What are the rules for carry on luggage

Pack one cabin bag plus one personal item; check airline policy before heading to airport. Typical permitted dimensions: 55×40×20 cm or 56×45×25 cm; common weight allowances: 7–10 kg on many European low-cost carriers, 10–12 kg on several international carriers, US domestic carriers usually require overhead-bin fit only (22×14×9 in / 56×35×23 cm) with no explicit weight cap.

Liquids and gels must be in containers of 100 ml or less, all containers fitting inside a single transparent resealable 1 L bag per passenger; present bag separately at security screening. Duty-free liquids purchased post-security accepted if sealed with receipt and provided tamper-evident bag; larger quantities require checked bag or airline approval.

Laptops and tablets usually need removal from bags for X-ray unless signage allows laptop-in-bag screening; place devices in easy-access pouch. Spare lithium-ion batteries must travel in cabin with terminals taped or in original packaging; capacity limits: ≤100 Wh allowed without approval, >100 Wh and ≤160 Wh require airline approval, >160 Wh prohibited from both cabin and checked hold.

Sharp objects and tools: scissors with blades under 6 cm permitted in cabin; box cutters, large screwdrivers, hammers and most sporting equipment should go in checked baggage. Firearms and ammunition require explicit carrier approval, proper packaging and often customs paperwork; failure to declare can lead to fines or confiscation.

Weigh cabin bag at home and measure dimensions before arrival. Use packing cubes, roll clothing and shift heavy items into personal item when weight limits apply. Expect gate checks when flights are full; oversize or overweight charges commonly range €30–€100+, varying by carrier and route. When uncertain, check carrier policy online at booking or call customer service.

Airline-specific size and weight limits for cabin bags

Measure cabin bag prior to travel: many US legacy carriers publish maximum external dimensions 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including wheels and handles; weight caps often absent on US carriers, while European and Asian operators frequently limit mass between 7–10 kg (15–22 lb).

Low-cost operators enforce smaller complimentary allowances and strict gate checks. Typical free small-bag sizes: 40 x 20 x 25 cm; paid priority options usually permit 55 x 40 x 20–25 cm with common weight cap near 10 kg. Long-haul full-service carriers often accept 56 x 45 x 25 cm but may impose a 7–10 kg limit when personal-item policy applies. Packing bulky pet gear? See how to build your own dog fence.

Regional examples

US carriers: typical 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm); most specify fit-in-bin requirement rather than a fixed mass. European low-cost: free small bag commonly 40 x 20 x 25 cm; paid upgrades permit 55 x 40 x 20–25 cm with usual 10 kg cap. Asia and Middle East: many carriers publish 7–10 kg cabin mass limits with sizes around 55 x 40 x 20–25 cm.

Practical tips

Measure packed item including wheels and handles; weigh using a digital scale prior to airport arrival; choose soft-sided bag to squeeze into tight spaces; purchase priority boarding or an oversize allowance when dimensions exceed published limits to avoid gate fees; tag bag with contact details to speed recovery after misrouting.

Liquid containers: 100 ml / 1 L clear bag – packing toiletries and medications

Pack toiletries into containers no larger than 100 ml (3.4 fl oz), all fitting inside a single clear resealable 1 L (quart) bag.

Included items and practical swaps

Liquids, gels, creams, pastes, lotions, aerosols, and pressurized foams count toward bag limit; solid alternatives such as bar soap, solid shampoo, and toothpaste tablets remain outside limit. Use single-purpose travel bottles labeled with fill volume, decant only required amount, and consolidate similar products to minimize container count.

Medications, baby items, screening and duty-free

Medications exceeding 100 ml permitted when medically necessary; keep original prescription labels, bring a signed clinician letter or prescription printout, store medication separately from toiletry bag, bring measured daily quantities plus one extra day supply, and keep digital copies of prescriptions and clinician contact. Present clear bag and medications at security checkpoint and declare larger medical liquids; expect inspection, container opening, or additional testing. Duty-free liquids above 100 ml accepted only inside tamper-evident security bags with receipt showing purchase date and destination; do not open sealed bag during connecting flights unless transit security rules permit.

100 ml ≈ 3.4 fl oz; 1 L clear bag ≈ quart-size resealable bag. Place clear bag inside an outer pocket to access quickly, tape cap threads or use leak-proof caps, and transfer bulky shampoos into a single lightweight bottle to reduce volume. Security officers may apply discretion when volumes slightly exceed stated limit; check official airport security guidance issued by departure country before travel.

Prohibited cabin items and how to transport restricted belongings

Declare firearms at check-in; secure unloaded weapon inside locked hard-sided case and place into checked baggage. Carry permits, registration, and proof of ownership inside personal documents pouch.

• Items never allowed in cabin:
  • Explosives and fireworks
  • Flammable liquids and fuels (gasoline, lighter fluid)
  • Compressed gas cylinders (including many camping stoves)
  • Oxidizers and organic peroxides
  • Corrosives and strong acids/alkalis
  • Toxic or infectious agents
  • Radioactive materials
• Items frequently restricted inside cabin:
  • Firearms and ammunition – allowed only when declared and packed to airline specifications, usually inside checked baggage
  • Spare lithium batteries and power banks – typically must remain in cabin; terminals protected and packaged
  • E-cigarettes and vaping devices – must not be placed in checked hold; use prohibited during flight
  • Large tools and sporting equipment (hammers, axes, baseball bats) – often required as checked items
• Lithium battery limits (international standards):
  • Lithium-ion cells/batteries <100 Wh: transport in cabin without airline approval
  • 100–160 Wh: transport inside cabin only with airline approval; usually max two spares per passenger
  • >160 Wh: carriage forbidden by passenger transport on passenger aircraft
  • Lithium metal batteries: lithium content >2 g per cell prohibited

When planning transport of restricted items follow this checklist:

1. Classify item using IATA Dangerous Goods regulations or local aviation authority guidance.
2. Obtain required permits and medical notes for items such as oxygen cylinders, controlled medications, or firearms.
3. Contact airline hazardous materials desk at least 48 hours prior to departure to confirm acceptance, packaging, and any additional documentation.
4. Use UN-rated packaging and correct hazard labels when shipping chemicals or pressurized cylinders; include MSDS when requested.
5. Isolate battery terminals with tape or original packaging; stow spare batteries inside cabin gear, not inside checked hold.
6. Declare restricted items visibly at check-in; retain copies of permits, approvals, and purchase receipts in carry documents.
7. When items exceed passenger carriage allowances, use specialized cargo or courier services with hazmat capability and proper paperwork.

If uncertain about classification or limits consult airline policy plus national aviation authority guidance prior to travel; failure to declare restricted goods can result in fines, item confiscation, or criminal charges.

Electronics and batteries: laptops, cameras, power banks

Keep lithium batteries and portable chargers in cabin hand baggage; never place them inside checked baggage.

Battery capacity thresholds

Spare lithium-ion batteries up to 100 Wh permitted without airline approval. Batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval; airlines typically limit spares to two per passenger. Batteries above 160 Wh prohibited onboard and in checked compartments.

Packing, screening, airline interactions

Remove laptops from bags at security when requested; present spare batteries separately in tray. Tape exposed terminals or use insulated sleeves to prevent short circuits. If battery label lacks Wh, calculate using Wh = (mAh/1000) × V and present figure to airline or security staff. Contact airline at least 48 hours prior to departure when approval needed for 100–160 Wh cells. Swollen, leaking, or damaged batteries must not be taken onboard; hand over to airline staff or airport security; follow staff instructions. Limit number of spare high-capacity batteries to two unless airline grants exception.

Oversized items, gate-checked bags, onboard fees

Gate-check procedure

If an item exceeds published airline dimensions or weight limits, request a gate-check tag immediately and remove valuables plus lithium batteries before handing item to ramp agents. At gate, agents print an adhesive tag and attach a claim stub; keep that stub until arrival. Gate-checked possessions typically travel in cargo hold and may be returned at jetbridge, ground-level baggage belt, or curbside depending on carrier policy.

Strollers and child restraints usually qualify for complimentary gate-checking on most major carriers when collapsed. Collapse and secure folding frame, stow removable fabric if possible, and attach contact info to frame. Consider compact stroller models such as best sturdy umbrella stroller. A small folding umbrella that fits inside a personal item reduces chance of gate-checking; see best small collapsible umbrella.

Fees and fee-reduction tactics

Oversize and overweight fees vary widely: common domestic ranges run $75–$200 per item; specialty equipment like bikes, surfboards, skis frequently incur higher surcharges or require special handling fees. Prepaying online or during web check-in usually yields a lower charge than at-gate payments. Elite status, airline co-branded credit card benefits, and military or disability exemptions can waive fees–verify eligibility before travel.

Minimize extra charges by weighing and measuring items at home with a bathroom scale and tape measure; transfer valuables, medications, travel documents, and fragile electronics into a personal item permitted onboard. Use soft-sided duffels that compress into overhead space when possible; pad fragile gear inside a hard-sided case or with clothing and rigid cardboard. For musical instruments or sporting gear that won’t fit in cabin, consider purchasing an extra seat if replacement value and damage risk exceed typical oversize fees.

Document condition at handoff and upon reclaim: photograph exterior and interior damage, retain boarding pass and gate-check stub, and collect any ramp-agent incident numbers. File damage or loss claims within carrier deadlines–many U.S. airlines set visible-damage windows at 24–48 hours and delay/ loss windows up to 21 days for domestic shipments; consult carrier contract of carriage for exact timelines and required documentation.

Security screening tips: arrange cabin bag to speed checks, reduce confiscations

Store passport and boarding pass in outer pocket; retrieve with one motion at security.

Place liquids and medications in top-access, transparent pouch; keep prescription labels and original containers visible.

Move jackets and shoes to bottom of bag; create a flat clothing layer above items targeted by X-ray to reduce need for manual search.

Group small metal objects (keys, coins, belt buckle) inside single external pouch; present pouch separately or slide directly into tray when asked.

Use one electronics pouch holding phone, tablet, headphones, charging cables; remove laptops and tablets when bins requested and place on top of bag if bin space limited.

Label medicines and carry printed prescriptions or doctor note; mention critical meds at security if inspection required.

Keep receipts, boarding pass backup, and vaccination cards in clear outer sleeve; present sleeve without emptying whole bag.

Pack heavy items against bag base to prevent shifting during conveyor X-ray; orient main zipper toward opening to allow quick visual scan without unpacking.

Carry an empty resealable bag to consolidate rejected containers at checkpoint; isolate items quickly instead of repacking amid lines.

Enroll in expedited screening programs like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, CLEAR when itinerary includes participating airports; store membership number in travel app and paper backup.

Favor mesh packing cubes and clear pouches to reduce loose items that require separate trays.

If asked to remove item from bag, hand item to officer rather than fishing through compartments; quick compliance shortens inspection time and reduces likelihood of confiscation.