Carry-on bags, sometimes known as hand luggage or cabin baggage, are items of luggage that are taken into the plane's cabin. They are not checked in before your flight and are normally stored in the overhead storage compartment above your seat.

In the aviation industry, "hand luggage" (also known as carry-on or cabin baggage) is considered a form of baggage, but it is distinct from "checked baggage." Most airlines in 2026 have specific "baggage allowances" that define how many pieces of each type you can bring. For example, a standard ticket usually includes one personal item (like a laptop bag) and one carry-on bag for the overhead bin, both of which are "hand luggage." However, if you are flying on a "Basic Economy" or ultra-low-cost fare, your "hand luggage" allowance might be restricted to only a personal item, and bringing a standard-sized carry-on bag may result in a heavy fee at the gate. It is critical to understand that while it is "baggage," it is subject to strict size and weight limits to ensure it fits in the cabin. If your hand luggage exceeds these dimensions, the airline will reclassify it as "checked baggage," requiring it to be stored in the aircraft's hold and potentially incurring an extra charge if you have already hit your checked-bag limit.