Airline Baggage Allowances & Cabin Bag Size
Check cabin carry-on dimensions, personal item limits, and checked luggage allowances across 16 major global airlines.
🧳 Check Your Specific Bag Size (Optional)
Fits Overhead Carry-On Allowance
Your 55 × 40 × 20 cm bag matches standard overhead bin size limits.
Complete Policy Matrix for Ryanair
| Luggage Category | Maximum Dimensions | Weight Ceiling | Ticket Policy & Surcharge Rules |
|---|
✈ Gate Sizer Warning & Wheels Rule
Airline baggage measurements always include wheels, handles, and protruding side pockets. Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet enforce sizer cages at boarding gates—if your wheels prevent the bag from sliding completely into the metal frame without forcing it, gate agents impose punitive airport fees (£40 to €70) to gate-check your bag into the hold.
About this tool
How to use it
- Select your airline from the dropdown of 14 major global carriers (Ryanair, British Airways, Delta, Emirates, easyJet, etc.).
- Optionally enter your suitcase's height, width, depth (cm), and weight to test against sizer limits.
- View instant verification of whether your bag fits as a free personal under-seat item, overhead cabin bag, or checked hold luggage.
- Review the full policy breakdown including weight caps, priority upgrade requirements, and gate sizer penalties.
Why it matters
Airlines enforce wildly divergent hand luggage rules. Ryanair limits free bags to 40×20×25cm, while British Airways allows 56×45×25cm up to 23kg. Confusing these limits results in stressful gate boarding delays and punitive luggage fees up to £70 at the airport.
When to use it
Use this tool when shopping for carry-on suitcases, packing for upcoming flights, or checking whether your backpack complies with budget airline gate sizers.
Good to know
Measurements reflect current airline guidelines and include handles and wheels. Bag-fit calculation checks 3-dimensional spatial rotation.
Common questions
Do bag dimensions include wheels and handles?
Yes! Airport gate sizers are rigid metal cages. Wheels, top handles, and full outer pockets must fit inside the cage dimensions.
What happens if my carry-on bag is too big at the gate?
Budget airlines gate-check non-compliant bags into the cargo hold and charge on-the-spot penalty fees (typically £40 to €75 / $60+), which are significantly more expensive than pre-booking checked bags online.
Which airline has the most generous free carry-on allowance?
British Airways and Southwest Airlines are among the most generous: British Airways permits a full 56×45×25cm carry-on up to 23kg plus a personal item, while Southwest includes two free checked bags.
Is this luggage checker free and up to date?
Yes, 100% free and runs instantly client-side without registration.