • Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant (US) – base fare includes personal item; overhead cabin bag charged separately; advance purchase usually saves $20–$80 versus gate.
• Packing tactics:
  1. Use a slim, soft-sided duffel or backpack that compresses to maximize usable volume.
  2. Carry an empty foldable daypack inside the main bag; move a jacket or shoes into it at boarding to present a single personal item.
  3. Wear bulky clothing and put small valuables in pockets to reduce bag bulk.
• Airport moves:
  • Add priority or an overhead allowance during online check-in when prices are lowest.
  • If challenged at the gate, ask about a last-minute bundle price; some agents offer a lower fee than posted gate rates.
  • Weigh the personal item at home using a handheld scale; move heavy items into checked pieces when that option is cheaper.
• Booking and payment strategies:
  • Compare base vs bundled fares during promotions; sometimes the bundle difference is less than a single onboard-bag fee.
  • Use airline subscription plans or annual priority passes when travel frequency makes them cost-effective.
  • Check alternate airports and carriers; similar itineraries may have different add-on price structures that reduce total spend.
• Risk management:
  • Expect strict enforcement at peak times; arrive early and have receipts with any purchased bag allowance ready to present.
  • On tight connections, pre-purchase checked options to avoid missed flights caused by gate disputes over bags.

Which rule applies on connecting flights and codeshare itineraries

Apply the most restrictive cabin allowance printed on your ticket: the operating carrier’s dimensions and weight limits govern each flight segment on a codeshare or connection.

If booked as a single itinerary with through-checked pieces, checked items normally transfer to the final carrier under interline agreements; onboard items must meet the strictest segment’s standards and may be gate-checked at boarding if they exceed the operating airline’s policy.

When segments are on separate tickets there is no automatic transfer: you must reclaim checked items, clear security and re-check with the next airline. Plan at least 2 hours for domestic terminal changes, 3 hours for domestic single-terminal transfers, and 3–4 hours when an international arrival precedes a domestic departure; add time when immigration or customs is involved.

If any segment is operated by a low-cost carrier, that operator’s published rules and fee schedule typically apply even when the marketing airline sells the ticket. Purchase priority or checked allowances during booking to avoid steep airport charges and last-minute gate refusals.

Practical checklist: 1) Identify the operating carrier for every leg; 2) Confirm the operating carrier’s cabin and checked policies online; 3) Ask the initial check-in agent to tag checked items through to the final destination and get confirmation; 4) At the gate, verify whether any item will be gate-checked; 5) Keep screenshots of published policy and receipts in case of disputes.

For oversized sports gear, pet crates or special items, verify acceptance and transferability on each segment via the operating carrier’s special-items page; see how to keep a large dog from jumping a fence, which includes crate-ready yard guidance.

Personal items vs cabin bags: size tests and packing priorities

Recommendation: treat the under‑seat item as the go‑to for valuables and inflight access; reserve the overhead cube for bulk, shoes and spare layers.

Perform a size check at home using a cardboard mockup matching the airline template: cut a box to the published maximum exterior dimensions including wheels and handles, tape it closed and place your bag inside. If the bag protrudes or deforms the box by more than 1–2 cm, it will risk rejection at gate checks. Repeat the test with the bag fully packed, and with the telescopic handle pushed down.

Quick measurements to use in tests: common overhead allowance ~56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 in); common under‑seat allowance ~45 x 35 x 20 cm (18 x 14 x 8 in); some European carriers use 55 x 40 x 20 cm. Remember wheels and external pockets add 2–4 cm to depth; include them in mockup dimensions.

Packing priority order (place items in this sequence from top/outermost to bottom/innermost): 1) boarding pass, passport, wallet, keys; 2) medications and any needed medical paperwork; 3) phone, tablet, chargers and power bank (keep cords organised); 4) liquids in a clear resealable bag accessible for inspection; 5) a spare lightweight layer and socks; 6) fragile or high‑value small items in a padded pouch; 7) bulk toiletries or heavier items in the overhead case. Put the highest‑value and most frequently used items in the under‑seat unit.

Packing technique tips: use one thin packing cube for daily outfits and a smaller cube for underwear/chargers; roll T‑shirts to save space and place shoes along edges inside the overhead case. Use compression bags only for soft textiles that can be flattened without crushing fragile gear. For umbrellas and long items, consider stowing in an external sleeve that sits along the bag spine so they don’t increase frontal depth.

Weight and balance advice: keep weight low and centered to prevent bulging that triggers a size check. Place denser items against the bag base or wheel side and lighter items near the top and outer pockets. At gate, remove detachable straps, bottles or a rigid umbrella to reduce apparent volume; a collapsible umbrella or a reinforced model found at best heavy duty umbrella metal fits compactly when packed correctly.

If you need a specialized under‑seat item (mobility aids or support gear), choose a slim messenger or sling that conforms to under‑seat profiles; recommendations for adaptive bags are available at best messenger bag to use with crutches. When travelling with mobility equipment, keep documentation and any permits in the outer pocket for quick access.

Gate‑check avoidance checklist: 1) telescopic handle fully recessed; 2) side pockets empty or removed; 3) external straps secured or detached; 4) total external depth under the airline’s published number by 1–2 cm margin; 5) under‑seat item small enough to slide completely beneath the seat without folding the bag. If unsure, perform the cardboard mockup test just before departure to verify compliance.