11 Carry-on Rules Every Traveller Should Know
There’s an art to packing the perfect carry-on bag. Balancing size, weight and space with a combination of appropriately-sized toiletries and easily accessible electronics is a skill and if you master it, you might even consider joining the “carry-on only” life. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Start here with everything you need to know about carry-on luggage, from weight restrictions to size limits and more.
How much can my bag weigh? Can I carry more than one?
If you’re flying domestically, there are a few options. On Qantas flights, you can either have one piece weighing no more than 10 kilograms; two smaller pieces (such as a duffel-style bag and a backpack or laptop bag) that weigh no more than 14 kilograms combined; or one small piece and a garment bag, to a limit of 14 kilograms. You can also bring one personal item, such as a handbag, reading material or a camera. These rules apply across all cabins on domestic flights.
On international flights, economy passengers are entitled to one standard carry-on case, weighing up to seven kilograms, while First, Business and Premium Economy passengers follow the domestic rules outlined above (one up to 10 kilos; two totalling 14 kilos; or one piece plus a garment bag, up to 14 kilos).
There are dimension requirements for all carry-on bags, which you can confirm on the Qantas website or app.
What are the size restrictions for toiletries and personal products?
When you’re travelling within Australia, there are no restrictions on the amount of, or size of, powders, gels, aerosols and liquids you can bring onboard. If carrying aerosols, all containers must have a fitted cap or locking device and you may be asked to remove aerosols from your bag at certain security screenings, depending on the airport.
If you’re leaving Australia, transiting through Australia from another country or travelling on the domestic leg of an international journey departing from an Australian airport, there are size restrictions you should be aware of. All liquids, aerosols and gels must be in separate containers and contain no more than 100 millilitres or 100 grams of product. They must all fit into one transparent and re-sealable bag of 20x20cm (only one bag per person is permitted).
There is no limit on organic powders (including coffee and baby formula) but inorganic powders (such as salt, sand and powdered deodorants) cannot exceed 350 millilitres or 350 grams per person. At the security checkpoint, all powders must be placed in separate trays to be scanned. (They do not need to be in a resealable bag.)
So, hang on: what do we do with not-liquid, not-solid items, such as balms?
Australian Border Force defines a “liquid” as a substance that is in liquid form at room temperature, so balms – technically – don’t classify. A gel is “a jelly-like substance”. To be safe, keep your balms within the 100-gram limit.
What about my medication?
You can bring medication and medical devices required for your safety and wellbeing on the flight but you may require a doctor’s certificate to verify the need. Some countries require you to have paperwork for every medication you travel with, regardless of whether it’s in your carry-on or checked bag, so prepare accordingly. Make sure any medication you pack is in its original packaging. If you require needles (which are an otherwise prohibited item), they must be declared at security screening and you must have medical evidence that they are prescribed to you. If your medication (such as insulin) requires refrigeration, you can carry a small cooler onboard and the crew will top it up with ice as needed.
What if I'm travelling with kids?
Baby formula is a safe bet for your carry-on bag but the amounts allowed are at the discretion of the customs officers. Most Australian airports have strollers you can borrow if you check in your own stroller as stowed luggage. If you want your own stroller on-board and ready for arrival at your destination, it must be collapsed, must meet the general dimension limits and must fit in the overhead locker. Bassinets are available on some aircrafts and can be requested at check-in on a first-come-first-served basis.
The carry-on baggage allowance for kids is the same as adults, and infants are additionally entitled to – depending on the destination – a stroller, cot or baby capsule. For the latter two, you may need to make arrangements in advance, which can be sorted through the Manage Booking tab on the Qantas site or in the Qantas app.
Where do I pack electronics, batteries and chargers?
We’re all more connected than ever and that means we need to stay charged. Spare batteries and powerbanks must be packed in carry-on baggage and lithium ion batteries over 160wH are forbidden on all passenger flights. Each traveller is entitled to no more than 15 lithium-powered devices; all batteries must have an ON/OFF switch and must be switched off. If you’re travelling with a bag that contains a lithium battery or powerbank, that element must be removed from the checked bag and placed in your carry-on baggage.
Laptops can be carried in your bag or backpack, or carried as a personal item but it’s likely (though not certain) they’ll need to be taken out of your bag at security screenings. The same goes for iPads and secondary screens.
Do duty-free purchases contribute to the carry-on limit?
Duty-free goods fall under the “small personal item” banner (each passenger is allowed one). They must be able to be stowed beneath the seat in front of you, so purchase accordingly. For international flights arriving at an Australian destination, there are limits on the amount of certain goods you can bring in: no more than 2.25 litres of alcohol, one packet of cigarettes and $900 worth of general goods.
What’s an example of a forbidden item?
While it’s unlikely you’d be packing paint stripper or electronic hoverboards in your carry-on, it’s important to note that they’re not allowed to be carried on an aircraft. If you’ve considered party poppers, insect spray and strike-anywhere matches, think again. You know the declaration you make at the check-in kiosk or the sign the Qantas staff member asks you about? Pay close attention as none of these things – such as corrosives, gases, flammable liquids, oxidising materials, organic peroxides, toxic substances, radioactive materials, infectious substances, explosives, dry ice, petrol engines, flammable solids or magnetised materials – are allowed in either carry-on or checked baggage.
What about bulky items?
Travelling with your tuba? As long as your instrument is in a hard-shell case, remains under the seven-kilogram limit and can be stowed in the overhead locker, you’re all set. If you want to take your guitar on board and it doesn't fit in the overhead compartment, however, you can purchase an extra seat and carry it as a bulky item. Musicians who are registered members of an eligible association and travelling domestically can take advantage of three pieces of checked baggage per person. Yoga mats, boxes and pillows are all allowed on board, as long as they’re within the dimension limits. Cruiser-style small skateboards? They’re fine, too, if they meet weight and size limits.
What do I need to know about my carry-on at security?
No matter where you’re going or what class you’re flying, your baggage will be subject to security screening at every airport. There are consistent rules for domestic screening across Australia and when departing Australia on international flights, but it’s essential to check the rules for any countries you’re travelling to or within as different airlines, regions and governments have different guidelines.
Your bags will need to meet the size restrictions – some ground staff might verify your bag size at check-in, especially if it’s a full flight – and you’ll have to go through security screening, including having your bags scanned.
What do I do with my bags once I’m on board?
Overhead space is at a premium on the aircraft. If you split your carry-on weight across two bags, place the smaller bag underneath the seat in front of you and your other bag in the overhead compartment. If you’re only taking one carry-on bag, put it in the overhead compartment but not before grabbing the things you’ll need during your flight and sliding them into your seat pocket (except if you’re in an exit row, where no items can be stowed under your seat during take off and landing).
