How Strict Are European Airlines on Carry-On Luggage Size Restrictions?

[Sabre]

I have heard that European airlines are much more strict about the carry-on luggage size restrictions. And also that the sizes for the carry-on are smaller than the dimensions for US based flights.

My typical carry-on is exactly the correct specs for US based airlines and I have never had an issue with it. But I am concerned about it being an issue with European based airlines.

For my next trip I will be flying Austrian Air.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[wesheltonj]

Long haul to/from USA, not a problem. Inter European flight, yes.

 

[Sabre]

Long haul to/from USA, not a problem. Inter European flight, yes.

That's good to know. I have two long flights to and from the USA and one short Inter European flight.

Will they likely just want to gate check my carry on in that instance or will it be possible they reject the bag?

 

[Rimbaud]

What airline? Makes a big difference. If you fly cheap air between European nations, expect difficulties. If you fly Lufthansa, for instance, perhaps better. Not an issue in premium economy or business. The airline business model these days is to screw the customer for every nickel, and that is true abroad, and in America.

 

[375Fox]

Have you flown to Europe before? They post more strict requirements for weight, but I haven’t been checked. I flew Austrian airways last week. Usually there is a lot of overhead space unlike US flights. I’m guessing they get 1 free checked bag on European flights?

 

[Sabre]

What airline? Makes a big difference. If you fly cheap air between European nations, expect difficulties. If you fly Lufthansa, for instance, perhaps better. Not an issue in premium economy or business. The airline business model these days is to screw the customer for every nickel, and that is true abroad, and in America.

I had mentioned this in the OP, but I am flying Austrian Air

 

[Sabre]

Have you flown to Europe before? They post more strict requirements for weight, but I haven’t been checked. I flew Austrian airways last week. Usually there is a lot of overhead space unlike US flights. I’m guessing they get 1 free checked bag on European flights?

I have flown in Europe a few times, but in all instances the entire flight was booked for our group. So, regular baggage limitations didn't really apply.

When booking with Austrian Air I saw that it was 1 carry on 18lbs and 1 checked bag 50lbs. It is good to hear you weren't hassled about the dimensions of the carry on and that there was ample overhead space.

 

[Rimbaud]

I have flown in Europe a few times, but in all instances the entire flight was booked for our group. So, regular baggage limitations didn't really apply.

When booking with Austrian Air I saw that it was 1 carry on 18lbs and 1 checked bag 50lbs. It is good to hear you weren't hassled about the dimensions of the carry on and that there was ample overhead space.

I’ve had great experiences on Austrian Air, and hope you do, too. Enjoy your trip.

 

[Sabre]

I’ve had great experiences on Austrian Air, and hope you do, too. Enjoy your trip.

Thanks! And I agree with your above comment about the new business model greatly. Everything has turned into a way to nickel and dime you. But, I really enjoy traveling and hunting, so they keep getting my money.

 

[wesheltonj]

What is the route from Vienna?

 

[mark-hunter]

I have heard that European airlines are much more strict about the carry-on luggage size restrictions. And also that the sizes for the carry-on are smaller than the dimensions for US based flights.

I don't know the exact size requirement, but I fly once per month, on an international flight for a job.
In the last 30 years, I have never had an issue with carry-on luggage on European airlines. Nor for size, nor weight.

 

[DieJager]

I’m guessing they get 1 free checked bag on European flights?

That really depends on the airline. If you go with the real budget airlines you get a small backpack, no free carry on or checked baggage (e.g. Ryan Air). Some you have to pay for your carry on bags and a checked bag is mostly extra with the majority of airlines if you fly economy.

How strict they are mostly depends how cheap they are. Fly with a premium airline and they are not so stringent. Above economy you will have a free checked bag and carry on.

This is for inter-European flights.

 

[UKHunter]

Google is your friend -

Austrian Airlines allows one piece of carry-on baggage with maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 23cm and a weight limit of 8kg. Additionally, passengers can bring one personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag, with maximum dimensions of 40cm x 30cm x 10cm.

https://www.austrian.com/ua/en/carry-on-baggage#:~:text=The%20weight%20and%20size%20of,your%20carry%2Don%20baggage%20allowance.

 

[Sabre]

Google is your friend -

Austrian Airlines allows one piece of carry-on baggage with maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 23cm and a weight limit of 8kg. Additionally, passengers can bring one personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag, with maximum dimensions of 40cm x 30cm x 10cm.

https://www.austrian.com/ua/en/carry-on-baggage#:~:text=The%20weight%20and%20size%20of,your%20carry%2Don%20baggage%20allowance.

Yes, I understand and I have looked up their policy. But there is a difference between policy and reality.

My carry on is under the size limit for US airlines, however, I have been asked to check my bag because to an agent it "looked" too large.

I have also seen people with very obviously too large carry-ons go through with no problem many times.

So, my curiosity for the question was how it is enforced in reality from people's experience vs. the policy.

Another good example of this is most people on here are saying they have not been hassled for the weight of their carry on. Which I was glad to hear. I did read on forums in the past where people said their carry-on was weighed and rejected by some European airlines until they reduced below the policy weight limit.

 

[Sabre]

That really depends on the airline. If you go with the real budget airlines you get a small backpack, no free carry on or checked baggage (e.g. Ryan Air). Some you have to pay for your carry on bags and a checked bag is mostly extra with the majority of airlines if you fly economy.

How strict they are mostly depends how cheap they are. Fly with a premium airline and they are not so stringent. Above economy you will have a free checked bag and carry on.

This is for inter-European flights.

I can only speak to the Austrian Airways booking practice as far as Europe goes, but there were, I believe, 3 versions of "economy" you could choose.

One was Economy, only carry on. One was Economy with carry on and checked bag. And the last one was Economy eco-green or some similar name where you paid a decent percentage extra to "offset your carbon footprint".

 

[DieJager]

I can only speak to the Austrian Airways booking practice as far as Europe goes, but there were, I believe, 3 versions of "economy" you could choose.

One was Economy, only carry on. One was Economy with carry on and checked bag. And the last one was Economy eco-green or some similar name where you paid a decent percentage extra to "offset your carbon footprint".

Yes that seems familiar. Free checked baggage is not the norm anymore.