Carry-on Baggage Policy Guide

Your Guide to Airline Cabin Baggage Policies

Packing your suitcase can be fun and exciting. It’s often the first step of the journey you’re eager to embark on. But for many people, it can also be challenging. You might wonder what you can or cannot bring. The rules regarding cabin baggage can seem complicated, and it's sometimes difficult to know what to pack or leave behind. Since each airline has its own rules, it’s not always easy to know how to prepare your luggage.

This guide is here to clarify all your questions. It outlines the main rules for cabin baggage in economy class for the world’s largest airline groups, such as Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and oneworld. It also includes the rules of major low-cost airlines in Europe, the United States, and Australia. Familiarising yourself with these rules means you’re already starting your journey on the right foot.

This guide also explains why having the right cabin travel bag is essential when flying. A good bag is not just a container—it can transform your entire travel experience. The ideal bag is versatile. It should meet your needs and comply with airline regulations. This makes packing quicker and easier. You won’t have to worry about extra fees or last-minute bag rearrangements. A well-designed bag can also make you feel comfortable and stylish, helping you feel ready to go anywhere you wish.

The Challenge of Varying Cabin Baggage Rules

It can be difficult to keep track of cabin baggage rules. There’s no universal rule that applies to all airlines. Each sets its own dimensions, weight limits, and the number of bags allowed. Sometimes, rules even differ within the same airline alliance. This often depends on aircraft size, safety standards, and each airline’s operational practices.

If your carry-on is oversized, airlines typically charge fees ranging from $25 to $100 or may require you to check the bag at the gate, potentially incurring additional penalties depending on the airline’s policy.

Traditional airlines often allow you to bring a carry-on bag and a personal item at no extra cost. These two items are included in your ticket. Low-cost airlines keep their prices low by removing many services. With their cheapest ticket, you might only be entitled to a small personal item that fits under the seat. For a larger carry-on, you’ll need to pay extra. This is how these airlines offer very low base fares. Therefore, it’s important to check what’s included in your ticket before purchasing.

Airline rules change frequently. What was allowed on a previous flight may no longer be permitted the next time. A bag that was accepted before might suddenly be rejected. That’s why it’s essential to check the latest rules before traveling. These changes can happen quickly, so always take the time to verify the most recent information before departure.

The Ideal Solution: An Adaptable Travel Bag

Since cabin baggage rules are constantly changing, it can be hard to keep up. A good idea is to choose a versatile bag—one you can expand or reduce based on your needs. You can use it daily and then expand it for a multi-day trip. Such a bag simplifies your travels and reduces hassles.

The Baluchon weekend bag is designed to adapt to your needs. It features an ingenious system that allows you to expand its capacity instantly. It goes from 15 litres to 35 litres with a single move. You can carry everything you need for a business trip or a longer stay. You’ll never worry about your bag exceeding cabin size limits.

With low-cost airlines, personal item size regulations are very strict. By keeping the Baluchon in its reduced format, you stay compliant with these requirements. If you’re flying with a major airline, you can expand it to fit more items. This bag adapts to your needs without the need for multiple bags. The Baluchon is lightweight, water-repellent, made in France, and is as stylish as it is practical—perfect as a personal item.

Cabin Baggage Policies: Complete Guide

To help you prepare for your next trip, we’ve compiled cabin baggage rules for economy class from over 50 major airlines. These rules can change at any time, so it’s important to check the airline’s website before you travel.

Members of Star Alliance

Star Alliance is one of the largest airline groups. It has 25 member airlines. Most airlines in the group allow you to bring a carry-on bag and a personal item when you travel. The size and weight limits of your luggage may vary depending on the airline.

• Air Canada: The allowed baggage size is 55x40x23 cm. If you purchase a Basic fare ticket on certain routes, you may only be allowed to bring a personal item.
• Lufthansa: You can bring a bag measuring 55x40x23 cm, not exceeding 8 kg.
• Singapore Airlines: Your bag must not exceed a total size of 115 cm. The weight cannot exceed 7 kg.
• Swiss International Air Lines: One bag can measure 55x40x23 cm and must weigh less than 8 kg.
• Turkish Airlines: The bag must measure 55x40x23 cm and not exceed 8 kg.
• United Airlines: You can bring a bag up to 56x35x22 cm. If you are travelling in Basic Economy, you may only be allowed to bring a personal item.

SkyTeam Members

The SkyTeam alliance includes 18 airlines. The rules for these airlines are almost the same. You can take one carry-on bag and one personal item with you on your travels. Together, these two items must not weigh more than 12 kg.

• Air France: You can take one carry-on bag of 55x35x25 cm. The weight limit for your carry-on and personal item is 12 kg.
• Delta Air Lines: Your baggage can measure up to 56x35x23 cm. There is no weight limit for your personal item or carry-on. If you book in Basic Economy, you can still bring a normal-sized bag.
• KLM: You must adhere to the size of 55x35x25 cm for your luggage. Your carry-on luggage and personal item must not weigh more than 12 kg, just like with Air France.

Membres of oneworld 

The oneworld alliance includes 15 airlines. When you travel with them, you can benefit from advantageous baggage rules. For example, British Airways has a weight limit of 23 kg for your luggage.

• American Airlines: The size of the luggage can be 56x36x23 cm. There is no weight limit for luggage.
• British Airways: You can take one bag up to 56x45x25cm. A handbag is also allowed. The total weight of your luggage and handbag must not exceed 23 kg, which is a good weight limit.
• Qantas: The allowed luggage size is 56x36x23cm. If you are traveling on international flights, the luggage can weigh up to 7 kg. For domestic flights, you can bring luggage up to 10 kg.

Low Cost Airlines

Low-cost airlines are strict about baggage rules. That's how they keep fares low. Most of the time, you can take a small personal item for free. If you want to take more luggage, you may have to pay extra.

• easyJet (Europe): You can bring one small personal item for free. Its dimensions must be less than 45x36x20 cm. If you want to bring a larger cabin bag, you will have to pay extra.
• Ryanair (Europe): You can have a small personal item at no charge. Its size must not exceed 40x30x20 cm. If you want to take a 10 kg carry-on bag, you must choose the "Priority & 2 carry-on bags" option.
• Spirit Airlines (United States): One small personal item is allowed for free. It must not exceed 45x35x20 cm. A carry-on bag will require an extra fee.
• Jetstar (Australia): You can take two personal items. Their total weight must not exceed 7 kg. You can pay extra to add another 7 kg carry-on bag if you wish to bring more luggage.

Travel with Style and Confidence

Cabin baggage rules may seem complicated. But with the right information and the right bag, you can prepare for your trip with peace of mind. Understanding the rules and choosing a compliant bag helps you avoid extra fees and travel light-heartedly.

The Baluchon bag is more than just a travel bag. It’s an item that accompanies you everywhere, with elegance. Its innovative design allows you to carry everything you need, whether for a city trip or a longer getaway.

Discover the Baluchon collection. You’ll find a bag that suits you, almost like a piece of clothing. It fits close to your body, lets you move freely, and makes you feel good. It’s an opportunity to try a new way of traveling: simple, practical, and stylish. A perfect blend of comfort and elegance for all your adventures.