Measure your cabin bag against the carrier’s sizers before you travel to meet the official limits. The limit differs by airline; the numbers above show typical ranges, but always verify the policy for each carrier. For Emirates and Iberia, cabin allowances vary with fare type and route, so your bag size may be acceptable on one flight and not on another.
These checks occur at checkpoints, where baggage is measured and prompts may be given if a bag is close to the limit. To avoid delays, know where the bag should go: the overhead bin or the space under the side of the seat in front of you. If a bag is near the edge, notify staff before boarding. If it’s over the limit, staff may measure it on the spot. Airlines design cabin layouts to maximize access, so a correctly sized cabin bag keeps aisles clear for passengers and staff.
Plan around exceptions for medication and other essentials. Keep prescriptions and doctor notes accessible in your carry-on; carry medicines in their original containers and keep a note from a doctor if needed; place these items in a clearly labeled pocket so you can show them quickly. This approach helps you stay compliant with the necessary security checks and avoids last-minute adjustments at the gate.
To travel smoothly, compare these sizers across carriers you fly most often. Start with Emirates and Iberia, then broaden to other operators and routes you frequent. Keep the bag’s measurements handy and be aware that policies vary by airline, so check each carrier’s page before you pack; if you travel with several legs, repeat the check for each segment to stay compliant and comfortable. This small step ensures access to your belongings without delaying your seat or your fellow travelers.
Carry-On Size Limits for Major US Carriers: What Fits in the Overhead Bin
Stick to a carry-on that measures 22 x 14 x 9 inches as your default; it fits the overhead bin on most major US carriers and leaves room for a personal item under the seats.
American Airlines allows a carry-on up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches, plus a personal item that must fit under the seat. On many flights you can slide this bag into the overhead bin with wheels facing back and the handle tucked onto the side to reduce snagging.
Delta Air Lines follows the same standard: carry-on 22 x 14 x 9 inches and a personal item that fits under the seat. If a bin is tight, you may need to place a slightly smaller item under the seat to keep the aisle clear.
United Airlines also uses 22 x 14 x 9 inches for the carry-on, plus a personal item that fits under the seat. On crowded flights, be prepared to gate-check a larger bag if space runs out in the overhead.
Southwest Airlines permits a carry-on up to 24 x 16 x 10 inches, plus a personal item that fits under the seat. This larger limit helps when you need to bring a compact suitcase and a laptop bag without folding into the bin.
Alaska Airlines sets the standard at 22 x 14 x 9 inches for a carry-on, plus a personal item that must fit under the seat. If a specific trip, such as an international flight, requires extra gear, space in the bin can differ by aircraft, so verify before you board.
General tips: measure with handles extended, and remember that restrictions differ by aircraft and airline; plus keep heavy items low in the bag to prevent it from tipping the bin. Bring a suitcase that can slide onto the rack, and consider folding garments to into the bag’s available volume. If you travel with strollers or infant gear, you may gate-check them to keep the cabin clear. If you don’t meet the size limit, you dont worry; you can still travel with a smaller setup and pay any fees for an oversized carry-on. For internationaal trips such as a reis naar Frankrijk, always check the specific aircraft policy because, on some planes, an item may need to go via the cabin room or be gate-checked if it doesn’t fit. If space below the bin becomes tight, place the lighter items under the seat to keep your seat area comfortable. In an instance when the bin fills, crew may emit instructions to gate-check; you would would then board with the remaining items and keep much room for fellow passengers.
Gels, liquids, and aerosols follow the 3-1-1 rule; keep gels in a quart-sized bag and place them where they fit within the plane‘s limits. If you’re planning a reis naar Frankrijk or another international airways, verify the restrictions for your itinerary. Your bag must remain within the room allotted in overhead bins, otherwise you’ll face fees or be asked to gate-check. These guidelines help you travel lighter and smoother, onto the gate and onto the plane without surprises.
Carry-On Limits for Major European Carriers: Typical Max Dimensions and Weight
Keep a cabin bag no larger than 56 x 45 x 25 cm and under 10 kg to cover most major European routes. This applies whether you travel with a suitcase or a backpack, and which airline you choose, but it will differ by carrier and aircraft, so check the official page before you fly.
Dimensional limits frequently hinge on depth and overall fit in overhead bins, with depth often listed as d22cm or d25cm in some specs. A compact personal item, such as a smart pocket for a camera or documents, can sit under the seat and help you manage frequent on-board moves. If you travel with garments, pack efficiently so your bag remains within the permitted footprint and within your preferred weight range.
Common European carry-on limits
Most carriers cap length around 55–56 cm, height around 40–45 cm, and depth about 20–25 cm. Weight is commonly 7–10 kg for the main bag, with some airlines permitting up to 12 kg on certain fares or routes. A single pocket item or small backpack often counts as your personal item and must fit under the seat in front of you. When you combine a suitcase with a compact garment bag or camera, ensure the total item remains within the standard footprint and is permitted onboard with your fare class.
Carrier highlights
Ryanair – standard cabin bag measures 40 x 20 x 25 cm; Priority offers a larger bag up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm and a weight allowance around 10 kg, which will cover most regional needs. This differs from the basic rule, so verify whether you’ve purchased Priority before you emit any boarding actions.
easyJet – typical cabin limit is 56 x 45 x 25 cm; aim for a bag under 10 kg, since many aircraft enforce these dimensions strictly and a smaller personal item can help in tight overhead spaces. Whether you travel with a compact backpack or a suitcase, keep the overall footprint within the standard range.
British Airways – cabin bag 56 x 45 x 25 cm plus a personal item about 40 x 30 x 15 cm; on-board space varies by aircraft, so your backpack or garment bag should be kept within the footprint to avoid restrictions at the gate.
Lufthansa – commonly 55 x 40 x 23 cm with an 8 kg limit for economy; this allocation fits most short- to mid-haul European hops and avoids last‑minute holds at the gate.
Air France – typical 55 x 35 x 25 cm and around 12 kg; shallow depth helps you stack items in overhead bins and reduces hassle when moving through regional hubs.
KLM – similar to Air France: 55 x 35 x 25 cm, commonly up to 12 kg; a smart approach is to select a bag that stays within these dimensions even when fully packed.
Iberia – common limit 55 x 40 x 25 cm with about 10 kg; regional differences apply, so check the specific flight and aircraft type for shifts in restriction.
Personal Item vs Main Carry-On: How Airlines Define Each
Always start with a dedicated personal item that fits under the seat; reserve a main carry-on only if you need more space. A compact tote or slim laptop bag serves as the personal item, and you should be able to access it without standing in the aisle.
General rule: airlines separate a personal item from a main carry-on. The personal item stays under the seat; the main carry-on goes into the overhead bin. Typical size ranges keep personal items around 40-45 cm long, 25-30 cm high, and 15-20 cm deep, while main carry-ons commonly top 55-56 cm in length, 35-40 cm in width, and 20-25 cm in depth.
Weight guidance varies by carrier. Some set a total limit for both pieces around 12-18kg, while others focus on per-bag limits or impose no weight cap for carry-ons in economy. If you travel with a heavier load, plan to place heavier items into the main bag only if the airline approves, otherwise distribute weight carefully across items to stay under the total limit. A lighter personal item helps you stay under the threshold when you’re juggling time at the gate. There are frequent questions about whether a tote counts as a personal item.
Examples by region. In france, Air France and many European carriers follow the two-bag rule, with a separate personal item and a main carry-on. In japan, carriers like Japan Airlines and ANA publish per-bag rules that are similar but sometimes tighter on dimensions. Alliance networks (Star Alliance, Oneworld, SkyTeam) share guidelines on their website, but each airline enforces its own limits. Always check the airline’s website for the exact numbers there, as they can vary by flight and aircraft.
Practical packing tips. If you’re unsure whether something counts as a personal item, test whether it can be slid under a seat; if it cannot, put it into the main bag and slide it onto the rack. Liquids rules apply to both items; milk must stay in approved containers and be carried through security. Theres no universal rule, and policies differ by airline, so always check the website for the exact numbers. For most travelers, little items should fit in the personal item to keep total weight below the limits and avoid extra checks. Also, consider the items you’ve brought into cabin, as they must align with your carry-on limits.
Checked Baggage Rules by Major Airlines: Free Allowance, Fees, and Restricted Items
Specifically, verify the exact checked baggage allowance for your route and fare class on the airline’s site before booking. Policies vary by alliance and airways, and a free allowance shown on one itinerary may differ on another.
Most major carriers in international travel keep a common baseline: one checked bag is typical in economy, with a weight limit around 23 kg per bag. Higher cabins usually include two bags, and some itineraries permit up to 23-32kg per bag or two bags up to 32 kg each. Always confirm the exact limits for your ticket, since India-bound or Asia-Pacific itineraries can differ by fare type and alliance.
Cathay Pacific commonly offers 1 checked bag up to 23 kg in economy on long-haul flights; higher cabins may include a second bag depending on the fare. On international routes, always double-check the included allowance for your specific ticket.
Emirates typically allows two checked bags on many international journeys, each up to 23 kg, with variations by fare class and destination. If you’re carrying valuables or sports gear, consider splitting into two bags to avoid single-bag overweight charges at the airport.
Qatar Airways usually provides two bags in economy on most international routes, with a standard cap around 23 kg per bag. Business and First Class commonly include two bags up to higher limits, but verify on your booking page to meet the exact thresholds.
British Airways often includes one checked bag up to 23 kg in economy on many international itineraries; premium cabins may allow two bags, depending on fare and route. If your journey crosses continents, prepared travelers may benefit from a budget-friendly upgrade or a paid extra bag option.
Lufthansa generally aligns with 1 bag up to 23 kg in economy on international flights, while Business and First cabins can permit two bags, sometimes up to 32 kg each. Routes to India and Europe frequently reflect this structure, but check the exact allowance for your ticket.
Luchtvaartmaatschappij India commonly allows one checked bag up to 23 kg for international travel in economy; higher cabins may include a second bag. Domestic flights inside India have separate rules, so review the route-specific policy.
Delta, American Airlinesen Verenigd follow a familiar pattern: economy typically includes one bag up to 23 kg on international routes, with two bags or higher weight limits available in premium cabins or on select itineraries. Fees apply for extra bags or overweight baggage, so plan ahead.
Singapore Airlines often sets a two-bag framework on many long-haul economy itineraries, with total allowances around 30 kg distributed across bags. On some routes, the rules vary by fare class, so always review your booking details.
How to meet the limit easily: pack lighter luggage and distribute heavier items across bags to avoid single-bag overweight charges. If you have multiple bags near the limit, weighing each bag at home helps prevent surprises at the check-in desk. For Alaska, India, or regional routes, the depth and width of each bag matter too, since many aircraft storage bays have limited space and close clearance.
Restricted items in checked baggage commonly include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, and certain batteries. Do not pack emergency signaling devices or lithium batteries that aren’t installed in equipment. Luggage containing dangerous goods may be refused. Some items, like restricted medications, require documentation or must be carried in your hand luggage, especially when you travel with disabilities or medical needs.
Dogs and other animals: most airlines allow service animals to travel in cabin, and some permit small dogs in the cargo hold only if the crate meets specific standards. If you plan to travel with pets, contact the airline early to review required health certificates, quarantine rules, and any applicable fees. Don’t assume pet travel aligns with your bag allowance; many carriers treat animal shipments as separate arrangements and costs.
When you’re crossing regions, such as India to Europe or Asia, the policy often changes based on alliance rules and fare type. To avoid last‑minute surprises, review the section on restricted items en de depth en dimensions limits for checked bags, and confirm the exact limits for your itinerary before you travel. If your journey includes emergency or medical considerations, call ahead to arrange necessary accommodations and ensure you can meet the airline’s requirements, including any bank card payments for extra bags.
How to Measure Your Luggage Before You Travel: A Quick Guide
Measure all three exterior dimensions with a flexible tape using inches as the unit. Read the bag from outside, including wheels and protruding handles, and record length (the longest side), width (side-to-side), and height (top-to-bottom). This helps you avoid surprises during flying and at check-in.
If you purchased new luggage for your itinerary, compare your measurements with the limits shown on this page. theres a small margin for error, so add about 0.5 to 1 inch where needed. After you measure, use your phones or a camera to capture the results so you can review details on the go.
Keep in mind that exterior measurements matter because many receivers at check-in read the size sticker or the bag itself. For this reason, test the fit on the page you’re using and follow the guidance on this website to stay compliant across states and beyond the kingdom. This helps you stay on track with your page details and avoid delays during you travel itinerary.
Quick measurement steps
1) Stand the bag upright on a flat surface. 2) Extend all handles and rotate the wheels outward. 3) Measure length along the longest side, width across, and height from floor to top. 4) Record each value in inches and add a small buffer if you plan to pack tightly.
5) If you plan to use carry-on for a family trip with children, recheck the measurements after packing to ensure the bag remains within limits before you head to the airport.
Size reference table
Guideline | Dimensions (inches) | Opmerkingen |
---|---|---|
Common cabin limit (permitted by many carriers) | 22 x 14 x 9 | Total 45 inches; aim to stay at or below these values. |
Smaller carriers or budget options | 21 x 13 x 9 | May be accepted when the main limit is stricter; always verify on the carrier’s page. |
Under-seat option | 18 x 14 x 8 | Often fits under the seat; check your aircraft type during check-in. |
When Bags Don’t Match Policies: Handling Nonstandard Bags and Fees
Measure your bag against the airline’s published allowances before you depart. If it dont meet the standard, collect information and contact the airline or check the official page to confirm options. This guidance helps ensure the bag meets the allowances.
In an instance where the bag exceeds those allowances, you may be asked to hand it to a crew member to take to cargo, or you may be charged a gate fee. Those decisions occur at departures, and the side of the gate often dictates whether it remains a carry-on or moves back to a checked bag. This being a common scenario across many carriers.
To minimize risk, keep a bag that meets current rules: aim for a depth not exceeding d25cm when possible, and use a tote as your personal item on most international trips. If your bag is a suitcase size larger than allowed, specifically adjust or pay the allowances fee. Review the list of alternatives and plan the right option for your case.
For international routes, including flights to mexico, the process stays the same at each departure and on planes and in the airplane cabin. being prepared helps you meet the allowances and avoid extra charges. If a bag still dont fit, move items into a smaller luggage piece, switch to a tote for a personal item, or back to the counter to arrange gate check.
In each case, keep hand luggage light and less than the limit to reduce hassles. If you need a quick fix, consider back of the bag by transferring items to a suitcase of luggage that meets the policy. This approach sets expectations for departures and minimizes the chance of a fire alarm or other checks interrupting your schedule.
Smart Packing Checklist: Quick Carrier Comparisons to Avoid Surprises
Measure your current carry-on now and compare it with the standard measurements used by major carriers. If your bag is close to the limit or purchased recently and bigger than the standard, switch to a smaller model to stay compliant with permitted measurements and guidelines. If you own a horizn bag, verify its measurements against the airline limits before you pack.
- First, read guidelines that apply to your route. Restrictions may vary by airline and fare; read the policy for cathay, mexico, and other majors to confirm.
- Measure precisely: length, width, height, and the total of the measurements. Ensure the bag, plus a possible under-seat item, will fit in overhead bins or under the seat; if it will exceed, you will face a gate check or need to adjust.
- Prepare a needs-based packing plan: pack medication in your carry-on with a doctor note if necessary; keep everything you might need during flight within easy reach; label medications and dosages; include a small side-pocket reference for quick access.
- Carrier snapshots:
- Cathay Pacific: carry-on 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm (22″ x 14″ x 9″); personal item 40 cm x 30 cm x 10 cm. A horizn bag often measures near this limit, so confirm before packing. The carrier usually allows one bag plus one personal item; read the side of the policy to confirm per flight and seat layout.
- Aeromexico (mexico): carry-on 55 cm x 40 cm x 25 cm (21.5″ x 15.7″ x 9.8″); personal item 40 cm x 30 cm x 10 cm. If you anticipate a larger item, consider purchasing a smaller bag or using a compact personal item that fits under the seat and in the side pocket for essentials.
- Major US carriers (United, Delta, American): typical carry-on limit is 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm); personal item must fit under the seat. Usually, airlines allow one carry-on plus one personal item, but read the guidelines for your exact flight as restrictions apply; seats and aircraft vary, so check ahead.
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