Carry-on Size Guide 2026 — Airline by Airline

Carry-on dimensions and weight limits for 2026 by airline: Finnair, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Lufthansa, KLM, Emirates and more — comparison table and packing tips.

Carry-on rules in 2026 still vary by airline and fare type. The EU approved revised air-passenger rules in July 2026, including a new personal-item right, but those rules are not yet generally in force on 19 September 2026. Always check the conditions for your exact flight and fare before departure. This guide compares the currently published dimensions and weight rules of airlines commonly used from Finland.

General rules 2026 — the new EU framework is not yet in force

The Council of the EU approved revised air-passenger rules on 13 July 2026. The new framework includes a right to one personal item measuring up to 40×30×15 cm or fitting under the seat in front. However, the updated rules enter into force only 12 months and 20 days after publication in the Official Journal.

So on 19 September 2026 there is not yet one new 40×30×15 or 40×30×20 rule generally governing every EU flight. Today's allowance still depends on the airline and the fare you bought.

Dimensions normally refer to the complete bag, so include wheels and handles. Re-check the airline's own page shortly before travel.

Carry-on comparison — checked 19 September 2026

This table was checked on 19 September 2026. Airlines can change rules, and baggage inclusion can differ between fares on the same airline.

Weight limits and gate fees

An oversized bag or a cabin bag that is not included in your fare can cost substantially more at the gate than an extra bought in advance. There is no single standard fee: it depends on the airline, route, fare and whether baggage is added online or only at the airport.

For example, Finnair publishes a gate charge for cabin baggage that is not included or is too large, while easyJet can move an oversized bag to the hold for a separate airport charge. Check the exact current fee on your airline's page before departure.

Measure and weigh the bag at home. Do not rely on a small excess being ignored, because enforcement varies by flight.

Liquids and electronics at security in 2026

At Helsinki Airport departures, each liquid container may hold no more than 100 ml, but you may carry up to 2 litres in total per passenger. Liquids do not need to be packed in a transparent bag or removed from hand baggage at security. Electronics can also stay in the bag.

At Helsinki Airport transfer security and Finavia's regional airports, the process is stricter: liquids must be in containers under 100 ml and fit in one transparent resealable bag of about one litre. You may be asked to remove liquids and electronics.

Rules can differ at your return or transfer airport, so check that airport's instructions as well. Power banks and spare lithium batteries belong in cabin baggage, not checked baggage.

Tips: double your capacity

1. Packing cubes compress clothing 30–40 %. A 3-piece set runs €15–25.
2. Roll, don't fold — 25 % less space and fewer wrinkles.
3. Heaviest clothes on your body — winter coat and boots at the airport, not in the bag. Airlines don't weigh what you wear.
4. Liquids as padding — deodorant and toothpaste inside a sock, not a separate pouch.
5. Every item does two jobs — a sarong is a towel, scarf and in-flight blanket.
6. Mesh slippers instead of a second pair of shoes — half the weight, fit in a wallet-sized pouch.
7. Kindle over paperbacks — 250 g replaces 3–5 books (1.5–2.5 kg).
8. Zero-junk rule: if you didn't use it the last 3 days at home, you probably won't use it on the road.

Our packing list helps you stay under Ryanair's 10 kg limit even for a week.

Before the airport — checklist

- Measure the bag including wheels and handles and weigh it
- Buy Priority Boarding or paid carry-on in advance, if the airline requires it
- Print your boarding pass or load it in the app — some low-cost airlines charge €20 for a gate printout
- Liquids in a clear bag ready to go and electronics on top for security
- Power bank in the carry-on, not the hold
- Activate your travel eSIM at home (Airalo(Affiliate link) 10 GB Europe ~€25) — saves the airport SIM queue
- Travel insurance valid for the whole trip — see travel insurance guide 2026

Special luggage categories

Instruments: a guitar fits as carry-on on most airlines if the overhead has room — Finnair and Lufthansa accept, Ryanair requires an extra seat. Sports gear (skis, snowboard, bikes) always goes in the hold as paid extra (€30–80). Baby equipment (strollers, car seats) is free on most airlines. Prescription medications are always allowed in the cabin, including liquids — carry a prescription copy for outside the EU.

Destination customs limits

Carry-on is also subject to destination customs. Inside the EU: free movement for personal use. From outside the EU to the EU: duty-free allowance per passenger: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 1 L spirits or 2 L wine + 4 L beer, €430 other goods (by air). To the US: no fresh fruit, meat or plants. To Australia: no food undeclared — the fine is A$400. Read our cheap flights 2026 guide to plan the route and cheapest destinations 2026 for inspiration.

FAQ — carry-on in 2026

Can carry-on be weighed at the gate? Yes. The airline can check size or weight and charge if the bag does not meet your fare conditions.

How much liquid can I take through Helsinki Airport departures? Each container may hold up to 100 ml and you may carry up to 2 litres in total. A transparent bag is not required in the departures security lane. Transfer security and other Finavia airports use stricter rules.

Can a phone with a lithium battery go in checked baggage? Electronics are best carried in cabin baggage, and power banks and spare lithium batteries must be carried in the cabin. Check airline-specific battery limits.

Is carry-on free on every EU airline? The revised EU rules have been approved but are not yet generally in force on 19 September 2026. Today's free allowance depends on the airline and fare.

What bag size works on every airline? There is no single guaranteed size. Finnair's small item is 40×30×15 cm, for example, while Ryanair's is 40×20×25 cm.

Can I bring souvenirs in carry-on? Yes, subject to security, airline and customs rules.