Carry-on luggage is the baggage you can take with you in the cabin without checking, as long as you follow the airline’s rules and conditions—for example, size, weight, and permitted items.

This is something you should know before flying, both to avoid unexpected fees and to prevent issues at the security checkpoint.

While policies vary by airline, route, and fare, there are common standards you can use as a reference. Therefore, our guide focuses on typical measurements, liquids, and restricted items you can take in your carry-on. We’ll also share practical tips for traveling without setbacks.

Carry-On Luggage on Airplanes: Sizes, What to Pack, and Restricted Items

What Is Carry-On Luggage?

Carry-on luggage is the suitcase or backpack you bring into the airplane cabin, usually stored in the overhead bin. However, if it’s compact and there’s space, it can go under the seat, depending on its size, the available room, and the airline’s instructions.

But note, it’s not the same as the personal item. That one is usually smaller and, generally, must go under the seat in front of you (e.g., handbags, compact backpacks, purses, or briefcases).

Carry-On Luggage Dimensions

Carry-on dimensions vary according to the airline’s policies and the fare you pay. However, there are fairly common ranges that can help:

Most Common Standard Dimensions (height × width × depth)

On many airlines, the typical dimensions for cabin baggage are:

• Height: 55–56 cm

• Width: 40–45 cm

• Depth: 20–25 cm

According to IATA standards, a common reference for carry-on is 56 × 45 × 25 cm (height × width × depth), including wheels and handles. That’s why it’s important to measure it when fully packed, counting anything that sticks out: wheels, handles, and pockets.

Allowed Weight (Typical Ranges)

There’s no single universal rule for cabin baggage weight. Some airlines set the limit at 10 kg, while others allow more in certain fares or classes. In addition, there are cases where enforcement focuses more on size than weight.

For example, on Iberia, the carry-on can weigh up to 10 kg in economy and up to 14 kg in business. Air Europa, on the other hand, applies similar limits depending on class.

Policies and conditions may vary for each one.

Low-Cost vs. Traditional Airlines

Beyond your carry-on measurements, what often changes most is what your fare includes.

If your goal is to find cheap flights to Europe or elsewhere, this point is key, since many low-cost airlines offer low prices but apply stricter policies. Often, carry-on is added as an extra fee.

That’s why you should compare the total cost (fare + baggage + other extras).

By contrast, traditional airlines usually include a personal item and cabin bag in the ticket. Still, this can vary by route and fare family.

What Can I Bring in My Carry-On?

What you can bring in your carry-on is more about airport security rules than the airline’s.

Items

Generally, items allowed in cabin baggage include:

• Clothing and accessories like glasses, caps, scarves, belts, gloves, or watches.

• Documents and valuables: tickets, cash, passport, visa (although some countries don’t require a visa for Mexicans), cards, keys, jewelry.

• Medications and medical items (preferably with a prescription or in the original box if controlled).

• Electronics: laptop, tablet, camera, headphones, console, chargers, cables, eSIM.

• Lithium batteries and power banks (with capacity limits depending on the airline/authority).

Liquids in Carry-On

The most common rule at security checkpoints is:

• Containers up to 100 ml (3.4 oz) per liquid/gel/aerosol.

• They must go in a transparent, resealable bag.

• Maximum total capacity of liquids: 1 liter.

What counts as a liquid?

Creams, toothpaste, gel, perfumes, liquid makeup, aerosol deodorant, beverages, sauces, etc.

These can also be subject to inspection.

Restricted or Prohibited Items

To avoid problems at security, do not bring in the cabin:

• Sharp or pointed objects, such as knives, box cutters, or large scissors.

• Tools that may be considered dangerous—for example, long screwdrivers, hammers, large wrenches, or drills.

• Flammable or chemical substances, such as solvents, fuels, or certain aerosols.

• Weapon-like objects or replicas—even if they’re toys.

Keep these general rules in mind when building your carry-on packing checklist.

Carry-On by Airline

Even if there are common ranges, what really matters is what your airline sets for your route and fare. In other words, before you fly, confirm what it allows and under what conditions.

Ideally, review the baggage policy and verify three points:

• Exact carry-on dimensions: the maximum size and whether that measurement includes wheels, pockets, and handles.

• Maximum weight: the limit that applies depending on class or fare.

• Whether the personal item is included.

As mentioned earlier, some fares allow a handbag or small backpack under the seat in addition to the cabin bag. In others, only the personal item is included and the carry-on is charged separately.

Tips for Traveling with Carry-On Only

If you don’t want—or need—more than your carry-on, here are some tips to optimize space, reduce risks, and avoid extra fees:

How to Optimize Space

• Compare travel backpacks and choose one that’s light and functional. If it’s heavy when empty, it will eat into the margin for what you actually need.

• Use packing cubes, as they’re great for compressing without making a mess.

• Build outfits by combining pieces that work together and limit the number of shoes.

• Roll or bundle-fold—classic techniques to avoid gaps and keep everything snug.

How to Avoid Extra Fees

• Don’t exceed the corresponding size.

• Use a scale to weigh your bag and avoid additional charges at the gate.

• Research where it’s best to buy cheap airline tickets.

• Keep your bag ready for the sizer—no coats hanging off it, small bags, or souvenirs attached, since they count as volume.

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What to Check Before Going to the Airport?

• Your fare and what it includes.

• Allowed dimensions and weight.

• The liquids rule.

• Which electronics and batteries you can bring and which are subject to inspection.

Here are some other travel tips: the more information you have, the more likely you are to optimize, reduce risks, and avoid extra payments.

Conclusion

A carry-on is a practical way to travel when you don’t need to bring too much. You just need to stick to the basic rules on size, weight, and what’s allowed to pass security with less stress.

Most importantly, remember that policy and conditions differ for each airline, and your fare also plays a role. That’s where extra charges and surprises usually appear.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my carry-on exceeds the measurements?

If it exceeds the size or weight, the airline may require you to check it at the gate or counter and charge an additional fee. They may also refuse to let you bring it into the cabin if it doesn’t fit in the sizer.

Can I bring food in my carry-on?

Yes, in general you can bring solid food (snacks, sandwiches, or fruit). But creamy or semi-liquid foods (sauces, yogurt, soups) are usually subject to the liquids rule.

Can I bring a laptop or a power bank?

Yes. Your laptop can go in your carry-on, and you’ll usually need to take it out at security. Power banks can also go in the cabin, not checked, though certain limits may apply depending on the airline.

Is carry-on free?

It depends on the airline and fare type. Some tickets already include it along with the personal item. On many low-cost airlines, however, only the personal item is included and the cabin bag is charged separately.

Sources:

IATA Standards

Iberia Cabin Baggage

Air Europa Carry-On

Packing cubes