Carry-on size and weight: what you can bring on a plane
Typical carry-on size and weight limits, how carry-on differs from checked baggage, what is banned in the cabin and how to avoid paying at the gate.
Carry-on is what you take with you into the cabin. The rules differ between carriers, and a violation costs money: bag size is checked at the gate more and more often. Here is what to go by.
Standard carry-on size and weight
There is no universal norm, but typical guides are:
- Size: about 55 x 40 x 20-25 cm. Many carriers limit the sum of three dimensions (often up to 115 cm).
- Weight: usually 5-10 kg per passenger.
- Low-cost carriers: only a small bag under the seat is free, while a full carry-on in the overhead bin costs extra.
Always check the exact figures in your fare terms. Even one company's allowance differs between the basic and the comfort fare.
How carry-on differs from checked baggage
- Where it travels: carry-on in the cabin, checked baggage in the hold.
- Weight: carry-on up to 5-10 kg, and checked baggage usually 20-23 kg per piece.
- Size: carry-on is strictly limited, and for checked baggage the sum of dimensions is limited.
- Price: carry-on is included in the fare or costs extra, and checked baggage depends on the fare.
For the difference between fares see no-baggage fares: what you can take, and for carriage rules checked baggage rules.
What you cannot take into the cabin
- Liquids over 100 ml in one container (except medicines and baby food).
- Sharp objects: knives, scissors with long blades and sharp tools.
- Flammable substances, gas canisters, and matches and lighters (a lighter may be carried in a limited quantity, so check).
- Power banks: usually allowed in carry-on, but banned in checked baggage. The permitted capacity is limited.
The full list is published by the airline and the airport's aviation security service.
How not to pay for carry-on at boarding
- Measure the bag at home by the sum of three dimensions.
- Do not take a "stuffed" bag: soft backpacks fit the sizer more easily.
- Put heavy items in a coat and jacket: outerwear is usually not weighed.
- If you need more space, add baggage in advance: it is cheaper than at the airport.
- Take a photo of the bag with its dimensions and read the carrier's rules in advance.
Carry-on with a child
For a child with a separate seat there is usually a carry-on allowance of their own. For an infant without a seat, care items are allowed: diapers, formula and a carrier. Details are in flying with a child: rules.
Frequently asked questions
What carry-on size is allowed on a plane?
Most often about 55 x 40 x 20-25 cm, but with some carriers and on basic fares only a small bag under the seat is allowed. The dimensions are given in the fare terms.
How many kilograms can I take in carry-on?
Usually 5-10 kg. The specific weight is set by the carrier and the fare.
Can I take a laptop and a bag in carry-on?
A laptop is fine, but it counts toward the total carry-on weight. An additional handbag or briefcase is not always allowed, so check with the airline.
What if my bag does not fit the sizer?
You will have to check it in at the airport rate or pay for an extra piece. To avoid this, measure the bag in advance.
Cover: photo by Magda Ehlers on Pexels
Read next
No-baggage fares: what you can take and how to add baggage
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