Hand luggage rules in 2026: what has changed and why airlines have tightened requirements

Airlines are tightening hand luggage rules in 2026 due to security and flight delays. Find out what has changed, what limits apply, and how to prepare for a hassle-free trip

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Airlines around the world are gradually tightening their hand luggage rules. The reasons for this are not only to optimize boarding, but also to address safety issues, flight delays, and crew injuries. As reported by The Independent, excessive baggage in the cabin is increasingly causing conflicts, flight delays, and risks during emergencies.

Many travelers are familiar with the situation: you arrive at the airport on time, go through check-in and security without any problems, but once on board, you find that the overhead bins are full. As a result, flight attendants are forced to find space for bags or send them to the baggage compartment, which delays boarding and departure.

Why airlines are changing their carry-on baggage rules

A former pilot and aviation safety researcher explained to the publication that excess carry-on baggage significantly affects flight punctuality. But the main issue is safety. Overloaded overhead bins create additional risks during turbulence or emergency evacuations, and also increase the workload on the crew.

That is why stricter carry-on baggage requirements are not a whim of the airlines, but an attempt to bring order to the cabin and reduce the number of delays.

Virgin Australia is changing its rules from February 2026

From Monday, February 2, 2026, Virgin Australia will introduce new rules for carrying hand luggage on domestic flights. Economy class passengers are allowed:

● one standard bag in the overhead compartment weighing up to 8 kg;

● one small personal item that must fit under the seat in front of them.

In this way, the carrier clearly distinguishes what can be taken into the cabin, reducing the number of large suitcases above passengers' heads.

Tighter requirements for international carriers

This trend is not limited to Australia. About a year ago, Air Canada changed its rules for passengers with basic fares on flights in North and Central America. Now they are allowed to take only one personal item with them, without standard carry-on luggage.

This decision sparked lively discussion among travelers, but the airline explained that it was necessary to speed up boarding and reduce cabin congestion.

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Different rules — different airlines

Carry-on baggage rules vary significantly depending on the carrier. For example, on Qantas domestic flights in Australia, the following options apply:

● one personal item and one standard bag weighing up to 10 kg;

● or two smaller bags, each weighing up to 10 kg, but with a total weight of no more than 14 kg;

● or a small bag plus a garment bag — also with a total limit of 14 kg.

Low-cost carrier Jetstar has gone even further: the total weight of carry-on baggage is limited to 7 kg for two items. For passengers, this means they need to plan more carefully what to take with them into the cabin.

Why passenger and baggage weight is critical

Experts emphasize that every aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight, which must not be exceeded. This includes the weight of the aircraft itself, fuel, food and drink supplies, cargo, crew, passengers, and all baggage — both checked and carry-on.

Checked baggage is weighed at check-in, but the situation is more complicated with carry-on baggage. On small aircraft with fewer than seven passengers, actual figures are used — people are weighed together with their baggage. On long-haul routes, the average passenger weight is used.

For comparison: in 1998, the average passenger weight was 77 kg. Today, for Boeing 737 aircraft, the standard figures are as follows:

● men — 81.8 kg;

● women — 66.7 kg;

● carry-on luggage — 7 kg per passenger.

That is why airlines are paying more and more attention to what passengers take on board.

Tip: when planning your route, it is convenient to book tickets for all types of transport in advance through Visit Ukraine — the service allows you to compare the conditions of carriers and choose the best option, taking into account baggage rules.

We remind you! Air travel requires careful preparation of your luggage. Read about what items are not allowed in your carry-on baggage, why they are confiscated during security checks, and how to avoid problems before departure.

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