Gear-Zone Guide to Air Travel: Baggage Allowances

Posted by Neil | September 15, 2011

Q. What’s the cabin allowance for hand luggage?

A. As a general guide, it’s 56 cms long by 45 cms wide by 25 cms deep.

However, each Airline usually has its own rules - here’s a few of the main airline’s restrictions (correct as of 08/09/11.) Please bear in mind that these are subject to change without notice, and may vary depending on country of departure or destination.

Always check with the airline itself before you fly.



British Airways

• Size (max): 56 cms x 45cms x 25 cms (22in x 18in x 10in,) including the handle, pockets and wheels


• Weight (max): 23kg (51lbs) and you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead lockers in the aircraft cabin unaided.

Also allows:

• One laptop/handbag size (max): 45 x 36 x 20 cms (18in x 14in x 8in,) including the handle and pockets, and  must fit under the seat in front of you.

Virgin Atlantic

Economy & Premium Economy

• One Item


• Size (max): 23 x 36 x 56 cms


• Weight (max): 6kg (13 lb)

Upper Class

• Two Items


• Size (max of each): 23 x 36 x 56 cms


• Weight (combined max): 16kg (35 lb)


• Weight (individual max): 12kg (26lb)

Easy Jet

• Size (max): 56 x 45 x 25 cms (including wheels and pockets)


• Weight: Must be able to be lifted into overhead unaided

Ryanair

• Size (max): 55 x 40 x 20 cms


• Weight (max): 10kg

BMI

Business

• 2 pieces + 1 personal item*


• Size (max): 55 x 40 x 23 cms


• Weight (max): Must be able to be lifted into overhead unaided

Economy

• 1 Piece = 1 personal item*


• Size (max): 55 x 40 x 23 cms


• Weight (max): Must be able to be lifted into overhead unaided

*Personal item includes handbag, laptop bag, baby changing bag.

Quantas (International Flights)

First/Business/Premium Economy

• 2 x 115 cms (45in) bags or 1 x 115 cms (45in) bag plus 1 x 185 cms (73in) non-rigid garment bag


• Bag Size (max): 56 x 36 x 23 cms/non-rigid garment bag (max): 60 x 114 x 11 cms


• Weight (max): 7kg (15lb) per piece

Economy

• 1 x 115 cms (45in) bag or 1 x 185 cms (73in) non-rigid garment bag


• Bag Size (max): 56 x 36 x 23 cms / non-rigid garment bag (max): 60 x 114 x 11 cms


• Weight (max): 7kg (15lb) per piece

Emirates

First Class and Business Class

• One briefcase plus either one handbag or one garment bag
  
  
  
  • Briefcase size (max): 45 x 35 x 20 cms
  
  
  • Handbag size (max): 55 x 38 x 20 cms
  
  
  • Garment bag (max) 20 cms thick when folded
  
  
  
  


• Weight (combined max): 12 kg

Economy

• One piece


• Size (max): 55 x 38 x 20 cms


• Weight(max): 7 kg

As airline security has been stepped up in recent years, so too have the rules for baggage allowance.

Some airline companies may apply different limits to the general guidelines, and hefty surcharges can apply if you try to flout the rules. If your hand luggage exceeds any of the stated dimensions, it must go in the hold – and you will have to pay through the nose for the privilege.

Cabin luggage goes free if you stick to the rules and keep within the stipulated dimensions. But be aware that weight can come into play too - if a piece of hand luggage is excessively overweight, you may face having it consigned to the hold, again with heavy financial penalties.

The height, length and depth of your hand luggage should be checked after packing, as bulging, expandable pockets will add to the dimensions. Remember, wheels and handles must also be taken into the equation.

Many airlines will have a check-in cage at the book-in desk for you to make sure you are within the regulations – if your cabin bag doesn’t fit, you will not be allowed to carry it on as hand luggage.

Please be aware too of the rules applying to carrying liquids on board, which seem to be subject to ever-changing security regulations.

At the present time, limited quantities of liquids, gels and lotions can be included if they are contained in a single transparent, re-sealable plastic bag measuring 20 cms x 20 cms – about the size of a small freezer bag.

The definition of liquids includes water, creams, cosmetics, lotions, oils and toothpaste; the plastic bag they are contained in must also fit inside your hand luggage itself. Individual items must not exceed 100 ml.

Any other bags like handbags and laptop bags must be able to fit within your item of hand luggage as well.

Essential medicines needed for the duration of your journey may be permitted in larger quantities, but will need proof of authentication and documentation from a medical professional. You will need to obtain prior permission from the authorities before travelling.

All airlines warn that regulations may be varied without prior warning. Always check immediately before you fly.

Here at Gear-Zone, we have a range of cabin-friendly holdalls suitable for carry-on luggage.

Small, wheeled trolley bags from Caribee include the Caribee City Flyer and their 19" Time Traveller Travel Pack. Daysacks from Berghaus, Deuter and Gregory all fit the bill, and even smaller-sized duffel bags from The North Face will fit - just

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