Regional Differences: Carry‑On Rules by Region
United States
- Primary constraint: Size (e.g., ≈ 22×14×9 in carry‑on; personal item must fit under‑seat).
- Weight limits: Rare.
- Practice: Full bins can force gate‑checks; regional jets have smaller bins.
Europe
- Weight checks: More common; limits often 8–10 kg.
- Low‑cost carriers: Tighter rules; consider priority boarding for overhead access.
Asia‑Pacific
- Frequent checks: 7–10 kg common; personal item rules may be specific.
- Enforcement: Scales at check‑in and gates; combined weights possible.
Latin America, Middle East & Africa
- Variation: Mix of size‑only and size+weight policies depending on carrier/route.
- Tip: Check your airline’s published carry‑on policy—size and weight limits can vary by fare class and route.
Check your bag Open the Carry‑On Checker
Why rules differ by region
Carry‑on policies aren’t arbitrarily different. They reflect aircraft size, cabin layout, cultural norms, and competitive positioning. U.S. airlines generally operate larger narrow‑body jets with generous overhead bins, so they publish standard size limits and rarely weigh bags. European carriers operate a mix of legacy full‑service airlines and aggressive low‑cost carriers; the latter monetize overhead space and strictly enforce weight to encourage checked bags or priority add‑ons. In Asia‑Pacific, high passenger volumes and tighter security have led to weighing scales at gates and stricter under‑seat policies.
Regional variations also come from regulatory environments. For instance, some countries mandate that carry‑ons be weighed for safety, while others leave it to the airlines. Local travel patterns matter too: busy train‑plane connections in Europe mean more multi‑mode baggage handling, encouraging smaller cabin bags.
Low‑cost vs. full‑service carriers
- Low‑cost carriers: Often limit both size and weight, with fees for additional cabin or hold bags. Examples include Ryanair, Wizz Air, Spirit, AirAsia, and VivaAerobus. Read the fine print: some allow only one personal item unless you purchase priority boarding.
- Full‑service carriers: Typically allow one carry‑on plus a personal item. Weight limits may apply outside the U.S. (e.g., 7–10 kg in Asia). Examples include Lufthansa, British Airways, Qantas, and Air Canada.
Planning tips by region
- United States: Focus on size; invest in a standard 22 × 14 × 9 in roller and a compressible personal item. Expect rare weight checks.
- Europe: Check both size and weight. Use a portable luggage scale and consider a smaller 55 × 40 × 20 cm bag to meet stricter low‑cost dimensions.
- Asia‑Pacific: Keep your carry‑on under 7–10 kg and your personal item slim. Some airports have combined weight limits for both items.
- Latin America, Middle East & Africa: Policies vary widely. LATAM and Qatar often enforce weight; others may not. Always review the airline’s specific policy for your route and fare class.
FAQs
Why does weight matter so much on some carriers? Fuel costs and operational efficiency are tightly managed. Smaller aircraft have lower weight tolerances; low‑cost carriers also use weight limits to encourage paid baggage.
Can I pool my weight allowance across carry‑on and personal item? Some airlines allow a combined weight limit; others set separate limits. Always assume the stricter interpretation unless your carrier specifies otherwise.
Are regional policies enforced uniformly across all routes? Not always. A flagship route on a wide‑body aircraft may have more generous allowances than a domestic hop on a regional jet. When connecting, follow the strictest limit across your itinerary.