If you’ve ever stood at an airport gate with a bag that’s “too big” for the overhead bin, you know how crucial it is to understand cabin luggage rules. Also called carry-on or hand luggage, cabin bags are your in-flight essentials companion – but every airline has strict limits on their size, weight, and quantity.
This guide breaks down the Cabin Luggage basics, global standards, airline-specific policies, and packing tips.
What Is Cabin Luggage?
Cabin Luggage Size Guide | Horizn Studios
Cabin luggage (often called carry-on in North America or hand luggage in Europe/Asia) is the bag you bring directly into the aircraft’s passenger cabin, instead of checking it into the hold. Unlike checked baggage, it stays with you for the entire flight, making it ideal for:
- Keeping valuables (passports, laptops, cash) and medications within easy reach
- Storing in-flight essentials (snacks, neck pillows, chargers)
- Avoiding lost luggage risks (a common pain point for travelers, per 2024 airport data)
- Skipping checked baggage fees (critical for budget travelers on low-cost carriers)
The key difference between cabin luggage and a “personal item” (e.g., a handbag or laptop sleeve) is size: cabin bags go in overhead bins, while personal items fit under the seat in front of you. Most airlines allow both (with limits), but low-cost carriers (LCCs) may restrict personal items to cut costs.
Standard Cabin Luggage Size (Global Rules)
Bag Rules – Ryanair Help Centre
There’s no universal “one-size-fits-all” for cabin bags, but the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has a recommended standard that most full-service airlines align with. However, individual airlines often tweak dimensions (so always check your carrier’s rules before flying):
- IATA Recommended Size: 55cm × 40cm × 20cm (22in × 16in × 8in) – this is the “Cabin OK” size, designed to fit in overhead bins across most commercial aircraft
- Key Note: Dimensions include all protrusions (wheels, handles, side pockets) – airport staff use metal sizing frames to check, so a bag that’s 1cm over may be rejected
For reference, a 20-inch hard-shell suitcase typically fits this size, while a 22-inch bag may be too big for strict airlines (like Ryanair or AirAsia).
Cabin Luggage Weight Limits (Full-Service vs. Low-Cost Carriers)
Compared with size restrictions, weight regulations vary more significantly and are more strictly enforced on budget airlines (usually extra charges are imposed for overweight luggage in the cabin). The following is the specific situation:
- Full-Service Airlines (e.g., Singapore Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways)
- Most allow 7–10kg (15–22lbs) per cabin bag, with no weight limit on personal items (as long as they fit under the seat)
- Premium cabins (business/first class) may increase limits to 15kg (33lbs) for extra comfort
- Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) (e.g., AirAsia, Ryanair, Spirit Airlines)
- Basic fares often cap cabin bags at 7kg (15lbs) – some even restrict weight to 5kg (11lbs) for budget tiers
- Overweight fees are steep (e.g., $50–$100 at the gate for a 2kg overage) and non-negotiable
- Regional Exceptions
- Asian carriers (e.g., Philippine Airlines, Cathay Pacific) almost universally enforce 7kg limits for economy class cabin bags
- U.S. carriers (e.g., Delta, United) are more lenient on weight (they rarely weigh cabin bags, focusing instead on size)
Cabin Luggage Quantity Limits (How Many Bags Can You Bring?)
Quantity rules depend on your ticket type and airline, but the industry standard is:
- Basic Economy (Full-Service & LCCs): 1 cabin bag + 1 small personal item (e.g., laptop bag, crossbody) – some LCCs (e.g., Spirit Airlines) charge for the cabin bag on basic fares, only allowing a free personal item
- Standard Economy (Full-Service): 1 cabin bag + 1 personal item (no extra fees)
- Premium Cabins (Business/First Class): 2 cabin bags + 1 personal item (to accommodate work gear or luxury essentials)
Critical Tip: LCCs often redefine “personal items” to smaller sizes (e.g., 40cm × 30cm × 10cm for AirAsia) – a large tote bag may be counted as a second cabin bag, incurring fees.
Comparing Luggage Types: Cabin, Personal Item, Checked & More
In Cm Cabin Suitcase Size Inches Carry On Large Suitcase Size In ...
| Luggage Type | Core Definition | Typical Size Limit | Weight Limit | Storage Location | Best For | Key Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin Luggage (Carry-On) | Main bag brought into the cabin | IATA: 55×40×20cm; airline-specific tweaks (e.g., AirAsia 56×36×23cm) | 7–10kg (economy); 15kg (premium) | Overhead bin | In-flight essentials, valuables, short trips (1–3 days) | Size is strictly enforced; LCCs may charge for basic fares |
| Personal Item | Small secondary bag | 40×30×15cm (standard); 40×30×10cm (LCCs like AirAsia) | No official limit (full-service); 3–5kg (LCCs, unenforced) | Under seat in front of you | Laptops, passports, medications, in-flight snacks | Most airlines allow 1 free personal item (even on basic fares) |
| Checked Baggage | Bag stored in the aircraft hold | 62in (158cm) total (L+W+H) (global standard) | 20–32kg (depends on airline/ticket class) | Cargo hold | Long trips (4+ days), bulky items (shoes, toiletries), non-essentials | Included in full-service tickets; LCCs charge $20–$50 per bag |
| Gate-Checked Baggage | Cabin bag that's too big/heavy for overhead bins | Same as cabin luggage size | Same as cabin luggage weight | Cargo hold (loaded at gate) | Oversized cabin bags (e.g., strollers, musical instruments) | Free for mobility aids (strollers/wheelchairs); LCCs charge for standard bags |
| Specialty Baggage (Sports Equipment) | Golf clubs, skis, surfboards, etc. | Varies by sport (e.g., skis ≤200cm, golf bags ≤158cm) | 20–32kg (airline-specific) | Cargo hold (special compartments for some items) | Athletes, outdoor travelers | Often counts as 1 checked bag; some airlines charge extra fees (e.g., $50 for skis) |
1426 booked
Regional Airline Cabin Luggage Policies
Carry-On and Personal Item Size Limits for 32 Major Airlines
The following are the most popular airlines on each continent, along with their exact size, weight and quantity rules (data from the airlines' official websites and may change).
Continent | Airline | Cabin Luggage Size (L×W×H) | Weight Limit | Quantity Allowed | Personal Item Rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
North America | 56cm×36cm×23cm (22×14×9in) | 10kg (22lbs) | 1 | 1 free (fits under seat, no weight cap) | |
North America | 56cm×35cm×23cm (22×14×9in) | 7kg (15lbs) (rarely enforced) | 1 | 1 free (laptop bag/purse) | |
North America | 56cm×35cm×23cm (22×14×9in) | No official limit (size-only) | 1 | 1 free (personal item) | |
North America | 56cm×36cm×23cm (22×14×9in) | 10kg (22lbs) | 1 | 1 free (laptop/handbag) | |
Europe | 56cm×45cm×25cm (22×18×10in) | 23kg (51lbs) (economy); 32kg (70lbs) (premium) | 1 | 1 free (small bag, 40cm×30cm×15cm) | |
Europe | 40cm×20cm×25cm (16×8×10in) (free); 55cm×40cm×20cm (paid) | 7kg (15lbs) | 1 (free small bag; paid for standard size) | Free small bag only (basic fares); paid for extra | |
Europe | 55cm×40cm×20cm (22×16×8in) | 8kg (17lbs) | 1 | 1 free (laptop/handbag, 40cm×30cm×15cm) | |
Europe | 55cm×40cm×20cm (22×16×8in) | 12kg (26lbs) | 1 | 1 free (laptop/handbag) | |
Asia | 56cm×36cm×23cm (22×14×9in) | 7kg (15lbs) | 1 | 1 free (small bag, 40cm×30cm×10cm) | |
Asia | 56cm×36cm×23cm (22×14×9in) | 7kg (15lbs) (economy); 10kg (22lbs) (premium) | 1 | 1 free (laptop bag, no size/weight cap) | |
Asia | 56cm×36cm×23cm (22×14×9in) | 7kg (15lbs) | 1 | 1 free (laptop bag) | |
Asia | 56cm×36cm×23cm (22×14×9in) | 7kg (15lbs) | 1 | 1 free (laptop bag) | |
Asia | 56cm×36cm×23cm (22×14×9in) | 10kg (22lbs) | 1 | 1 free (laptop bag) |
✈️Most North American airlines limit cabin luggage to 7 to 10 kg, while European and Asian airlines usually allow 10 to 12 kg. Low-cost airlines (Ryanair, EasyJet, Lion Air) usually have stricter weight limits (7 kg) and charge for larger luggage.
Packing Tips for Cabin Luggage (Maximize Space & Avoid Fees)
Packing your cabin luggage can help you save on boarding fees and ensure that you have all the necessities on hand. Here are some of the most practical tips:
- Prioritize Must-Haves
- Put valuable items (passports, credit cards, jewelry) and medicines in the small bag of your travel bag (do not put them in checked luggage).
- Put the necessities on the plane (chargers, noise-cancelling headphones, snacks) in the front pocket for easy access
- Maximize Space Without Overpacking
- Use compression bags: They can shrink clothes by 50% (a $10 set allows you not to need larger bags)
- Roll up your clothes instead of folding them: reduce wrinkles and make room for small items
- Use travel-sized toiletries (100 ml or less per container) to comply with the liquid regulations (US Airport 3-1-1 regulations).
- Avoid Common Pitfalls
- Don't stuff the bag too full: A bulging bag may not pass the size check (even if it's within the size range).
- Weigh your luggage at home (a portable scale costs $15) : Avoid paying for overweight luggage at the last minute
- Check the restricted items stipulated by the airline: power banks (>100Wh need airline approval), sharp objects (scissors with blades >6cm are banned), and liquids (100ml limit per container)
- Use Personal Item Space Wisely
- Place heavier items (laptops, tablets) in your personal belongings (under your seat) to reduce the weight of your luggage
- Use a laptop bag with multiple pockets to hold the charger, cables and files (avoid rummaging through your main bag during the flight)
[8% OFF] Global Hotel Recommendations (Also with Flexible Booking)
FAQs about Cabin Luggage
What is cabin luggage?
Cabin luggage (also called carry-on or hand luggage) is a bag you bring into an aircraft’s passenger cabin (not the hold). It’s stored in overhead bins, letting you access essentials like passports, meds, and electronics during the flight.What’s the difference between cabin luggage and a personal item?
Cabin luggage is larger (stored in overhead bins, typically 55×40×20cm) and has a weight limit (7–10kg). A personal item is smaller (fits under the seat, 40×30×15cm), usually free even on basic fares, and has no strict weight cap for full-service airlines.Is cabin baggage the same as carry-on?
Yes – the terms are interchangeable. “Cabin baggage” is common in Europe/Asia, while “carry-on” is used in North America. Both refer to bags that stay with you in the cabin.Can I gate-check my cabin bag if it’s too big?
Yes – if your cabin bag exceeds size limits, most airlines will gate-check it for free (for mobility aids like strollers) or charge a fee (for standard bags on LCCs). Gate-checked bags are loaded into the hold at the gate and returned to you at the aircraft door post-landing.What is 7kg hand carry luggage?
It’s a common cabin luggage weight limit enforced by Asian carriers and LCCs (e.g., Philippine Airlines, AirAsia). It means your overhead-bin bag can’t weigh more than 7kg (15lbs) – overage leads to steep gate fees (often $50+ for a small overage).