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Carry-on Rules Every Flyer in the U.S. Must Follow

International airlines enforce stricter carry-on rules than U.S. carriers. Learn size, weight, and liquid limits to avoid fees and breeze through security.

Carry-on Rules Every Flyer in the U.S. Must Follow

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August, 25, 2025
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Traveling internationally to or from the U.S. can be a breeze if you're prepared for varying carry-on rules. Unlike U.S. domestic carriers (e.g., Delta or United), which often prioritize size over weight, many foreign airlines enforce strict weight limits—typically 7-10 kg—and may measure your bag at the gate. Overpacking could lead to hefty fees or forced check-ins.

This guide covers the latest standard Economy-class allowances for major non-U.S. airlines, based on official sources as of September 2025. We've enhanced it with clearer tables for quick comparisons, additional pro tips, and notes on fare variations (e.g., Basic/Light fares often restrict overhead bags). Always verify your specific ticket via the airline's baggage calculator—rules can change by route, cabin class, or fare type. Premium cabins (Business/First) usually allow more weight or pieces.

Key U.S. Travel Essentials

  • TSA Liquids (3-1-1 Rule): Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, all fitting into one quart-size clear plastic bag (about 1 liter capacity), with one bag per passenger. Medically necessary items (e.g., prescriptions) and baby essentials (formula, breast milk) are exempt but may require screening. Note: As of late 2025, some U.S. airports are phasing out the liquids rule with advanced scanners, but it's not universal yet—pack assuming the Rule applies.
  • Musical Instruments (U.S. Federal Rule): U.S. carriers must allow small instruments (e.g., violin, guitar) to be carried on if they fit safely in overhead bins or under seats. Larger ones can fly in-cabin if you purchase an extra seat. Non-U.S. carriers may follow similar policies, but check specifics—some treat them as standard carry-on.
  • Pro Tip: "International airline" means non-U.S. carriers on U.S. routes. Their rules are often weight-stricter than U.S. airlines, even if sizes look similar. Weigh your bag at home (use a digital scale), and opt for soft-sided bags for flexibility. For codeshare flights, the operating airline's rules apply.

 

Quick-Reference: Carry-On Policies by Region

Below are Economy-class standards. "Personal item" refers to a small bag (e.g., purse, laptop bag) that fits under the seat. Weights are maximums; sizes include wheels/handles. Business/First often double allowances. Fare notes: Basic/Light may be limited to personal items only—add overhead access during booking.

 

 

Europe & UK

  • British Airways (UK): Cabin bag 56×45×25 cm (22×18×10 in) up to 23 kg, plus personal item 40×30×15 cm (also up to 23 kg). Exceptionally generous in weight. 
  • Lufthansa (Germany): 55×40×23 cm, 8 kg; Economy 1 pc; Business/First 2×8 kg. Garment bag 57×54×15 cm accepted.
  • SWISS (Switzerland): 55×40×23 cm, 8 kg; Economy 1 pc; Business/First two pcs. 
  • Air France (France): Hand baggage 55×35×25 cm + small accessory 40×30×15 cm; Economy 12 kg combined; Business 18 kg combined. 
  • KLM (Netherlands): Economy: 1 bag 55×35×25 cm + small bag 40×30×15 cm, 12 kg combined; Business: 2 cabin bags (same size), 18 kg combined. 
  • Iberia (Spain): Standard hand bag 56×40×25 cm; typical weight 10 kg in Economy (Business often higher); Basic fares may limit overhead items. (Iberia varies by fare; confirm during booking.) 
  • Virgin Atlantic (UK): Economy/Premium: 56×36×23 cm, 10 kg; Upper Class generally allows two pieces with a higher total. (Check your ticket for the exact total for the Upper Class.) 
  • Finnair (Finland): Economy: 55×40×23 cm + small bag 40×30×15 cm, 8 kg total; Business typically more. 
  • Icelandair (Iceland): Economy: 55×40×20 cm, commonly 10 kg; Saga often higher. (Confirm by fare brand.) 

 

Middle East

  • Emirates (UAE): Economy: 55×38×20 cm, 7 kg; Business/First: two pieces (briefcase + cabin bag), typically 7 kg each. 
  • Qatar Airways (Qatar): Economy: 1×7 kg, 50×37×25 cm; Business/First: 2 pieces, 15 kg total. Note: Brazil tickets may allow 10 kilograms in the economy.
  • Etihad (UAE): Economy: 56×36×23 cm, 7 kg; premium cabins higher. 
  • Turkish Airlines (Türkiye): Economy: 23×40×55 cm, 8 kg + personal item 40×30×15 cm; Business: 2×8 kg.

 

Asia–Pacific

  • Singapore Airlines (Singapore): Economy/Premium: 1×7 kg, 55×40×20 cm; Business/First: 2×7 kilograms (14 kg total). 
  • ANA (Japan): 55×40×25 cm (or 115 cm linear), 10 kg total (includes personal item). 
  • Japan Airlines (JAL, Japan): 55×40×25 cm (115 cm linear), 10 kg total. 
  • Korean Air (Korea): Typical Economy limit 1×10 kg around 55×40×20 cm; premium cabins higher. (Check your ticket for your exact route/fare.) 
  • Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong): 56×36×23 cm; weight varies by cabin (Economy often 7 kg, Premium/Business higher). (Cathay publishes tiered weights—confirm on your booking.) 
  • Qantas (Australia): International to/from U.S.: typical 56×36×23 cm; Economy 1×7 kg; Premium/Business allow two pieces with a higher total (piece max often 10 kg). (Qantas rules differ by aircraft/route.) 
  • Air New Zealand (NZ): 56×36×23 cm; Economy 7 kg; Premium/Business up to 2 pieces, 14 kg total (max 10 kg per piece).

 

Canada & Latin America (non-US carriers)

  • Air Canada (Canada): 55×23×40 cm carry-on + personal item 33×16×43 cm; no stated weight limit (must lift to overhead unaided).
  • WestJet (Canada): 53×38×23 cm carry-on + personal 41×33×15 cm; no standard weight limit published for carry-on.
  • LATAM (Chile): Standard carry-on 55×35×25 cm; many fares cap at 10 kg (Basic fares may exclude overhead bag—check add-ons).
  • AeroMexico (Mexico): Commonly 55×40×25 cm; Economy combined hand-baggage weights around 10 kg (fare dependent). (Confirm on your itinerary.)
  • Copa (Panama): 56×36×26 cm, typically 10 kg in economy.
  • Avianca (Colombia): 55×35×25 cm; Economy carry-on 10 kg; personal item must fit under the seat. (Fare brand restrictions apply.)

Conclusion

Regarding carry-on baggage, international airlines flying to and from the U.S. don’t follow the same rules as domestic carriers. While American Airlines tends to be more flexible about weight, most foreign carriers enforce strict limits—often between 7–10 kg—and carefully measure your bag at the gate. That means the same roller bag that works on Delta or Southwest could get flagged on Emirates, Lufthansa, or Singapore Airlines if it’s too heavy.

The key takeaway for U.S. travelers is to always check your specific airline and fare class before you pack. If you’re flying on a Basic or Light fare, don’t assume an overhead bin bag is included—sometimes only a personal item is free. Keep your liquids in a TSA-approved 3-1-1 bag, aim for a compact under-seat item, and weigh your cabin bag before heading to the airport.

Knowing the rules in advance will avoid surprise bag fees, keep stress levels down at the gate, and breeze through security like a pro. In short: pack light, stay informed, and you’ll always fly smarter—no matter which international airline you choose.