Carry-On Luggage Sizes & Dimensions by Airline

It’s a common travel frustration: arriving at the airport only to find your airline's cabin luggage size rules are different from your last flight, risking unexpected fees or a last-minute bag check at the gate. The challenge is that suitcase sizes for UK travellers can vary significantly between carriers—what fits on one flight may be oversized on another.

To help you travel with confidence, the experts at Briggs & Riley have compiled this definitive guide. We continuously verify the cabin luggage dimensions for major UK, European, and international airlines, providing a reliable, up-to-date resource you can trust for every journey.

Size for Cabin Bag Allowance by Airline

Here, you’ll find the most reliable, up-to-date dimensions for carry-on luggage, checked and verified for the major airlines serving UK travellers. It’s the essential reference point for anyone who wants to travel prepared and travel well.

Because airlines frequently change their requirements, it’s best to always double-check with your carrier before you pack.

Updated: November/December 2025
* You must be able to lift the bag into the overhead locker.
** Cabin bag and small bag combined
***A larger cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25 cm) can be added for a fee or is included with select fares and memberships.

Major Middle Eastern Airline Luggage Size Guide

We know that key hubs connecting Europe with Asia, Africa, and beyond, airlines based in the Middle East are a popular choice for UK travellers. Carriers like Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways are known for their world-class service and often have specific allowances, especially for premium cabins. Here are the details for flying from or connecting through hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.

What Counts as Cabin Luggage?

Cabin luggage typically includes a small suitcase or cabin bag that fits in the overhead locker, along with a personal item that must fit beneath the seat in front of you. While allowances vary by airline, most carriers permit a cabin case within a set range of carry-on bag dimensions, along with strict weight limits intended to keep boarding smooth and storage space manageable.

Travellers often use a compact wheel-on case as their main cabin bag, while underseat bags, such as slim backpacks or briefcases, serve as the secondary item. Some airlines allow both pieces as standard, while others restrict travellers to one smaller underseat bag, depending on the ticket type. Understanding these distinctions is essential, as each item serves a different purpose: the cabin case carries clothing and essentials, while the personal item keeps valuables and travel documents within easy reach.

Knowing which category your bag falls into helps ensure compliance with airline rules and avoids unwelcome surprises at the gate.

How to Choose Cabin Luggage That Fits Multiple Airlines

Selecting the best cabin luggage starts with choosing a versatile piece that meets the various requirements for luggage sizes. A case that aligns with the tighter limits used by many European carriers gives you a greater chance of flying without checks or additional fees, no matter which airline you book. Look for a design that offers efficient interior space without pushing the boundaries of height, width, or depth.

Beyond size, the quality of the case is just as important. Durable materials, smooth-rolling wheels, and well-balanced proportions make a noticeable difference when moving through busy terminals. A thoughtfully engineered interior helps you stay organised, while a sturdy exterior protects your belongings throughout years of travel.

Investing in luggage built to last provides long-term value, especially when supported by a lifetime guarantee like Briggs & Riley’s. With the right case, you can easily travel on multiple airlines, confident that your cabin bag meets common requirements and performs reliably trip after trip.