Cabin Baggage Rules Around the World
One bag or two, 7 kg or 10 kg, sizer or eye test. What airlines actually enforce and how to avoid gate check fees.
Cabin baggage rules look standardised but they are not. A carry-on that flies free on Delta may need to be checked and paid for on Wizz Air. The differences matter especially for connecting itineraries.
Typical size and weight limits
The rough international standard is 55 x 40 x 20 cm for the main bag and 40 x 30 x 15 cm for a personal item. Weight limits vary from 5 kg (some Asian carriers) to 12 kg (Emirates economy) to no explicit limit (most US carriers).
Ryanair, Wizz, and EasyJet only include a small personal item under the seat in the base fare. The larger overhead bag is a paid add-on, typically 8 to 30 euros depending on the route and booking timing.
What gets enforced and where
US carriers rarely weigh cabin bags. European low cost carriers weigh and size aggressively - especially Ryanair at Dublin, Stansted, and Bergamo. Asian carriers weigh consistently.
The bag sizer at the gate is the enforcement point. If your bag doesn't fit, expect a 30 to 75 euro gate fee on a low cost carrier - always cheaper to add the bag online in advance.
Liquids, medication, and electronics
The 100 ml liquids rule still applies at most airports, though a growing list including London City, Amsterdam Schiphol, and several Italian airports now allow full-size liquids thanks to CT scanners. Rules can change again if the CT rollout is paused.
Prescription medication in original packaging can exceed 100 ml with a doctor's letter. Powdered baby formula and breast milk are allowed above 100 ml with reasonable quantities.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a duty-free bottle over 100 ml?
Yes, if purchased airside and kept in the sealed tamper-evident bag with receipt. But this can fail on connections - especially into the US.
Does a laptop bag count as my personal item?
Yes on most airlines. Adding another purse or backpack often exceeds your allowance.
In summary
If you take one thing from this guide, it's this: the more prepared you are before you travel, the fewer decisions you have to make when you're tired and jet-lagged. Bookmark this page and check the update date before your next trip.
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