EU Hand Luggage Rules for 2025: Size, Weight & Liquid Limits Explained

Many travellers prefer to pack light and carry only hand luggage to skip check-in queues and reach their destinations faster. However, airlines frequently update their cabin bag policies to optimize space and streamline boarding.

Flying to or from Europe in 2025? New hand luggage rules are in effect. Whether you’re heading on a business trip or a European getaway, staying informed about the latest carry-on limits will help you avoid last-minute surprises at the airport.

Here’s a detailed look at the EU’s updated hand luggage rules for 2025 and how they might impact your travels.

Why the Constant Changes to Carry-On Luggage?

Airport security and efficiency are constantly evolving. While advancements like G3 scanners once allowed larger liquids and electronics in carry-on bags, recent EU decisions have reverted some of these conveniences due to emerging security concerns. This necessitates regular updates to hand luggage rules.

Airline-Specific Hand Luggage Allowances for 2025

Different airlines have varying sizes and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage. Checking your specific airline’s policy is paramount to avoid unexpected fees and delays at the airport. Here’s a snapshot of some key European carriers’s updated allowances for 2025:

1. Air France

Air France offers a flexible cabin baggage policy, allowing Economy and Premium Economy passengers to carry a handbag and a personal item with a combined weight of 12 kg (26.4 lb). The policy is ideal for travellers needing extra space for business essentials or personal belongings.

• Economy & Premium Economy: One cabin bag + one personal item (max. 12 kg combined)
• Business & La Première: Two cabin bags + one personal item (max. 18 kg combined)
• Cabin bag size: 55x35x25 cm
• Personal item: 40x30x15 cm

2. EasyJet

EasyJet follows a strict one-bag-per-person rule for standard fare passengers, allowing only a small under-seat cabin bag that must fit in front of you. Those who need extra space can book the Large Cabin Bag option, which allows a bigger carry-on, making it a more flexible choice for travellers with additional luggage.

• Standard fare: One small under-seat cabin bag (max. 45x36x20 cm, 15 kg)
• Upgraded fare (Large Cabin Bag option): One additional cabin bag (max. 56x45x25 cm)

3. KLM

KLM provides a generous baggage policy, with Economy and Economy Comfort passengers allowed one carry-on and one accessory with a combined weight of 12 kg.

• Economy & Economy Comfort: One large bag + one smaller accessory (max. 12 kg combined)
• Premium Comfort & Business Class: Two large bags + one smaller accessory (max. 18 kg combined)
• Cabin bag size: 55x35x25 cm (including handles and wheels)
• Accessory item: 40x30x15 cm

4. Iberia

Iberia offers a generous cabin baggage allowance compared to budget airlines, making it a preferred choice for travellers who want to avoid extra fees and check-in delays. Passengers can bring both a cabin bag and a personal item, ensuring ample space for essentials.

• Cabin bag size: 56x40x25 cm
• Weight limit: 10 kg
• Personal item: 40x30x15 cm

5. Ryanair

Ryanair has one of the strictest hand luggage policies among European airlines. The basic fare allows only a small personal item, which must fit under the seat. However, passengers can upgrade to the ‘Priority & 2 Cabin Bags’ option, allowing them to bring a larger carry-on suitcase.

• Basic fare: One personal item (40x20x25 cm)
• Priority boarding option: Additional cabin bag of 55x40x20 cm (10 kg)

6. Vueling

Vueling follows a similar approach to Ryanair, restricting standard carry-on bags for basic fare passengers. To bring a proper cabin bag, travellers must upgrade to a higher fare tier.

• Basic fare: One personal item (40x30x20 cm)
• Upgraded fare: Cabin bag (55x40x20 cm, 10 kg)

7. Air Europa

Air Europa offers a more traveller-friendly cabin baggage policy, with a larger allowance compared to budget airlines. This makes it ideal for passengers who want to pack additional clothing, gadgets, or travel essentials without worrying about extra fees.

• Cabin bag size: 55x35x25 cm
• Weight limit: 10 kg
• Personal item: 40x30x15 cm

New European Hand Luggage Regulations for 2025

The EU has introduced new travel regulations effective since September 2024, impacting all member countries. Here’s what you need to know:

1. The 100ml Liquid Rule is Back

• Liquid containers must not exceed 100ml.
• All liquids must fit into a single, clear, resealable 1-litre plastic bag.
• Some airports previously allowed larger liquid containers, but the EU has standardized the 100ml rule until all airports adopt enhanced screening technologies.

2. Proposed Changes

The European Union also plans to standardize hand luggage rules, allowing one carry-on bag up to 55 x 40 x 20 centimetres (10 kg) and one small personal item up to 40 x 30 x 15 centimetres.

• Main cabin bag: Maximum 55 x 40 x 20 cm, including handles and wheels.
• Personal item (e.g., laptop bag or handbag): Maximum 40 x 30 x 15 cm.
• Bags exceeding these dimensions will need to be checked.

Impact of New Rules on Travellers

The revised hand luggage rules may require corporate travellers to rethink their packing strategies. Key impacts include:

• Predictable Packing: Standardized regulations simplify packing for frequent flyers.
• Overhead Space Optimization: The uniform bag dimensions ensure that carry-ons fit comfortably in overhead bins, potentially speeding up boarding.
• Checked Luggage Considerations: Some travellers may need to check bags that previously qualified as carry-on, leading to additional baggage fees.
• Airline-Specific Variations: While EU regulations set a baseline, airlines may impose their own additional restrictions, so checking airline policies before departure is essential.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

While these are the current regulations, they are subject to change. EU officials have indicated that liquid restrictions may evolve as more airports adopt advanced screening technology. Travellers should stay updated with airline guidelines to ensure a hassle-free journey in 2025.

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