Cabin baggage: dimensions and liquids, what's allowed
Common cabin-baggage sizes and the liquids rule at airport security.
Common dimensions (vary by airline)
| Airline (type) | Typical cabin dimensions |
|---|---|
| Traditional airlines | ~55 × 40 × 20 cm |
| Low-cost airlines ("personal item" included) | ~40 × 20 × 25 cm |
| Paid "standard" cabin bag on low-cost airlines | ~55 × 40 × 20 cm |
Allowed dimensions and weight vary a lot between airlines, and sometimes by the fare you booked. Always check your airline's site before packing.
The liquids rule (EU/international-style security zones)
- Containers of 100 ml maximum each.
- Packed in a single, resealable, transparent plastic bag, about 1 liter total capacity.
- The bag must be presented separately at the security check.
Usually allowed without a volume limit
- Essential medication with a prescription.
- Baby food, in a reasonable quantity for the flight.
Often banned in the cabin
- Scissors above a few centimeters, knives, sharp objects.
- Lighters and matches (rules vary by country).
- Certain high-capacity power banks (above a given watt-hour threshold, to declare or banned from checked baggage).
If unsure about a specific item, check the official list from your departure country's airport security authority — it always overrides general rules.
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