Size and weight of hand luggage and rules for transporting it on an airplane. Allowable weight and size of luggage on planes of top airlines Weight of hand luggage on an airplane

Aeroflot 2016: how much can you check in as luggage?

All luggage of passengers at the airport is divided into two categories:

  • hand luggage;
  • checked baggage.

You carry your hand luggage with you into the passenger compartment, and check in the heaviest and largest suitcases as checked luggage. Airport staff will give you a tag in advance, and you will need to mark your suitcase so that it does not get lost during transport. He will also fly with you, but in a separate cargo compartment.

You can only take one bag as carry-on luggage, and its weight should not exceed 10 kg. The exception is for passengers flying business class. They can load a bag up to 15 kg.

The weight limits for your suitcase also depend on the class you are flying. In business class you can carry 2 pieces, each no more than 32 kg. Comfort and Premium Economy tickets allow you to take 2 seats with you, but each of these bags must weigh 23 kg or less. If you paid at the most budget rate, called economy, then you can take only one suitcase weighing no more than 23 kg. If your cargo does not exceed 1 kg, then Aeroflot does not limit the number of seats.

When processing cargo, there are several tricks that you can use to avoid overpaying for extra pounds.

  • If you are traveling with your family or a large group, then someone can take over a friend’s extra suitcase for themselves. If you have little luggage, then agree with a friend to take some of his bags. Aeroflot allows you to add up the number of seats per company, but you cannot add up the weight or dimensions of your luggage. That is, if a husband and wife are traveling together in comfort class, and their suitcase weighs 25 kg, then at the airport they will have to pay for the excess weight.
  • Aeroflot treats young parents with understanding. Often the smallest member of the family has the largest suitcase, because you need to fit diapers, a lot of changes of clothes, and all your favorite toys. If a baby under two years old is flying with you, then he is entitled to a separate luggage space, although he does not occupy a seat on the plane. A child's suitcase should not be heavier than 10 kg. Moreover, its length, height and width in total cannot exceed 115 cm. The class of the parents’ ticket does not play a role here.
  • Children from 2 to 12 years old also have the right to a separate luggage space. They can carry the same amount on their ticket as adults.

Attention! If your flight involves a transfer, inquire whether both planes belong to Aeroflot. Another carrier may have different restrictions. Please note that you do not have to “thin out” your luggage at the transfer airport or pay extra money for excess luggage.

Ural Airlines: traveling light

Ural Airlines has a special tariff that prohibits the carriage of any cargo as checked baggage. A passenger has the right to take only one small bag with him in his hand luggage. This, of course, greatly embarrasses travelers who are accustomed to flying in comfort. But the promotional tariff is the cheapest.

In other respects, Ural Airlines' cargo transportation rules are similar to those adopted by Aeroflot. The sum of the sides of your suitcase should not be more than 203 cm. Individually, these dimensions cannot be larger than 50x50x100 cm.

When flying with a business or comfort fare ticket, you can carry up to two suitcases with you, each of which will weigh 32 kg (less possible).

Advice. If the purpose of your trip is a short business trip, you can buy tickets of the same class, but marked “light”. In this case, you will only be able to take one suitcase of the same weight. This will be enough for a short business trip.

Economy group fares (including premium economy) allow passengers to carry only one suitcase, and its weight should not exceed 23 kg.

Children who are flying with their parents and do not have a separate seat can also take luggage. 10 kg of cargo can be checked into the luggage compartment as one piece. Or you can carry this bag with you in your hand luggage.

It is worth remembering that no matter what ticket you buy, you cannot take the following things as free cargo:

  • disassembled cars and motorcycles (especially whole ones), boats;
  • musical instruments;
  • flowers (live ones are not allowed, but in the form of a bouquet they are allowed), seedlings.

Separate documents must be submitted for all these items.

So, the cargo weight standards of the key carriers are almost the same. They are close to international ones. The exception is the cheapest tickets, which prohibit taking anything other than hand luggage with you.

Airplane baggage rules: video

Finding cheap flights

As soon as you buy a plane ticket, or better yet, before booking your trip, pay attention to the baggage conditions. Each airline has its own requirements. The minimum information will be specified when booking the flight, and for details, go to the section of the carrier’s website where the conditions of transportation are indicated. And read our review)

What are the rules for things on an airplane?

Upon boarding, everything the passenger is carrying is inspected and weighed. It turned out that the suitcase exceeds the permissible weight or dimensions - difficulties will arise during registration, which threaten not only loss of time and nerves, but also unplanned expenses.

Pay attention! Musical instruments and animals are transported separately, regardless of the volume of other things. The free carriage norm does not apply to them; you will have to pay extra according to the tariff schedule.

In international air travel, there are 2 generally accepted measures for transporting passenger suitcases: weight concept and piece concept. Free and paid flight options with luggage are affected by:

  • service class,
  • flight duration,
  • luggage dimensions,
  • the weight of things
  • flight direction.

The weight concept or weight measure sets a limit only on the weight of passenger bags. Used by most carriers in Asia, CIS countries and some European companies. For adult passengers and children over two years old, the weight measure allows you to transport free of charge:

  • Economy - no more than 20 kilograms;
  • Business - no more than 30 kilograms;
  • The first - no more than 40 kilograms.

These restrictions include the combined weight of checked baggage and carry-on baggage per passenger. Information about the norm of things is placed on the purchased air ticket. If the requirements change, the carrier must notify the passenger. You are allowed to take no more than 10 kilograms with a size of up to 1.15 meters into the aircraft cabin without additional payment.

If a child under two years old is flying without a separate seat from his parents, the amount of things allowed for him will be 10 kilograms.

Piece concept or quantitative measure defines the number of units carried per passenger. Distributed by airlines in Canada, the USA, and most countries in Central and South America. Among Russian airlines, Aeroflot uses this measure.
With a quantitative measure, regardless of the ticket class, it is allowed to transport no more than two bags weighing up to 32 kilograms each free of charge. The combined weight of the seats does not matter and does not add up. Maximum dimensions for quantitative measure:

  • Economy - no more than 1.58 meters
  • Business - no more than 2.03 meters;
  • The first is no more than 2.03 meters.

Keep in mind: no matter the complexity or distance of the flight, loading and unloading of things is paid by the airline.

Oversized luggage

The following are considered oversized items on an aircraft:

  • a piece of luggage weighing more than 32 kg and measuring more than 2.03 m in all dimensions,
  • any sports equipment,
  • any musical instruments,
  • Appliances.

If you are flying abroad, remember: checked baggage is checked baggage, cabin baggage (hand baggage/carry-on) is hand luggage.

Carriage of baggage in excess of the norm will have to be paid; it is best to clarify the airline’s tariffs and payment terms and arrange them in advance. And at the front desk just show the receipt for payment for oversized items.

The airline may refuse to carry oversized baggage if there is not enough free space in the baggage compartment or cargo of that size does not fit into the loading hatches.

Transportation of fragile and valuable luggage

We recommend keeping important, fragile and valuable items and documents with you and taking them into the cabin if they are the same size and weight as hand luggage. If fragile and valuable luggage is large, but less than 75 kilograms, it will be allowed to be carried in the cabin on a separate ticket.

If fragile luggage does not arrive intact, the carrier will not admit guilt. After all, airline passengers are not legally responsible for the safety of fragile belongings.

If you weigh more than 75 kilograms, you will have to buy several pieces of luggage that are a multiple of the difference in luggage weight and the weight standard for 1 piece. There is no discount system for these tickets.

Hand luggage


Passenger belongings transported on an airplane are divided into:

  • luggage - these items travel in the luggage compartment and are handed over to the carrier's employees at the check-in counter before boarding the plane;
  • hand luggage - things that a passenger takes with him into the aircraft cabin; the airline limits them in weight and volume.

Typically, hand luggage should fit into the standard: when traveling in economy class, the weight is 10 kilograms with a size of no more than 1.15 m; when traveling on business, the weight of the suitcase should not exceed 15 kilograms, the sum of dimensions should not exceed 1.15 m.

In excess of the norm, without taking into account the total weight of baggage, a passenger may carry into the aircraft cabin:
flowers and a woman's handbag, a coat and a stole, an umbrella and a book, a camera and a camera, a laptop and a tablet, a stroller for a child, a bag of groceries or a package.

But it is not exactly)
Low-cost airlines greatly narrow the list of things you can take with you. Check the exact list on your airline's website.

Baggage on a regular flight

Each airplane passenger can carry a certain amount of things without paying. The exact volume depends on the type of aircraft and airline regulations. One of the advantages of flying with large companies with regular flights is the large baggage allowance. Carry up to 23 kilograms in checked luggage and up to 7 kilograms in hand luggage free of charge.

The exact amount of free baggage is always indicated on your ticket.

When purchasing tickets for a regular flight at a discount, check with the airline for the maximum size of items in your luggage and cabin. Understand the maximum as approximate. It is important that the sum of the three dimensions of the height, width and depth of the passenger's bag is less than the sum of the dimensions in the airline's chart.

Flying with luggage on low-cost airlines

The allowed baggage size for low cost airlines is significantly smaller than usual. Some low-cost airlines do not allow luggage to be transported without additional payment, and they also severely limit the amount of hand luggage allowed on the plane.

Air discounters strictly check that items comply with the rules and make money from inattentive passengers who have not read the transportation rules. Near the check-in counter and at the exit to the plane there are scales and frames in which hand luggage must be placed. If the bag is larger, you will have to check it as luggage and pay a fair amount.
You will be allowed on a budget company plane with only 1 piece of luggage. Some low-cost airlines will still allow you to bring an additional handbag and laptop into the cabin. Read the airline rules carefully.

If your carry-on baggage is larger than the allowance and there is nothing to put away, then check in and pay for your baggage in advance online before arriving at the airport. Checking your luggage at the counter before boarding will cost twice as much. And payment at the gate upon boarding will result in a substantial amount.

Advice! Low-cost airlines do not limit the amount of clothing a passenger can wear. Wear the bulkiest and heaviest things possible.

Flying with a discount airline allows you to save a lot of money, but take as little luggage as possible and carefully read the rules for transporting baggage and hand luggage. Then there will be no problems and no loss of money when boarding the flight.

Baggage allowance on charter

The norms for carrying things on a charter flight are determined by the tour operator who sells the tour and is the charterer of the aircraft. On charter flights, passengers are allowed to carry one piece weighing no more than 20 kg and 10 kg for children under 2 years of age (if a separate seat is not provided for the child). The free baggage allowance for charter flights is the same for business and economy class.

Most often, charter companies add up the weight of seats for passengers flying together. But it’s better to divide your luggage evenly, since the company simply will not accept items weighing more than 30 kg for transportation without additional payment.
The hand luggage allowance on charters is 5 kg per passenger. On a charter, they do not strictly monitor the dimensions of luggage and hand luggage; a slight excess is often allowed through without additional payment.

What to do with luggage when flying with a transfer

You can travel in transit on planes of the same or different airlines. It’s more convenient when you change trains without changing the carrier company:

  • all flights will be included in one ticket,
  • you hand over your things at the airport of departure and receive them upon arrival,
  • Airline employees are responsible for the transportation of your belongings.

If you are carrying things that need to be declared, you will have to receive your luggage at the intermediate point and check it in yourself after inspection for the next flight.

It’s more difficult when you fly on several airlines. If the companies are partners and you checked your luggage to your final destination, there will be no differences. But when the carriers are not connected with each other, you will have to work hard:

  • there will be separate tickets for each flight,
  • things will have to be received and returned again at the transit airport,
  • being late for a connection and keeping your luggage safe is your headache.

If you have a connection, allow more time to go through registration and move around the airport. Familiarize yourself with the airport map in advance and plan your route to the connecting point. Travel only with hand luggage.

When we fly without luggage

More and more independent travelers are choosing to fly without checking luggage. Flying with hand luggage is the best way to save time and money and get only positive emotions from the flight.

Save time

Checking in and checking luggage takes time, as does standing in line to check in. Travel with hand luggage and check in before arriving at the airport - avoid standing in line and wasting time.

Another waste of time is getting your luggage. Waiting for luggage after the plane arrives can take up to 1.5 hours depending on the arrival airport. If you only have hand luggage with you, you can go about your business immediately after leaving the plane and going through passport control.

Enjoy your flight

A traveler's worst nightmare is the airline losing your suitcase. Of course, most often things are found, but this unpleasant experience is not worth going through. But what about fears that the suitcase will be damaged during loading or that it will be opened and something valuable will be stolen?
When your things travel side by side in the cabin of the plane, there will be no frantic worries or worries. A comfortable and roomy bag that you take as hand luggage guarantees the absence of unnecessary worries.

Avoid unnecessary spending

Overweight is a frequent and unpleasant phenomenon for travelers, which threatens additional expenses. In addition, when flying without luggage, you can easily travel with low-cost airlines with their incredibly low price tags.

The main difficulty when flying with hand luggage is the ability to discard unnecessary things. Learn to hit the road with a minimum of luggage. This is especially useful during connections and complex routes. Take everything with you on the plane and your mobility will allow you to visit more places in one trip.

What can you take on a plane in hand luggage?

If you fly with luggage, take into the cabin only what you need during the flight: your favorite book, gadgets, documents and a warm jumper. It is better to keep valuable and fragile items with you too. But if you are traveling exclusively with hand luggage, check which things to pack and which things you will have to leave at home.

A standard “flight” bag should not exceed 1.15 meters in total in all dimensions or be no more than 55x40x20 centimeters. The permitted weight depends on the carrier, but can rarely exceed 10 kg per passenger. If the dimensions are not met, you will have to check in your luggage.
Low-cost airline requirements for the size of a flight bag can vary significantly. If you don’t want to pay extra, read and fulfill all the conditions of the low-cost carrier.

List of things allowed on the plane

  • Food: You can bring any solid food onto the plane. Do not attempt to bring in liquids, jellies or creams larger than 100 ml. Take your child’s food and drink with you in reasonable quantities and do not have to put it in plastic, but you will need to present it during inspection. Be prepared for additional questions and requests to open and try the content.
  • Medicines: take any non-liquid medicines in reasonable quantities, it is better if they are in the original packaging and with instructions. If you have a large quantity of medications or if the drugs contain narcotic substances, have a prescription and a certificate from your doctor with you to avoid problems at customs.
    The volume of liquid medications and sprays should be less than 100 ml. But you cannot bring aerosols and syringes.
  • Equipment: the list of devices that can be carried by plane depends on the country's security requirements. Usually there are no problems when transporting a phone, laptop, tablet, camera and player. You can also take small household appliances (electric razor, electric toothbrush and hair dryer). If suspicion arises, the inspection service may require you to turn on the device and demonstrate its operation.
    If you are carrying equipment in your hand luggage, remember that the airline limits the number of items in the cabin per passenger and their size.
  • Documents and valuables: it is better to take your passport and all documents necessary for travel (hotel reservations, tickets and car rental), as well as valuables, into the cabin of the plane. If your luggage is lost, all the documents necessary for your stay in the country will be on hand.

  • Cosmetics: Carry bulk and dry cosmetics without any problems, but with liquid cosmetics it is more difficult: the total volume of liquid substances in your hand luggage should not be more than 1 liter, and the volume of one bottle should not exceed 100 ml. If the conditions are not met, you will have to throw away your favorite products during security or return to the check-in counter and check them in as luggage. Aerosols and pressurized containers are prohibited from being taken on flights; replace them with dry products.
  • Hygiene items: there is a ban on piercing and cutting objects on the plane, regardless of their size, so nail scissors, combs with a sharp metal handle and straight razors cannot be carried. Take the paste in a tube of less than 100 ml to avoid problems.
  • Baby accessories: airlines allow you to take a stroller or baby carrier on the plane at no additional cost. They are checked in as hand luggage and handed over to the staff upon entering the cabin.

How to carry Duty Free goods on a plane

You can buy Duty Free products in the duty-free trade zone or during an international flight. There will be no problems with solid goods, but when transporting liquids (perfume, alcoholic drinks, etc.) you need to be aware of the rules:

  • Duty free products must be specially sealed and packaged;
  • do not open the package until you arrive at your destination and pass control;
  • A bottle unpacked at the airport may be prohibited from being taken on a flight.

After purchasing alcoholic beverages at Duty Free, find out the customs requirements for the export and import of strong drinks in the destination country. When purchasing from Duty Free on a complex route, find out the rules for transporting goods in the transit country and the requirements of the carrier.

When returning to Russia, you can carry no more than 3 liters of alcohol per passenger free of charge. When transiting through the Schengen zone, alcohol will be required to be checked in as baggage. And when departing from US airports, only alcohol purchased at American Duty Free will be allowed in the aircraft cabin.

Not all low-cost airlines allow you to carry a package with Duty Free without additional payments; it is considered a separate place and you will have to pay for transportation.

What is prohibited from being carried on an airplane?

It is prohibited to carry any dangerous substances or objects on the plane that could harm other passengers. These are all types of weapons and weapons-like toys, radioactive, poisonous, corrosive substances and gases under pressure. The customs service also has its own restrictions, they relate to money, jewelry, alcohol, tobacco, various valuables and art objects.

Usually, budget travelers don’t think of packing anything from this list, but on signs at the airport you’ll see just such a list of prohibited substances.

Rules for carrying liquids on an airplane

On the plane you will be allowed to take a maximum of 1 liter of liquid substances, in addition, all products are asked to be bottled in separate 100 ml containers. Moreover, liquids include only water, but also any creamy or jelly-like products.

Please note that it is prohibited to transport liquids in partially filled containers larger than 100 ml. If 50 ml of shampoo is packaged in a 400 ml bottle, you will have to part with the product during inspection.

  • stock up on mini-packs, preferably with the volume indicated on the package;
  • distribute all liquid and cream products into containers;
  • pack all the products in one transparent bag, preferably 20 by 20 centimeters in size;
  • check that the total volume does not exceed 1000 ml (10 containers).

Where can I get the correct 100 ml containers? Leave the mini-packs that are given when you check in at hotels: you will have shampoo, body wash and cream. Buy miniature cosmetics or a travel set of cosmetics, it contains 50-100 ml of products. There are universal packaging of containers for travelers on sale; all you have to do is pour your favorite products and pack your luggage.

A Zip-Lock, which is sold at any office supply store, is perfect as a package. And yet, the volume of liquids of travelers flying together will not be added up.

How to avoid losing luggage during a flight

If you are afraid of losing your luggage during a flight, take steps before your flight to reduce the likelihood of loss:

  1. Remove used luggage tags after your flight. An airport employee will easily make a mistake if the suitcase is hung with old tags and stickers, and will send the baggage along a different route.
  2. Keep valuable and necessary things with you. If it is not easy to replace an item, take it to the cabin, because the carrier is not responsible for the loss.
  3. Label the outside of the suitcase, indicate the city, last name and contact, preferably in English. Inside the bag also put a piece of paper with contacts and a request to return the luggage.
  4. Take a photo of the bag inside and out, keep a list of all valuables, it’s great if you can justify their value by presenting a receipt.
  5. Remove the external straps during the flight - they will get caught on the transport line and the suitcase will get stuck.
  6. Wrap your luggage in plastic wrap, use airport packaging, or wrap it yourself. Stretch packaging will protect against burglars and damage during transportation.
  7. Choose discreet models or buy a special case. Luxury suitcases attract unnecessary attention; expensive bags can be stolen for the purpose of theft.
  8. Install it on a combination lock and change the code: this will protect the bag from opening when dropped and zipped and will scare away or at least slow down robbers.
  9. Insure your luggage against loss: if the suitcase is lost, the insurance company will reimburse the amount of damage. To do this without any hassle, use one of the stores to buy insurance online

Why does luggage get lost?

  • 50% of luggage is lost due to failures and inconsistencies in airport operations,
  • 15% of bags are not loaded onto the plane due to a lost or missing luggage tag,
  • 15% remain on the baggage belt - passengers simply do not pick them up,
  • 20% of luggage goes missing in other ways for various reasons.

Where do our missing suitcases end up?

When checking in, a special tag with markings is hung on the bag; the ten-digit barcode contains complete information about the luggage:

  • Last 6 digits - unique baggage identifier
  • 3 digits in the middle - flight number designation
  • The first digit is the baggage class.

The tag is a guide that allows the airport system to direct luggage along the correct route, moving along the transport belt the suitcase ends up at the desired point: the luggage compartment of the aircraft or the baggage claim area. If there is no tag, there is a problem on the line or the barcode is not read correctly - the bag ends up as lost baggage or flies on the wrong route.

Where do suitcases disappear at the airport?

    1. To distant distances: if a mistake is made in the marking of the tag, the suitcase will fly on its own journey: another city, country, continent - the larger the airport, the more exotic the suitcase’s route can be.
    2. Into the desperate unknown: the tag is torn or loosely affixed and is lost when the suitcase passes the transport belt; such unmarked bags end up in the area of ​​unidentified baggage.
    3. To the suitcase detectives. If a suitcase is lost or left uncollected from the transport belt (yes, this also happens) and the tag on it is intact, suitcase detectives come into action. By punching the barcode in the internal system, they find all the data about the owner and contact him to please him with the news of the find.
    4. On the international wanted list. World Tracer System is an international baggage tracing system in which most airports in the world participate. The system is automated and searches for missing luggage itself, comparing the route, color, size and weight of the bag within 100 days; you just need to fill out an electronic application using a special form.
    5. For opening and inspection: if the owner of the luggage does not show up within 5 days, the suitcase is opened, because personal belongings can help in finding the owner. If after 2 weeks the owner of the bag has not been found, it is sent to a storage warehouse.
    6. For auction: as soon as 100 days or 3 months have passed, the search for the owner of the lost luggage stops. All such bags end up on a special sale, where they are sold without opening. The starting price is very low, and the contents will be a surprise for the buyer. This kind of auction is quite popular in Europe and America, because there is always a chance to buy a suitcase with valuables inside.

What to do if the airline has lost your luggage

  1. check in the oversized baggage delivery area: non-standard suitcases, skis, strollers or sports equipment will not be waiting on the conveyor belt, but in a special delivery area.
  2. contact Lost & Found: at every airport there is a service that searches for luggage. It is easy to find by following the Lost & Found signs. Show your luggage tag, identification document and fill out the application. It is important to describe the bag in detail and provide special features.
  3. notify the airline: it would not be superfluous to go to the airline counter at the airport and ask them about the procedure; if your luggage is lost on a charter, start from here.
  4. 3 weeks have passed and the suitcase has not been found - it’s time to submit an application to the airline for monetary compensation for lost items. A photo of the contents, an inventory of things, and saved receipts will come in handy here.
  5. If the airline refuses, we go to court, in such cases the judge usually sides with the passenger, and the carrier will have to compensate for material and moral damage.

The suitcase is found in another city or country - the airline is obliged to transport it at its own expense and deliver the baggage free of charge to the address specified by the passenger - this is an international rule that all carriers comply with.

If your suitcase is lost and you find yourself in a foreign country without all your belongings, contact the carrier company for compensation. Many international airlines allocate a small amount for essentials in such situations.

How to carry sports equipment on a plane: skis, snowboards, equipment.

If you are an active traveler, then more than once you have come across questions about how to transport skis or diving equipment, whether it is possible to fly with a snowboard for free, and how much it costs to transport a surfboard. We recommend that you resolve all these issues at the stage or immediately after purchasing a ticket; at the airport it will be many times more expensive and, in the worst case, will end in missing your flight.
It doesn’t really matter whether you have winter or summer equipment; we suggest solving the issue of flying with sports equipment using a simple and effective algorithm:

  1. try to fit into standard luggage: if the size of things allows you to squeeze into standard sizes and weight - we pack and fly;
  2. look for tickets from companies that transport sports equipment for free: such promotions are often carried out by airlines during the season on popular routes;
  3. inform the air carrier in advance that you are flying with sports equipment, indicating the dimensions and weight;
  4. pack your equipment carefully and securely, it is better to use special cases for transportation;
  5. do not forget that sports equipment is issued in the oversized baggage area, and not on the transport belt;
  6. traveling with your own gym equipment is rarely cheap, but the experience is worth it.

Our top flight tip: pack your bags, pack away your luggage, and pack away your luggage!

So, from this article you will find out: is it possible to carry a suitcase the size of an elephant for free, why you have to leave shaving foam at the security check, how to take skis to a resort, why you should learn to fly without things, where to look for a missing suitcase and who the suitcase detectives are.

Backpacks, bags, purses, purses, knapsacks, baskets, suitcases, or, more simply, hand luggage. All these objects have their own shape and size. They also allow you to cram in a myriad of important and necessary items during the flight. Vigilant airlines are prepared for such a turn of events and strictly regulate the amount, size and weight of hand luggage that is allowed per passenger during the flight.

Each airline sets its own requirements for hand luggage. This depends on the carrying capacity of the aircraft fleet and its technical equipment. Next we will talk about that carry-on baggage that is called free. Or rather, it is included in the ticket price for the selected fare. And also about what size and weight standards need to be observed in order not to pay extra money to the airline.

If tourist travelers are more concerned about the maximum size of a suitcase that will travel in the luggage compartment, then citizens on business trips are more often interested in the maximum permitted overall size of hand luggage when flying in Russia and abroad. With careful planning, a two or three day business trip or visit to friends does not require you to move a lot of things. This means there is a chance to significantly save on airfare. First, let's look at the sizes of bags and suitcases.

So, according to transportation standards, you can take hand luggage with you into the cabin in the size of 55x40x20 cm. These are the most common parameters for the width, depth and height of bags, suitcases or backpacks for many airlines. Of course, deviations from the standard volume occur, but this is at the discretion of the individual air carrier. For example, Pobeda Airlines LLC set a frankly meager hand luggage size of 36 x 30 x 27 cm. Passengers who encountered this domestic low-cost airline for the first time complained that often even their bag with a laptop did not pass control, and completely unexpectedly I had to pay extra for it.

Before departure, always try to check the permitted size of hand luggage with your airline.

It’s good when an air carrier allows you to carry a suitcase larger than the usual 55 x 40 x 20 cm, such as British Airways. Their allowed dimensions of hand luggage for air travel on international flights and within the country are 56 x 45 x 22 cm. But it’s a shame not to fit into the Emirates validator (a means of checking the size of hand luggage at the airport) – 55 x 38 x 20 cm.

But don't be upset. Different airlines, different rules. Clear parameters for the height, width and depth of a passenger’s bag are not typical for all air carriers. Often an indulgence is made, and the company gives permission to baggage allowance based on the sum of three dimensions. Basically, this figure does not exceed 115 cm.

Measuring the dimensions of hand luggage in three dimensions is easy. Just measure with a ruler:

  • height,
  • width,
  • the depth of a suitcase or bag.

Measure an oval backpack at its widest and highest part. Experienced domestic travelers and tourists advise taking a soft bag as hand luggage in Europe, rather than a small hard suitcase. It's easier to squeeze into the validator at the airport.

By the way, be careful when reading information on airlines’ pages. There are countries that provide information on sizes in inches rather than centimeters (Great Britain, USA, partly Canada and others).

There is a concept of large carry-on luggage. Of course, the company will not be happy if a passenger brings something bulky and heavy into the cabin. They will do their best to persuade him to hand over the cargo to the luggage compartment of the plane. The situation here is individual, but in any case, an additional payment is required for such an item. If a musician is carrying a valuable cello, which he does not agree to hand over to the responsibility of the movers, then he must be prepared for the fact that he will have to buy one seat in order to place his instrument there.

What is the maximum weight of hand luggage that can be carried on an airplane?

Limiting the weight of hand luggage on an airplane is a normal practice for airlines. Typically, a suitcase, bag or backpack should weigh no more than 10 kg. Although information from Air France states that you can take 12-18 kg of hand luggage on a plane per person (depending on the cabin in which you are flying). And the same generous British Airways allows you to carry a passenger bag weighing 23 kilograms in the cabin! Even in the Basic tariff!

The permitted weight on airplanes in Russia at Aeroflot will not exceed an average of 10 kg per person. But for economy class tickets, Ural Airlines offers to carry only 5 kg of hand luggage free of charge, as was the case with the low-cost carrier Pobeda until recently. Recently, the company announced that it allows you to carry any weight of hand luggage in the cabin, as long as the bag fits within the specified dimensions (remember, this is 36x30x27 cm).

How do they check the size and weight of hand luggage at the airport?

Experienced passengers say that airport workers have such a trained eye on passenger luggage that checking the dimensions or weight of bags and suitcases is very rare. However, to avoid problems, first measure your hand luggage at home with a ruler. And when you arrive at the airport, use the established frame to check your hand luggage. Its second name is a baggage calibrator (or validator). Take a closer look, there should be a metal stop next to each section of a particular airline. Just put a suitcase, bag or backpack in it and make sure your luggage gets in and out without any problems.

As we already wrote above, an air carrier employee will ask you to perform this procedure only if he sees obvious excesses in dimensions.

However, travelers note that some domestic carriers, seeing that the soft bag is wrinkled and fits normally into the calibrator, force the passenger to take it out, straighten it, and they themselves measure all the parameters manually with a ruler. As a result, there is an additional charge for oversized hand luggage. Interestingly, airlines from other countries have not yet been seen in such situations.

When checking weight, things are even simpler. Hand luggage is rarely weighed. This usually occurs during check-in at the counter, weighing and transferring large suitcases to the luggage compartment. And only if the receptionist has a suspicion that you are about to burst under the weight of your carry-on luggage. But this is not a reason to carry bricks in your backpack and violate the required maximum 10 kg. If the airline trusts you, you should respect its rules.

What should I do if my hand luggage is larger than the allowed size?

Firstly, Try to avoid situations with excess weight or larger dimensions of hand luggage than established by the rules.

Secondly, Air carrier loyalty depends on many factors. If the registrar sees that your suitcase with hand luggage is only 2 cm more than the norm, and you have no other luggage to rearrange your things, then, most likely, he will have mercy and turn a blind eye to this minor nuance ( remember the life hack with a soft bag, which is easier to fit into the limiter than a plastic suitcase!).

Low-cost airlines with cheap tickets are very zealous about maintaining dimensions and weight. It's better not to joke with them.

However, there is a limit to everything. Even a beloved passenger with an expensive ticket will be asked by the airline to pay extra for oversized carry-on luggage if his suitcase is 5 cm larger than the required limit. This is a matter of respect for the airline and other passengers. The rules are the same for everyone. And if a person is not sure about the correct size and weight of his luggage, which he plans to take with him on the plane, he should prepare a reserve amount, which will insure him in case of compensation to the carrier for excess weight and excess in centimeters. Pleasant flight!

Hand luggage(English: hand luggage, or cabin baggage) - luggage that a passenger can take with him on board the aircraft. Depending on the type of ticket, the rules of most airlines set the following restrictions on the number of pieces of hand luggage per passenger:

  • economy class - one piece of hand luggage;
  • business class - two pieces of hand luggage;
  • first class - two pieces of hand luggage.

The equivalent of a piece of hand luggage is not one separate bag with personal belongings. In fact, there may be two, or even three. The main thing is that all of them do not exceed the size and weight of hand luggage, which are established by each airline. separately. As a rule, the most stringent restrictions (on dimensions and weight) apply to low-cost airlines. They are the ones who most zealously monitor the compliance of hand luggage parameters with acceptable values.

Comparison of size and weight of hand luggage from different airlines

Dimensions of hand luggage for different airlines
airline maximum size Weight Limit
Aeroflot 55 × 40 × 20 cm 10 kg
Ural Airlines 55 × 40 × 20 cm 5 kg
Russia 55 × 40 × 20 cm 5 or 10 kg
S7 Airlines 55 × 40 × 20 cm 10 kg
UTair 55 × 40 × 20 cm 10 kg
KLM 56 × 35 × 23 cm weight is not limited
Ryanair 55 × 40 × 20 cm 10 kg
Alitalia 55 × 35 × 25 cm 8 kg
AirBaltic 55 × 40 × 20 cm 8 kg
Emirates 55 × 38 × 20 cm 7 kg
Air Berlin 50 × 40 × 23 cm 8 or 10 kg
Air France 55 × 35 × 25 cm 12 kg
Qatar Airways 50 × 37 × 25 cm 7 kg
Czech Airlines 55 × 45 × 25 cm 8 kg
British Airways 56 × 45 × 25 cm 23 kg
Turkish Airlines 8 kg
Swiss Air 55 × 40 × 23 or 57 × 54 × 15 8 kg
Lufthansa 50 × 40 × 23 or 57 × 54 × 15 8 kg
Austrian Airlines 55 × 40 × 23 or 57 × 54 × 15 8 kg

Attention! To control the size and weight of hand luggage, airports always have scales and a special form for checking dimensions.

If your hand luggage exceeds the allowance, you can try to put some of your things in your pockets - the passenger's outer clothing, including the contents of his pockets, is not regulated in any way by the rules. Therefore, those who plan to travel a lot may want to consider purchasing a separate jacket with plenty of regular pockets. And for the most shameless tourists who are ready to abuse such an omission in the rules, the SCOTTeVEST brand produces special jackets, raincoats and jackets with a large number of pockets.

What to take in hand luggage

  • documentation;
  • fragile items;
  • things of material value (laptop, camera, phone, video camera);
  • essential items (hygiene products, medications, special food).

Prudent passengers always take into account the fact that the main luggage, which is checked in at check-in, may get lost. Of course, sooner or later he will be found and returned safe and sound, but for some time he will still have to do without things that may be necessary. To ensure that this situation does not have any impact on your travel or trip, be sure to carry all the most important things with you in your hand luggage.

  • weapons, as well as devices or toys that imitate them;
  • household chemicals, especially explosive, flammable and toxic substances (acetone, hairspray);
  • pointed, piercing and cutting objects (nail scissors, nail file, knitting needles, corkscrew);
  • razors and shaving blades (excluding safety mechanical razors or closed-blade disposable razors).

Rules for transporting liquids in hand luggage

It is the restrictions on the carriage of liquids in hand luggage that most often become the main surprise for a respectable passenger. If the fact that it is forbidden to take sharp objects or a pistol-shaped lighter with you is obvious to any sane person, then the ban on a large package of your favorite perfume or Swiss cheese comes as an unexpected surprise to many, which soon turns into serious disappointment, since they have to be thrown away in a regular trash can. The fact is that since 2006, there have been serious bans on the presence of liquids in hand luggage. This measure was introduced due to repeated attempts by terrorists to smuggle in individual components of explosive devices under their guise.

The “liquid” category includes:

  • cosmetics and toiletries (perfumes, shampoos, gels, lotions, sprays, oils, paints, creams, deodorants, shaving foams, mascara, lipstick and toothpaste);
  • products (drinks, syrups, soups, cheeses, canned food, caviar, jam, homemade preparations).

The passenger must put all “liquids” into one transparent, lockable plastic bag size 20 × 20 cm. It is better to purchase it in advance, since at the airport the price for a package is usually not less than one dollar/euro. The total volume of “liquids” in the bag (together with the packages in which they are located) should not exceed 1 liter, and the volume of each individual liquid (again, taking into account the packaging) should be within 100 ml. Any passenger is allowed to have only one similar package. If the contents do not meet all the requirements, then part of the latter will simply have to be thrown away.


Attention! Baby food, dietary products and medications (with a prescription or doctor's note) that may be needed during the flight do not need to be placed in a plastic bag. Be prepared that security personnel may ask you to open baby food and sample the contents.

Carrying food in hand luggage

Carry-on baggage rules do not prohibit passengers from taking food products on board the plane. However, on international flights this should be done taking into account veterinary and phytosanitary controls at the customs border. For example, you can import animal products into Russia only in finished form and in original packaging. The import of products of plant origin depends on the degree of phytosanitary risk (high and low).

If you are going to have a snack during the flight, opt for sandwiches or fruit, and take chocolate or candy for sweets. However, avoid foods that crumble (such as cookies) or have a strong, strong odor. In addition, do not forget that some products, such as soft cheese, yogurt or caviar, are considered liquids, so the volume of each of them should not exceed 100 ml.

Accessory for hand luggage

Many (but not all) airlines provide passengers with an additional service called a “carry-on baggage accessory” (personal item). Can act as an accessory one of the following items:

  • handbag;
  • men's briefcase;
  • diplomat;
  • laptop;
  • tablet;
  • camcorder;
  • camera.

Maximum allowed accessory dimensions Different airlines also differ. Typically they are 40 × 30 × 10 cm. For other carriers, the dimensions may vary slightly - plus or minus 1–5 cm to each side. The weight of an accessory is rarely limited.

The above list of personal items that fall under the definition of an accessory is standard. Some airlines expand this to include the following items:

  • umbrella;
  • cane;
  • folder for papers;
  • a bouquet of fresh (cut) flowers;
  • printed publications for in-flight reading.

Important! According to the rules of almost all airlines, during a flight the accessory must be placed under the seat of the seat located in front of you, and hand luggage must be placed on the shelf above.

Many low-cost airlines provide the “carry-on baggage accessory” service for a fee or only for holders of their premium cards.

Transporting a suitcase

Some airlines regulate the conditions for transporting a suitcase (a travel case for suits and other sets of clothing, usually folded in half; things in it do not wrinkle and retain their shape) in a separate paragraph of their rules. The fact is that briefcases (if the clothes in them are folded 2 times, and not 3-4 times), although not significantly, exceed the permissible dimensions of hand luggage. Some airlines have introduced separate maximum dimensions for backpacks and allowed them to be taken on board the plane instead of hand luggage. Others have included briefcases in the list of personal items that can be taken as an additional accessory to hand luggage. However, there are also airlines that do not separate carry-on bags from general baggage, which means they must fit into the standard carry-on size.

Duty Free goods in hand luggage

As a rule, Duty Free stores have no restrictions on selling goods to tourists, but this does not mean that you should buy everything your heart desires. You will have to deal with restrictions a little later, because upon arrival in the country of destination, Duty Free goods are subject to the law on duties on the import of alcohol and tobacco products if they exceed the established limit (in the Russian Federation and Ukraine it is 2 liters of alcohol and 2 cartons of cigarettes).

Duty Free Products

The situation is slightly different for passengers whose flight includes a transfer or connecting flight. The fact is that they will have to go through another security control procedure, which means that Duty Free goods will already become part of their personal belongings, which must still correspond to the size and weight of hand luggage. In addition, so that Duty Free drinks do not fall under strict rules for the transportation of liquids, they must be packaged in a transparent resealable bag in the store (sometimes you will have to pay extra for it); You should also keep the cash receipt (only it confirms that the purchase was made at the airport of the first departure).

Carry-on luggage for children

If a passenger is traveling with a small child whose age does not exceed two years (that is, he is not provided with a separate seat in the aircraft cabin), a separate seat is allocated for him extra bed carry-on luggage is standard size, but slightly lighter. As a rule, this is enough to put all the baby’s toiletries, necessary clothes, toys and special food (in this case, baby food does not belong to the “liquid” category).

For a passenger with a child, it is allowed to replace their piece of hand luggage (not a child’s piece) with a stroller or carrycot (provided that they fold and can fit in the compartment above the seats).

How to stow hand luggage on board an airplane

Hand luggage must be placed on the shelf located directly above the passenger seat. If it contains one or more heavy objects, then for safety reasons the passenger must select them and place them under the seat of the seat located in front of him. It is strictly prohibited to leave hand luggage directly at the emergency exit or in the aisle of the aircraft cabin.


Attention! If you have a non-standard question about your upcoming flight, it is best to ask your airline representatives (by calling the hotline or by email). Don't forget that rules may vary from airline to airline.

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For most passengers, both newbies and those who have never flown in their lives, the topic of cabin luggage still remains relevant. Airline regulations may change every year, so you should always pay attention to the rules and regulations for carrying hand luggage on an airplane.

So, what is hand luggage on a plane? These are things that travelers take with them into the cabin without putting them in the luggage compartment. The ticket type implies a limit on the number of pieces of hand luggage per passenger. For economy class, one piece of cabin baggage is provided, business class and first class - two pieces.

If we talk about carry-on luggage, this does not mean that you can only take a handbag with you. In fact Both two and three bags are allowed, but so that they do not exceed a certain size and weight. Low-cost airlines set stricter rules for transporting items on board an airliner.

Important! If you want to know the weight of your luggage, you can weigh it at the airport and check the size.

What is allowed to be carried on board

Let's figure out what you can take with you on the plane? Carry-on luggage has a certain weight limit, so if you have a lot of bags, You only need to take into the cabin what is valuable and necessary for the flight.. For example, money, credit cards, gadgets, laptops, fragile items and jewelry.

As for the rest, you can take what is allowed by the rules established by the air carrier.

You can always find all the information about transporting items on the air carrier’s website. As for safety standards, they apply to everyone.

Aeroflot cabin baggage allowance

  1. Carry-on luggage on an airplane - dimensions and weight Aeroflot has established bag dimensions for cabin transportation - up to 115 cm (55 x 40 x 20) the sum of 3 dimensions.
  2. Business class includes hand luggage weighing up to 15 kg.
  3. Comfort and economy classes – up to 10 kg.

Perfume is carried in the cabin up to 100 ml in a transparent file with a zipper.

The new rules prohibit bringing baby food, medicines, liquids, gels, inhalers, hygiene products, cosmetics, perfumes and so on on board.

Concerning medical supplies, they are allowed to be taken on board only if the passenger has a medical certificate proving the need to take these drugs on the airliner.

Parents with children under 2 years old may carry only the amount of food needed during the flight. These provisions apply to air carriers and airports in the Russian Federation.

Rules for transporting fruit on board an aircraft

If you are flying domestically, You can bring fruits and airlines have no ban on their transportation.

The main thing is that everything is at normal weight. That is, both in the luggage compartment and in the cabin with you, you can fill it with apples and pears, for example, even to the top, as long as it’s did not exceed 20 and 10 kg, respectively. If you are carrying grapes, they will leak in the luggage compartment and ruin the luggage of other travelers.

It is better to transport such fruits in dense containers.

Fruit on international flights

The laws here are different due to customs legislation. First of all, you need to read the rules for importing and exporting fruits of the countries you will visit.

Often, no one ever had any difficulties with export, but regarding import, not everything is so smooth here anymore. Since plants, fruits, vegetables are regulated goods, their import is carefully monitored by sanitary services.

If you are importing fruit from other countries to Russian territory, then remember that per person there are up to 5 kg of agricultural products.

The only thing is that it is prohibited to import fruits into the territory of the Russian Federation from the countries of the European Union, Australia, Turkey, Canada, the USA, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Moldova, Norway, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.

If import smuggled fruit into the country, they will be confiscated and imposed fine of 500 rubles. Confiscation is carried out only of regulated products. Repeated violation involves a fine in 1000 rubles.

Features of transporting fruits in the cabin

There are also restrictions on fruits for transportation on board.

Often fruits can be carried in hand luggage on a plane and are carried. But you can carry as much as you need to eat during the flight.

If you bring a bag of exotic fruits, they will take it away from you; if you bring a couple of kilograms, they will not pay attention to them.

If you are flying from Thailand, it is prohibited to transport durian due to its specific smell.

The lack of factory packaging may also be a refusal for transportation, but people may turn a blind eye to this if the fruit is in small quantities.

In general, fruits are allowed to be transported in the cabin of an airliner, but within reasonable limits.

How much space is available for cabin luggage?

Here we will take a closer look at the standards for transporting hand luggage in the cabin of the airliner, dimensions, weight and what cannot be considered hand luggage.

As was previously said, Economy class assumes one place for transporting things in the cabin, A business and first class – 2. A handbag and briefcase are not included in the baggage carried in the cabin, as well as clothes in a case, a suit, a dress, a laptop, and an umbrella.

However, they have strict restrictions on the carriage of luggage in the cabin, that is, 1 person - 1 piece of cabin luggage. This does not include strollers or outerwear. Duty Free packages are allowed.

The weight and dimensions of luggage and hand luggage must be taken into account

Carry-on luggage - dimensions and weight

Cabin baggage weight and size may vary based on the rules established by the airline, ticket class and travel distance.

The standards relate to the sum of 3 dimensions not exceeding 115 cm (55×40×20cm). Hand luggage – 5-10 kg. You can always weigh your luggage at the check-in counter, and you can transfer any excess from the cabin bag to your luggage.

If you are flying only with cabin baggage, there is no need to transfer things to the luggage compartment. Therefore, it is better to weigh your luggage at home on scales or specially designed ones.

Low-cost airlines inspect the suitcase in a specific frame, which must fit with wheels and a handle. For example, Wizzair assumes the weight of cabin luggage is 10 kg, and its size is no more than 42x32x25cm.

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