Travelling Light: Best Cabin Luggage Sizes for Savvy Travellers

For modern travellers, packing light and avoiding the hassle of checked luggage is key to a smoother, more efficient journey. However, each airline has its own rules for cabin baggage, making it essential for travellers to be aware of these varying policies. By choosing the right size for cabin luggage, travellers can sidestep fees and delays while maximizing convenience.

Airline Rules: Varying Across Carriers

Travellers must navigate differing rules when it comes to cabin baggage. Most airlines permit one small cabin bag that fits in the overhead compartment, along with a second personal item, such as a handbag or laptop bag. For many airlines, this second item is free, while others charge for it. However, some budget airlines, usually outside Europe often enforce stricter rules, allowing travellers to carry only one piece of cabin luggage, with any additional bags needing to be checked into the hold, often for an added cost.

Best Cabin Luggage Sizes for Travellers

Though each airline has unique requirements, there are common size limits that travellers should follow. Typically:

• Standard Cabin Bag: Most airlines allow cabin bags with dimensions around 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 in), with weight limits ranging between 7-10 kg (15-22 lbs).
• Second Personal Item: Travellers can usually bring smaller items, such as handbags or laptop bags, which need to fit within 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in).

Disadvantages of Hold Luggage for Travellers

Travellers who can stick to cabin luggage enjoy a much easier travel experience. Choosing hold luggage often leads to several downsides:

• Waiting Time: Travellers must wait at baggage claim, wasting time after landing.
• Risk of Lost Luggage: There’s always a possibility that airlines may misplace or lose checked baggage, leading to disruptions in travel plans.
• Additional Costs: Many airlines, especially low-cost carriers, charge extra for checked baggage, increasing travel costs for travellers.

Maximizing Cabin Allowance

Unfortunately, few luggage brands offer bags that make full use of the maximum cabin allowance.

Savvy travellers should seek luggage that is specifically designed to match airline size limits, ensuring they can pack efficiently while adhering to the rules. This allows travellers to bring everything they need without exceeding the limits, avoiding extra fees or complications.

For travellers who want to keep things simple and efficient, mastering cabin luggage is essential. By understanding each airline’s rules and selecting the right size bags, travellers can enjoy a hassle-free journey without the risks of hold luggage. Experienced travellers who stick to cabin luggage will save time, avoid fees, and experience smoother travel overall.