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Airline Baggage Guidelines

Travel Sentry Airline Baggage Guidelines: A Guide for Brands

Cabin Luggage in Overhead Bins

By Iakobchuk

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Key Dimensions to Know
  3. Trends for Carry-ons and Check-in luggage
  4. Helping Travelers Avoid Fees
  5. Airline-Specific Baggage Regulations

 

1 - Introduction: Why Airline Baggage Policies Matter

Understanding airline baggage rules is essential for businesses in the travel industry. Travelers rely on luggage that complies with these rules to avoid fees and hassles at the airport. Brands that design products that meet airline standards can attract customers and build stronger relationships with retailers and airlines.

This guide explains how your brand can design with airline policies in mind, to create luggage that works for carry-on items, checked bags and personal items, making travel easier for your customers.

2 - Key Dimensions to Know

Travelers need luggage that fits airline size and weight limits. Products that comply with these rules help reduce stress and delays at check-in.

  • Carry-On Bags: Typically no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches for international flights. These bags must fit under the seat in front or in overhead bins.
  • Checked Luggage: Airlines limit this to a maximum weight of 20–32 kg. These bags must also be durable to withstand handling.
  • Personal Items: Often a smaller bag or item that fits under the seat in front. These items hold essentials like laptops or toiletries and must comply with airline size restrictions.

3 - Trends in Carry-On and Checked Bags

  • Carry-On and Personal Items: Lightweight, compact options with smart storage are increasingly popular. Travelers want to make the most of their free-of-charge allowances.
  • Checked Bags: Features like expandable compartments and built-in weight indicators are useful. They help avoid extra fees and meet travel needs.

4 - Helping Travelers Avoid Fees

One of the biggest frustrations for travelers is paying unexpected baggage fees. Designing luggage that helps customers avoid these costs makes your brand more attractive.

  • Carry-On Baggage: Ensure they comply with the airline rules for overhead bins.
  • Checked Baggage: Use lightweight yet durable materials to stay within airline weight limits.
  • Personal Items: Offer compact designs that fit easily under the seat in front to qualify as free-of-charge items.

Products that meet airline size restrictions and weight limits will appeal to many travelers. Here’s what to consider:

  • Carry-On Luggage: Optimize storage space within strict size limits while keeping the design lightweight and functional.
  • Checked Luggage: Focus on durability and low weight to meet maximum weight requirements without sacrificing usability.

Add TSA-Accepted Locks

Adding TSA-accepted locks to carry-on bags and checked luggage enhances security and convenience. Highlighting this feature can make your products more appealing to safety-conscious customers.

5 - Airline-Specific Baggage Regulations

European Airlines Baggage Allowance Overview

LOW-COST CARRIERS

 EasyJet

  • Hand Luggage:
    • Standard: 1 small bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm). No weight limit, fits under the seat.
    • Additional larger bag (56 x 45 x 25 cm) for certain ticket types (e.g., Flexi, Extra Legroom).
  • Checked Luggage:
    • Economy: Up to 3 pieces, 23 kg per piece (fees apply).
    • Business: No standard policy; additional fees apply for checked luggage.
      View EasyJet’s baggage policy 

Ryanair

  • Hand Luggage:
    • Standard: 1 small bag (40 x 20 x 25 cm).
    • Priority: Includes 1 small bag + larger carry-on (55 x 40 x 20 cm), up to 10 kg.
  • Checked Luggage:
    • Economy: 1 or more pieces available for purchase, up to 20 kg each.
    • Business: No dedicated policy; fees apply for ticket upgrades.
      View Ryanair’s baggage policy

TUI Airways

  • Hand Luggage: 
    • 1 carry-on bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm), up to 10 kg. No additional personal item.
  • Checked Luggage:
    • Economy: 1 piece, up to 20 kg (varies by ticket).
    • Business: Policies vary—check directly with TUI for details.
      View TUI’s baggage policy

FLAG CARRIER

British Airways

  • Hand Luggage: 
    • 1 carry-on bag (56 x 45 x 25 cm), plus 1 personal item (40 x 30 x 15 cm). Combined weight: 23 kg.
  • Checked Luggage:

Lufthansa

  • Hand Luggage:
    • Economy: 1 carry-on bag (55 x 40 x 23 cm), up to 8 kg, plus 1 personal item.
    • Business: 2 carry-on bags of the same size and weight.
  • Checked Luggage:

 Virgin Atlantic

  • Hand Luggage: 
    • 1 carry-on bag (56 x 36 x 23 cm), up to 10 kg, plus 1 personal item.
  • Checked Luggage:

 

Middle East Airlines Baggage Allowance Overview

FLAG CARRIER

Emirates

  • Hand Luggage:
    • Economy: 1 carry-on bag (55 x 38 x 20 cm), up to 7 kg.
    • Business: 2 pieces: a briefcase (45 x 35 x 20 cm) and a handbag (55 x 38 x 20 cm), each up to 7 kg.
  • Checked Luggage:

Qatar Airways

  • Hand Luggage:
    • Economy: 1 piece (50 x 37 x 25 cm), up to 7 kg.
    • Business: 2 pieces with a combined weight of up to 15 kg, each up to 50 x 37 x 25 cm.
  • Checked Luggage:

 Turkish Airlines

  • Hand Luggage:
    • Economy: 1 carry-on bag (55 x 40 x 23 cm), up to 8 kg, plus 1 personal item.
    • Business: 2 carry-on bags, each up to 8 kg, plus 1 personal item.
  • Checked Luggage:

North American Airlines Baggage Allowance Overview

LOW-COST CARRIERS

jetBlue

  • Hand Luggage: 
    • 1 carry-on bag (55 x 35 x 22 cm) and 1 personal item.
  • Checked Luggage:

FLAG CARRIER

Alaska Airlines

  • Hand Luggage: 
    • 1 carry-on bag plus 1 personal item (55 x 35 x 22 cm).
  • Checked Luggage:

 American Airlines

  • Hand Luggage: 
    • 1 carry-on (56 x 36 x 23 cm) and 1 personal item (e.g., handbag or laptop case).
  • Checked Luggage:

DELTA

  • Hand Luggage: 
    • 1 carry-on bag (56 x 35 x 23 cm) and 1 personal item. No enforced weight restriction.
  • Checked Luggage: