August 11, 2026
9 min read
Packing for a trip should be an exciting anticipation of adventure, not a stressful ordeal filled with confusing rules. Yet, many travellers find themselves asking: How big can hand luggage be? The truth is, there is no single universal answer. Every airline sets its own rules and updates them frequently. That is why we have prepared this comprehensive and regularly updated guide to clarify permitted cabin baggage dimensions and weight limits once and for all. It will help you avoid costly airport fees and choose the perfect suitcase or backpack.
Cabin Bag vs. Personal Item: What Is the Difference?
Before diving into the airline comparison table, it is essential to understand the distinction between the two main types of bags you can take on board.
- Cabin Bag / Hand Luggage: This is the larger of the two bags. Typically, this is a small wheeled suitcase or a travel duffle bag. It is stored in the overhead compartment. While traditional airlines usually include it in the ticket price, low-cost carriers like Ryanair or Wizz Air charge an additional fee for it (e.g., via Priority boarding). The maximum dimensions of this bag are strictly inspected at boarding gates.
- Personal Item: This refers to a small travel backpack, women's handbag, or laptop bag. Its defining feature is that it must fit under the seat in front of you. This small bag is almost always included even in the cheapest basic fare. Be careful: if your ticket only permits a personal item, you cannot carry both a backpack and a handbag. You must fit everything into one single piece.
Understanding this distinction will save you a lot of hassle. If your flight ticket only includes a "personal item", do not expect to board with a standard cabin trolley suitcase without paying extra.
Current Hand Luggage Dimensions and Weight Allowances
Now, let's get straight to the numbers. The following table provides a detailed overview of cabin luggage limits for the most popular airlines. All details are verified as of the publication date and apply to the lowest standard economy fare. Keep in mind that rules may differ for business class or frequent flyer status holders.
Always double-check the final luggage dimensions and weight allowances directly on your airline's official website before flying!
Hand Luggage Comparison Chart by Airline Type
Updated: August 5, 2026
Low-Cost Airlines
| Airline | Small Bag (Under Seat) | Weight | Cabin Suitcase (Overhead Bin) | Weight | Included in Basic Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | No limit | 55 x 40 x 20 cm | 10 kg | Small bag only. Suitcase for extra fee (Priority). |
| Wizz Air | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 10 kg | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 10 kg | Small bag only. Suitcase for extra fee (WIZZ Priority). |
| easyJet | 45 x 36 x 20 cm | 15 kg | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | 15 kg | Small bag only. Suitcase for extra fee. |
| Eurowings | 40 x 30 x 25 cm | — | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg | Small bag only. Suitcase for extra fee. |
| Vueling | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | — | 55 x 40 x 20 cm | 10 kg | Small bag only. Suitcase in Fly fare and higher. |
| Transavia | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 10 kg* | 55 x 40 x 25 cm | 10 kg* | Small bag only. Suitcase in Smart fare and higher. |
| Norwegian | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 10 kg* | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 10 kg* | Small bag only. Suitcase in LowFare+ and higher. |
| Volotea | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 10 kg* | 55 x 40 x 25 cm | 10 kg* | Small bag only. Suitcase for extra fee (Priority). |
| Pegasus Airlines | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | 3 kg | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg | Small bag only (Light fare). Suitcase in Saver and higher. |
| Jet2.com | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | — | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | 10 kg | Both suitcase and small bag included in all fares. |
| SunExpress | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 4 kg | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg | Small bag only (SunLight). Suitcase in higher fares. |
| Condor | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | — | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg | Small bag only (lowest fare). Suitcase in Classic fare and higher. |
Full-Service Airlines
| Airline | Small Bag (Under Seat) | Weight | Cabin Suitcase (Overhead Bin) | Weight | Included in Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lufthansa | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | — | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg | Economy Light and higher: both suitcase and small bag. Economy Basic (from 19 May 2026): small bag only. |
| Austrian Airlines | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | — | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg | Economy Light and higher: suitcase and small bag. Economy Basic: small bag only. |
| Swiss | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | — | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg | Economy Light and higher: suitcase and small bag. Economy Basic: small bag only. |
| Brussels Airlines | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | — | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg | Economy Light and higher: suitcase and small bag. Economy Basic: small bag only. |
| Smartwings / CSA | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | 3 kg | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg | Suitcase included (LITE fare: no small personal item!). |
| LOT Polish Airlines | 40 x 35 x 12 cm | 2 kg | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg | Both suitcase and small bag included in all fares. |
| Air France | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | 12 kg* | 55 x 35 x 25 cm | 12 kg* | Basic fare: small bag only. Light and higher: suitcase and small bag. |
| KLM | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | 12 kg* | 55 x 35 x 25 cm | 12 kg* | Basic fare: small bag only. Light and higher: suitcase and small bag. |
| British Airways | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | 23 kg | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | 23 kg | Both suitcase and small bag included in all fares. |
| Iberia | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | — | 56 x 40 x 25 cm | 10 kg | Both suitcase and small bag included in all fares. |
| TAP Air Portugal | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | 2 kg | 55 x 40 x 25 cm | 10 kg | Both suitcase and small bag included in all fares. |
| Turkish Airlines | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | 4 kg | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg | Both suitcase and small bag included in all fares. |
| SAS | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | — | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg | Go Light: small bag only. Go Smart and higher: suitcase and small bag. |
| Finnair | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | 8 kg* | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg* | Superlight: small bag only. Higher fares: suitcase and small bag. |
| Aegean Airlines | Under seat (unspecified) | — | 56 x 45 x 25 cm (or 55 x 40 x 23 cm) | 8 kg | GoLight: suitcase OR small bag (not both!). Suitcase dimensions depend on aircraft. |
| Air Serbia | Under seat (unspecified) | 4 kg | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg | Both suitcase and small bag included in all fares. |
| Croatia Airlines | 40 x 30 x 10 cm | — | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg | Both suitcase and small bag included in all fares. |
| Bulgaria Air | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | 12 kg* | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 10 kg | Both suitcase and small bag included in all fares. |
| TAROM | Under seat (unspecified) | 8 kg* | 55 x 40 x 20 cm (or 35 x 30 x 20 cm) | 8 kg* | Both suitcase and small bag included in all fares. Suitcase size depends on aircraft. |
| Aer Lingus | 25 x 33 x 20 cm | — | 55 x 40 x 24 cm | 10 kg | Saver fare: suitcase for extra fee (or free as checked baggage). Higher fares: free. |
| airBaltic | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | 8 kg* | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg* | Economy MINI: small bag only. BASIC and higher: suitcase and small bag. |
| ITA Airways | 30 x 40 x 15 cm | — | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg | Both suitcase and small bag included in all fares. |
Long-Haul and Non-European Airlines
| Airline | Small Bag (Under Seat) | Weight | Cabin Suitcase (Overhead Bin) | Weight | Included in Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | 43 x 33 x 16 cm | — | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | No limit | Basic Economy (N. America): small bag only. Transatlantic: suitcase and small bag. Standard and higher: both. |
| Delta Air Lines | Under seat (unspecified) | — | 56 x 35 x 23 cm | No limit | Both suitcase and small bag included in all fares. |
| Emirates | — (No separate item in Economy) | — | 55 x 38 x 20 cm | 7 kg | Suitcase only. No extra small bag permitted in Economy. |
| Etihad Airways | — (No separate item in Economy) | — | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | 7 kg | Suitcase only. 1 cabin bag in Economy. |
| Flydubai | 25 x 33 x 20 cm | 7 kg* | 55 x 38 x 20 cm | 7 kg* | Suitcase included in all fares. |
| Qatar Airways | Handbag/briefcase extra | — | 50 x 37 x 25 cm | 7 kg | Suitcase plus small personal items extra. |
| United Airlines | 43 x 25 x 22 cm | — | 56 x 35 x 23 cm | No limit | Basic Economy (domestic): small bag only. Transatlantic: suitcase and small bag. |
* = the stated weight applies as a combined weight limit for both bags (small personal item and cabin suitcase) combined.
How to Choose the Best Cabin Luggage That Meets All Limits?
Choosing the right cabin luggage is an investment that pays off in saved money and peace of mind. Here is how to pick the right one:
- Focus on the most widely accepted dimensions.
Look for cabin luggage measuring around 55 x 40 x 20 cm. - Don't overlook the personal item.
For travelling light, a quality travel backpack that fits personal item rules is ideal, nowadays ideally around 40 x 30 x 20 cm (as of September 2025, this is the free small bag allowance on Ryanair); a safe choice even for stricter airlines is a more compact 40 x 20 x 25 cm. Even such a compact backpack can surprisingly fit a lot of essentials. - Weight matters.
Pay attention not only to the size of your hand luggage, but also to its tare weight. Ultra-lightweight suitcases and backpacks allow you to pack more clothes without exceeding the airline's weight limit. - Softshell or hardshell suitcase?
Softside suitcases are often lighter and feature convenient exterior pockets. Hardside suitcases, on the other hand, provide superior protection for fragile contents.
Tip: We cover suitcase materials in detail in a dedicated buying guide!
Practical Tips and Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the rules for liquids in hand luggage?
Fortunately, this rule is one of the few that applies almost universally worldwide:- Maximum container volume: Each individual liquid container (shampoo, perfume, lotion) can hold a maximum of 100 ml.
- Placement: All containers must fit into a single transparent, resealable plastic bag.
- Total capacity: The bag capacity must not exceed 1 litre.
- Bag limit: Each passenger is allowed only one such transparent bag.
- Medications and baby food are exempt, but be prepared to provide medical certification or proof of necessity if asked.
Tip: Find travel bottles, luggage scales, travel pillows, packing organisers, and earplugs in our travel accessories section!
- Can I bring a stroller / pushchair on board?
Yes, taking a stroller or pushchair is allowed by most airlines and is usually free of charge. In most cases, you can take it right up to the boarding gate, where staff will store it in the cargo hold. Upon arrival, it will either be handed back to you at the aircraft door or at the oversized baggage carousel. Always check specific conditions with your airline in advance. - Checked baggage: When is it worth it?
If you realise your gear will not fit inside hand luggage allowances, checked baggage is the way to go. This is the large suitcase checked at the airport check-in desk. Paying for checked baggage is worth it for longer trips, bulky gear (skis, golf clubs), or simply when you don't want to stress about strict size and weight restrictions. Remember that checked baggage almost always incurs a fee, and booking it online in advance is significantly cheaper than paying at the airport.
Tip: For extended stays, a medium suitcase M or a large suitcase L will serve you perfectly. And if you prefer a complete matching set, explore our wide selection of luggage sets! - What are the alternatives to cabin suitcases?
While suitcases remain fantastic for structured packing and fragile item protection, travel duffles and especially travel backpacks are becoming increasingly popular. Their standout advantage is unmatched flexibility. Soft materials compress and easily fit into strict sizer frames at the gate, which is a lifesaver with low-cost carriers. In addition, travel backpacks keep your hands completely free when navigating bustling airports or public transit, and modern designs feature clever interior compartments, including dedicated padded laptop sleeves. Travel bags, on the other hand, shine with their lightweight build, simple structure, and cavernous compartments that swallow bulky clothes with ease. For modern travellers seeking maximum convenience, efficiency, and compliance with even the strictest airlines, a high-quality travel backpack or duffle is often the smartest choice.
Tip: Learn even more about cabin luggage, permitted items, maximum sizes, and policies across different carriers in our practical advice guide.
Summary and Final Recommendations
Air travel doesn't need to be stressful. Just follow these three simple steps:
- Check whether your flight fare includes only a personal item (under the seat) or also a cabin bag (overhead bin).
- Verify the exact dimensions and weight allowance in our comparison table or directly on the airline's website.
- Measure and weigh your suitcase or backpack at home before heading to the airport.
We hope our comprehensive airline guide helps you navigate cabin baggage policies with confidence. If you find that your current luggage doesn't meet the requirements, browse our wide range of cabin luggage. You will discover dozens of suitcases and backpacks precision-tailored to meet the exact allowances of all major airlines.
