Hand luggage size and weight limits vary significantly across different airlines and fare types. In this guide, you’ll find a comprehensive overview of the regulations set by major airlines, along with recommendations to help you select the ideal suitcase size for your travels.
How we find the ideal hand luggage size for you:
First we’ll review the luggage guidelines of top airlines in the UK, leading to two size recommendations suitable for most. I’ll provide in-depth information on these sizes shortly. Also, there’s a chart comparing specs from major international airlines for your reference. Finally, I’ll answer some common FAQs. Let’s start 🛫
First we’ll review the luggage guidelines of top airlines in the UK, leading to two size recommendations suitable for most. I’ll provide in-depth information on these sizes shortly. Also, there’s a chart comparing specs from major international airlines for your reference. Finally, I’ll answer some common FAQs. Let’s start 🛫
Contents
- 1 Hand Luggage Size of Top Airlines in the UK
- 2 Best Hand Luggage Size for Maximum Airline Flexibility
- 3 Hand Luggage Size for Major International Airlines
- 4 Frequently Asked Questions
- 4.1 How is the hand luggage size checked?
- 4.2 What happens if my hand luggage is too big or too heavy?
- 4.3 What if my hand luggage is only 1-2 cm over the size limit?
- 4.4 Are hand luggage dimensions always checked precisely?
- 4.5 What additional items can I take on board along with my hand luggage?
- 4.6 Where is hand luggage stored on the plane?
- 4.7 Can I check in my hand luggage for free?
Who’s behind these travel insights?
I’m Sebastian, your luggage expert since 2017. On my site, you’ll find comprehensive information and recommendations for the perfect travel baggage.
Hand Luggage Size of Top Airlines in the UK
Most airlines allow one large piece of hand luggage and an additional bag. The larger item is typically a suitcase or a duffel bag and is stored in the overhead compartments. The additional bag, often referred to as a personal item, is usually a handbag, laptop bag, or a small backpack that fits under the seat in front. With some airlines, the larger piece of hand luggage may only be available for an extra fee.
| Fare | Size | Weight | Add. Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways | |||
| All Fares | 56x45x25 cm | 23 kg | 40x30x15 cm |
| Learn more | |||
| easyJet | |||
| Standard, Up front & Extra legroom | 45x36x20 cm | 15 kg | - |
| Flexi & easyJet Plus | 56x45x25 cm | 15 kg each | 45x36x20 cm |
| Learn more | |||
| Jet2 | |||
| All Fares | 56x45x25 cm | 10 kg | Personal Item |
| Learn more | |||
| KLM | |||
| Economy Class | 55x35x25 cm | 12 kg total | 40x30x15 cm |
| Premium Comfort | (2x) 55x35x25 cm | 12 kg total | 40x30x15 cm |
| Business Class | (2x) 55x35x25 cm | 18 kg total | 40x30x15 cm |
| Learn more | |||
| Lufthansa | |||
| Economy & Premium Economy | 55x40x23 cm or 57x54x15 cm | 8 kg | 40x30x10 cm |
| Business & First Class | (2x) 55x40x23 cm or 57x54x15 cm | 8 kg each | 40x30x10 cm |
| Learn more | |||
| Ryanair | |||
| Value Fare | 40x20x25 cm | no limit | - |
| Priority, Regular, Flexi Plus | 55x40x20 cm | 10 kg | 40x20x25 cm |
| Learn more | |||
| TUI | |||
| All Fares | 55x40x20 cm (for a fee) | 10 kg | 40x30x20 cm (included) |
| Learn more | |||
| Virgin Atlantic | |||
| Economy & Premium | 56x36x23 cm | 10 kg | Personal Item |
| Upper Class | (2x) 56x36x23 cm | 10 kg | Personal Item |
| Learn more | |||
| Vueling | |||
| Fly Light | 40x30x20 cm | no limit | - |
| Fly, Fly Grande, Premium | 55x40x20 cm | 10 kg | 40x30x20 cm |
| Learn more | |||
| Wizz Air | |||
| Basic | 40x30x20 cm | 10 kg | - |
| WIZZ Priority, Go & Plus | 55x40x23 cm | 10 kg each | 40x30x20 cm |
| Learn more | |||
(All details are given without warranty. Date: 08/12/2024)
The size specifications always include all wheels and handles, except with Wizz Air. Here, handles and wheels are not included, but they can extend the total specified size by up to 5 cm.
Best Hand Luggage Size for Maximum Airline Flexibility
55x40x20 vs. 55x35x20
The hand luggage size regulations across various airlines highlight one thing: there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Yet, a practical approach for maximum flexibility exists. Opt for the 55x40x20 cm size – an unofficial standard widely accepted by numerous airlines. For even more adaptability, consider the 55x35x20 cm option.
Choosing the right size largely depends on which airlines you’re likely to fly with. Let’s have a closer look at the two sizes:
Best Size: 55x40x20 cm
Most airlines accept carry-on luggage of 55x40x20 cm, a size often regarded as the unofficial standard. A suitcase of this size offers great flexibility, allowing you to board with many different carriers. Additionally, this popular dimension means manufacturers offer a broad selection, ranging from luxury to budget-friendly options. Below, I’ll share some top recommendations in this size category.
55x40x20 cm – Allowed by these airlines:
Aer Lingus • Aeroflot • Aeroméxico • Air Baltic • Air Canada • Air China • Air Dolomiti • Air Malta • Air Moldova • Air Serbia • Austrian Airlines • Belavia • British Airways • Brussels Airline • Bulgaria Air • Condor • Corendon Airlines • Croatia Airlines • Czech Airlines • easyJet • Edelweiss Air • Egyptair • Ethiopian Airlines • Eurowings • Finnair • Iberia • Icelandair (intl. flights) • Japan Airlines • Jet2 • Lufthansa • Luxair • Norwegian • Oman Air • Pegasus Airlines • Royal Air Maroc • Royal Jordanian • Ryanair • SAS • Singapore Airlines • Southwest Airlines • SunExpress • Swiss • TAP Portugal • Thai Airways • TUI • Tunisair • Turkish Airlines • UIA • Ural Airlines • Vueling • Wizz Air
(Note: With some airlines or fares, included only for an additional fee.)
Last update on 2024-12-09 at 11:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Partnernet
Most Flexible Size: 55x35x20 cm
A few airlines have stricter regulations. If you plan to fly with them, opting for a 55x35x20 cm size is a smart move for maximum flexibility. However, the range of products available is somewhat limited. But fear not, with my recommendations, you’ll still find the perfect model for your needs.
55x35x20 cm – Additionally permitted by these airlines:
Aerolineas Argentinas • Air Algerie • Air France • American Airlines • ASL Airlines France • Cathay Pacific • Copa Airlines • Delta Air • Emirates • Ethiad Airways • Eva Air • ITA Airways • KLM • LATAM • Malaysia Airlines • Qantas • Qatar Airways • South African Airways • Transavia • United Airlines • Vietnam Airlines
(Note: With some airlines or fares, included only for an additional fee.)
Last update on 2024-12-09 at 11:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Partnernet
Hand Luggage Size for Major International Airlines
Regulations for Global Carriers
| Fare | Size | Weight | Add. Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerolineas Argentinas | |||
| All Fares | 55x35x25 cm | 8 kg (domestic) / 10 kg (internat.) | 40x30x30 cm (3 kg) |
| Source: www.aerolineas.com.ar | |||
| Aer Lingus | |||
| All Fares | 55x40x24 cm | 10 kg | 33x25x20 cm |
| Aer Lingus Regional | 48x33x20 cm | 7 kg | 33x25x20 cm |
| Source: www.aerlingus.com | |||
| Aeroflot | |||
| Comfort / Economy | 55x40x25 cm | 10 kg | L+W+H = 80cm (5 kg) |
| Business Class | 55x40x25 cm | 15 kg | L+W+H = 80cm (5 kg) |
| Source: www.aeroflot.ru | |||
| Aeroméxico | |||
| Basic | 55×40×25 cm | 10 kg | allowed |
| Classic / AM Plus / Premier | 55×40×25 cm | 15 kg | allowed |
| Source: aeromexico.com | |||
| Air Algerie | |||
| All Fares | 55x35x25 cm | 10 kg | - |
| Aircraft type ATR | 40x30x20 cm | 5 kg | - |
| Source: airalgerie.dz | |||
| Air Baltic | |||
| Economy | 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg | 40x30x10 cm |
| For a fee | 55x40x23 cm | 12 kg | 40x30x10 cm |
| Business | (2x) 55x40x23 cm | 24 kg | 40x30x10 cm |
| airBaltic Club / VIP | (2x) 55x40x23 cm | 24 kg | 40x30x10 cm |
| Source: www.airbaltic.com | |||
| Air Canada | |||
| All Fares | 55x40x23 cm | - | 43x33x16 cm |
| Source: www.aircanada.com | |||
| Air China | |||
| Economy / Super Economy | 55x40x20 cm | 5 kg | allowed |
| Business / First Class | (2x) 55x40x20 cm | 8 kg each | allowed |
| Source: www.airchina.co.uk | |||
| Air Dolomiti | |||
| Economy | 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg | - |
| Business | (2x) 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg each | - |
| Source: www.airdolomiti.eu | |||
| Air France | |||
| Economy | 55x35x25 cm | 12 kg | 40x30x15 cm |
| Premium | (2x) 55x35x25 cm | 12 kg | 40x30x15 cm |
| Business, La Première | (2x) 55x35x25 cm | 18 kg | 40x30x15 cm |
| Source: wwws.airfrance.co.uk | |||
| Air Moldova | |||
| All Fares | L+W+H = 115cm | 8 kg | allowed |
| Source: www.airmoldova.md | |||
| AirSerbia | |||
| Economy Class | 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg | allowed (4 kg) |
| Business Class | (2x) 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg each | allowed (4 kg) |
| Source: www.airserbia.com | |||
| American Airlines | |||
| All Fares | 56x36x23 cm | - | 45x35x20 cm |
| Source: www.americanairlines.co.uk | |||
| ASL Airlines France | |||
| MINI | - | - | 30x20x20 cm |
| Standard | L+W+H = 115cm | 10 kg | 30x20x20 cm |
| Source: www.aslairlines.fr | |||
| Austrian Airlines | |||
| Economy, Premium Economy | 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg | 40x30x10 cm |
| Business Class | (2x) 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg each | 40x30x10 cm |
| Source: www.austrian.com | |||
| Belavia | |||
| Charter Flights | 55x40x25 cm | 5 kg | 40x30x10 cm (5 kg) |
| Economy Class | 55x40x25 cm | 10 kg | 40x30x10 cm (5 kg) |
| Business Class | (2x) 55x40x25 cm | 10 kg each | 40x30x10 cm (5 kg) |
| Source: belavia.by | |||
| Brussels Airline | |||
| Economy, Premium Economy | 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg | 40x30x10 cm |
| Business Class | (2x) 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg each | 40x30x10 cm |
| Source: www.brusselsairlines.com | |||
| Bulgaria Air | |||
| Economy | 55x40x23 cm | 10 kg | allowed |
| Business | (2x) 55x40x23 cm | 15 kg | allowed |
| Source: www.air.bg | |||
| Cathay Pacific | |||
| Economy, Premium Economy | 56x36x23 cm | 7 kg | 40x30x15 cm |
| Business | 56x36x23 cm | 10 kg | 40x30x15 cm |
| First | 56x36x23 cm | 15 kg | 40x30x15 cm |
| Source: www.cathaypacific.com | |||
| Condor | |||
| Economy Light | - | 8 kg | 40x30x10 cm |
| Economy Classic, Flex, Plus | 55x40x20 cm | 8 kg | 40x30x10 cm |
| Premium Economy | 55x40x20 cm | 10 kg | 40x30x10 cm |
| Business Class, Flex, Plus | (2x) 55x40x20 cm | 16 kg | 40x30x10 cm |
| Source: www.condor.com | |||
| Copa Airlines | |||
| Main Cabin | 56x36x26 cm | 10 kg | 43x25x22 cm |
| Source: www.copaair.com | |||
| Corendon Airlines | |||
| Promo | 40x30x15 cm | 3 kg | - |
| Eco, Flex, Premium | 55x40x25 cm | 8 kg | 40x30x15 cm (3 kg) |
| Source: www.corendonairlines.com | |||
| Croatia Airlines | |||
| Economy | 55x40x20 cm | 8 kg | 40x30x10 cm |
| Business | (2x) 55x40x20 cm | 8 kg each | 40x30x10 cm |
| Source: www.croatiaairlines.com | |||
| Delta Air Lines | |||
| All Fares | 56x35x23 cm | n/a | allowed |
| Source: www.delta.com | |||
| Edelweiss Air | |||
| Economy | 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg | 40x30x10 cm |
| Business | (2x) 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg each | 40x30x10 cm |
| Source: www.flyedelweiss.com | |||
| Egyptair | |||
| Economy | 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg | - |
| Business | (2x) 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg each | - |
| Source: www.egyptair.com | |||
| Emirates | |||
| Economy | 55x38x22 cm | 7 kg | - |
| Premium Economy | 55x38x22 cm | 10 kg | - |
| Business, First Class | 55x38x22 cm | 7 kg | 45x35x20 cm (7 kg) |
| Source: www.emirates.com | |||
| Ethiopian Airlines | |||
| Economy | 55x40x23 cm | 7 kg | allowed |
| Business | (2x) 55x40x23 cm | 7 kg each | allowed |
| Source: www.ethiopianairlines.com | |||
| Etihad Airways | |||
| Economy Class | 56x36x23 cm | 7 kg | - |
| Business, First Class, The Residence | (2x) 56x36x23 cm | 12 kg | 39x23x19 cm (5 kg) |
| Source: www.etihad.com | |||
| Eurowings | |||
| Basic Fare | - | n/a | 40x30x25 cm |
| Smart Fare | 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg | 40x30x25 cm |
| BIZclass Fare | (2x) 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg each | 40x30x25 cm |
| Source: www.eurowings.com | |||
| EVA Air | |||
| Economy, Premium Economy | L+W+H = 115cm | 7 kg | L+W+H = 80cm |
| Royal Laurel, Premium Laurel, Business | 2x hand luggage | 7 kg each | L+W+H = 80cm |
| Source: www.evaair.com | |||
| Finnair | |||
| Economy Superlight | 40x30x15 cm | 8 kg | - |
| Economy, Premium Economy | 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg | 40x30x15 cm |
| Business | 55x40x23 cm | 12 kg | 40x30x15 cm |
| Source: www.finnair.com | |||
| Loganair | |||
| Fly, Fly Flex | 40x35x18 cm | 6 kg | handbag |
| Fly Flex + | 40x35x18 cm | 6 kg | handbag & laptop bag |
| Source: www.loganair.co.uk | |||
| Iberia | |||
| Tourist, Premium Economy | 56x40x25 cm | 10 kg | 40x30x15 cm |
| Business | 56x40x25 cm | 14 kg | 40x30x15 cm |
| Business Plus | (2x) 56x40x25 cm | 14 kg each | 40x30x15 cm |
| Source: www.iberia.com | |||
| Icelandair | |||
| Iceland domestic flights, Greenland | 55x35x20 cm | 6 kg | 40x30x15 cm |
| International Destinations | 55x40x20 cm | 10 kg | 40x30x15 cm |
| Sage Premium Flex | (2x) 55x40x20 cm | 10 kg each | 40x30x15 cm |
| Source: www.icelandair.com | |||
| ITA Airways | |||
| All Fares | 55x35x25 cm | 8 kg | 45x36x20 cm |
| Source: www.ita-airways.com | |||
| Japan Airlines | |||
| All Fares | L+W+H = 115cm | 10 kg | allowed |
| Source: www.jal.co.jp | |||
| KM Malta Airlines | |||
| Economy Basic, Value | - | - | 40x34x18 cm |
| Economy Plus, Flex, Business Basic, Value, Plus | 55x40x25 cm | 10 kg | 40x34x18 cm |
| Business Flex | (2x) 55x40x25 cm | 8 kg each | 40x34x18 cm |
| Source: kmmaltairlines.com | |||
| LATAM | |||
| Basic | 45x35x20 cm | n/a | - |
| Light, Standard, Full | 55x35x25 cm | 12 kg | 45x35x20 cm |
| Premium Economy, Premium Business | 55x35x25 cm | 16 kg | 45x35x20 cm |
| Source: www.latamairlines.com | |||
| Luxair | |||
| Economy | 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg | 40x30x20 cm |
| Business | (2x) 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg each | 40x30x20 cm |
| Source: www.luxair.lu | |||
| Malaysia Airlines | |||
| Economy | 56x36x23 cm | 7 kg | allowed |
| Business | (2x) 56x36x23 cm | 14 kg | allowed |
| Source: www.malaysiaairlines.com | |||
| Norwegian | |||
| LowFare | 38x30x20 cm | 10 kg | - |
| LowFare+ | 55x40x23 cm | 10 kg | 38x30x20 cm |
| Flex | 55x40x23 cm | 15 kg | 38x30x20 cm |
| Source: www.norwegian.com | |||
| Oman Air | |||
| Economy | L+W+H = 115cm | 7 kg | allowed |
| Business, First Class | 2x hand luggage | 7 kg each | allowed |
| Source: www.omanair.com | |||
| Pegasus Airlines | |||
| Light | - | - | 40x30x15 cm (3kg) |
| Saver, Saver Plus, Comfort Flex | 55x40x20 cm | 8 kg | 40x30x15 cm (3kg) |
| Source: www.flypgs.com | |||
| Qantas | |||
| Domestic Flights Australia | 56x36x23 cm | 10 kg | allowed |
| Domestic Flights Dash 8 | 48x34x23 cm | 7 kg | - |
| Economy | 56x36x23 cm | 7 kg | allowed |
| Premium Economy, Business, First | 56x36x23 cm | 10 kg | allowed |
| Source: www.qantas.com | |||
| Qatar Airways | |||
| Economy Class | 50x37x25 cm | 7 kg | allowed |
| Business, First | (2x) 50x37x25 cm | 15 kg | allowed |
| Source: www.qatarairways.com | |||
| Royal Air Maroc | |||
| All Fares | L+W+H = 115 cm | 10 kg | Laptop |
| Source: www.royalairmaroc.com | |||
| Royal Jordanian | |||
| Economy | L+W+H = 115 cm | 7 kg | n/a |
| Crown | 2x hand luggage | 7 kg each | n/a |
| Source: www.rj.com | |||
| SAS | |||
| Go Light (Europe) | 40x30x15 cm | n/a | - |
| Go Light (Asia & USA), Go Smart, Go Pro, Go Bonus, Plus Smart, Plus Pro, Plus Bonus | 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg | 40x30x15 cm |
| Plus Smart, Plus Pro (Asia & USA), Business Smart, Business Pro, Plus Bonus, Business Bonus | (2x) 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg each | 40x30x15 cm |
| Source: www.flysas.com | |||
| Singapore Airlines | |||
| Economy, Premium Economy | L+W+H = 115 cm | 7 kg | 40x30x10 cm |
| Suites, First, Business | 2x hand luggage | 7 kg each | 40x30x10 cm |
| Source: www.singaporeair.com | |||
| South African Airways | |||
| Economy | 56x36x23 cm | 8 kg | 40x30x10 cm |
| Business | (2x) 56x36x23 cm | 8 kg each | 40x30x10 cm |
| Source: www.flysaa.com | |||
| Southwest Airlines | |||
| All Fares | approx. 60x40x25 cm | - | allowed |
| Source: www.southwest.com | |||
| Smartwings | |||
| Lite | 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg | - |
| Plus, Flex | 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg | 40x30x15 cm (3 kg) |
| Business Lite, Business | (2x) 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg each | 40x30x15 cm (3 kg) |
| Source: www.smartwings.com | |||
| SunExpress | |||
| SunLight | 40x30x20 cm | 4 kg | - |
| All Other Fares | 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg | - |
| Source: www.sunexpress.com | |||
| Swiss | |||
| Economy, Premium Economy | 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg | 40x30x10 cm |
| Business, First Class | (2x) 55x40x23 cm | 8 kg each | 40x30x10 cm |