📋 Essential to remember: Personally, I consider that verifying hand luggage measurements prior to departure is mandatory to eliminate gate penalties. Most legacy carriers allow a standard 55 x 40 x 20 cm allowance, whereas low-cost operators restrict free access to a smaller personal item fitting beneath the seat. Measuring your bag including handles and wheels ensures a smooth boarding process.
Knowing which size of cabin suitcase to choose for your next trip can be a real headache. Airlines impose strict rules regarding dimensions and weight. This article explores the different requirements of the main airlines to help you make your choice.
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European Airlines: which dimensions to respect?
| Airline | Max dimensions (H x W x D) | Max weight | Included personal item |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air France | 55 x 35 x 25 cm | 12 kg (combined) | Yes (40 x 30 x 15 cm) |
| EasyJet | 45 x 36 x 20 cm | 15 kg | Under-seat bag only |
| Ryanair | 40 x 20 x 25 cm | 10 kg | Under-seat bag only |
| Lufthansa | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg | Yes (40 x 30 x 10 cm) |
For more information about the various allowable sizes, you can learn more.
Air France
For Air France, the average allowed size for a cabin suitcase is 55 x 35 x 25 cm, including handles, pockets, and wheels. The maximum allowed weight is 12 kg.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa allows you to bring a cabin suitcase whose dimensions do not exceed 55 x 40 x 23 cm and whose maximum weight is 8 kg.
EasyJet
At easyJet, the policy is quite simple: only suitcases smaller than 56 x 45 x 25 cm are accepted, with no defined weight limit. However, you must be able to place your luggage in the overhead compartment without assistance.
- Air France: 55 x 35 x 25 cm, 12 kg
- Lufthansa: 55 x 40 x 23 cm, 8 kg
- easyJet: 56 x 45 x 25 cm, no defined weight
American Airlines: various standards
🍀 Advantages
• Fast airport departures without waiting at baggage reclaim carousels.
• Complete elimination of lost or delayed luggage risks.
• Significant financial savings on checked baggage fees.
🔻 Weaknesses
• Strict liquid restrictions limiting toiletries to 100 ml containers.
• Restricted space requiring careful garment selection and packing.
Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines accepts cabin luggage with maximum dimensions of 56 x 35 x 23 cm, with a weight limit of 10 kg on certain flights.
💡 Did you know? In 2015, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) proposed an official ‘Cabin OK’ size of 55 x 35 x 20 cm, but individual airlines continue to enforce their own independent dimension limits.
United Airlines
United Airlines imposes maximum dimensions of 56 x 35 x 22 cm for cabin suitcases, with no official weight restriction, but they must comply with the specific criteria of the international or domestic flight concerned.
American Airlines
⚠️ Common mistake: Measuring a suitcase when it is completely empty. Overstuffing front pockets or expanding zippered compartments often adds 3 to 5 cm of depth, pushing an otherwise compliant bag over official gate thresholds.
American Airlines allows cabin suitcases of 56 x 36 x 23 cm, with some exceptions depending on the travel class. No maximum weight is generally applied.
- Delta Airlines: 56 x 35 x 23 cm, 10 kg
- United Airlines: 56 x 35 x 22 cm, no defined weight
- American Airlines: 56 x 36 x 23 cm, no defined weight
⏱️ Practical tip: Wear heavy coats and bulky boots onto the aircraft during boarding. Transferring dense garments out of your bag instantly frees up interior space and reduces overall carry-on weight.
Asian and Oceanian: varied configurations
Qantas
The Australian airline Qantas allows cabin luggage with a maximum size of 56 x 36 x 23 cm and a weight that must not exceed 7 kg.
Singapore Airlines
On board Singapore Airlines, travelers can bring a 55 x 38 x 20 cm suitcase, weighing a maximum of 7 kg.
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific allows cabin suitcases with maximum dimensions of 56 x 36 x 23 cm, and with a total weight less than or equal to 7 kg.
- Qantas: 56 x 36 x 23 cm, 7 kg
- Singapore Airlines: 55 x 38 x 20 cm, 7 kg
- Cathay Pacific: 56 x 36 x 23 cm, 7 kg
Low-cost: stricter restrictions
Ryanair
With Ryanair, only cabin suitcases of 40 x 20 x 25 cm are allowed without extra fees. To bring a larger suitcase, measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm, you must opt for priority boarding.
Wizz Air
Wizz Air also applies a strict policy: basic customers can only bring a suitcase of 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Those who have booked WIZZ Priority can board with a suitcase of 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
- Ryanair: 40 x 20 x 25 cm (or 55 x 40 x 20 cm with priority boarding)
- Wizz Air: 40 x 30 x 20 cm (or 55 x 40 x 23 cm with WIZZ Priority)
General criteria to consider when choosing a cabin suitcase
Standardized versus non-standardized dimensions
Airlines vary considerably in terms of allowed dimensions and weight. This lack of universality means that the same luggage could be accepted by some airlines and rejected by others. Always check the specific requirements before traveling.
- Ensure that total dimensions include wheels, handles, and other accessories.
- Do not exceed the maximum weight even if it is not explicitly indicated by each airline.
Advantages of choosing a suitcase that meets strict standards
Navigating between variable requirements sometimes requires investing in a cabin suitcase adapted to multiple airlines. These specific options guarantee maximum flexibility and reduce the risk of refusal or extra fees related to oversizing.
Intermediate conclusion
Knowing the specifications of cabin suitcases imposed by each airline greatly simplifies travel preparations. Whether you travel with Air France, Delta Airlines, or Qantas, respecting their guidelines ensures a worry-free departure.
