With the ever-increasing global travel and online living, it has never been more vital to know the baggage policies of airlines. Passengers in 2025 2026 are bringing on more electronic products, travel devices, and accessories than ever. This renders the awareness of carry-on and check-in luggage regulations essential to travelers before they arrive at the airport.
Each air traveler has their baggage policy, and airports and countries also provide safety measures through the efforts of organizations like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The luggage allowance does vary; according to the size of carry-ons, the weight of airline luggage, and the number of forbidden items, depending on the destination you are flying to, which airline, and what type of ticket you have.
This guide is a response to understanding all the rules and allowances of carry-on baggage and checked baggage allowance from 2025 – 2026 to make sure you are up to date on all baggage rules, baggage fees will not be unnecessarily incurred, and you have an easy time flying.
Carry-On Baggage Rules 2025-2026
Carry-on baggage is the baggage that you carry on board the plane. Such bags should be able to fit in overhead bins or under the seat.
Although the policies of the airlines vary, the majority of international airlines follow IATA sizing, and most of the airports impose the same policy.
Typical Carry-On Size Limit (2025-2026)
| Category | Maximum Allowance |
| Carry-on bag | 55 × 40 × 20 cm |
| Weight | 7–10 kg |
| Personal item | Must fit under seat |
Source: IATA Passenger Standards Manual 2025.
Airlines are very strict with size and even check cabin bags at the gate. In case your bag is too big, it can be placed in the checked baggage and billed as extra luggage.
Cabin Baggage Allowance Explained
Most airlines allow:
One carry-on bag
One personal item
Most low-cost airlines, however, only offer one free item, and that is the carry-on, so they may cost you extra.
Personal Item Vs Carry-On
| Personal Item | Carry-On Bag |
| Laptop bag | Cabin trolley |
| Small backpack | Duffel bag |
| Fits under the seat | Fits overhead |
| Generally free | Often paid |
These are the differences that are firmly enforced by budget airlines. When it comes to a big personal item, it can still be viewed as a carry-on, hence precise measurements are important.
TSA Carry-On Rules (2025 Update)
The TSA has established explicit screening criteria to travelers who are flying within or out of the United States.
Liquids Rule (3-1-1)
- Max 100 ml per container
- 1 liter of liquid in a zip bag.
- One bag per traveler
- The screening may be exempted for medications and baby foods.
Prohibited Items in Carry-On
Items that are likely to cause a security risk are forbidden by TSA, and these include:
- Knives and sharp objects
- Firearms and ammunition
- Fire or inflammable substances.
- Power tools
- The electric current in lithium battery devices is above the threshold.
- Pepper spray
- Corrosive chemicals
Security Screening Rule
Passengers are often requested to turn on electronic gadgets by airport security authorities. In the case of a device failure to start, it can be seized.
Expert Tip: Before being inspected by the security personnel, charge the electronics to prevent confiscation.
Check-In Baggage Rules (Checked Baggage Policy)
Checked baggage: this refers to luggage carried in the aircraft hold and handled at the luggage counter in the airport.
Two Global Baggage Systems
Airlines pursue either one of the two methods:
1. Weight-Based System
There is a total weight limit for luggage.
Example:
- Economy: 20–25 kg
- Business: 30–40 kg
- First class: 40+ kg
2. Piece-Based System
The passenger has a certain number of bags, which is normally:
| Allowance Type | Rules |
| Bags allowed | 1–2 |
| Weight per bag | 23 kg |
| Oversize | Charged |
Source: IATA World Baggage Standards (2025).
Airline Baggage Weight Limit
One of the most widespread causes that leads passengers to pay extra money is exceeding the weight limit.
Typical Airline Weight Rules
| Class | Weight Limit |
| Economy | 20–23 kg |
| Business | 30–40 kg |
| First Class | 40+ kg |
Numerous airlines do not permit translocation of weight among the bags unless by the weight-dependent policy.
International Vs. Domestic Baggage Allowance
Domestic Travel
Domestic flights often:
- Have lower weight limits
- Increase the cost of checking in luggage.
- Impose more rigid cabin size restrictions.
International Travel
No baggage in foreign countries:
- Frequently add on free baggage.
- Allow larger weight limits
- Grant more flexibility in carry-on.
Most full-service airlines provide free baggage on international tickets, and budget airlines use a model where they charge for baggage.
Airline Luggage Rules and Additional Charges
Extra charges may apply for:
- Extra baggage
- Large bags
- Heavy luggage
- Sports gear
- Musical instruments
When Fees Are Highest:
- At airport counters
- During peak seasons
- Without booking
Expert Travel Tip: Bagging should always be reserved in advance. It may save 40 60% less than counter payment.
Prohibited Items in Checked Baggage
Check baggage has more space than carry-on, but there are still certain limited materials:
- Fuel-powered equipment
- Explosives
- Oxygen compressor cylinders.
- Fireworks
- Corrosive substances
- Radioactive materials
A battery, drone, or e-cigarette is also included in the special items that must always be checked by airline policy.
Smart Travelling Packing Tips (2025-2026)
Experts suggest:
- Weigh bags at home
- Measure carry-on sizes
- Label all electronic devices with capacity data.
- Carry valuables in the cabin
- Photograph your luggage
- Tracking devices should be used where possible.
- Read airline rules twice
- Take batteries out of checked bags.
- Choose lightweight luggage
- Compression packing cubes should be used.
Smart packing is cost-efficient and less stressful.
Why Airline Baggage Policies Matter
Baggage policies exist to:
- Improve flight safety
- Normalize the processes of loading.
- Reduce damage risk
- Improve cabin efficiency
- Curb Lithium battery fire risks.
- Lack of compliance with baggage regulations may lead to:
- Missed flights
- Luggage delays
- Extra charges
- Security rejections
Final Thoughts
The 2025-2026 travel will not be stressful because you know the rules of airline luggage. Airport-related issues are caused by most of the following:
- Oversized bags
- Excess weight
- Prohibited materials
- Lack of preparation
When passengers weigh baggage limits, baggage security regulations, and pack smart, a lot of airport troubles are gone.
Regulations of luggage are not hindrances; they are precautions.
Experienced travellers are quicker, less expensive, and smarter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Que. How big is the size of the carry-on?
Ans. Capacities of most airlines are 55 x 40 x 20 cm, and it is always advisable to confirm.
Que. What is the number of pounds that can be carried in a checked bag?
Ans. The normal weight is 20 formed by 23 kg; the upper classes permit more.
Que. What should be prohibited in the carry-on?
Ans. Firearms, fluids (more than 100 ml) and sharp objects, and explosives.
Que. Is it possible to take electronics in my cabin bag?
Ans. Yes, power banks are not all-inclusive of electronics, but there are power banks.
Que. Does it have free baggage on international flights?
Ans. Other airlines offer free baggage, and some charge more based on the type of ticket.
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