In 2026, the EU harmonises cabin baggage: a guaranteed free minimum of 40×30×15 cm plus a 55×40×20 cm carry-on. Here are the rules airline by airline and how to avoid extra fees.
Ryanair: 40×20×25 cm free under-seat. Trolley 55×40×20 cm: paid (Priority or €55 at the airport).
easyJet: 45×36×20 cm free. Trolley reserved for Plus/Flexi.
Transavia: 40×30×20 cm free, trolley paid except 'Max'.
Vueling: same as easyJet overall.
Tip: a well-packed 35-40L backpack goes anywhere, a rigid XL trolley triggers extras.
Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, BA: 55×35×25 cm (max 12 kg) + personal item included.
Turkish, Emirates, Qatar: up to 8 kg (economy) and 55×40×23 cm.
US carriers: no official weight limit but strict 56×36×23 cm.
Weight is rarely checked except on low-costs and Asian domestic flights.
Liquids: max 100 ml per container, in a single 1L transparent bag. Some airports (Amsterdam, London LHR/LGW, Rome, Geneva) roll out CT scanners that lift this rule — check beforehand.
Lithium batteries: cabin only. Powerbanks up to 100 Wh without approval. Fully banned in hold.
Banned in cabin: knives, scissors >6 cm, storm lighters, defense sprays.
1. Weigh and measure at home with a €20 luggage scale. 2. Check in online 24-48h before: airport counter fees are 2-3× higher. 3. Wear jacket and scarf separately: they don't count toward cabin bag. 4. Check the fare class at purchase: 'Light/Basic' often include no bag. 5. Buy checked bag online if needed: €25-40 vs €60-100 at the airport.
40×20×25 cm free small bag. For a 55×40×20 cm trolley you need Priority or pay €25-55.
No, unless ≤100 ml. Buy an empty bottle and fill it after security.
It generally counts as a personal item, in addition to cabin bag, on legacy airlines.