Is a small suitcase classed as hand luggage?

Cabin baggage size: You must be able to stow your carry-on luggage beneath the seat or in the overhead bin. It can't be more than 24H, 16W, and 10D D and no more than 35 pounds (with handles, wheels, and straps). Large backpacks, duffel bags, and tiny suitcases/wheeled luggage are the most common.



Whether a small suitcase is classified as "hand luggage" depends entirely on its physical dimensions and the specific "sizer" rules of your airline. Most major international airlines (like Delta, BA, or Lufthansa) define hand luggage as a bag that is roughly 55 x 35 x 22 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches). If your suitcase exceeds these measurements even by an inch, it must be checked into the cargo hold. In 2026, "ultra-low-cost" carriers like Ryanair, Spirit, or Frontier have become even stricter; their "free" hand luggage allowance is often restricted to a "personal item" (backpack or purse) that must fit under the seat, meaning any suitcase—no matter how small—requires a paid upgrade to go in the overhead bin. A peer-to-peer tip for 2026 is to always check the "linear dimensions" (length + width + depth) of your bag. If the total exceeds 115 cm, you are almost guaranteed to be asked to check it. Always look for a "cabin-approved" label when buying a new suitcase, but verify it against your specific airline's app before heading to the airport.

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A personal item is a smaller bag that typically fits under the seat in front of you, such as a purse, briefcase or small backpack. A carry-on item is a larger bag that can be stowed in the overhead bin, like a suitcase or duffel bag. Airlines define each based on specific size requirements, which vary by carrier.

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Most airlines let you bring a carry-on bag and a personal item. In most cases, your handbag, briefcase, or small backpack must fit beneath the seat in front of you and within the airline's size restrictions. In contrast, a carry-on bag is typically larger and is stored in the overhead compartment.

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Typically in economy, you can bring one carry-on and one personal item. If you bring two bags, one must fit underneath your seat and the other can go into the overhead bin. If you're flying in an upgraded class like business or first, you may be allowed an additional carry-on bag.

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The standard size for cabin luggage — or the most common, at least — has a maximum length of 56 cm, width of 45 cm, and depth of 25 cm, including all handles, side pockets, and wheels. The 55cm American Tourister Bon Air Deluxe shown below falls under this category, with a size of 55cm x 40cm x 23(27)cm.

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Most airlines allow passengers to bring on both a carry-on and a personal item like a backpack, laptop bag, purse, briefcase, shopping bag, etc. The general rule of thumb is that your personal item is smaller in dimension than your carry-on bag and it can fit underneath the seat in front of you.

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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Oversized Carry-Ons Need to Be Checked-in
If your carry-on is oversized (and doesn't physically fit inside the overhead compartments) or you encounter a strict airline employee, they will ask you to check it in at the gate.

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Most airlines allow backpacks as carry-ons, but size and weight restrictions vary depending on the carrier. Typically, the bag must be within the cabin baggage dimensions of around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 22 cm), commonly considered the standard size for carry-on.

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There are three sizes of suitcase: large, medium and cabin. A large case is often suited for a 2 week or longer trip, or a family wishing to pack more and a medium case is better suited for a week away. Cabin size is great for a long weekend or to take on board when you wish to avoid checked baggage fees.

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Carry-on: Combined length + width + height of baggage must not exceed 45 linear inches. Individual length, width and height measurements may not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches, with no weight limit.

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Joy of Clothes uses the BAA standard cabin allowance guideline for hand luggage, which is 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. This is used by leading airlines such as American Airlines, Iberia and BMI. Budget airlines such as easyJet, First Choice and Ryanair often use a smaller cabin allowance of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm.

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The standard size for cabin luggage — or the most common, at least — has a maximum length of 56 cm, width of 45 cm, and depth of 25 cm, including all handles, side pockets, and wheels. The 55cm American Tourister Bon Air Deluxe shown below falls under this category, with a size of 55cm x 40cm x 23(27)cm.

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That depends if you have several kg overweight and are asking for the price per kg or if you really just only have one single kg extra. For a singe kg above the limit you most probably will not get charged, especially not on a full service airline. There is usually a tolerance in the range of 2–3kg, sometimes up to 5.

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You can take all plug-in phone chargers with you in your carry-on or checked bags with ease as they do not contain any form of battery and, therefore, do not present any danger. Typically, you will not be able to use this type of charger onboard as most airplanes do not have power sockets.

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Airline rules allow for one carry on bag and one personal item, unless you're flying on a basic economy fare.

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While some airlines specify size limitations for personal items, others simply require the item to be small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you. For personal items, here's the standard size on major airlines in the United States: American Airlines – 18” x 14” x 8”

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Can you put clothes in your personal items? Certainly, you can pack clothes in your personal items or carry-on bag.

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