Size and weight: Europe's toughest carry-on rules

Carry-on baggage regulations in European airlines in 2024

In the list of airlines with the strictest restrictions, not only low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Vueling, Volotea but also traditional airlines Finnair and SAS Scandinavian Airlines are included.

For example, Finnair has stricter rules than low-cost carriers like Wizz Air or easyJet. A similar situation is observed with SAS Scandinavian Airlines.

Formally, airlines explain the limitations on the size of carry-on baggage as a concern for passengers, as it contributes to a quicker boarding process. After all, if there are fewer items, less time is spent searching for available space in the overhead bins.

However, an analysis of airlines' reports indicates that charging for carry-on baggage has become another way to increase financial performance in the face of stiff competition.

In such a scenario, passengers opting for the cheapest airline tickets lose the right to stow their belongings in the overhead bins. Their bags are smaller in size and designed to fit under the seat in front of them. Meanwhile, access to the overhead bins becomes a privilege for clients with larger travel budgets.

Photo: Ryanair passengers (unsplash.com)

Interestingly, not all airlines restrict the weight of carry-on baggage, only indicating permitted dimensions. For example, Ryanair, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Vueling, and Volotea allow carry-on baggage based on size, without specifying strict weight limits. While this may appear as a passenger-friendly approach, the permitted dimensions for carry-on baggage are modest, limiting passengers' ability to transport large and heavy items.

Carry-on baggage rules for the cheapest fare

The publication provides examples of carry-on baggage allowances for tickets purchased at the cheapest fare. Specifically, without overhead bin storage, airlines permit the following types of bags:

• Ryanair - one piece measuring 40x25x20 cm with no weight limit, stored under the seat in front;
• Wizz Air - one piece measuring 40x30x20 cm, up to 10 kg, stored under the seat in front;
• Finnair - one piece measuring up to 40x30x15 cm, weighing up to 8 kg, stored under the seat in front;
• easyJet - one piece measuring up to 45x36x20 cm, weighing up to 15 kg, stored under the seat in front;
• Volotea - one piece measuring up to 40x30x20 cm with no weight limit, stored under the seat in front;
• Vueling - one piece measuring up to 40x30x20 cm with no weight limit, stored under the seat in front;
• Norwegian Air Shuttle - one piece measuring up to 38x30x20 cm, weighing up to 10 kg, stored under the seat in front;
• SAS - one piece measuring up to 40x30x15 cm with no weight limit, stored under the seat in front.

Photo: Passengers with hand luggage at the airport (unsplash.com)