Carry-on baggage dimensions 2026
12 major airlines compared
How large can your carry-on be? There is no single size limit that applies to every airline. Here you can compare the rules side by side—and see what you actually need to check before your trip.
Used by airlines including SAS, Norwegian, Finnair, Lufthansa, Eurowings, Wizz Air and airBaltic. But it is not a universal standard.
Fits within the small-bag size limit for every airline in this comparison.
Many airlines fall within this range, but easyJet allows 15 kg and some airlines combine the weight of both bags.
“Carry-on included” does not mean the same thing everywhere. With several airlines, the lowest fare includes only a small bag under the seat. A larger bag for the overhead bin may require an add-on or a more expensive fare.
Under the seat and in the overhead bin are not the same thing.
A personal item is the smaller bag that must fit completely under the seat in front of you. It can be a small backpack, purse or laptop bag.
A larger carry-on bag goes in the overhead bin. This is usually the bag an airline means when it lists dimensions around 55 × 40 × 20–25 cm.
Low-cost fares often include only the small bag. That is why checking the airline’s maximum dimensions is not enough—you also need to see what is included with your specific fare.
Open your booking and look for two things: the number of bags and where they are stored. If it only says “small bag,” “personal item” or “underseat bag,” a larger bag for the overhead bin is normally not included.
Carry-on dimensions for major airlines.
The table shows maximum dimensions and the most common rules for economy class. Fare type, membership status, route and marketing carrier can affect what is included.
| Airline | Small bag under the seat | Larger carry-on bag | Small bag weight | Larger carry-on weight | Combined weight | What is included with the lowest fare? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAS | 40 × 30 × 15 cm max 18 liters |
55 × 40 × 23 cm | No separate weight limit stated | 8 kg | No combined weight limit stated | Small bag. A larger carry-on can be added to Economy Light. Depends on fare |
| Norwegian | 30 × 40 × 20 cm | 55 × 40 × 23 cm | LowFare: up to 10 kg | No separate weight limit stated | LowFare+: 10 kg total. Flex: 15 kg total. | LowFare includes only the bag under the seat. Depends on fare |
| Ryanair | 40 × 30 × 20 cm | 55 × 40 × 20 cm | No weight limit | 10 kg | No weight limit + 10 kg | One small bag. A larger carry-on requires an option such as Priority & 2 Cabin Bags. Depends on add-on |
| Finnair | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | 55 × 40 × 23 cm | No separate weight limit | No separate weight limit | 8 kg total in Economy/Premium Economy, 12 kg in Business | Economy Superlight includes only the small bag. Depends on fare |
| Lufthansa | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | 55 × 40 × 23 cm | No separate weight limit stated | 8 kg per larger carry-on bag | No combined weight limit stated | Economy Basic on short- and medium-haul routes includes only a personal item. Depends on fare |
| Eurowings | 40 × 30 × 25 cm | 55 × 40 × 23 cm | No separate weight limit stated | 8 kg | No combined weight limit stated | BASIC includes only a small bag. SMART also includes a larger carry-on bag. Depends on fare |
| easyJet | 45 × 36 × 20 cm | 56 × 45 × 25 cm | 15 kg | 15 kg | 15 kg per bag—you must be able to lift them yourself | One small bag is included. A larger carry-on must be included in your fare or added separately. Depends on add-on |
| KLM | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | 55 × 35 × 25 cm | No separate weight limit | No separate weight limit | 12 kg total in Economy, 18 kg in Business | Economy Basic includes only a small bag. Depends on fare |
| Air France | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | 55 × 35 × 25 cm | No separate weight limit | No separate weight limit | Usually 12 kg total in Economy | Basic includes only a small bag. A larger carry-on can be added. Depends on fare |
| Wizz Air | 40 × 30 × 20 cm | 55 × 40 × 23 cm | 10 kg | 10 kg | 10 kg per bag | One small bag is included. A larger carry-on requires WIZZ Priority. Depends on add-on |
| airBaltic | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | 55 × 40 × 23 cm | No separate weight limit | No separate weight limit | 8 kg total in Economy | Economy MINI includes only a personal item. Depends on fare |
| British Airways | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | 56 × 45 × 25 cm | You must be able to lift the bag yourself | You must be able to lift the bag yourself | You must be able to handle both bags yourself | Both a small bag and a cabin bag are normally included even with Economy Basic. Both included |
Dimensions normally include wheels, handles and protruding parts. These rules apply to flights operated by the respective airline. Different rules may apply to codeshare flights or connections.
Your bag is assessed based on how it looks when packed.
At the gate, you may be asked to place your bag in the airline’s baggage sizer. It must fit completely within the allowed space.
A soft backpack can be easier to fit than a hard-shell cabin bag, but only if it is not overpacked. The product dimensions do not help if exterior pockets or the contents make the bag bulge out.
Baggage sizers can also differ between airlines. A bag that fits with easyJet may not fit with Ryanair or KLM.
Four checks before departure.
Measure after you pack
Measure the bag at its maximum height, width and depth. Wheels, handles, side pockets and anything else that sticks out should be included.
Check both dimensions and weight
A bag can be the right size and still be too heavy. Norwegian, Finnair, KLM and airBaltic may apply a combined weight limit to both bags.
Check what your fare includes
The most common mistake is having a bag with the right dimensions but the wrong baggage allowance. Check the number of permitted bags in your booking.
Follow the strictest airline
If you are flying with multiple airlines, pack according to the smallest permitted dimensions and the lowest weight limit on your itinerary.
100 ml per container is the basic rule.
When traveling from an airport within the EU—as well as Norway, Iceland and Switzerland—each liquid container may normally hold no more than 100 ml. A larger bottle is not allowed simply because it is almost empty.
At most airports, the containers must fit inside a transparent, resealable bag with a maximum capacity of one liter. Exceptions include medications and baby food.
Screening technology varies between airports. At the new security checkpoint in Arlanda Terminal 5, 100 ml containers may remain in your carry-on and do not need to be placed in a one-liter bag. Always follow the signs and instructions at the checkpoint you are actually using.
Toothpaste, creams, gels, perfume, hair products, shaving foam and liquid or semi-liquid foods are also considered liquids.
Pack the things you need first where you can reach them immediately.
Your passport, phone, charger, headphones, medications and liquids should not require you to empty your entire bag at security.
If your larger carry-on is moved to the cargo hold because of limited space, valuables, batteries and anything you need during the flight should already be in the bag under your seat.
Backpacks for different carry-on rules.
The more airlines you want to use the same bag with, the more important it is to choose dimensions with some margin. Always compare your fully packed bag with the rules in your own booking.
The Underseat 15L
40 × 29 × 15 cmFits within the maximum small-bag dimensions for all 12 airlines in the table. Designed for the space under the seat.
The Organizer 20L
47 × 27 × 19 cmFits within the stated larger carry-on dimensions for all compared airlines—when your fare includes a bag for the overhead bin.
The Organizer 30L
54 × 31 × 24 cmDesigned for carry-on use, but depth limits vary between airlines. Leave some margin when packing and pay particular attention to 20 or 23 cm depth limits.
Quick answers about carry-on baggage.
What dimensions apply to carry-on baggage?
There is no single standard. 55 × 40 × 23 cm is common for a bag in the overhead bin, but Ryanair allows 55 × 40 × 20 cm, KLM and Air France allow 55 × 35 × 25 cm, and easyJet allows 56 × 45 × 25 cm.
Which carry-on size works with the most airlines?
For a small bag under the seat, 40 × 30 × 15 cm is a widely compatible size among the airlines in this guide. For larger carry-on baggage, staying under 55 × 35 × 20 cm is safer across many airlines, but always check your booking.
Do wheels and handles count toward the dimensions?
Yes. The bag’s full exterior dimensions normally include wheels, handles, pockets and other protruding parts.
Can you bring both a personal bag and a carry-on?
Only if your fare or an add-on includes both. With several airlines, the lowest fare includes only a small bag under the seat.
How much can carry-on baggage weigh?
Common limits are 8 or 10 kg, but the rules vary. easyJet allows up to 15 kg per cabin bag, while some airlines apply a combined weight limit to the small and large bags.
What happens if your carry-on is too large?
The airline may charge a fee and place the bag in the cargo hold. In some situations, the bag may be refused at the gate. Fees and handling depend on the airline and your booking.
Can an approved carry-on still be checked?
Yes. If the overhead bins are full, the airline may move a compliant carry-on bag to the cargo hold. Keep valuables, medications and loose lithium batteries in your smaller bag.
How much liquid can you bring in carry-on baggage?
The basic rule within the EU is a maximum of 100 ml per container. At most airports, the containers must fit inside a transparent one-liter bag, but local security checkpoints may have different procedures.
What rules apply during a layover?
Check every flight segment and which airline actually operates the flight. If the rules differ, it is safest to follow the strictest limit for the entire trip.
