Sometimes referred to as cabin bags or hand luggage, carry-on luggage weight is usually limited to around 10kg per traveller on economy flights. However, some airlines are stricter than others when it comes to carry-on luggage and checked baggage weight and size limits. To make sure your luggage is within the weight limits, it’s always worth checking the airline’s specific requirements before heading to the airport.

Cabin bags are typically checked by their dimensions rather than weighed by the airline. Before setting off to the airport, we recommend measuring the dimensions and weighing your carry-on luggage to make sure that it’s within the airline’s weight and size limits if you want to bring it on board with you. At the airport, if the staff deem your cabin bag too big or too heavy, it will be checked.

A personal item for the plane is a small bag that’s allowed on with you in addition to your carry-on luggage item (depending on the airline). It usually refers to a small purse or handbag, a backpack, or electronics bags, such as a camera case or a laptop bag. It can also include luggage items like a pet carrier or a small musical instrument. As a rule of thumb, a ‘personal’ item should be small enough to be stowed under the seat in front of you, rather than in the overhead bins.

Many major airlines, such as Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat permit a cabin bag and a personal item. Your cabin bag will go in the overhead locker and your personal item will go under the seat in front of you. However, some carriers, including budget airlines Flair and Swoop, allow a personal item free of charge but you will need to pay a fee to take a cabin bag.

Check with your chosen airline to ensure your hand luggage doesn’t exceed your allowance.

You don’t always have to pay for a cabin bag, but you will be charged a fee by some airlines, particularly budget carriers such as Flair and Swoop. Flair charge between $29-$59 when you pay for a cabin bag online in advance. This increases to up to $89 should you need to pay the fee at the airport. Swoop charge $36.75-$40.25 for a cabin bag booked online and anything up to $98 at the gate.

If you aren’t permitted to take a cabin bag on board for free and haven’t paid for one in advance, you will be charged a fee if you bring one along to the airport. Depending on the airline, this fee can be up to 40% higher than the online cost, so it’s best to prebook the luggage you need to avoid inflated fees. You may also be asked to check your bag if there’s no room available in the cabin. If this happens, ensure you remove any essentials, such as medications.