A big concern for any traveler is exceeding the luggage limits set by the airlines. When it comes to complying with airline restrictions on carry-on luggage, planning and ingenuity play a key role.
Currently there is no standard size or weight for hand luggage that is accepted by all airlines. Each of the airlines establishes different measurements of size and weight when it comes to cabin luggage.
In this way, they are not the same measurements of the hand luggage that Iberia requests that Vueling requests. Some companies are more generous with the size and weight of the suitcase while others are more restrictive.
To avoid falling into this situation, we present you a quick guide in which we detail the measurements of hand luggage in most airlines that fly in Spain.
How to check luggage online
If you are one of those passengers who cannot travel only with your hand luggage, you have to know that most airlines allow you to register and print your boarding pass online before traveling. If you have free checked baggage or have purchased it, you will still have to go to the counter to drop it off but the 'baggage delivery' option is much faster and the queue is not that long.
What is not allowed in checked baggage?
Although most airline regulations apply to carry-on luggage, there are some items that cannot be included in your checked bag either.
- If during your holidays you have bought a gift and it is wrapped, you should know that if they are in your hand luggage, the airport security can open them.
- Flares, firearms and explosive material. Including replicas.
- Flammable liquids, aerosols or combustibles.
- White spirit or paint thinner
- Bleach and spray paint
Are there liquid restrictions in checked baggage?
Liquid restrictions only apply to carry-on luggage so you can feel free to travel with your favorite cosmetics as long as you make sure everything is securely closed. However, alcohol does have some limits: 110 liters of beer, 90 liters of wine and 10 liters of spirits.
What happens if the luggage measures or weighs more than allowed?
Generally, you will have to pay an extra fee for overweight or oversized checked luggage. Usually it is always cheaper to do it in advance online, so if you know that you are going to exceed the luggage limits, it is worth buying a few more kilos before going to the airport.
Excess baggage charges start at € 10 on low-cost airlines such as Norwegian Air. For other airlines, such as TAP Portugal or Air France, it is best to consult the baggage conditions they establish.
Hand luggage measurements of the most used airlines in Spain
Vueling hand luggage measurements
The measurements that the company supports are 55x40x20 centimeters. They allow up to 10 kilos of weight and an accessory in the cabin.
Iberia hand luggage measurements
The measurements allowed by the Spanish airline are 56x45x25 centimeters and it does not establish a weight limit. It also allows a cabin accessory.
Air France hand luggage measurements
The French airline Air France sets luggage restrictions of 55x35x25, with a maximum of 12 kilos and an accessory in the cabin.
TAP Portugal hand luggage measurements
The measurements of hand luggage in the Portuguese airline are 55x40x20 centimeters and only eight kilos can weigh the suitcase.
Ryanair hand luggage measurements
This airline allows you to carry an accessory in the cabin that does not exceed ten kilos in weight and has the measurements of 55x40x20 centimeters.
Tricks to not exceed the limits of hand luggage
Recently, the online travel agency eDreams conducted a global survey of more than 2.000 Spanish travelers and more than 11.000 European users to analyze their packing habits and their opinions on luggage restrictions.
When preparing suitcases, these are some of the tricks that Spanish travelers use to avoid exceeding airline luggage limits.
- Putting on several layers of clothing to avoid putting them in the suitcase (30%)
- Buy at Duty Free to get an extra bag (15%)
- Carrying the heaviest objects in your pockets (16%)
- Store hand luggage under the coat (9%)
- Smile at control staff to turn a blind eye (6%)
- Hide one suitcase inside another (5%)
- Wait at the end of the queue for the luggage to go in the hold of the plane at no cost (4%)
- Bribing gate staff (2%).