Size of suitcase for luggage on an airplane (dimensions)

The issue of baggage transportation on air transport worries many tourists, because standards change all the time. What dimensions of suitcases are allowed on board, how much one free piece can weigh, what are the rules for carrying hand luggage - all these issues should be worked out in advance so that there are no problems with baggage check-in upon boarding.

What is the maximum size of a suitcase?

Today, airlines transport cargo using two systems of measures:

• by weight - weight concept;
• in terms of the number of seats - peace concept.

In the weight concept, the total cargo is taken as a basis, regardless of the number of seats, and in the peace concept, the carriage of 1 free seat per passenger is determined (hand luggage is not taken into account). The number of seats system limits the standard dimensions of a suitcase to 158 cm, and in the weight system this figure increases to 203 cm.

What weight of one suitcase can be taken in for free?

The weight concept determines a flight with baggage no heavier than 23 kg in economy class; a business class passenger can take 32 kg on board, and up to 40 kg can be carried in first class. And the number of seats system determines the carriage of baggage without additional charge for economy 23 kg.

If you are on a family trip, then it is quite convenient to take a suitcase for each person and, in total, carry a larger amount of cargo without paying than in the weight concept. However the weight of suitcases is not summed up, that is, from underweight in one suitcase and overweight in another, airport staff will not derive an arithmetic average.

Exceeding the weight limit will entail additional expenses, often considerable. Additionally, a child under 2 years old can carry 10 kg of cargo.

Attention! Many carriers have Economy Basic, Promo or Light tariffs, which include a fee for any baggage.

Acceptable dimensions of a suitcase for hand luggage

It is very convenient to carry a small suitcase, which will be considered as hand luggage, with you in the aircraft cabin. This is beneficial for several reasons:

• Time spent at the airport is saved - after landing you don’t have to wait for your luggage;
• The safety of your belongings is guaranteed - the suitcase was next to you the entire flight, and you make all movements outside the plane with it. They will not be able to mistakenly register it for another flight or give it to the wrong person;
• If you need something during the flight, you can easily use it. For example, there was a need to take medicine from the first aid kit in the suitcase.

One economy class passenger can take one piece of hand luggage free of charge into the aircraft cabin; two pieces are allowed in first and business class.. The dimensions of a suitcase that can be taken into the passenger compartment should not exceed 115 cm in sum of its sides. Suitcases of size S (cabin size) are ideal for this.

Standard dimensions of hand luggage are no more than 55 × 40 × 25 cm. Weight should not exceed 10 kg. These are generally accepted rules. However, each carrier has its own standards, which may differ from the standard by 3–5 cm in any direction. Exceeding the norms will entail an additional payment, which differs among different airlines.

Important! Before your flight, check on the carrier’s website for the permissible dimensions of free carry-on luggage and its maximum weight.

What if the size and weight exceed the norm?

It is not always possible to fill a suitcase so that the weight does not exceed the required weight. If luggage is heavier than the treasured 23 kg (the norm for business class passengers), then it will not get on board the plane without an additional payment for a few kg on top. The tariff is set by each carrier separately and can range from 10 to 100 euros in different cases.

According to existing standards, a passenger has the right to transport free of charge a suitcase with dimensions of 158 cm (203 according to the weight system), luggage of an infant under 2 years old with a sum of sides of 115 cm, or sports equipment no more than 210 cm. Excess will also entail financial expenses in favor of the carrier company at her prices.

Carrying suitcases with fragile and heavy items

If the baggage weighs above the norm or the dimensions do not meet the requirements specified by the rules, then such cargo is defined as heavy. Its transportation is possible only by prior agreement with the air carrier.

Important! You will have to arrive at the airport early on the day of departure so that you have some free time to check in your luggage.

Luggage with oversized items is transported using the same principle:

• skis, sports equipment;
• musical instruments (guitar, double bass);
• household appliances (refrigerator, microwave oven).

Suitcases with fragile items are marked with special tags, registration will also require a reserve of time. If the breakable cargo fits the dimensions of hand luggage, you can take it with you into the cabin and not worry about the conditions of its transportation.

Rules of different airlines

Air carriers post information on their websites about baggage rules and maximum permissible dimensions, including for hand luggage.. We have collected information for you about these standards from the most relevant airlines for Russian tourists. The following are the dimensions of baggage for free carriage in economy class.

Aeroflot will take on board checked baggage with dimensions of no more than 158 cm, hand luggage 55x40x25 cm, 1 piece up to 10 kg.

Free checked baggage: 1 piece with dimensions no more than 158 cm and 23 kg for Aegean Airlines, Air Astana (20 kg), Air Berlin, Air France, Alitalia, American Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Finnair, Iberia, Lufthansa.

S7 Airlines, Utair, Czech Airlines have a larger number of centimeters limiting baggage – 203. Ural Airlines indicate specific acceptable dimensions - 50x50x100 cm, and British Airways - 90x75x43. At Qatar Airways, cargo dimensions have been increased to 300 centimeters.

Hand luggage standard 55x40x25 is stipulated when flying on S7 Airlines, Ural Airlines, Utair. The 55x40x23 option is indicated by Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines. Aegean Airlines, Iberia, Finnair, Air Astana have maximum dimensions of 56×45×25, Qatar Airways indicates dimensions up to 50×37×25, Emirates up to 55×38×20 cm.