Carry-On Luggage Guide

Often, on short trips, we feel reluctant to check in our suitcase. We have become accustomed to boarding planes as if they were buses. On short stays - weekends - we don't want to wait at the baggage claim for our suitcase to come out; we prefer to leave the plane with all our belongings immediately. But above all, what we don't want is to be charged for checking luggage. All low-cost airlines do this, and all - or almost all - allow a small suitcase and a bag as carry-on luggage. However, the sizes of these items are not always the same; it depends on the airline you are flying with.

That's why we offer you a small guide with some of the main airlines operating in Spain regarding the limitations on the number of items, dimensions, and maximum weights.

Ryanair

The Irish low-cost airline has revolutionized the rules of carry-on baggage. Since January, it does not allow any customer without priority boarding to bring two items on board; instead, at the boarding gate, passengers have to let their suitcases be taken to the hold. In any case, these suitcases must meet specific dimensions: one item of 21.6 in x 15.7 in x 7.9 in (55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm) and another of 13.8 in x 7.9 in x 7.9 in (35 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm) that can go in the cabin. Both items together must not exceed 22 lb (10 kg) in weight.

The cost for priority boarding is €5 if purchased with the ticket and €6 if bought later.

Iberia Express

This airline is the low-cost option from Iberia and allows two items in the cabin without a weight limit. The larger one must measure 22 in x 17.7 in x 9.8 in (56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm), including handles, pockets, and wheels, while the other smaller one can be a small purse, a small briefcase, a laptop, or a small camera/video camera.

Level

Also from Iberia but for long-haul flights, Level allows carry-on luggage with maximum dimensions of 22 in x 17.7 in x 9.8 in (56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm) without a weight limit. Additionally, it permits carrying a personal item that must fit under the seat in front: a small bag or backpack, a briefcase...

Norwegian

Anyone flying with the Scandinavian low-cost airline can bring a carry-on suitcase of 21.6 in x 15.7 in x 9.1 in (55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm) and a personal item with a maximum size of 9.8 in x 13 in x 7.9 in (25 cm x 33 cm x 20 cm). Together, they must not exceed 22 lb (10 kg) in weight.

On the other hand, Norwegian allows its passengers with Flex and Premium Flex fares the same number of items with the same dimensions but with a combined weight of 33 lb (15 kg).

Vueling

Based at Barcelona airport, the Spanish low-cost airline permits carry-on luggage weighing up to 22 lb (10 kg) with dimensions of 21.6 in x 15.7 in x 7.9 in (55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm). Moreover, its passengers can carry another smaller bag or briefcase with dimensions of 13.8 in x 7.9 in x 7.9 in (35 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm) and an additional bag with purchases made at the airport. Both combined must fit under the front seat.

easyJet

Unlike other airlines, easyJet only permits one item on board with maximum dimensions of 22 in x 17.7 in x 9.8 in (56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm), including handles and wheels. Only passengers with an easyJet Plus card, FLEXI fare, Up Front, or Extra Legroom seat will be able to bring an additional item that must have a maximum size of 17.7 in x 14.2 in x 7.9 in (45 cm x 36 cm x 20 cm).

Air Europa

Like most airlines, Air Europa allows the transport of two items in the cabin, with a maximum weight of 22 lb (10 kg). One can have maximum dimensions of 21.6 in x 13.8 in x 9.8 in (55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm), while the smaller item must measure no more than 7.9 in x 13.8 in x 11.8 in (20 cm x 35 cm x 30 cm).

Joon

Finally, the low-cost airline from Air France allows the highest weight limit, transporting up to 26.5 lb (12 kg) spread over two items: one large measuring 21.6 in x 13.8 in x 9.8 in (55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm) and another smaller one up to 15.7 in x 11.8 in x 5.9 in (40 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm).

Moreover, all airlines allow, when traveling with a baby under two years of age sitting on a parent's lap, a bag that carries their food and other essential items for the baby.