Hand Luggage Size

The IATA (International Air Transport Association) has existing guidelines for the cabin baggage / hand luggage size. However, these are not followed by all airlines.

The IATA Standards

The IATA recommendation states the maximum bag dimensions should be 22 in (56 cm) x 18 in (46 cm) x 10 in (25 cm) (L x W x D). The bag’s dimensions should not exceed 45 in (10 cm). These specifications include the wheels and side pockets.

Sizes Used by Other Airlines

Some low cost airlines impose a bag size limit of 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm. The maximum weight limit is 5 kg to 12 kg. At Aurigny the hand luggage size limit is 43 cm x 30 cm x 18 cm for regional. For inter-island the weight limit is 10 kg.

At Austrian Airlines the maximum allowable weight is 8 kg. The dimensions cannot exceed 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm. At Air France, the size limit is 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm. An accessory is also allowed (a laptop, camera, etc). The maximum weight limit is 12 kg.

AT BMIBaby, the weight limit is 10 kg and the bag size is 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm. At EasyJet, the baggage size limit is 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm. There is no weight limit. At British Airways, the hand luggage size cannot be bigger than 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm.

At Flybe, the bag limit size is 50 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm. The bag cannot weigh more than 10 kg. The bag weight at Jet Airways is 7 kg and the bag dimensions cannot be more than 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm.

Other Rule Variations in Airlines

Almost all airlines allow only one bag, although some permit carrying smaller hand items. The flight attendants and pilots also follow the same rules applicable for the passengers.

In most airlines, first class passengers or mileage club members are entitled to carry another bag with the same specs as the first one. This privilege is not allowed in the United Kingdom.

On some airlines, the hand luggage may be carried to the cargo section. In these instances, the luggage is gathered when getting on the craft. It is given back to the passengers upon landing.

Restrictions on Liquids

In many airlines, liquids with only 100 ml max per piece are allowed. The pieces must also be kept in one re-sealable bag. The maximum size is 1 liter (1000 ml). The restrictions do not apply on baby milk and other products for babies.

There is also no restriction for nutrition related to diabetes. There are also restrictions on sharp objects, including razor blades and darts.

The hand luggage size restrictions are always subject to change. Changes may be implemented in cases of security threats. For this reason it is essential that you get in touch with the airline to determine the baggage restrictions.