Posted by ALTAIR Redaktion
on October 03, 2026
Few things are more irritating than having to force your case into the sizer at the gate — and then paying for the privilege. The rule is simple: know your airline's dimensions, own a case in the right format, and you fly relaxed. Here are the current carry-on policies of the major European airlines.
Carry-on dimensions of the major airlines at a glance
| Airline | Cabin baggage (max.) | Additional small bag |
|---|---|---|
| Lufthansa | 55 × 40 × 23 cm, 8 kg | 40 × 30 × 10 cm |
| Eurowings | 55 × 40 × 23 cm, 8 kg | 40 × 30 × 25 cm |
| Ryanair | 55 × 40 × 20 cm (with Priority) | 40 × 20 × 25 cm (free) |
| easyJet | 56 × 45 × 25 cm (with Plus) | 45 × 36 × 20 cm (free) |
| Condor | 55 × 40 × 20 cm, 8 kg | 40 × 30 × 10 cm |
| Austrian / SWISS | 55 × 40 × 23 cm, 8 kg | 40 × 30 × 10 cm |
| Turkish Airlines | 55 × 40 × 23 cm, 8 kg | 40 × 30 × 15 cm |
| Emirates | 55 × 38 × 22 cm, 7 kg | — |
As of 2026, without guarantee — airlines change their policies regularly. Always check your carrier's website before departure.
The lowest common denominator: 55 × 40 × 20 cm
If you regularly fly with different airlines, take your cue from the strictest limit rather than the most generous one. A case that clears Ryanair and Condor fits practically everywhere. The critical dimension is almost always the depth: many trolleys measure 23 to 25 cm and then jam in the sizer.
The Altair Original Cabin measures 55 × 37 × 22 cm (approx. 21.7 × 14.6 × 8.7 in) — slimmer in both width and depth than the 55 × 40 × 23 cm allowed by Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, Eurowings and Turkish Airlines. For the 20 cm fares at Ryanair and Condor, check the depth against your specific fare beforehand. Its 36 liters of volume will cover a full week with the right packing system.
Don't forget the weight
Most airlines allow 7 to 8 kg of cabin baggage. An empty case should therefore be as light as possible — and a quick check with a digital luggage scale before departure is worth it: ten seconds that can spare you an excess-baggage fee at the desk.
3 tips to avoid trouble at the gate
- Wheels and handles count. The stated dimensions include every part that sticks out — manufacturer figures measured without wheels are a popular trap.
- Use the small personal item. Laptop, documents and chargers go in the personal bag — that takes the load off your case at the scale.
- Compress instead of cramming. With compression packing cubes the lid still closes without force on a full case — overflowing luggage gets spotted at the gate immediately.
Conclusion
Carry-on trouble is avoidable: know the strictest limit, check the weight in advance, choose a slim case. Get equipped properly once and you will never think about it at the gate again.
