Australian Airlines Carry-On Bag Size Guide: Come Fly with Louenhide
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Time to read 6 min
December is one of the busiest months for domestic air travel in Australia, which means plenty of packing and planning ahead. One of the key decisions when preparing for your flight is selecting the perfect carry-on bag to meet airline requirements and keep your essentials close at hand.
Whether you’re heading off for a weekend getaway, a business trip, or a longer vacation, your carry-on luggage is your travel companion for everything you need on-the-go. The challenge is knowing which size and style best fits your airline's baggage policies, while still making sure you're organized, stylish, and ready for whatever your trip has in store.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about carry-on baggage size allowances for Australian domestic travel, from what you can and can’t pack, to how to pick the best travel tote or cabin bag for your journey.
What is Carry-On Baggage?
Carry-on baggage, or hand luggage, refers to the bags you’re allowed to bring with you into the cabin of the plane. Unlike checked luggage, carry-on bags stay with you at all times during your flight, either in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. Carry-on bags allow you to keep your essentials close, making your flight more comfortable and convenient.
Carry-On Bag Size Allowances: Know Before You Go
Different airlines have different rules regarding carry-on bag size, so it’s essential to know your airline’s policies before you fly. If you’ve ever stood nervously at the departure gate, hoping your cabin bag fits within the airline’s limits, you’re not alone. But don’t worry—understanding the dimensions, weight limits, and stowage areas will make your packing and airport experience much smoother. We have condensed carry on bag guidelines for the four major airlines servicing Australian domestic flights, below:
Australian Airline Carry-On Bag Size Guide
| Airline | Max. Bag Dimension Allowance | Maximum Weight Allowance | Stowed Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| QANTAS | One large bag: L56 x W36 x D23cm or Two smaller bags: L48 x W34 x D23cm |
10 kg or 14kg total (where neither item exceeds 10kg) |
Larger bag in overhead compartment, smaller item under the seat in front of you |
| Jetstar | Up to 2 bags where main bag: L56 x W36 x D23cm | 7 kg total | Larger bag in overhead, smaller personal item under seat |
| Virgin Australia | One large bag: L56 x W36 x D23cm or Two smaller bags: L48 x W34 x D23cm |
7 kg total | In overhead compartment |
| Rex Airlines | One large bag: L56 x W36 x D23cm |
7 kg total | In overhead compartment |
*The information provided reflects airline recommendations as of November 2024. Be sure to check with your airline for the latest updates.*
What Can You Pack in Your Carry-On Bag?
When packing your carry-on bag, it’s important to think about your essentials, keeping your bag light enough to carry around airports, while still ensuring you have what you need. Here’s a checklist to help you out:
- Essentials: Passport, tickets, travel documents, and essential medications should always be packed in your hand luggage bag. These items should stay with you at all times in case your checked luggage goes missing.
- Tech: Laptops, tablets, and power banks should be taken on board in your carry-on for both security and convenience. Check the airline’s specific policies for carrying batteries and power banks. Generally, lithium batteries must be carried in your hand luggage.
- Liquids: If you are flying internationally, liquids and gels must be in containers of 100mL or less, stored in a clear, resealable plastic bag. This includes things like shampoos, lotions, and perfumes.
- Snacks: Whether it’s a quick bite or a comfort snack, don’t forget to pack something to nibble on during the flight.
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Headphones or a good book: Keep yourself entertained during the flight with your favourite music or a book. Plan ahead and download your favourite shows to your phone (just in case provided in-flight entertainment is unavailable).
What You Can’t Pack in Carry-On Bags
Some items just don’t belong in carry-on luggage, for safety and security reasons. Airlines have strict guidelines on what’s prohibited. Here are some items that can’t make it into your carry-on bag:
- Dangerous goods: Chemicals like bleach and pepper spray are not allowed. Aerosols may be restricted so you must check the specific airline's policies, but they are usually permitted with a lid or cap in place (again, if travelling internationally these are limited to 100mL in size).
- Sharp items: Leave your nail clippers and manicure scissors at home. These are generally not allowed in hand luggage for security reasons.
- Restricted liquids: Remember the 100mL rule for international flights. Any liquids exceeding this must be packed in your checked luggage.
The Best Carry-On Bags for Every Traveller
At Louenhide, we understand that the right carry-on bag is more than just about size—it’s also about style and functionality. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite nylon and vegan leather carry on bags that offer the perfect balance of spacious interiors, durability and style.
Ohio Overnight Bag
- Bag Size: 45cm x 27cm x 18cm
- Perfect for: Short getaways and business trips
- Why we love it: The Ohio Overnight Bag is compact yet spacious enough to fit all your essentials, with a handy luggage sleeve for easy attachment to your rolling luggage. It also comes with a bonus clear makeup bag for organizing your toiletries, making it the best carry on weekender bag.
Chicago Tote Bag
- Bag Size: 54cm x 36cm x 19cm (must be stowed in overhead compartment)
- Perfect for: Business travellers and tech lovers
- Why we love it: The Chicago Tote Bag is perfect for those who need to bring tech items on the go. It features a padded laptop sleeve to protect your gadgets, a luggage sleeve for easy transport on top of your suitcase, and plenty of space for personal items. It's designed to fit in the overhead compartment, making it the best laptop carry on for a functional yet stylish look.
Jenn Nylon Tote Bag
- Bag Size: 43cm x 30cm x 23cm
- Perfect for: Versatile travel and long weekends
- Why we love it: The Jenn Nylon Travel Bag is a convertible style that can be worn as a backpack or shoulder bag, offering versatility for all kinds of travellers. It fits perfectly under the seat in front of you, while offering enough space for your clothes, toiletries, and other essentials.
Nora Nylon Tote Bag
- Bag Size: 49cm x 34cm x 12cm
- Perfect for: Weekend trips or as a second carry-on item
- Why we love it: Lightweight and durable, the Nora Nylon Tote is smaller in size and fits under the seat in front of you, making it an ideal underseat luggage option for your essentials. With its generous interior and durable nylon construction, it’s perfect for quick getaways and daily use.
How to Avoid Extra Fees: Keep Your Carry-On Within Size Limits
One of the biggest frustrations when travelling is running into baggage fees for an oversized carry-on bag. Travelling is expensive enough, as it is! To avoid these fees, it’s best to double-check the dimensions of your carry-on bag before you get to the airport.
Louenhide Travel Tip: If you're unsure whether your carry-on baggage exceeds airline guidelines, ask a staff member before check-in. This way, you can offload any excess items into your checked luggage and avoid any extra fees.
How to Maximise Your Carry-On Bag Space
If you’ve found the best carry-on bag for your trip, it’s time to pack it efficiently. Here are a few tips to help you maximise the space:
- Roll your clothes instead of folding them. This not only saves space but also helps reduce wrinkles.
- Use packing cubes to keep everything organized and to avoid having to dig around for small items like chargers or toiletries.
- Keep your liquids in a clear, resealable bag so they are easily accessible during security screening (if flying internationally).
Choose the Best Carry-On Bag for Your Travel Needs
In summary, when it comes to carry-on luggage, size matters, but so does comfort, durability, and style. Whether you need a carry-on duffel bag for a weekend away, a spacious cabin bag for longer trips, or a hand luggage bag that fits under the seat, Louenhide offers a range of options to suit every traveller’s needs.
So, next time you’re preparing for your trip, check your airline’s size guidelines, pick the right bag, and travel with ease. Safe travels, and happy flying with Louenhide!
