Hand luggage

Luggage gauge

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) sets guidelines for cabin baggage/hand luggage/carry-on luggage size.[2] They are not mandatory, however, and individual airlines can and do vary their requirements. The IATA guideline at one time stated:[3]

Cabin baggage should have a maximum length of 56 cm (22 inches), width of 45 cm (18 inches) and depth of 25 cm (10 inches) including all handles, side pockets, wheels etc.

The actual size and weight limits of cabin baggage can differ widely—in some cases they are dependent on the aircraft model being used, in other cases it depends on the booking class. Due to the lack of standardization a large number of different specifications were created by the airlines on the maximum permitted cabin luggage restrictions (see below). In 2015 the IATA made an effort to introduce a common smaller size for cabin luggage by introducing the "IATA Cabin OK" logo. Major airlines have expressed their interest to accept luggage of that size on their flights. This is specified as 55 × 35 × 20 cm (or 21.5 × 13.5 × 7.5 inches).[4] The Washington Post reported that the move was backed by eight "major" airlines.[5] The new size restrictions were criticised widely[6][7] with the introduction program to be put on hold a few days later.[8][9] Consequently, none of the mentioned airlines has introduced the new format (by April 2016).

Isometric projection of hand luggage allowance sizes in centimetres
+: an additional unspecified personal item is permitted

Dimensions are sometimes listed as "linear", meaning the height, width, and length are not to exceed a certain total number.[38]

Business Class, First class passengers and holders of high level mileage club members are often allowed to carry on a second bag of the same size and weight, or a smaller size and weight.

On smaller sized aircraft, sometimes the hand baggage can be carried to the aircraft door, where it is collected by baggage handlers for stowing in the cargo area and returned to the passenger right after landing.

Following the increase in restrictions imposed on flights from UK airports and to the US after the events of August 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot, hand baggage on such flights was restricted to one cabin bag no bigger than 45 cm × 35 cm × 16 cm effective since 15 August.[39] On 21 September 2006, the British Airports Authority advised that from the following day, the allowable size of the single item of hand baggage on outgoing flights from the UK would be increased to 56 cm × 45 cm × 25 cm (approx. 22 in × 17.75 in × 9.85 in),[40] the IATA guideline size. Most UK airports remain to have a strict limit of one piece of cabin baggage per passenger, including business class (allowed two pieces of cabin baggage within Europe, excluding flights to and from the UK).

Vending machine for carry-on luggage plastic bags at Munich Airport

A common regulation for cabin baggage restrictions was introduced on 6 November 2006 in European Union and in Switzerland, Norway and Iceland.

• Restrictions on liquids:
  • only liquids with max 100 ml per piece
  • all pieces assembled in a single zippable plastic bag of max 1000ml (1 liter)
  • the plastic resealable bag must not exceed 20 cm by 20 cm
  • maximum of 1 plastic bag per passenger
  • liquids include gels and lotions (shampoo, tooth paste), lip sticks, moist paper tissue, contact lens solution
  • Exceptions:
    • prescribed medicine of any size, non-prescribed medicine-only items
    • baby milk and other items for infants
    • nutrition for diabetes diet
• Restrictions on dangerous objects:
  • weaponry, including imitations and sports utilities (e.g. archery)
  • sharp objects, even small ones, including dart arrows and razor blades
    • The recommendation allows for light knives and scissors with blades up to 6 cm but some countries do not accept these either (e.g. nail care items)
  • blunt objects, clubs and all larger sticks, including sports utilities (e.g. skateboard)
  • inflammable objects, including ethanol, alcoholic beverage above 70%, some match sticks
  • toxic chemicals, including pepper spray, liquid batteries, blood samples[41]

The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced a series of restrictions effective since 26 September 2006 under the name "3:1:1" for liquids.[42]

• Restrictions on liquids:
  • 3.4 ounce or smaller of containers for liquids and gels (100 ml)
  • 1 quart-size clear plastic zip-top bag holding the liquid contents (approx. 950 ml)
  • 1 bag per traveler shown openly in the security bin
  • the TSA guidelines explicitly accept the metricized portions of 100 ml / 1 liter as defined later in the European Union
  • the list of exceptions for liquids (baby milk, diabetes diet) is identical to EU guidelines.

The TSA has additional restrictions for security searches: for example, the baggage should not be locked (except with a special luggage locks that TSA staff can open), gifts should not be wrapped, and shoes may be required to be taken off during body search with the metal detector. Food items in the luggage may be mistaken for dangerous material triggering an intensive search.