How to Fly with a Carry-On Suitcase

How can one get it right when it comes to flying with a carry-on? Having a suitcase with the correct dimensions, that doesn’t exceed the weight limit permitted and that fits everything you want to take with you can seem like a real mission impossible. So many limitations make for a complicated task, especially if you are not familiar with the each airline’s rules and regulations with regard to travelling with carry-on luggage.

So, until airlines standardize both the size and weight limitations for carry-on luggage – we have compiled a list of size and weight allowances for some of our most travelled airlines, so you can focus on getting to the gate on time and enjoying your flight. (For an extensive list of airlines, see the CarryOnGuy).

Note: Following the list, discover our comparative infographic about the world’s best commercial airlines.

Air Europa
Quantity: One piece of carry-on luggage is permitted on short and medium distance flights.On long distance flights and when travelling in business class, two pieces of carry-on luggage are allowed with a maximum total weight limit of 18kg.
Size: The same size limitations are applicable for all classes of service.
Weight limit: Business class passengers can travel with up to 14kg on short and medium distance flights, 4kg more than in economy class.
Other factors: Travellers are allowed to fly with personal items, such as cameras, books and baby food, to be used during the flight.

Air France
Quantity: Only one piece of carry-on luggage is permitted per person per flight in Economy class. For long distance flights with fares in Premium Economy, two pieces of carry-on luggage are allowed, likewise for Business and Premiere fares.
Size: The same dimensions are required for all carry-on luggage, regardless of the class of service.
Weight limit: For Economy and Premium Economy fares, there are restricted weight limits – see the infographic below – however Business y Premiere fare travellers are allowed two pieces of carry-on luggage, each weighing a maximum of 18kg.
Other factors: Garment bags are considered hand luggage, however laptop computers or cameras are not counted as personal items.

British Airways
Quantity: One piece of carry-on luggage per passenger is allowed, children and adults alike, plus one additional personal item.
Size: Personal items cannot exceed the dimensions 45 cm x 36 cm x 20 cm.
Weight limit: The same weight limitations apply to all cabins of service.
Other factors: It is not permitted to travel with additional personal items, apart from those mentioned above, and duty free products are considered hand luggage.

Easyjet
Quantity: One piece of carry-on luggage per passenger is allowed, including articles such as laptop computers, any type of purse or bag, as well as garment bags.
Size: In addition to the first carry-on item, personal items are allowed that have dimensions less than 56cm x 45 cm x 25 cm, however should the flight be full, Easyjet cannot ensure these items will be able to travel in the cabin and may need to be checked.
Weight limit: The only restriction is related to size, as carry-on luggage needs to fit within the airline’s overhead compartment baggage sizer.
Other factors: Passengers are allowed to travel with coats, orthopaedic items and one bag of Duty Free purchases.

Emirates Airlines
Quantity: For Economy class fares, one piece of hand luggage is allowed. In First Class and Business, passengers are allowed two pieces of carry-on luggage.
Size: Passengers travelling to India are only allowed to carry on luggage within the dimensions 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm.
Weight limit: All classes of service have the same weight limitations applied.
Other factors: There is no problem to travel on board with Duty Free items purchased at the airport, keeping in mind the liquid travel regulations set by each country.

Iberia
Quantity: In economy class, only one piece of carry-on luggage per passenger is allowed. In Business class, two pieces of carry-on luggage per passenger are allowed.
Size: If the size limits surpass the established dimensions, even if due to outside pockets, handles or wheels on the suitcase, the bag must be checked.
Weight limit: The only restriction is related to size, as carry-on luggage needs to fit within the airport’s over-head compartment baggage sizer.
Other factors: One additional personal item is allowed.

Lufthansa
Quantity: One piece of carry-on luggage per passenger is allowed in Economy Class and Premium Economy Class. For fares in Business Class and First Class, passengers are allowed two pieces of carry-on luggage.
Size: All travel classes are subject to the same size limitations. In the case of garment bags, dimensions should not exceed 57 cm x 54 cm x 15 cm.
Weight limit: All classes of service have the same weight limitations applied.
Other factors: A second personal item is permitted within the dimensions 30 cm x 40 cm x 10 cm. Passengers may also carry on child seats and orthopaedic devices.

Qatar Airways
Quantity: In Economy Class one piece of carry-on luggage is allowed and passengers travelling in First or Business Class are allowed two pieces of carry-on luggage.
Size: All travel classes have the same size limitations.
Weight limit: Maximum weight permitted in First and Business Class is 15 kg, more than double of what is allowed in Economy Class.
Other factors: It is permitted to travel onboard with one additional personal item, such as cameras, orthopaedic devices, children’s articles or Duty Free purchases.

Ryanair
Quantity: Two pieces of carry-on luggage are allowed.
Size: The second piece of hand luggage should be smaller than the main item.
Weight limit: Even though the second item is not subject to weight restrictions, hand luggage weight should not be excessive, due to its reduced size.
Other factors: An additional bag up to 5kg is allowed for baby items, in addition to the aforementioned hand luggage.

Vueling
Quantity: One piece of carry-on luggage per passenger is allowed.
Size: All classes of service have the same size limitations; however passengers with the Excellence fare are guaranteed space in the cabin for their carry-on luggage.
Weight limit: All fares have the same weight limits applied, with the exception of the Excellence fare, where 14 kg are allowed.
Other factors: Additional personal items are not permitted.