International Flight Baggage Rules

Flying requires planning, and understanding baggage rules is essential to avoid issues at the airport. Each airline has its own policies, but some general rules apply to most international flights. In this complete guide, we explain everything about your personal item, carry-on, checked baggage, and other important points so your trip is smooth and well-organized.

Personal Item

The personal item is the smaller piece you’re allowed to bring into the cabin, in addition to your carry-on bag. It should fit under the seat in front of you. It’s ideal for storing items you need easy access to, such as documents, electronics, medication, and valuables.

• Examples: handbag, small backpack, laptop or tablet bag.
• Typical dimensions: 40 x 30 x 15 cm (varies by airline).
• Weight limit: usually 5 to 10 kg.
Airlines rarely weigh personal items.
• Allowed items: documents, electronics, medication, personal belongings.

Tips for organizing your personal item:

• Keep documents, passport, cards, and cash in an easy-access pocket.
• Use a bag or backpack with compartments to separate electronics, chargers, and medications.
• Avoid overloading your personal item so it fits under the seat and remains comfortable to carry.
• If traveling with fragile electronics, consider adding extra protection such as padded cases.
• Always check the weight before leaving home to avoid surprises at boarding.

Keeping your personal item organized makes it easier to quickly access essentials during the flight and helps reduce stress at the airport.

Carry-On Bag

The carry-on bag is the larger piece of luggage you can bring into the cabin, usually stored in the overhead compartments. It’s ideal for clothes, shoes, electronics, and items you want to keep close during the flight.

Each airline sets specific size and weight limits. Generally, carry-on bags must not exceed 55 x 35 x 25 cm and weigh between 7 and 10 kg. Small backpacks can be carried either as a carry-on or a personal item, depending on their size.

What can you bring in your carry-on?

Before traveling, it’s essential to know the general rules about what can be transported in your carry-on. These rules ensure onboard safety and speed up airport security checks.

• Liquids, gels, and aerosols: each container must be up to 100 ml, and all must fit inside a 1-liter clear plastic bag. This includes deodorants, creams, shampoo, toothpaste, and liquid cosmetics.
• Food: small snacks and solid foods are allowed; perishable, chilled, or strong-smelling items may be restricted.
• Electronic devices: phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, and other electronics are allowed. Remember to remove them from the bag during X-ray screening.
• Documents and valuables: passport, cards, money, medication, and jewelry should always be in your carry-on or personal item to avoid loss or damage.

Prohibited Items in Carry-On Luggage

• Firearms, ammunition, or explosives;
• Sharp or pointed objects, such as knives, large scissors, and open razor blades (safety razors with enclosed fixed blades are allowed);
• Work tools or equipment that could cause injury, such as box cutters, scalpels, and drills;
• Flammable or explosive products, including gasoline, alcohol, paints, varnishes, and unauthorized aerosols;
• Illegal drugs and prohibited substances;
• High-capacity lithium batteries outside airline regulations.

Tips for Organizing Your Carry-On Bag

• Separate liquids and electronics in easy-access compartments to speed up inspection;
• Avoid overloading your carry-on so it fits easily in the overhead compartment;
• Use packing cubes or organizers to separate items like clothing, accessories, and toiletries;
• Keep documents, medication, and valuables in your personal item or in internal pockets for easy access;
• Always check the airline’s weight limit and avoid exceeding it to prevent extra fees.

By following these rules, you avoid problems during boarding, ensure your luggage meets airline requirements, and travel with more safety and comfort. Additionally, it’s highly recommended to purchase proper travel insurance to guarantee medical assistance and protection in case of unforeseen events. We recommend Real Seguro, which you can learn more about by clicking here.

Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels for Personal Item and Carry-On

The rules for transporting liquids, aerosols, and gels in carry-on luggage follow international safety standards and must be respected to avoid boarding delays.

• Volume per container: each bottle must not exceed 100 ml.
• Transparent bag: all containers must be placed inside a clear plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter for easier X-ray inspection.
• Allowed exceptions: prescription medications, baby food, and liquids purchased after security screening at duty-free stores.
• Organization tips: place all bottles in the same plastic bag and seal it well; if possible, transfer products into smaller containers to stay within the 100 ml limit.
• Avoid issues: liquids that exceed the limit or are not inside the transparent bag may be confiscated, delaying your boarding process.
• Hygiene and cosmetic products: toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, lotions, perfumes, and other liquid or gel-based items must follow these rules.

Respecting these rules ensures a faster security process and prevents problems during travel, keeping your liquids organized and easily accessible.

Checked Baggage

Checked baggage, also known as hold luggage, is the suitcase you hand over at check-in and that travels in the aircraft’s cargo hold. It’s especially useful for longer trips when you need to bring bulkier items, heavier belongings, larger quantities of liquids, or things that don’t fit in a carry-on bag.

• Weight: on international flights, the allowed weight generally ranges from 23 kg to 32 kg depending on the fare and airline.
• Maximum dimensions: the sum of height + width + depth must usually not exceed 158 cm, a frequent standard across international airlines.
• Recommended items to check: bulkier clothes, shoes, books, souvenirs, full-size shampoo and conditioner, and other heavy or space-consuming items.
• Delicate or valuable items: avoid checking highly valuable or fragile objects, jewelry, documents, or cash—it’s safer to keep them in your carry-on or personal item.
• Baggage protection: use locks, label your bag with your name and contact information, and wrap fragile items in clothing or bubble wrap to reduce damage risks.
• Overweight or oversized bags: if your suitcase exceeds the airline limits, excess baggage fees will likely apply—so weigh your suitcase before leaving home and check your airline’s rules.

Baggage for Babies and Children

When traveling with babies or young children, airlines generally allow additional items beyond standard baggage. This helps make the trip more comfortable for both the little ones and the parents.

• Diapers, bottles, and baby food: these usually do not count toward the liquid allowance, but it's recommended to store liquids and food in transparent containers.
• Strollers and car seats: many airports allow foldable strollers and child car seats to be checked at no extra cost.
• Additional baggage for children: some airlines allow an extra bag for young children, in addition to the parents' carry-on or personal item.
• Safety and comfort: bring blankets, toys, and extra clothing to keep the baby comfortable during the flight.
• Documentation: be sure to carry necessary documents such as the child’s birth certificate or passport, especially for international flights.
• Always check the airline’s policy before traveling, as rules may vary by airline and destination.

Excess Baggage

Exceeding the permitted weight, size, or number of bags allowed by airlines can result in high fees and boarding delays. To avoid surprises and extra costs, it’s important to plan ahead before traveling.

• Weigh your baggage at home: use a luggage scale to ensure each bag is within the allowed weight limit.
• Check your airline’s rules: always consult the official website to review weight limits, dimensions, and the number of bags included in your fare.
• Pack efficiently: organize clothes and items smartly, use packing cubes or organizers, and distribute weight between your carry-on and checked baggage.
• Consider purchasing extra baggage in advance: if you need to take more luggage, many airlines allow you to buy additional baggage allowance online at a discount, avoiding higher airport fees.

By following these recommendations, you reduce the risk of unexpected fees, ensure your bags meet airline requirements, and enjoy a smoother and more organized travel experience.