Carry-On Luggage Size Guide for Australian Airlines
Complete breakdown of size and weight limits for Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Rex, and major international carriers.
Nothing derails a smooth airport experience quite like being told at the gate that your carry-on bag doesn't meet size requirements. The fees for checking oversized bags at the last minute are steep, and the stress of repacking in a crowded boarding area is something every traveller wants to avoid. Understanding the specific requirements of Australian airlines before you travel—and choosing luggage that complies universally—is essential for hassle-free flying.
This guide breaks down the current carry-on policies for major Australian domestic carriers and popular international airlines departing from Australia. Note that airlines occasionally update their policies, so always verify with your specific carrier before travel.
Australian Domestic Airlines
Qantas
Qantas is relatively generous with carry-on allowances, though the exact limits depend on your fare class and route. For most economy fares on domestic flights, you're allowed one carry-on bag plus a personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag.
- Main bag dimensions: 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (including handles and wheels)
- Main bag weight: 7kg
- Personal item: Must fit under the seat in front of you
Business class passengers on Qantas enjoy a more generous 14kg total carry-on allowance across two bags. If you frequently fly business, this extra allowance influences which luggage sizes make sense for your travel kit.
Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia's economy allowance is similar to Qantas, with one cabin bag plus a small personal item permitted on all domestic flights.
- Main bag dimensions: 56cm x 36cm x 23cm
- Main bag weight: 7kg (economy), 14kg across two bags (business)
- Personal item: Handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack
Size Checker Alert
Both Qantas and Virgin Australia have sizing cages near check-in and at gates. If your bag doesn't fit when placed inside (wheels and handles included), you'll be asked to check it—often for a fee if you haven't pre-purchased checked baggage.
Jetstar
As a low-cost carrier, Jetstar is notably stricter about carry-on limits, and they enforce them consistently. The base fare (Starter) includes a small carry-on allowance, while larger allowances require fare upgrades or add-on purchases.
- Starter fare: 7kg total combined weight, maximum 56cm x 36cm x 23cm for one cabin bag plus one small item (36cm x 30cm x 23cm)
- Plus bundle: 10kg combined carry-on allowance
- Max bundle: 10kg carry-on plus checked baggage included
Jetstar Enforcement
Jetstar weighs carry-on bags frequently at both check-in and the gate. Excess baggage fees charged at the airport are significantly higher than pre-purchasing additional allowance online. Budget travellers should weigh their bags at home before departure.
Rex (Regional Express)
Rex operates smaller aircraft on regional routes, which affects their carry-on policies. Their limits are among the most restrictive of Australian carriers.
- Standard allowance: One carry-on bag, maximum 7kg
- Dimensions: 48cm x 34cm x 23cm—notably smaller than other carriers
If you regularly fly Rex for regional connections, note that standard carry-on bags sized for Qantas and Virgin may not comply. Consider having a smaller bag specifically for Rex flights or being prepared to gate-check your standard carry-on.
Key Takeaway
If you want a single carry-on that works across all Australian domestic airlines without risk, look for bags measuring 48cm x 34cm x 23cm or smaller. This ensures compliance even with Rex's stricter limits.
International Airlines from Australia
International carriers vary more significantly in their carry-on policies. Here are the requirements for popular airlines serving Australian routes:
Singapore Airlines
One of the more generous airlines, Singapore Airlines allows economy passengers one carry-on bag up to 7kg with dimensions not exceeding 55cm x 40cm x 25cm, plus a personal item.
Emirates
Emirates permits one carry-on bag (55cm x 38cm x 20cm) weighing up to 7kg in economy. Business and first class passengers enjoy significantly higher allowances.
Cathay Pacific
Economy passengers on Cathay Pacific can carry one bag up to 7kg with maximum dimensions of 56cm x 36cm x 23cm. Like most Asian carriers, they're relatively consistent with enforcement.
American Carriers (United, American, Delta)
US carriers typically specify size limits (often 56cm x 35cm x 23cm) but don't weigh carry-ons as rigorously. However, if your bag looks oversized or the flight is full, you may be asked to gate-check.
Practical Tips for Carry-On Compliance
Beyond choosing the right size bag, these strategies help ensure you sail through boarding without carry-on issues:
- Weigh your bag at home: Use a luggage scale before leaving. Being even slightly over can result in fees or forced checking.
- Wear your heaviest items: Travel in your bulkiest shoes and jacket to reduce bag weight. You can always remove them once onboard.
- Know your personal item: Airlines often permit a small personal item (handbag, laptop bag) in addition to your carry-on. Use this for heavy items like laptops and books.
- Soft vs. hard bags: Softside carry-ons can squeeze into sizing cages more easily when slightly overpacked, while hardside bags cannot flex at all.
- Check current policies: Airlines update policies periodically. Verify limits on the airline's website before each trip, especially if it's been a while since you flew that carrier.
Universal Sizing Sweet Spot
For travellers who fly multiple airlines, the safest maximum dimensions for a universally compliant carry-on are 55cm x 35cm x 23cm with a target weight of under 7kg when packed. This fits virtually all airline requirements.
Dealing with Aircraft Variations
Even when your bag meets an airline's published limits, aircraft type matters. Smaller regional jets (like the Embraer aircraft used on some Qantas regional routes) have smaller overhead bins than wide-body international aircraft. On these flights, even compliant carry-ons may need to be gate-checked at no charge due to limited cabin space.
When flying smaller aircraft, consider having essentials like medications and valuables in a small personal item you can keep at your feet, in case your main carry-on is taken at the gate.
Understanding carry-on requirements isn't just about avoiding fees—it's about moving through airports smoothly and starting your trip without stress. Invest in luggage that meets the most restrictive limits you'll encounter, pack thoughtfully to stay under weight limits, and verify requirements before each trip. With the right preparation, carry-on travel becomes genuinely effortless.