Hand Luggage Weight Limit in Europe: Country & Airline Guide 2025

When you’re flying around Europe, it’s easy to assume that all airlines follow the same hand luggage rules. But the truth is, weight limits for cabin bags can vary a lot depending on the airline, country, or even the airport. Some airlines allow just 7kg, while others let you carry up to 23kg in the cabin. For 2025, most European airlines allow hand luggage weighing between 7kg and 12kg, though a few—like British Airways offer more generous limits. This guide will help you understand the rules by country and airline, so you can pack smart and avoid surprises at the airport.

Why Do Hand Luggage Rules Vary?

European air travel is dominated by a mix of national carriers and low-cost airlines, each with its baggage policies. While the European Union mandates certain aviation safety standards, there’s no single rule on how much your cabin bag should weigh. Some allow 10kg, while others restrict it to just 6kg.

Airport enforcement also differs — some airlines rarely weigh cabin bags, while budget carriers almost always do.

Hand Luggage Weight Limits by Airline

Here’s a snapshot of the most common European airlines and their standard hand luggage weight limits:

Always check your fare type — some cheaper fares exclude carry-ons or include only personal items.

Country-by-Country Highlights

Let’s break it down further by popular travel countries in Europe.

United Kingdom

• British Airways: Generous with 23kg cabin bag + personal item
• Ryanair / EasyJet: Strict on size, especially at London airports
• Tip: Pay for priority boarding if you want to bring a 10kg carry-on

France

• Air France: Up to 12kg total (cabin + personal) in Economy
• Transavia France: 10kg, strictly enforced
• Paris CDG Airport: Often enforces strict security screening — pack neatly

Germany

• Lufthansa: 8kg max, plus 1 personal item
• Eurowings: 8kg for Standard fares
• Tip: Cabin bags are often weighed at the gate in Frankfurt or Munich

Netherlands

• KLM: 12kg total for cabin + personal item
• Schiphol Airport: Known for being efficient, but random gate checks happen

Italy

• ITA Airways: 8kg carry-on limit
• Vueling: Low-cost carrier popular in Italy, 10kg limit
• Tip: Avoid overstuffed bags at Rome Fiumicino — staff often check weight

Spain

• Vueling / Iberia: Economy fares may exclude cabin baggage entirely
• Ryanair: Popular on intra-Spain flights, strict on carry-on rules
• Barcelona & Madrid Airports: Often follow airline policies closely

Important Note About “Personal Item Only” Fares

Budget airlines now commonly sell base fares that include only a small personal item (like a backpack or laptop case). You’ll need to pay extra for even a small rolling suitcase.

For example:

• Ryanair: You get a small personal bag (40×25×20 cm) with standard fare
• Wizz Air: Same policy — 10kg cabin bag only with WIZZ Priority
• Vueling: Basic fare includes only a personal item unless you upgrade

Tips to Stay Within the Limit

• Choose a soft-shell bag — they weigh less and are easier to squeeze into overhead bins
• Weigh your bag at home using a travel scale
• Layer your clothes while boarding (wear your heaviest items)
• Use packing cubes to organize and compress your items
• Keep electronics and liquids on top for easy access at security checks

FAQs – European Hand Luggage Rules

Is 10kg hand luggage enough for a European trip?
Yes, if you pack efficiently. Most weekend or short trips can be done with 10kg — especially using travel-size toiletries and layers.

Do European airlines check hand luggage weight?
Budget airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Vueling almost always check weight. Premium airlines may be more lenient but can still enforce the limit during peak travel seasons.

Can I bring a backpack and a suitcase on European flights?
Only if your fare includes both a cabin bag and personal item. Some low-cost tickets include only one small item, so double-check your booking.

What happens if my cabin bag is overweight?
You may be asked to check it in at the gate and pay a fee. These fees can be high — sometimes more than pre-booked baggage — so it’s best to weigh your bag in advance.

Related Guides from Flightofly

• Items Not Allowed in Carry-On
• Can I Take Perfume in Hand Luggage?
• Ryanair Baggage Policy
• Airline Baggage Master Guide

Final Thoughts

Hand luggage rules in Europe can be confusing, but knowing what to expect by airline and country will help you pack smarter. Always review your fare class before assuming you can bring a cabin bag, and if in doubt, check directly with the airline or booking site.

Explore more baggage tips and airline policies on Flightofly before your next trip.