Carry-on luggage rules

Each airline will have their own carry-on luggage rules. These rules will determine the size and the weight of the carry-on suitcase, backpack or bag. It’s also worth noting that these rules will change depending on if your flight is domestic or international.

Allowed carry-on luggage size for domestic flights

When travelling domestically, passengers are allowed to bring on board one cabin bag and one personal item. Across the major airlines, the maximum weight for carry-on luggage is generally 14kg for Qantas and 7kg for Jetstar, Rex and Virgin.

There are also rules to adhere to in terms of maximum size. Across these airlines, the maximum size for the cabin bag is 56cm x 36cm x 23cm. This way, the cabin bag will be able to fit into the overhead lockers  

International travelling and carry-on luggage

Much like domestic travel, most international airlines have a carry-on luggage size requirement of 7kg. However, there are carriers such as British Airways that allow a 23kg limit. Meanwhile, United does not have a carry-on luggage weight limit. 

In terms of dimensions, the major carriers generally employ the same dimension restrictions as domestic flights. This means that generally the maximum dimensions for the cabin bag are 56cm x 36cm x 23 cm.

Read our tips on how to pack light for a holiday.

What are the carry-on luggage restrictions for liquids?

Before packing your carry-on luggage, it’s important to note that there are restrictions in place when it comes to how much liquid, aerosol, gel and powder you can pack. Domestic limits dictate that liquids such as deodorants, hair sprays, perfumes and cologne do not total more than 500ml per item. 

In relation to liquids, aerosols and gels for international travel, these products must be in a container measuring 100ml or less. It’s worth noting that medication, baby milk or food is exempt. 

Inorganic powders such as sand, salt, talcum powder and some types of make-up are subject to restrictions. As such, quantity should not exceed 350ml. Once again, medication, baby milk and food is not included in these restrictions.

Other items that are not allowed to carry on the planes

For safety reasons, there are both dangerous goods and prohibited items that aren’t allowed on the plane. 

Prohibited items include but are not limited to items that have sharp edges or points capable of injuring a person. Examples include sporting goods such as ski poles, kitchen utensils like meat cleavers and tools such as box cutters. 

Sharp items like razor blades that are not classified as weapons but are capable of being used as such are also prohibited. Blunt items, household flammables, projectiles, restraints and weapons are among other items categorised as prohibited.

Dangerous goods are classified as items or substances that are a risk to health, safety, property or the environment. With this in mind, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority prohibits their travel by air.

The 16 essential items you need to pack

Mastering the art of carry-on luggage is no easy feat. Knowing what to put in your carry-on will assist to reduce the last-minute stress and make sure you’ll have what you need for most eventualities.

1. Travel pillow

No trip is complete without a travel pillow, especially if you have a long flight in economy. Even if you are in business class having a travel pillow can potentially elevate jet lag by having better sleep.

Travel pillow: Samsonite Memory Foam Pillow

2. Note book

A note book and pen can be very useful to make notes if you love to write stories about your travels. The time you spend on a plane or in airport waiting lounges present an opportune time to write if you’re a wannabe travel blogger or just love sharing a tale or two on social media.

Travel notebook: kikki.k Travel Journal 

3. Pen

A pen will come in very handy when you have to fill out your immigration arrival card. Also when you take on the sudoku in the back of the inflight magazine.

Last minute pen: WHSmith

4. Eye mask

A good eye mask is a life saver! Purchasing a silk eye mask could be the difference between 8 hours and 2 hours of sleep. Invest in a good one and you will not regret it!

Eye mask: Manta Sleep Mask

5. Leg compressors or travel socks

Purchasing compression socks can alleviate leg cramps and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), and may be able to reduce muscle pain from prolonged sitting. Always check with your doctor for more information.

Compression pants: 2XU Compression tights

6. Ear plugs

This almost archaic method of cancelling noise is worth the $9 you will pay to have a good night sleep without audio interruption. These babies can be purchased anywhere and are easy to pop in your bag.

Earplugs: Ear job Alpine Flyfit earplugs

7. In-flight entertainment

iPad, Kindle, novel, colouring books, gaming consoles etc.

All these things can make flying more enjoyable and help pass the time. Invest or pack some of these and make time fly. This is especially important if you have kids, pack their favourite things to entertain them and give yourself the best chance of a “I’m bored” free flight.   

Colouring book: Big W

8. Portable charger

This is a given if you are travelling with a digital device (mobile phone, laptop, game or some other digital device). Most likely you will need a portable charger as batteries can go flat very easily especially when constantly in use on a long haul flight.

Portable charger: JB HiFi; CYGNETT ChargeUp Pro 20000mAh

9. Adaptor

For the times you need to charge your phone in an airport or bus station, but the port doesn’t fit, an international adaptor will be your life saver.  

International Adaptor: Jackson International Travel Adaptor with USB-A and USB-C for Europe, Bali, USA, Japan and more

10. Disinfectant wipes and or baby wipes

Anyone that has children will know, disinfectant wipes are the brevity of life when travelling. From the humble coffee spill to the impromptu backside spill.

Surface disinfectant: Dettol Biodegradable 90 Multipurpose Cleaning Wipes Lemon

11. Toiletries

A bag or two of good toiletries will go a long way. Toothbrush, comb, deodorant, face wash, cotton buds, shaving cream and shavers, and feminine hygiene go a long way when you just want to freshen up on a long flight or you have a few stop overs before your destination.

Toothpaste: COLGATE Travel Essentials Pack 1 Kit

12. Travel wallet

Everyone needs somewhere to store their money. A travel wallet that is a little bigger than your standard passport wallet can fit your credit cards, passports, boarding passes, some cash and perhaps even a pen that can come in very handy.

Travel wallet: All in One Travel Wallet

13. Headphones

Noise cancelling headphones have become the holy grail of headphones, especially when travelling abroad. Avoiding the sounds of a crying baby, to drowning out the noise of your fellow passenger snoring, noise cancelling earphones are a great travel companion.

Noise Cancelling Headphones: Bose

14. Snacks and nibbles

Airplane food can leave a lot to be desired. Packing a few snacks like a cup of instant noodles or soup, lollies, chips, chocolates or dietary requirement snacks can be a good idea. Whatever tickles your taste buds is a good idea to pack in your carry-on for a long-haul flight – or even a short domestic one!  

15. Change of clothes

The saying goes that mum always said to pack a clean pair of underwear in case something happens! Well the same thing can be said for travelling! In the event that your luggage is delayed and you only have your carry-on bag for a day or two, pack a spare change of clothes like a fresh pair of underwear and track pants and top.

16. Keys

It is a good idea to keep your car and home keys in the cabin with you just in case your luggage is delayed. The inconvenience of not being able to get back into your home on your return is something that can be avoided with this simple tip.

Carry-on suitcase FAQs

As baggage rules and regulations change frequently, make sure you check your airline's website before packing your bags.

Can you take aerosols in carry-on Australia?

You can lawfully pack aerosols in both your carry-on baggage and checked baggage. However, travellers will need to make sure that the nozzle is protected by a cap and that the size does not exceed 500ml.

How to pack perfume in a carry-on?

Perfume can be lawfully packed in both carry-on baggage and checked baggage. Requirements dictate that the nozzle is protected by a cap and that the size does not exceed 500ml.

How many carry-on bags can you have?

When travelling both domestically and internationally you can bring two bags onto the plane as carry-on luggage. The first item could be a carry-on suitcase and the second item could be personal items such as a handbag. 

The personal carry-on bag will be stored under the seat in front of you. The carry-on suitcase will be stored in the overhead lockers. This is why size (56cm x 36cm x 23cm) and weight (7kg) requirements need to be adhered to

What happens if you put a vape in your carry-on?

There are very strict rules surrounding e-cigarettes and personal vaping devices when it comes to carry-on luggage. In terms of checked baggage, e-cigarettes and vaping devices are not permitted. 

However, when it comes to carry-on luggage, travellers can pack their e-cigarettes and vaping devices. These devices cannot be used or charged onboard the aircraft. They must also be protected in order to prevent accidental activation.

Are men’s razors allowed in carry-on luggage?

Razor blades are an example of what you are not allowed to carry on a plane. However, you can pack just the razor in your carry-on. Make sure to remove the blade and pack this securely in your checked baggage.

What to pack in a carry-on for an international flight?

When packing a carry-on bag for an international flight, make sure to have an equal mix of both comfort items and essential items. Comfort items might be neck pillows and an electronic device such as a tablet. Meanwhile, essential items encompass things such as medication, passport, visas, credit cards, cash and a copy of your travel insurance policy.