Carry-on luggage dimensions 2026: A comparison of all major airlines

The baggage sizer is at the gate, someone in front of you is trying to shove their trolley into it – and it doesn’t fit. 60 euros, please.

To make sure that doesn’t happen to you, we have summarized the current carry-on baggage dimensions for the most important airlines flying from Vienna, Germany, and the Gulf in a table. We checked all details directly with the airlines (as of September 23, 2026). We’ve also included the bag size that fits almost everywhere, the biggest fare traps, and a few boarding tricks.

The most important things in 30 seconds

• Distinguish between two pieces of luggage: The small personal item goes under the front seat, the carry-on (trolley) into the overhead locker.
• The standard for major airlines: 55 x 40 x 23 cm and 8 kg for carry-on baggage, 40 x 30 x 15 cm for the personal item.
• Watch out for basic fares: At Austrian, Lufthansa, Eurowings, KLM, and Air France, only the small bag is included in the cheapest fare.
• Low-cost airlines: Ryanair and Wizz Air allow only one bag of 40 x 30 x 20 cm for free.
• Universal size: A trolley with a maximum of 50 x 35 x 20 cm and a bag with 40 x 30 x 15 cm will fit all airlines in our table.

Carry-on baggage dimensions 2026: all airlines at a glance

Economy Class, as of 09/23/2026. Business and First usually allow two carry-on items. Dimensions include wheels and handles, unless otherwise specified by the airline. Always check your booking before the flight – it is binding.

The universal size: These dimensions fit almost everywhere

If you fly with different airlines, you don't want a separate suitcase for each one. Comparing all the dimensions in the table, there is one size that fits everywhere:

Insider tip: Many shops sell trolleys measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm as "cabin size." These fit on most European airlines – but not on KLM and Air France (only 35 cm wide) and Qatar Airways (only 50 cm high). If you fly these airlines often, it is better to opt for a narrower model or a soft backpack that can be compressed a little.

Personal item vs. carry-on baggage: the difference

• Personal item: a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack. It must fit under the seat in front of you and is included in every fare on almost all airlines.
• Carry-on baggage: the classic cabin trolley or larger backpack for the overhead bin. It costs extra on low-cost airlines and in basic fares.
• What doesn't count: a jacket, duty-free bag, neck pillow, and umbrella are usually not counted as a separate item – though on strict airlines, it is best to wear your jacket and neck pillow when boarding.

The 5 biggest carry-on traps

1. The basic fare without a trolley.
   Austrian and Lufthansa (Economy Basic), Eurowings (Basic), KLM, and Air France (Basic) only include a personal item in their cheapest fare. Anyone arriving at the gate with a trolley will have to pay extra.
2. Forgetting wheels and handles.
   Most airlines include these in their measurements. A trolley with a 55 cm body is often 58 cm high with the wheels.
3. Underestimating the weight.
   Emirates and Qatar only allow 7 kg; on KLM and Air France, the bag and trolley are counted together (12 kg).
4. Connecting flights with different airlines.
   With separate tickets, the rules of the respective airline apply to each leg. The strictest rule determines what you are allowed to pack.
5. Paying at the gate.
   Oversized carry-on baggage costs the most there: for example, 60 pounds with easyJet or 60 to 110 euros for transport in the cargo hold with Lufthansa. Booking online in advance is almost always cheaper.

7 tricks to ensure your carry-on always fits

• Measure at home – including wheels, handles, and outer pockets. A tape measure costs less than a gate fee.
• Weigh it with luggage scales. Or step on a bathroom scale once with and once without your trolley.
• Soft instead of hard: A backpack or soft bag can be squashed into a sizing gauge; a hard-shell suitcase cannot.
• Wear heavy items on your body: Wear your jacket, thick shoes, and sweater at the airport instead of packing them.
• Use packing cubes: They keep things organized and compress clothing so the bag doesn't bulge.
• Carry your neck pillow outside: A compact neck pillow worn around your neck or attached to your backpack saves space inside the bag.
• Check your booking: The details in your booking confirmation are binding, not the general rules on a website.

When it comes to carry-on baggage, we usually travel with either a backpack or – because we fly with Ryanair quite often – our own small cabin suitcase that is precisely tailored to the permitted dimensions. One of us once had to pay around 60 euros at the gate because our luggage was too large – ever since then, we really look closely at the dimensions. Especially with budget fares, it pays to do a quick check, as a few centimeters can quickly get expensive.

Checklist: carry-on check before departure

• Fare checked: Is a trolley included or only the small bag?
• Trolley measured including wheels and handles
• Small bag fits under the seat (checked airline dimensions)
• Weight checked – for KLM and Air France, both items count together
• With separate tickets, used the strictest airline as the benchmark
• Liquids for the return flight transferred to 100 ml containers
• Power bank in carry-on, not in checked luggage
• Additional baggage booked online in advance if necessary

You can read about what belongs in your carry-on in our long-haul carry-on packing list, including the new liquid regulations for 2026.

Extra tip: save space in your carry-on

The NeckDream from Reiselieblinge does not need to be inflated, comes with a carrying bag, and can be attached to the outside of your backpack – leaving more space inside the bag. When you purchase one, you receive a free travel guide worth €14.95.

Discover NeckDream

Conclusion: knowing carry-on dimensions saves money and nerves

Most major airlines have agreed on 55 x 40 x 23 cm and 8 kg for carry-on baggage, plus a personal item of 40 x 30 x 15 cm. The exceptions lie with KLM, Air France, Qatar, and Emirates – and in the basic fares, where the trolley is no longer included at all.
Anyone who checks their fare, measures at home, and uses the universal size when in doubt will stand in line at the gate feeling relaxed.

Frequently asked questions about carry-on dimensions

How large can carry-on baggage be on a plane?

For most major airlines, such as Austrian, Lufthansa, Eurowings, Condor, and Turkish Airlines, it is 55 x 40 x 23 cm and 8 kg. KLM and Air France allow 55 x 35 x 25 cm, Qatar Airways 50 x 37 x 25 cm, and Emirates 55 x 38 x 22 cm.

Which carry-on size fits on all airlines?

A trolley measuring at most 50 x 35 x 20 cm and a maximum of 7 kg fits on all airlines in our table. For the personal item, 40 x 30 x 15 cm is on the safe side.

How large can the free bag be on Ryanair?

On Ryanair, a small bag measuring 40 x 30 x 20 cm that must fit under the seat in front of you is free. For a trolley measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm and 10 kg, you need "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags."

Do wheels and handles count towards carry-on dimensions?

Yes, on most airlines they do; for easyJet, KLM, and Air France, it is explicitly stated. Therefore, always measure your trolley including wheels, handles, and outer pockets.

Is a trolley always included with Austrian and Lufthansa?

No. The Economy Basic fare only includes a personal item of 40 x 30 x 15 cm. From Economy Light or Classic onwards, you are allowed to take an additional carry-on of 55 x 40 x 23 cm and 8 kg.

What happens if my carry-on is too large?

It will be loaded into the cargo hold at the gate, usually for a fee. With Lufthansa, this costs 60 to 110 euros, and with easyJet, 60 pounds. It is cheaper to book additional baggage online in advance.