The baggage you bring aboard the aircraft is called carry-on or hand baggage. Some airlines also allow you to bring a personal bag as well.
Suitcase, backpack, tote bag … your luggage can be whatever you want it to be. The most important: its size and weight. Indeed, it must comply with the airline rules.
Carry-on baggage size and weight limits by airline carrier
Each carrier has its own rules regarding the maximum size and weight of carry-on baggage. These rules are subject to change at any time without notice. Always validate your carrier’s requirements before departure.
| Airline | Dimensions (in inches) | Weight (in kilograms) |
| Air Canada | 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 | No weight limit |
| Air France | 21.5 x 13.5 x 10 | 12 |
| Air Transat | 20 x 16 x 9 | No information available |
| American Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 | No information available |
| British Airways | 22 x 18 x 10 | 23 |
| Delta Air Lines | 22 x 14 x 9 | No weight limit, except at certain airports |
| JetBlue | 22 x 14 x 9 | No information available |
| KLM | 21.5 x 10 x 13.5 | 12 (for carry-on and personal bag) |
| Lufthansa | 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 | 8 |
| Porter | 22 x 16 x 9 | 9 |
| Qatar Airways | 20 x 15 x 10 | 7 |
| Ryanair | 21.5 x 15.5 x 8 | 10 |
| Sunwing | 20 x 16 x 9 | 5 |
| United Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 | No information available |
| WestJet | 21 x 15 x 9 | No information available |
Checking a suitcase’s dimensions
Measure the height, width and depth of your suitcase, including wheels and handles. For example, measure the height of your suitcase from the ground to the top of the handle.
Please note that “spinner” (4-wheeled) suitcases do not always comply. It is therefore very important to measure them.
Testing the weight of your baggage
To avoid a nasty surprise, weigh your baggage before leaving and returning home. To do so, you can use a luggage scale.
Obviously, choosing lightweight baggage could help you “save” a few kilos. Think about it when you’re buying!
What to pack in your carry-on
Don’t forget to include your essentials in your carry-on baggage:
- Personal care kit
- Medication (if any)
- Underwear
- Spare clothing
- A swimsuit if you’re heading to a Sun destination
Why the above? Just in case your main suitcase, placed in the baggage hold, doesn’t arrive at your destination at the same time you do! The contents of your carry-on bag will be useful and save you some trouble.
Vous pouvez aussi consulter 12 objets à glisser dans son bagage de cabine pour obtenir d’autres idées. (phrase non traduite dans le document Word)
