Preparing for a flight trip often seems simple… until the moment of choosing your luggage. hand luggage dimensionsthe Allowed weight, the specific rules for each airline company And with the possible surcharges applied at the airport, it sometimes becomes difficult to find your way around.
For your information, one cabin baggage refers to hand luggage that the passenger is allowed to bring on board the aircraft and place in the compartment located above the seats or under the seat in front of him. This may be a cabin luggage, a backpack, of a bag or other luggage that complies with the maximum dimensions and weight imposed by the airline.
Where some companies accept one cabin luggage generous, others limit travelers to a single personal bag. The result: every year, many passengers have to pay additional fees because their luggage exceeds by a few centimeters or a few kilograms the imposed limits. According to a survey conducted by AirHelp in 2025, 42 % of the travelers surveyed state that they have already paid a baggage surcharge at the airport due to a misunderstanding of the rules applied by their airline..
To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is best to know the rules before you leave. This guide helps you understand the differences between the airlines, Choose the right one size of cabin baggage and travel more serenely.
Why is the size of cabin luggage not the same between airlines?
Many travelers wonder why a cabin luggage Air France can be accepted although it will be rejected at home Ryanair or EasyJet.
The answer is simple: each airline company applies its own policy regarding the size of the Cabin baggage allowed.
Several factors explain these differences:
- the capacity of the cabin compartments
- the type of device used
- The company's commercial strategy
- the boarding conditions
- the options included in the ticket
Low-cost airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, Vueling or Transavia have developed an economic model based largely on additional services. The cabin baggage fees and luggage supplements They thus represent an important source of income.
Cabin luggage or personal bag: what’s the difference?
Before consulting the Dimensions of baggage, It is essential to distinguish two concepts that are often confused.
The personal bag usually corresponds to:
one handbag ;
one small backpack ;
one laptop bag ;
a personal accessory.
This luggage must be able to be placed under the seat in front of you.
The cabin baggage is more voluminous. It is usually a cabin luggage, of a large bag or a wheeled suitcase carried in the compartment located above the seats.
According to the company, this luggage can be:
included free of charge; ;
offered as an option; ;
subject to an additional charge.
This distinction is essential because some companies only allow one free transfer per person. small luggage.
How to choose the right size of cabin luggage?
Buy one cabin luggage Without checking the rules of the companies, it can quickly cost a lot of money. To travel with peace of mind, it is recommended to choose a suitcase compatible with the majority of airline companies.
Most common cabin baggage dimensions
The most common formats are:
- 55 x 40 x 20 cm
- 55 x 35 x 25 cm
- 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
For low-cost airlines, the dimensions are smaller:
- 40 x 20 x 25 cm
- 40 x 30 x 20 cm
- 45 x 36 x 20 cm
Watch out for the wheels and handles
A common mistake is to only measure the body of the suitcase.
Companies take into account the full dimensions:
- wheels and handles
- wheels
- external pockets
- accessories
A few extra centimeters can be enough to make it exceeding the authorized dimensions.
Specialized brands like Samsonite or Delsey Today they offer models designed to comply with the main cabin standards.
The weight of cabin baggage
Beyond the hand luggage dimensionsthe Weight of luggage It usually varies according to the airlines:
- 7 kg
- 8 kg
- 10 kg
- 12 kg
Some companies allow more, while others do not set a specific limit provided that the passenger can handle their own luggage.
Comparative table: dimensions of cabin luggage and their weight according to the main airlines
| Airlines | Affected tariff | Included luggage | Permitted dimensions | Maximum weight | Checked baggage included |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aegean | Eco | Cabin baggage | Up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm on the Airbus fleet | 8 kg | Not specified |
| Air France | Standard | Personal bag only | Up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm | Not specified | No |
| airBaltic | Eco | Personal bag only | Up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm | Not specified | No |
| American Airlines | Basic Eco | Cabin baggage + personal bag | 45 x 35 x 20 cm + 46 x 36 x 23 cm | Not specified | Not specified |
| British Airways | Basic Eco | Cabin baggage + personal bag | Up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm + 40 x 30 x 15 cm | Up to 23 kg depending on the conditions of the ticket | Not specified |
| Condor | Basic Eco | Personal bag only | Up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm | Not specified | No |
| Delta Air Lines | Basic Eco | Cabin baggage + personal bag | Up to 56 x 35 x 23 cm + bag placed under the front seat | Not specified | Not specified |
| easyJet | Standard | Personal bag only | Up to 45 x 36 x 20 cm | No official limit indicated | No |
| Emirates | Eco | Cabin baggage | Up to 55 x 38 x 22 cm | 7 kg | Generally 20 to 25 kg, depending on the destination |
| Etihad Airways | Basic Eco | Cabin baggage | Up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm | 7 kg | Not specified |
| Eurowings | Standard | Personal bag only | Up to 40 x 30 x 25 cm | Not specified | No |
| Iberia | Standard | Cabin baggage + personal bag | Up to 56 x 40 x 25 cm + 40 x 30 x 15 cm | 10 kg | Not specified |
| KLM | Standard | Personal bag only | Up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm | Not specified | No |
| Lufthansa Group | Basic Eco | Personal bag only | Up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm | Not specified | No |
| Norwegian | Eco | Personal bag only | Up to 30 x 40 x 20 cm | 10 kg | No |
| Pegasus Airlines | Eco | Personal bag only | Up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm | 3 kg | No |
| Qatar Airways | Eco | Cabin baggage | Up to 50 x 37 x 25 cm | 7 kg | From 20 kg depending on the destination |
| Ryanair | Standard | Personal bag only | Up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm | No official limit indicated | No |
| SAS | Eco | Personal bag only | Up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm | Not specified | No |
| Singapore Airlines | Eco | Cabin baggage + personal bag | Total length + width + maximum height 115 cm + bag up to 40 x 30 x 10 cm | 7 kg | Generally 25 kg depending on the route and the fare |
| SunExpress | Eco | Personal bag only | Up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 4 kg | No |
| TAP Air Portugal | Eco | Cabin baggage + personal bag | Up to 55 x 40 x 25 cm + 40 x 30 x 15 cm | 10 kg | Not specified |
| TUIfly | Basic | Personal bag only | Up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 6 kg | No |
| Turkish Airlines | Eco | Cabin baggage + personal bag | Up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm + 40 x 30 x 15 cm | 8 kg | Sometimes included depending on the destination and the fare |
| United Airlines | Basic Eco | Cabin baggage + personal bag on transatlantic flights | Up to 56 x 35 x 23 cm + 43 x 25 x 22 cm | Not specified | Not specified |
| Vueling | Basic | Personal bag only | Up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 10 kg | No |
| Wizz Air | Basic | Personal bag only | Up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 10 kg | No |
Important: The rules change regularly. Always check the official conditions of your airline before departure.
The mistakes that cost travelers the most
Many suitcases sold as «cabin» luggage do not comply with the dimensions imposed by some low-cost airlines.
Exceeding the limit of a few kilograms can lead to significant additional costs.
When traveling round-trip, the rules may differ between two airlines.
A compliant suitcase at Air France may become non-compliant at EasyJet or Ryanair.
The fees applied at the time of boarding are often much higher than those offered when booking online.
Families, business travelers and athletes: special requirements
The restrictions size of cabin baggage They can quickly become restrictive in certain situations.
Between the children's clothes, strollers, accessories, and personal belongings, respecting the load and size limits quickly becomes complex.
Laptops, professional files, spare parts or specific equipment often require more space than just cabin baggage.
Skiing, golf, diving, cycling or surfing equipment generally exceeds the dimensions accepted in the cabin and must be checked in as luggage or transported separately.
How to avoid additional fees?
A few simple reflexes allow’Avoid unpleasant surprises :
- Check the company's conditions before departure
- measure your suitcase
- check the weight of the luggage
- compare the cost of a cabin baggage with that of a suitcase
These tips are particularly useful when you travel regularly with different people. airlines.
The increasingly chosen alternative: luggage shipping
Facing increasingly strict restrictions imposed by airlines, many travelers today choose to use a service from’luggage shipping. This solution allows to:
- avoid the size constraints of cabin baggage
- no longer monitoring the weight of his cabin baggage
- avoid the costs associated with overruns
- move more comfortably
- have bulky luggage transported
- send sports equipment, strollers or specific equipment directly to the destination
Why choose LRC Bagagerie?
With LRC Lugagerie, You no longer need to wonder if your airplane cabin luggage comply with your company's criteria. The service allows:
- to have your luggage shipped directly to your destination
- to avoid constraints related to cabin dimensions
- Travel light from the moment you arrive at the airport
- to have bulky equipment transported
- to benefit from a door-to-door service
- to track the movement of your luggage in real time.
Whether you were traveling with Air France, Ryanair, EasyJet, Transavia or any other airline, your luggage is waiting for you directly at your hotel, rental property or residence.
So, instead of spending time measuring your luggage, checking every kilogram, or worrying about an extra cost at check-in, you can enjoy your trip from the moment you leave.
Frequently asked questions about cabin baggage
What is the size of standard cabin baggage?
Most companies accept one hand luggage dimensions close to 55 x 40 x 20 cm, but some apply more restrictive rules.
What is the maximum weight allowed for cabin baggage?
According to the companies, it usually ranges between 7 and 12 kg.
Is my backpack considered cabin luggage?
It all depends on its dimensions. A small backpack can be considered a personal bag.
Can I bring a laptop?
Yes, but he must follow the company's rules and be transported in your cabin luggage or your bag.
How to avoid baggage fees?
The best way is to check the allowed dimensions before departure and to anticipate your needs. For trips with a lot of luggage, packing it in luggage is often the most comfortable solution.
The rules regarding the size of cabin baggage change regularly and vary greatly from one airline to another. Before each trip, take the time to check the allowed dimensions and weight to avoid any unexpected extra charges.
What transport services does LRC Bagagerie offer?
LRC Bagagerie offers you a door-to-door luggage transport solution, directly from your home to your place of stay. Travel lighter, we take care of the rest.
Depending on your needs, we can take care of the transport of your luggage, l’ski expedition, of golf clubs or even the transportation of personal belongings as part of an Moving.
Our services are designed to simplify your travel, avoid the constraints associated with bulky luggage, and allow you to travel more comfortably.
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