Travelling internationally can be an exciting adventure, but one detail that often catches flyers off guard is the differing carry-on luggage requirements from one airline to the next. What qualifies as a carry-on in one country might be too large or heavy for another.
As a result, knowing the exact size and weight limits for your airline is crucial for avoiding surprise fees, delays at the gate, or even having to check in your bag last minute.
Airlines set their own guidelines based on factors like aircraft size, route, and regional safety standards. These differences become even more pronounced when comparing airlines across continents. In this guide, we’ll provide a comprehensive look at the varying international carry-on luggage restrictions and offer practical tips to help you travel smoothly with your carry-on bag.
Why Carry-On Size Matters in International Travel
Travelling with just a carry-on offers convenience, saving time at baggage claim and allowing quicker airport transitions. However, international travel brings diverse carry-on restrictions that vary significantly between airlines. Unlike domestic flights, which often have consistent guidelines, international routes can impose stricter size and weight limits.
Common issues include:
Multiple Airlines - Connecting flights with different carriers may lead to conflicting size rules, causing unexpected fees or forced baggage checks.
Regional Differences - Airlines in regions like Europe and Asia often have smaller size allowances due to aircraft design and cabin space.
Budget Airlines - Popular for international routes, budget airlines frequently enforce lower limits and charge steep fees for oversized bags.
Being aware of these differences ensures a hassle-free journey, avoiding surprise costs and delays.
Standard Carry-On Dimensions Across Major Airlines
| Airline | Carry-On Dimensions (inches) | Weight Limit (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | 22 x 14 x 9 | No strict limit |
| United | 22 x 14 x 9 | No strict limit |
| British Airways | 22 x 18 x 10 | 23 kg |
| Emirates | 22 x 15 x 8 | 7 kg |
| Singapore Airlines | 22 x 16 x 8 | 7 kg |
| Lufthansa | 22 x 16 x 9 | 8 kg |
| Air France | 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.9 | 12 kg |
| Turkish Airlines | 21.6 x 15.7 x 9 | 8 kg |
| Cathay Pacific | 22 x 14 x 9 | 7 kg |
| Jetstar | 22 x 14 x 9 | 7 kg |
| Southwest | 24 x 16 x 10 | No strict limit |
| Alaska Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 | No strict limit |
| Virgin Atlantic | 22 x 14 x 9 | 10 kg |
| Qantas | 22 x 14 x 9 | 7 kg |
Carry-on size limits can vary significantly across airlines, but a common standard is around 22” x 14” x 9” (56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. This size is typically accepted by many major carriers like Delta, United, and British Airways. However, deviations from this standard are common, especially with international and budget airlines.
Major Carriers
Airlines like Emirates and British Airways often stick close to the standard dimensions but may have more flexibility in weight limits. For example, Emirates allows a carry-on up to 22” x 15” x 8” (55 cm x 38 cm x 20 cm), while British Airways allows up to 22” x 18” x 10” (56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm), providing a bit more room.
Budget Airlines
Budget carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet are more restrictive. Ryanair’s free carry-on bag size is limited to 15.7” x 7.9” x 9.8” (40 cm x 20 cm x 25 cm), much smaller than the standard. These airlines also tend to have strict weight limits and may charge fees for larger bags.
Airlines also vary in how they measure carry-ons. While some rely on the three-dimensional measurements, others use the linear inch method, where the total of height + width + depth must fall within a specific range, typically around 45 linear inches (114 cm).
Understanding whether an airline uses individual dimensions or linear measurements can help avoid surprises at the gate.
Weight Limits: What You Need to Know
While carry-on dimensions are important, weight limits can be even more critical, especially for international travel. In the U.S., many airlines are relatively lenient with carry-on weight restrictions, often focusing more on size. However, in regions like Europe and Asia, weight limits are strictly enforced and vary significantly across airlines.
Regional Differences
In Europe and Asia, even full-service airlines impose strict weight limits on carry-on luggage. European carriers often set carry-on weight limits between 15 to 22 pounds (7 to 10 kg), while many Asian airlines, such as Singapore Airlines, cap carry-on weight at 15 pounds (7 kg).
The situation can be even more restrictive for budget airlines, which tend to enforce lower limits to encourage travellers to purchase checked baggage options.
Passengers flying within these regions need to be particularly mindful of these rules, as exceeding weight limits often results in costly additional fees.
Airline-Specific Examples
Budget airlines are generally the most restrictive when it comes to carry-on weight. For instance, EasyJet and Ryanair limit free carry-ons to as little as 10 kg (22 pounds), and they closely monitor compliance.
On the other hand, premium carriers like Qatar Airways and Emirates tend to offer more generous allowances, particularly for business and first-class passengers, with some airlines allowing up to 15 kg (33 pounds) for carry-ons. However, even with premium carriers, economy-class passengers are usually held to stricter limits, making it crucial to check your airline’s policy before packing.
Understanding the varying carry-on size and weight restrictions across international airlines is essential for hassle-free travel. While dimensions often fall within similar ranges, weight limits can differ greatly depending on the region and airline type.
By familiarising yourself with these guidelines and planning accordingly, you can avoid unexpected fees and enjoy a smoother travel experience across multiple destination.
