What comprises a seamless, hassle-free flight journey? Timely boarding, no delayed flights, no last-moment cancellations, premium services and ambiance, frictionless security check, and most importantly, no struggles explaining the weight, sizes, or contents you carry in your cabin baggage. While we all know that all airlines today allow only one carry-on baggage, with some of them providing for personal belongings separately, there are often last-minute tiffs with the airline authorities if you exceed the required 7 kg weight or carry more than one bag.
Worse still, many airlines will deny or delay your boarding into the plane because of the strict regulations for excess carry-on baggage and charge extra for the same. Moreover, recently, there have been a lot of regulatory changes for carry-on baggage, which will have a significant impact on passengers carrying heavy cabin baggage. What are they? How can passengers navigate it? And what should you consider when prepping your carry-on baggage? This blog covers all you need to know. But let’s start with the comprehensive overview of carry-on baggage.
A carry-on bag refers to the luggage you bring directly onto the plane and place it either under your seat or in the overhead bin. Your carry-on bag must be small and lightweight for convenience. The number of bags you can bring depends on the airline’s rules and the ticket you buy. Usually, you are allowed just one carry-on so you can fit them easily in the cabin instead of the cargo hold.
Every airline has a distinct rule regarding the weight and size of your carry-on luggage. However, most of the airlines usually allow 7kg maximum but you will find some limiting them to 5kg as well. Additionally, these airlines also put a cap on the dimensions - 22 inches (56 cm in length), 18 inches (45 cm) in width, and 10 inches (25 cm) in depth, which includes side pockets and handles.
Some other rules regarding carry-on bags’ weight and size include:
Yes, airlines usually allow passengers to add extra carry-on bags when booking flights. However, it varies. Most airlines allow passengers to purchase additional carry-on allowances, either during the booking process or after, via their website or app. Interestingly, low-cost carriers often charge you for additional carry-on baggage, while full-service airlines include carry-on allowance for extra bags in the ticket price. Here’s an example of how some leading airlines allow carry-on baggage.
| Airline | Allowance | Max. Dimensions | Max. Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aer Lingus | 1 cabin bag + 1 small bag | 55x40x24cm, 25x33x20cm | 10kg |
| Air Asia | 1 cabin bag + 1 small bag | 56x36x23cm, 40x30x10cm | 7kg combined weight |
| Air France | 1 cabin bag + 1 personal item | 55x35x25cm, 40x30x15cm | 12-18kg combined weight (depending on ticket type) |
| British Airways | 1 cabin bag + 1 personal item | 56x40x23cm, 40x30x15cm | Must be able to lift into overhead lockers |
| Delta | 1 cabin bag + 1 personal item | 56x35x23cm | No weight restrictions* |
| Emirates | 1 cabin bag | 55x38x20cm | 7kg |
| Etihad Airways | 1 cabin bag + 1 personal item | 56x36x23cm, 23x39x19cm | 7kg for cabin bag, 5kg for personal item |
| Lufthansa | 1 cabin bag + 1 foldable garment bag | 55x40x23cm, 57x54x15cm | 8kg |
| Norwegian | 1 cabin + under-seat bag | 55x20x23cm, 30x20x38cm | 10kg |
| Qatar Airways | 1 cabin bag + 1 personal item | 50x37x25cm | 7kg combined weight |
| Ryanair | 1 under seat bag | 40x20x25cm | No weight restrictions |
| Turkish Airlines | 1 cabin bag + 1 personal item | 23x40x55cm, 40x30x15cm | 8kg |
| Virgin Atlantic | 1 cabin bag + 1 personal item | 56x36x23cm | 10kg |
European aviation brought some critical changes to carry-on baggage rules to simplify travel and reduce confusion for passengers. Here’s what it looks like.
From September 1, 2024, carry-on baggage dimensions and weight limits will be standardized across all European airlines. This means you will no longer face varying rules depending on your chosen airline.
Previously, airlines had wildly different rules, leading to last-minute airport adjustments and the stress of extra fees. Now, travelers can expect uniform limits, creating a smoother experience.
Passengers must once again follow the universal rule that liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) carried in hand luggage must be in containers of 100ml or less. These containers should fit into a single, clear, resealable bag (maximum of one bag per passenger). This applies even at airports with advanced Explosive Detection Systems for Cabin Baggage (EDSCB).
Exceptions: Liquids for medical use, dietary needs, baby food, and duty-free purchases in Security Tamper-Evident Bags (STEBs) are still permitted, even if they exceed 100ml.
Disinfectants: Disinfectant liquids or gels up to 250ml are allowed as a special exception.
LAGs include everyday items like toothpaste, shampoo, lotions, creams, and even food like yogurt, honey, and soup. Pack these carefully in 100ml containers to avoid hassles.
Baby food, dietary liquids, and medical supplies exceeding 100ml are permitted but may need to be declared at security. Items purchased in duty-free zones remain exempt when sealed in STEBs.
Large containers of liquids without a valid exception will no longer be allowed, even at airports with advanced scanning technology.
Starting January 3, 2025, Air Canada will impose a fee on basic economy travelers for carry-on bags larger than a handbag or small backpack. Here’s the breakdown of the penalties:
This will impact budget-conscious travelers who already pay lower fares as they will unfortunately face added costs.
The recent changes in carry-on luggage regulations are bound to shake up travel habits for many passengers. Here’s how they might affect you and what you can do about it:
If your carry-on luggage doesn’t meet the new size or weight limits, there is a good chance of airlines imposing extra fees. Airlines may charge you for oversized or overweight bags, and in some cases, you might have to check your bag at the gate, which often comes with additional costs. For travelers with multiple bags or heavier luggage, these expenses can pile up quickly, making your trip unexpectedly pricey.
The new rules will completely change the way you pack. It means you will have to pack fewer clothes or switch to travel-sized things to stay within limits. You may have to leave behind some items you would usually bring along for longer trips and connecting flights for long journeys.
Stricter enforcement at boarding gates means gate agents will check bags more closely. This could slow down the boarding process and might even delay flights during busy travel periods.
If your current carry-on luggage does not meet the new regulations, you might have to go for a smaller, lighter bag. While this ensures you will not run into penalties at the airport, it might become a last-minute hassle and an extra expense that was not accounted for. And if you are a frequent flyer or part of a family, replacing multiple bags can quickly add up.
Yes, passengers may be able to file for a refund of excess carry-on baggage fees, though the success of such claims depends on the circumstances and the airline’s specific policies. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process
Start by reviewing the airline’s baggage policies and terms and conditions. Check if the charge was applied correctly or if there’s a possibility it was an error. Some airlines might allow refunds in cases where:
Make sure you have all the necessary documents to support your claim. This could include:
The more detailed your evidence, the better your chances of a successful refund request.
Reach out to the airline directly through their customer service channels. Most airlines have a formal refund request process, which you can access via their website or mobile app. Here’s what to do:
In some countries, passenger rights laws might protect you from unfair or hidden baggage fees. For instance:
If your claim is denied without a valid reason, don’t give up. You can escalate the issue by:
Unexpected baggage fees can add unnecessary stress to travel, but with careful planning, these costs can often be avoided. Here are five practical strategies to help manage your luggage more effectively:
Purchasing extra weight or additional baggage space before your flight is typically more economical than paying for excess at the airport. Airlines often provide discounts for pre-booking, with some offering savings of up to 50% compared to airport fees. Many carriers allow you to add baggage allowances online even close to your departure date, ensuring you have enough room for your items without facing steep last-minute charges.
Weighing your luggage as you pack can help you avoid exceeding limits. Portable luggage scales are a convenient option and can be useful for your return trip as well. If you’re using household scales, weigh your suitcase in increments as you pack to stay within the allowed limits.
Traveling with others can work to your advantage. Many airlines allow passengers on the same booking to pool their baggage allowances. If one person’s bag is overweight, redistributing items between companions' luggage can help you avoid additional fees. Some airlines also offer weight-based systems rather than piece-based ones, giving you more flexibility to share allowances.
Your suitcase itself could take up a valuable weight allowance. Upgrading to a lighter model can free up several kilograms, allowing you to pack more without exceeding limits. Modern lightweight luggage options, such as fabric or hybrid designs, can be a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers.
Review your airline’s hand luggage policies, as many allow passengers to bring one small bag and an additional carry-on. Upgrading to a larger hand luggage option when available can provide extra packing space without needing to check additional bags. Ensure that any liquids, sharp objects, or restricted items are moved to checked luggage to avoid delays at security checkpoints.
Hope this blog helps you understand and learn in detail how airlines deal with carry-on luggage, the changing rules for carry-on luggage, how it will impact your journey, and pro tips to navigate them. Any hassles relating to carry-on luggage, leading to ever-long security check-in, probing by the authorities, and going to and fro with the airlines for a leeway, can ruin your travel experience. Moreover, not aligning with these regulations can also lead to delayed or denied boarding, along with penalties.
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