How big is the suitcase on the plane? Full analysis of the latest airline baggage size regulations
Recently, with the arrival of the summer travel season, the discussion about aircraft luggage size has once again become a hot topic. Many passengers are confused before traveling: How big of a suitcase should they bring to board the plane smoothly? This article combines the hot topics on the Internet in the past 10 days to sort out the latest airline baggage regulations and practical suggestions for you.
1. Comparison of cabin size requirements of mainstream airlines

| airline | Carry-on suitcase size restrictions | weight limit | special regulations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air China | 20×40×55cm | 5kg | Economy class is limited to 1 piece |
| China Southern Airlines | 20×40×55cm | 7kg | Total length, width and height ≤115cm |
| China Eastern Airlines | 20×40×55cm | 10kg | You can bring 2 pieces in business class |
| Hainan Airlines | 20×40×55cm | 7kg | 1 piece can be checked for free |
| Cathay Pacific | 22×36×56cm | 7kg | The sum of the three sides ≤ 115cm |
| singapore airlines | 20×40×55cm | 7kg | Business class limit 2 pieces |
2. Common suitcase size comparison table
| Dimensions (inches) | Length, width and height (cm) | Applicable scenarios | Is it possible to board the plane? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 inches | 31×43×13 | Short business trip | ✓ Comply with |
| 18 inches | 34×44×20 | 1-2 days trip | ✓ Most of the |
| 20 inches | 34×50×20 | 3-5 days trip | ✓ Standard carry-on suitcase |
| 22 inches | 39×58×24 | week trip | × Need to check in |
| 24 inches | 42×62×26 | long distance travel | × Need to check in |
3. Recent hot topics among netizens
1.Low-cost airlines tighten baggage size checks: Many low-cost airlines have recently strengthened check-in suitcase size checks, and some passengers reported that 20-inch suitcases were required to be checked in due to their excessive thickness.
2.International flights vary greatly: Some European airlines have tightened the carry-on size limit to 18 inches, triggering discussion among passengers.
3.New rules for smart luggage: Smart suitcases containing lithium batteries may be required to be checked in, which has become a hot topic on social platforms recently.
4. Professional travel advice
1.Actual measurement before purchase: There may be errors between the marked dimensions of the suitcase and the actual dimensions. It is recommended to use a tape measure to measure and confirm.
2.Focus on the sum of the three sides: Some airlines calculate the sum of length + width + height instead of limiting the length of each side individually.
3.Reserve flexible space: Choose a suitcase that is 1-2 inches smaller than the standard to avoid being rejected due to differences in measurement methods.
4.Consider material factors: Hard-shell cases usually have less actual capacity than soft-shell cases, but can better protect items.
5. Special baggage handling guide
| Item type | size limit | Processing method |
|---|---|---|
| musical instrument | Oversized tickets require purchase of tickets | Apply 72 hours in advance |
| sports equipment | Length≤203cm | Special shipping required |
| Stroller | ≤20kg after folding | Free shipping available |
6. Observation of new trends in 2023
1.Expandable luggage becomes popular: Luggage that can increase or decrease its capacity through zipper design has become a new favorite in the market, but please note that it may exceed the standard after expansion.
2.Popularity of baggage measuring equipment: More airports have installed automatic measurement devices, and the proportion of manual spot checks has increased by 30%.
3.Environmentally friendly materials are popular: The search volume for lightweight PC suitcases increased by 45% year-on-year, becoming a new consumer trend.
In summary, 20-inch suitcases are still the boarding standard for most airlines, but there are differences in actual implementation. It is recommended that passengers carefully check the latest airline regulations before traveling and leave a size allowance to avoid luggage problems that may affect their itinerary. As aviation regulations continue to change, staying on top of what’s happening in the industry will help you plan your trip more smoothly.
check the details
check the details