Hand luggage must not exceed 55 × 40 × 20 cm and a maximum of 8–10 kg with most European airlines. The IATA recommends this size as a guideline – it isn't binding. Ryanair and Wizz Air only allow 40 × 30 × 20 cm free of charge. All dimensions apply including wheels, handles, and outer pockets.
Every airline sets its own dimensions, weight limits, and fare conditions – and anyone who books the wrong fare or brings the wrong luggage pays extra at the gate. The rules below are based on publicly available airline information (as of June 2026) and should be checked directly with the relevant airline before every flight.
On this page
- What Is Hand Luggage?
- The IATA Recommendation
- Hand Luggage Rules of the Major Airlines
- 2026 Comparison Table
- What's Not Allowed in Hand Luggage
- What Must Go in Your Hand Luggage
- New 2026 Rule: Power Banks at the Lufthansa Group
- Common Mistakes – and How to Avoid Them
- Buying the Right Hand Luggage Case
- FAQ
What Is Hand Luggage?
Hand luggage – also called cabin luggage, on-board luggage, or carry-on – refers to items of luggage that passengers are allowed to take into the aircraft cabin. It isn't transported in the cargo hold, but instead stowed either in the overhead bin above the seat or under the seat in front.
Most airlines distinguish between two categories:
- Cabin trolley – the larger piece of luggage, goes in the overhead bin above the seat; included free of charge or must be added, depending on the fare
- Personal item – a smaller bag, backpack, or laptop bag; must fit under the seat in front; free with almost all fares
Whether both pieces are allowed into the cabin free of charge depends on the airline, fare, and booking class. Since 2025/2026, only the personal item is free with the cheapest fare on many airlines. Anyone who isn't careful ends up paying for the trolley at the gate – at noticeably higher prices than at online booking.
The IATA Recommendation
The IATA (International Air Transport Association) is the worldwide umbrella body for airlines, headquartered in Geneva. It represents more than 300 airlines and develops industry-wide recommendations for safety, standards, and processes. For hand luggage, the IATA has published the following guideline figures:
- Recommended maximum size: 55 × 40 × 20 cm (length × width × depth)
- Maximum linear dimensions: 115 cm (sum of length + width + depth)
- Recommended maximum weight: 8 kg
The IATA recommendation isn't a binding standard. Every airline sets its own rules – and these sometimes deviate significantly, both above and below the guideline.
British Airways allows up to 56 × 45 × 25 cm and 23 kg; Ryanair, without a Priority ticket, allows only one bag at 40 × 30 × 20 cm. All dimensions always include wheels, handles, outer pockets, and any protruding parts. Anything too big for the gate sizer gets checked in.
Hand Luggage Rules of the Major Airlines
Lufthansa
Cabin trolley: 55 × 40 × 23 cm, max. 8 kg | Personal item: 40 × 30 × 15 cm
- New from May 2026 (Economy Basic): with the cheapest short-haul fare, only the personal item is free. A cabin trolley must be added separately or checked in. Higher fares (Economy Classic, Business, First) still include the trolley.
- Business Class and First Class: two pieces of hand luggage allowed
- Lufthansa is a founding member of the IATA and is considered one of the most baggage-friendly airlines in Europe
Current rules: lufthansa.com
Eurowings
BASIC fare: only the personal item is free – 40 × 30 × 25 cm, no fixed weight limit | SMART and BIZclass fares: cabin trolley additionally included, 55 × 40 × 23 cm, max. 8 kg | BIZclass: two large trolleys allowed
- Eurowings is part of the Lufthansa Group – the same power bank rules have applied since January 2026
- Gate checks are active on fully booked flights; 55 × 40 × 20 cm is safer at the gate than 55 × 40 × 23 cm if the case is right at the capacity limit
- BASIC fare bookings are a common source of error: many travellers assume they have a trolley included – and end up paying extra at the gate
Current rules: eurowings.com
Ryanair
Without a Priority ticket: only a small bag is free – 40 × 30 × 20 cm, no weight limit; must fit under the seat in front | With Priority Boarding: cabin trolley additionally included, 55 × 40 × 20 cm, max. 10 kg
- Ryanair is the most restrictive major European airline for hand luggage without add-ons
- Without Priority Boarding, a large trolley is pulled aside at the gate and checked in for a fee
- The 20 cm depth is the decisive measurement: many suitcases at 55 × 40 × 23 cm don't fit into the Ryanair sizer
- Priority Boarding must be added at booking or, at the latest, before check-in
Current rules: ryanair.com
easyJet
Standard (without add-ons): small bag 45 × 36 × 20 cm, max. 15 kg; must fit under the seat | With an Upfront or Extra Legroom seat: large cabin bag additionally included, 56 × 45 × 25 cm
- At 15 kg, easyJet allows one of the highest weight limits in Europe for small hand luggage
- The standard size of 45 × 36 × 20 cm is smaller than the IATA guideline – a compact backpack suits this better than a cabin trolley
Current rules: easyjet.com
Wizz Air
Free of charge: small bag 40 × 30 × 20 cm | With WIZZ Priority: cabin trolley 55 × 40 × 23 cm, max. 10 kg
- Along with Ryanair, Wizz Air is among the airlines with the strictest free hand luggage rules
- The free-of-charge size of 40 × 30 × 20 cm matches the lowest common denominator across European airlines
Current rules: wizzair.com
KLM
Cabin trolley: 55 × 35 × 25 cm, max. 12 kg | Personal item: 40 × 30 × 15 cm
- At 12 kg, KLM allows a generous weight limit for cabin trolleys
- Combination of trolley and personal item: both pieces together must not exceed 12 kg
Current rules: klm.de
British Airways
Cabin trolley: 56 × 45 × 25 cm, max. 23 kg | Personal item: 40 × 30 × 15 cm
- At 23 kg, British Airways allows the highest hand luggage weight among the major European airlines
- The allowed trolley volume exceeds the IATA standard and matches the highest possible limit
Current rules: britishairways.com
Turkish Airlines
Cabin trolley: 55 × 40 × 23 cm, max. 8 kg | Personal item: 40 × 30 × 15 cm
- Turkish Airlines follows the European IATA standard size
- Business Class: two pieces of luggage allowed
Current rules: turkishairlines.com
Comparison Table: Hand Luggage Dimensions of the Major Airlines in 2026
| Airline | Cabin trolley (max.) | Weight | Personal item (max.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lufthansa | 55 × 40 × 23 cm | 8 kg | 40 × 30 × 15 cm |
| Eurowings (SMART) | 55 × 40 × 23 cm | 8 kg | 40 × 30 × 25 cm |
| Ryanair (Priority) | 55 × 40 × 20 cm | 10 kg | 40 × 30 × 20 cm |
| easyJet (Standard) | – | – | 45 × 36 × 20 cm |
| Wizz Air (Priority) | 55 × 40 × 23 cm | 10 kg | 40 × 30 × 20 cm |
| KLM | 55 × 35 × 25 cm | 12 kg | 40 × 30 × 15 cm |
| British Airways | 56 × 45 × 25 cm | 23 kg | 40 × 30 × 15 cm |
| Turkish Airlines | 55 × 40 × 23 cm | 8 kg | 40 × 30 × 15 cm |
As of June 2026. Check the current requirements of the relevant airline before every flight.
What's Not Allowed in Hand Luggage: Prohibited Items
Liquids (EU-wide)
- Maximum container size: 100 ml per container
- All liquid containers must fit into a transparent, resealable 1-litre plastic bag
- Exceptions: prescription medication, baby food (must be shown at the security check)
- At airports with CT scanners, different rules may partly apply – check with the relevant airport before departure
Sharp and Dangerous Items
- Knives of any kind (including pocket knives, folding knives)
- Scissors with a blade length over 6 cm
- Razor blades without a holder
- Batons, martial arts equipment
Other Prohibited Items
- Lighters with liquid fuel (petrol lighters)
- Spray paint, paint cans
- Pressurised gas containers (e.g. camping gas)
- Firearms and ammunition (exceptions only with a permit, in checked luggage)
What Must Go in Your Hand Luggage
Certain items may not be transported in checked luggage for safety reasons and must be carried in the cabin.
Batteries and Rechargeable Batteries
- Power banks (lithium-ion batteries): hand luggage only, never in a checked suitcase
- Spare batteries for laptops, cameras, headphones, etc.
- Laptops, tablets, smartphones: may be transported in checked luggage, but are better protected in hand luggage
E-Cigarettes and Vapes
E-cigarettes, vapes, and pod systems may only be carried in hand luggage or on your person – never in a checked suitcase. This applies worldwide across all airlines, since the lithium-ion battery poses a fire risk in the cargo hold. Important: if you have to check in your trolley spontaneously at the gate, you must remove all battery-powered devices beforehand. E-liquids are subject to the 100 ml liquid rule.
Medication
Liquid medication may exceed the 100 ml rule if it's prescribed by a doctor and documented accordingly. Insulin pens, inhalers, and other medical devices should always go in your hand luggage.
Valuables
Jewellery, cash, and important documents should always go in your hand luggage. Electronics such as laptops and cameras may be transported in checked luggage, but are less well protected there against theft and damage.
New 2026 Rule: Power Banks at the Lufthansa Group
Since 15 January 2026, stricter rules for lithium batteries have applied at the Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Eurowings, Swiss, Austrian, and Brussels Airlines):
- Maximum of 2 power banks per person
- Power banks must be stowed on your person or under the seat in front – not in the overhead bin
- Use and charging on board are completely banned
- Up to 100 Wh allowed without approval
- 100–160 Wh only with prior airline approval
- Over 160 Wh completely banned
- Power banks and e-cigarettes are generally banned in checked luggage
These rules were introduced after fires caused by overheating batteries occurred in overhead bins. Violations are penalised at the gate.
Common Hand Luggage Mistakes – and How to Avoid Them
- Measuring dimensions without wheels and handles: all stated dimensions refer to the exterior size including any protruding parts. Wheels, telescopic handles, outer pockets, and side clips all count. Anyone who measures only the main body risks an unpleasant surprise at the gate sizer.
- Booking the wrong fare: BASIC and Light fares at Lufthansa, Eurowings, Ryanair, and Wizz Air don't include a cabin trolley. Anyone who overlooks this when booking pays at the gate – at noticeably higher prices than with advance booking.
- Not accounting for different airlines on outbound and return flights: if you fly out with Ryanair and back with Lufthansa, you need to follow Ryanair's stricter dimensions – unless you add Priority Boarding.
- Not checking the weight at home: the empty weight of a cabin case ranges from 1.8 to 3.5 kg depending on the model. With an 8 kg limit, that leaves only 4.5 to 6.2 kg of packing weight. Anyone who doesn't weigh it risks extra charges.
- Power bank or e-cigarette in a checked suitcase: both are banned in the cargo hold worldwide. If you have to check in at the gate spontaneously, you must remove all battery-powered devices from the case beforehand.
- Overfilling a soft bag: soft-shell suitcases are easy to overfill. The gate sizer checks the item of luggage in its actual shape.
Buying the Right Hand Luggage Case
Anyone flying with several airlines or often using budget airlines should go by 55 × 40 × 20 cm. This size matches the Ryanair limit and is also accepted by almost all other airlines.
Anyone flying exclusively with network airlines (Lufthansa, Eurowings, KLM, Turkish Airlines) can go up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm – that offers 3 to 5 litres more volume.
Pay attention to the empty weight: cases under 2 kg leave the most room within the weight limit. Polycarbonate hardside cases are lightweight, shape-stable, and reliably pass gate sizers.
Recommendations by travel type:
- Frequent flyers with Ryanair/Wizz Air: 55 × 40 × 20 cm hardside case, under 2 kg empty weight
- Business travellers with Lufthansa/Eurowings SMART: 55 × 40 × 23 cm with a laptop compartment
- Short trips with a handbag as the second item: 40 × 30 × 20 cm backpack or underseater as a personal item
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Hand Luggage on the Plane
How big can hand luggage be on a plane?
There's no single EU-wide rule. The IATA recommends 55 × 40 × 20 cm as a guideline size. Lufthansa, Eurowings, and Turkish Airlines allow 55 × 40 × 23 cm. Ryanair and Wizz Air only accept 40 × 30 × 20 cm free of charge. To be on the safe side, go with 55 × 40 × 20 cm – it fits with almost all airlines.
What is an underseater?
An underseater is a case, backpack, or bag with a maximum size of 40 × 30 × 20 cm, specifically designed to fit under the seat in front on the plane. It counts as a personal item and is free with almost all European airlines – even with the cheapest fare at Ryanair or Wizz Air.
Can I bring a case and a backpack?
Most airlines allow one piece of cabin luggage plus one personal item. Whether both are free in the cabin depends on the fare. With the cheapest fare at Ryanair, Wizz Air, or Eurowings BASIC, only the smaller item is free.
What happens if my hand luggage is too big or too heavy?
The item of luggage is pulled aside at the gate and transported in the cargo hold for a fee. Charges range from 45 to over 100 euros depending on the airline – considerably more than booking in advance online.
Can I bring a handbag in addition to the trolley?
Yes, as long as it counts as a personal item and fits under the seat in front. Permitted dimensions range from 40 × 30 × 15 cm to 40 × 30 × 25 cm depending on the airline. A large backpack, on the other hand, already counts as cabin luggage.
Can I bring power banks in my hand luggage?
Yes – but only in hand luggage. Power banks are banned in checked luggage. At the Lufthansa Group, a limit of a maximum of 2 power banks per person has applied since January 2026. Up to 100 Wh without approval, 100–160 Wh only with airline approval, over 160 Wh is generally banned.
Can I bring my e-cigarette or vape on the plane?
Yes – but only in hand luggage or on your person, never in a checked suitcase. This applies worldwide for all types of vapes. Vaping and charging on board are completely banned. E-liquids are subject to the 100 ml liquid rule. In Thailand, Singapore, and Qatar, severe penalties including prison sentences are possible.
Does the 100 ml liquid rule still apply?
Yes, EU-wide. At some airports with CT scanners, liquids in their original packaging may stay in the case – but the rule hasn't been lifted across the board. When in doubt, always keep 100 ml containers ready in the 1-litre bag.
Do I need to measure my hand luggage at home?
Absolutely – including all external parts such as wheels, handles, and outer pockets. Gate sizers check the luggage in its actual size. Anyone who doesn't measure it risks a fee of 45 to over 100 euros, or having to check it in regardless.
What's the safe universal case for all airlines?
A cabin trolley with exterior dimensions of 55 × 40 × 20 cm matches the IATA recommendation, is Ryanair-compliant, and is accepted by almost all European airlines. At 55 × 40 × 23 cm, you get more volume, but it isn't compliant with Ryanair or Wizz Air without adding Priority.
All information as of June 2026. Airline rules can change at short notice – always obtain binding information directly from the relevant airline.