• TSA liquids (3-1-1): 3.4 oz / 100 ml per container, in one quart-size clear bag, one bag per passenger. Medically necessary liquids and baby items have special allowances.

• Musical instruments (federal rule): U.S. carriers must let you bring a small instrument (e.g., violin, guitar) as a carry-on if it fits safely in the cabin; larger instruments may travel in-cabin if you buy an extra seat (details in the federal rule).

Pro tip: “International airline” = non-US carriers operating to/from the U.S. Their cabin rules tend to be stricter on weight than U.S. airlines—even when the size box looks similar.

 

Quick-reference: carry-on policy by major international airlines flying to/from the U.S.

Below are the standard economy-class allowances (business/first are often higher). Personal-item policies are shown where the airline states one. Always check your fare brand (Basic/Light fares sometimes exclude the overhead-bin bag).

 

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 on 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 2 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 item. (Iberia varies by fare; confirm during booking.) 
• Virgin Atlantic (UK): Economy/Premium: 56×36×23 cm, 10 kg; Upper Class generally allows 2 pieces with higher total. (Check your ticket for exact total in 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 kg in 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 kg (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 2 pieces with 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 seat. (Fare brand restrictions apply.)

Conclusion

When it comes to carry-on baggage, international airlines flying to and from the U.S. don’t play by the same rules as domestic carriers. While American airlines tend 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: 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.

By knowing the rules in advance, you’ll 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.