Can I take my suitcase into the cabin?
What is a cabin suitcase?
A cabin suitcase is a smaller suitcase that fits into the overhead bins above the seats on airplanes.
Can I take my suitcase onto the plane?
Airlines largely agree on the dimensions of permitted hand luggage. However, there are still deviations that can cost you more money if you are not aware of the rules.
How big can my hand luggage be?
Cabin sizes depend on the individual airline you are flying with. We have summarized the rules for many of the airlines in economy class. The dimensions may also vary depending on your ticket. Some airlines also allow you to take an extra foldable garment bag, even if it exceeds the dimensions. In addition to this, most airlines also allow you to bring a personal item, such as a handbag, a computer bag, a briefcase or a camera bag. We therefore recommend that you contact the airline you are traveling with to find out more about the rules for your hand luggage. There are links on each airline mentioned that will take you to the airline's website, so you can read more about the airline's specific rules. The relevant links can be found by clicking on the airline's name.
When it comes to cabin luggage, the airlines' own rules apply, but a suitcase measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm is accepted in most places.
|
Airline |
Cabin sizes in cm. |
| AEGEAN AIRLINES |
56 x 45 x 25 |
| AIR CANADA |
55 x 40 x 23 |
| AIR FRANCE |
55 x 35 x 25 |
| ANA |
55 x 40 x 25 |
| ASIANA AIRLINES |
55 x 40 x 20 |
| ALITALIA |
55 x 35 x 25 |
| AMERICAN AIRLINES |
56 x 36 x 23 |
| ARKIA |
55 x 40 x 20 |
| AUSTRIAN |
55 x 40 x 23 |
| BRITISH AIRWAYS |
56 x 45 x 25 |
| BRUSSELS AIRLINES |
55 x 40 x 23 |
| CATHAY PACIFIC |
56 x 36 x 23 |
| CHINA AIRLINES |
56 x 36 x 23 |
| CONDOR |
55 x 40 x 20 |
| EASYJET |
56 x 45 x 25 |
| EMIRATES |
55 x 38 x 20 |
| EUROWINGS |
55 x 40 x 23 |
| FINNAIR |
56 x 45 x 25 |
| GERMANY |
55 x 40 x 20 |
| IBERIA |
56 x 45 x 25 |
| JAPAN AIRLINES |
55 x 40 x 25 |
| JET AIRWAYS |
55 x 35 x 25 |
| KLM |
55 x 35 x 25 |
| KOREAN AIR | 55 x 40 x 20 |
| LOT (POLISH AIRLINES) | 55 x 40 x 23 |
| LUFTHANSA | 55 x 40 x 23 |
| NIKI | 55 x 40 x 23 |
| NORWEGIAN | 38 x 30 x 20 (55x40x23 costs extra) |
| OLYMPIC AIRWAYS | 55 x 40 x 23 |
| QANTAS | 56 x 36 x 23 |
| QATAR AIRWAYS | 50 x 37 x 25 |
| RYANAIR | 40 x 20 x 25 (55x40x20 costs extra) |
| SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS | 56 x 36 x 23 |
| SWISS | 55 x 40 x 23 |
| SAS (SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES) | 55 x 40 x 23 |
| TAP PORTUGAL | 55 x 40 x 20 |
| THAI | 56 x 45 x 25 |
| TUIFLY | 55 x 40 x 20 |
| TURKISH AIRLINES | 55 x 40 x 23 |
| THOMAS COOK | 55 x 40 x 20 |
| US AIRWAYS | 56 x 36 x 23 |
| BULLSHIT | 55 x 40 x 20 |
My preferred cabin size for charter flights with the family measures 55x40x20 cm., here I am fairly sure that I can take the suitcase with me most places. Through many years of experience, this is a sure winner. Here one of the only exceptions is Ryan Air, which recently changed their rules again. This means that if you have bought the cheapest ticket, you have to buy the cabin suitcase which costs extra...
If, on the other hand, you primarily travel by scheduled flight, such as SAS , Lufthansa etc. If you want to have as much space as possible in your cabin suitcase, I would definitely recommend a cabin suitcase with dimensions of 55x40x23 cm. This gives you more space in your cabin suitcase and thus you can bring even more and typically there is a very small price difference in the size of the suitcases, so it can be an advantage for regular trips of 3 or more days to buy the cabin suitcase a few centimeters larger. Several brands make cabin suitcases in several sizes. Typically 55 x 40 x 23 cm. or 55 x 40 x 20 cm. This gives you the opportunity to choose the right suitcase for your travels.
I would like to mention, however, that the above rules only apply to Economy Class. If you are flying in higher classes, you can in some cases bring a larger suitcase to the overhead bin.
From my experience, it is primarily the cheaper airlines that are very strict with the size of cabin bags. This often reflects the price of the ticket. You often get what you pay for.. I myself am, to put it mildly, brainwashed with suitcases and I can spot a suitcase at the airport with the naked eye that does not comply with the airline's rules, and I always see people bringing their large bags and suitcases onto the plane even though they do not comply with the rules. They can be in the cabin, but it takes up space from the other suitcases and this typically means that those who have bought the cheap tickets or those who get on the plane last cannot bring their cabin bag. In this case, you simply experience that the suitcase is taken from someone at the gate, it typically does not cost extra. But then you only get the cabin bag when you get off the plane.
Happy traveling! :-)
