Airlines don't follow one universal cabin-bag size. Your allowance can depend on the airline, fare type, cabin class, route and even the aircraft you're flying on. IATA notes that many airlines use a general maximum carry-on reference of 56 × 45 × 25 cm, but each airline sets its own baggage rules.
For European travellers, this is especially important when flying with budget airlines. A ticket may include a small under-seat bag while requiring an additional purchase for a larger cabin bag.
Whether you're planning a weekend away or a longer trip, checking your airline's allowance before you pack can help you choose the right suitcase and avoid unexpected baggage fees at the airport.
Cabin-Bag Dimensions by Airline
The guide below covers cabin-bag dimensions for popular European and international airlines. Where an airline has different allowances for small personal items and larger overhead cabin bags, both are included.
| Airline | Cabin bag size (cm) | Cabin bag size (in) | 2026 allowance notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | 40 × 30 × 20 (small bag) 55 × 40 × 20 (overhead bag) |
15.7 × 11.8 × 7.9 (small bag) 21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 (overhead bag) |
All fares include one small under-seat bag. The larger 10 kg cabin bag requires the applicable Priority & 2 Cabin Bags allowance. |
| easyJet | 45 × 36 × 20 (small bag) 56 × 45 × 25 (large cabin bag) |
17.7 × 14.2 × 7.9 (small bag) 22 × 17.7 × 9.8 (large cabin bag) |
One small under-seat bag is free for everyone. A large cabin bag requires the applicable fare, membership or paid add-on. |
| British Airways | 56 × 45 × 25 | 22 × 17.7 × 9.8 | The cabin bag includes wheels and handles. A separate handbag or personal item is also permitted. |
| Lufthansa | 55 × 40 × 23 | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 | Standard cabin bag allowance is up to 8 kg. Economy Basic on selected European routes may include only a personal item. |
| Air France | 55 × 35 × 25 | 21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 | Dimensions include pockets, wheels and handles. Cabin-bag allowance can vary by fare. |
| KLM | 55 × 35 × 25 | 21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 | Economy Basic includes only a small under-seat bag; a larger cabin bag can be purchased separately. |
| Turkish Airlines | 55 × 40 × 23 | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 | Economy cabin-bag allowance is generally 1 piece, with weight allowances depending on fare and route. |
| Virgin Atlantic | 56 × 36 × 23 | 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 | Economy cabin bag allowance is 1 piece up to 10 kg. |
| Emirates | 55 × 38 × 22 | 21.7 × 15 × 8.7 | Economy allows 1 cabin bag up to 7 kg. |
| Qatar Airways | 50 × 37 × 25 | 19.7 × 14.6 × 9.8 | Economy allows 1 cabin bag up to 7 kg. First and Business Class allowances differ. |
| Air Canada | 55 × 40 × 23 | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 | Dimensions include wheels and handles. Economy Basic restrictions apply on certain routes. |
| American Airlines | 59 × 39 × 23 | 22 × 14 × 9 | Maximum dimensions include handles and wheels. |
| Delta Air Lines | 56 × 35 × 23 | 22 × 13.8 × 9.1 | Carry-on dimensions cannot exceed 45 linear inches in total; handles and wheels are included. |
| JetBlue | 56 × 36 × 23 | 22 × 14 × 9 | Maximum carry-on size is 22 × 14 × 9 inches. |
| ANA (All Nippon Airways) | 55 × 40 × 25 | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.8 | Allowance can vary depending on cabin class and aircraft type. |
| Japan Airlines (JAL) | 55 × 40 × 25 | 21.7 × 15.7 × 9.8 | Maximum cabin-bag dimensions are 55 × 40 × 25 cm. |
| Singapore Airlines | 115 cm total | 45.3 in total | Uses a linear-dimension limit rather than a fixed length × width × height measurement. Allowance varies by cabin class. |
| Southwest Airlines | 61 × 41 × 25 | 24 × 16 × 10 | One of the more generous major-airline cabin-bag limits, primarily relevant to travellers flying within the US. |
Airline baggage policies can change and may vary by fare type, route, aircraft and cabin class. Dimensions above reflect policies checked for 2026. Always confirm the current allowance for your specific booking before departure.
What Is the Standard Cabin-Bag Size?
There is no single standard cabin-bag size that applies to every airline. However, IATA gives 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 18 × 10 in) as a general reference for maximum carry-on dimensions used by many airlines. IATA also notes that airline-specific allowances can vary by cabin class and aircraft type.
When choosing a cabin suitcase, don't rely on a general industry guideline alone. Check the airline you're flying with, particularly if you're travelling on a budget fare.
How Do Budget Airlines' Cabin-Bag Rules Work?
Budget airlines often separate their baggage allowances into two categories: a smaller bag that fits underneath the seat and a larger cabin bag that goes into the overhead compartment.
For example, Ryanair includes a 40 × 30 × 20 cm small bag with its fares, while its larger 55 × 40 × 20 cm cabin bag requires the applicable Priority & 2 Cabin Bags option.
easyJet similarly allows a free 45 × 36 × 20 cm small cabin bag, while its larger 56 × 45 × 25 cm cabin bag is available with qualifying fares, membership or an additional purchase.
This means that a suitcase can meet an airline's maximum overhead cabin-bag dimensions without being included in your particular fare.
Do Cabin-Bag Dimensions Include Wheels and Handles?
Often, yes. Airlines commonly measure the external dimensions of the complete bag, including wheels, handles and other external features. IATA notes that maximum cabin-bag dimensions can include wheels, handles and side pockets.
When measuring your suitcase at home, measure the bag at its largest points rather than relying only on the dimensions listed for the main suitcase body.
How to Choose a Cabin Bag for Multiple Airlines
If you regularly fly with different airlines, consider the most restrictive airline you're likely to use, rather than choosing a suitcase based on the largest available allowance.
This is particularly useful for European travel, where a trip might combine a full-service airline with a budget carrier. A suitcase that fits comfortably in an overhead compartment on one flight may not qualify as a free cabin bag on another.
Before you travel:
- Check your fare. Confirm whether your ticket includes an overhead cabin bag or only a small personal item.
- Measure your suitcase. Include wheels, handles and external pockets where applicable.
- Check the weight limit. Size is only one part of an airline's cabin-bag rules.
- Check every airline on your itinerary. Connecting flights may have different baggage allowances, particularly when multiple carriers are involved.
- Check again before departure. Airlines can update baggage policies, so use the allowance attached to your current booking as the final reference.
Find the Right Cabin Bag for Your Trip
Once you know your airline's requirements, choosing the right cabin suitcase becomes much easier. Look for a case that fits comfortably within the dimensions you're most likely to encounter while still giving you enough space for your travel essentials.
For frequent European travellers, a compact cabin case can provide greater flexibility across different airlines and fare types, while a larger cabin case may be better suited to airlines with more generous overhead allowances.
Ready to find your next cabin bag? Explore Travelpro's collection of cabin luggage designed to help you pack efficiently and travel with confidence.