Cabin Bags – Here’s How to Pick the Right Size

Last updated on Sep 3rd, 2024 by Heena Ganotra

Different airlines have different cabin bag allowances and regulations. If you want to travel light or need to carry more items on your trip, it is important to know about the weight and size requirements for cabin luggage. 

The information can be confusing, especially for people unaccustomed to travelling. We explain the different hand luggage suitcase requirements so you can make an informed decision and don’t need to deal with any last-minute issues. 

Hand Luggage Allowance for Different Airlines

Australia is a popular destination and people residing there tend to travel often as well. There are many airlines operating to and within the country. We explain the different cabin bag allowances of popular airlines operating in this region:

1. Qantas Hand Baggage Allowance 

Qantas is Australia’s biggest and most popular airline for both domestic and international travel. Here’s a look at the baggage allowances to consider when you’re travelling by this airline:

Australian Domestic Routes

On domestic routes, passengers are allowed up to 10 kgs for one hand cabin piece and if you carry two pieces, their combined weight shouldn’t exceed 14 kgs. So, you can carry:

• One 115cm bag with dimensions of 56cm + 36cm + 23cm that weighs up to 10 kgs. 
• Two 105cm bags with dimensions of 48cm + 34cm + 23cm that add up to 14 kgs in total with no bag weighing over 10 kgs. 
• Or one 105cm bag with dimensions of 48cm + 34cm + 23cm and one 185cm bag that isn’t rigid of around 60cm + 11cm + 114cm. They should add up to 14 kgs in total with no bag weighing over 10 kgs. 
• Australian Domestic Dash 8 services allow one bag weighing up to 7 kgs with dimensions of 48cm + 34cm + 23cm.

Australian International Routes

The cabin luggage bag allowance for international routes is different from domestic routes. The allowance can also change depending on the route. Qantas hand baggage allowance includes:

• 10 kgs for one piece and if you carry two pieces, their combined weight shouldn’t exceed 14 kgs.
• One 115cm bag weighing up to 10 kgs with dimensions of 56cm + 36cm + 23cm.
• Two 105cm bags with dimensions of 48cm + 34cm + 23cm that add up to 14 kgs in total with no bag weighing over 10 kgs. 
• One 105cm bag with dimensions of 48cm + 34cm + 23cm and one 185cm bag that isn’t rigid of around 60cm + 11cm + 114cm. They should add up to 14 kgs in total with no bag weighing over 10 kgs. 
• Flights from Delhi, India Business Class allow one 115cm bag with dimensions of 56cm + 36cm + 23cm weighing up to 10 kgs or one non-rigid garment bag of 185 cm measuring 60cm + 11cm + 114cm. 
• Flights from Delhi, India Economy Class allow one 115cm bag with dimensions of 56cm + 36cm + 23cm or one non-rigid garment bag of 185 cm measuring 60cm + 11cm + 114cm with weight not exceeding 7 kgs.

You can carry small items like a handbag, laptop bag, camera bag, baby diaper bag, etc, along as long as they fit the requirements. The luggage bag size allowances can change so it is a good idea to check the most current requirements with the airline before packing for your trip. You can check out our blog on Qantas Baggage Allowance for more details.

2. JetStar Hand Baggage Allowance 

JetStar hand baggage policies are fairly straightforward. However, there is a difference between what you can carry at lower fares and what you can carry at higher fares. Here’s a look at what JetStar offers:

• Starter Fare/Plus Bundle/Max Bundle – 7 kgs allowed across two pieces. 
• Flex Bundle/Business Class – 14 kgs across 2 items weight of an item not exceeding 10 kgs. 
• Suitcase Size for Carry-On Luggage – Regardless of the weight, you need to make sure the size of your cabin bag is small enough to fit in the overhead cabin. Your luggage dimensions shouldn’t exceed 56cm (height) x 36cm (width) x 23cm (depth). 

In addition to the hand luggage, you can carry a small personal bag like a thin laptop bag, camera bag, handbag, baby items, coat, umbrella, and even a blanket. 

3. Singapore Airlines Hand Carry Allowance

Singapore Airlines is one of the most well-respected names in the aviation industry. If you’re looking for reliable and effective services, the company is a good choice. The baggage policy is fairly straightforward as well and we explain it here:

• First Class or Business Class – You’re allowed two bags weighing up to 7 kgs each. The Singapore Airlines cabin baggage size shouldn’t exceed 115 cm. 
• Premium Economy and Economy Class – You’re allowed one bag weighing up to 7 kgs and with a size not exceeding 115 cm. 

You’re allowed to carry one additional personal item and they can be a ladies’ handbag, camera bag, laptop bag, overcoat and umbrella, document bag, and a baby’s diaper bag with a weight not exceeding 6 kgs. The total dimensions of these items shouldn’t exceed 80cm. 

4. Virgin Carry-On Luggage

The size of carry-on luggage in Virgin Australia varies depending on the class of service and Velocity program tier. We explain the details below:

• Economy and Economy X – One piece of luggage OR two small pieces OR one standard piece of luggage along with one suit pack. All of these combinations should have a combined weight not exceeding 7 kgs. The dimensions for standard luggage are 56cm long, 36cm wide, 23cm deep and for two small pieces 48cm long, 34cm wide, and 23cm deep. The suit pack shouldn’t exceed 114cm tall, 60cm wide, and 11cm deep. 
• Business Class or Velocity Gold/Platinum Members – One standard piece weighing 7 kgs and measuring 56cm long, 36cm wide, and 23cm deep. Two small pieces weighing 7 kgs each measuring 48cm long, 34cm wide, and 23cm deep. Or one standard piece along with one suit pack weighing up to 7 kgs each. 

All passengers are allowed to carry one additional pack along with them. This can include a laptop bag, handbag, camera bag, medical items, kids items, and other essentials. You can check the latest details regarding Virgin Australia carry-on baggage on the airline’s website. 

5. Air New Zealand Hand Carry Allowance 

Air New Zealand is one of the most popular airlines in Australia, often ranked second or third based on the ratings and popularity. Air New Zealand has a cabin bag policy similar to the major airlines mentioned above. Here’s a look at the details:

• Economy Fares – One carry-on bag and one personal item. The carry-on bag shouldn’t weigh more than 7 kgs and the total dimension shouldn’t exceed 118 cm. 
• Premium Economy/ Business Premier – Two bags with a total weight of 14 kgs with no bag exceeding 10 kgs. 

You can carry personal items like a laptop bag, diaper bag, handbag, and more. Refer to the carry-on baggage allowance regulations before packing. Some items aren’t permitted on board. 

Suitcase Dimensions

Some airlines only list the weight of the suitcases allowed in cabins and it can be difficult for people to guess what dimensions they need to carry. The common bag sizes are mentioned below:

• 7kg Suitcase – The 7kg suitcase is suitable as cabin luggage. The standard size for a 7kg suitcase is around 56cm + 36cm + 23cm. A total of 115cm in dimensions. If you are carrying a non-rigid garment bag, you can carry 60cm + 11cm + 114cm bag of 185cm in total. 
• 15kg Suitcase Size – The 15kg suitcase size is suitable for longer trips. However, you need to check with your airline to see if you can actually carry it in your cabin. The size is around 45cm + 32cm + 18cm. 

Tip – If you are planning a trip from the USA to India then Here’s a helpful tip to differentiate between a carry-on and a personal item when packing for your flight.

This should tell you everything you need to know about the plane hand luggage size requirements. Confirming the details before you pack can help you avoid problems like last-minute repacking or unexpected fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I take more than one additional personal item?

Ans. Most airlines don’t permit this unless you need a baby diaper bag or medical items. You will need to mention this in advance to avoid last-minute problems. In most cases, you’re allowed to carry one additional item and must check everything else in.

Q. What if I exceed the maximum hand luggage weight?

Ans. If you exceed the maximum required weight, the bags will be collected and placed in the aircraft luggage hold. You may even have to pay additional costs. It is best to either remain within the limit or two add additional items to your checked luggage.

Q. How to measure the suitcase?

Ans. You need to measure the length, width, and depth of the suitcase before adding those numbers up to ensure the total remains within the airline’s required cabin baggage size limit. Some airlines will also specify the length of a suitcase and you will need to ensure the length remains within the mentioned limits.

Q. What if I need to carry more items?

Ans. If you need to carry more items, consider checking the items in and purchasing an additional baggage option. You also have the option of shipping your luggage directly to the destination if you have too many bags to transport. Several third-party couriers can handle this for you.

We hope we could clear yor doubts regarding the kind of suitcase sizes that are allowed on popular airlines in Australia.

And now that you do, you can start planning your trip without worrying about the flight ticket prices. That’s because, at MyTicketsToIndia, we offer the lowest airfare price guarantee on cheap international flights tickets to India and back. We’ll help you choose from among different airline carriers and find a deal that provides the most value. 

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About Heena | View Posts

A writer by both passion and profession, Heena Ganotra is "half agony, half hope" but all heart. And oh, she has been a book lover from the start! Her love for books is what convinced her to make a career in the wonderful world of words. She loves what she does and is out-and-out a satisfied soul with a wish to spread happiness and kindness in abundance. Insight- Some say she is living the best life anyone could because she reads, writes, travels, and makes merry. They’re right because what else does one really need! :)