Many people ask “What is the perfect size for hand luggage can I take on the plane?”
We have some great news! Airlines have agreed an ‘optimum size’ guide for carry-on bags, which is designed to make the best use of cabin storage space. It will also help avoid passenger confusion and speed up travel.
We have all been in a position of ramming a bag in to the overhead storage or facing a fine if it doesn’t fit!
A size of 55 x 35 x 20cm (or 21.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 inches) means that “theoretically” everyone should have a chance to store their carry-on bags on board aircraft of 120 seats or larger, according to IATA.
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Maximum free cabin luggage dimensions for standard passengers |
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| IATA recommendation | 55 x 35 x 20cm |
| BA | 56 x 45 x 25cm |
| Easyjet | 56 x 45 x 25cm |
| Ryanair | 55 x 40 x 20cm |
| Thomas Cook | 55 x 40 x 20cm |
| Virgin Atlantic | 56 x 36 x 23cm |
| American Airlines | 56 x 36 x 23cm |
| United Airlines | 56 x 35 x 22cm |
| Delta Airlines | 56 x 35 x 23cm |
| Air France | 55 x 35 x 25cm |
| Emirates | 55 x 38 x 20cm |
| Wizz Air | 42 x 32 x 25cm |
| Germanwings | 55 x 40 x 23cm |
| Flybe | 55 x 40 x 23cm |
An ‘IATA Cabin OK’ logo has been designed to let airline staff know that the bag meets agreed size dimensions. Bags carrying the identifying logo are expected to become available to buy later this year.
“Several major baggage manufacturers have developed products in line with the optimum size guidelines, and it is expected bags carrying the identifying label will start to reach retail shops later this year,” IATA says.