Traveling with Emirates? Understanding their carry-on baggage allowance is crucial to avoid unexpected fees and ensure an uninterrupted journey. This guide covers everything you need to know about Emirates’ hand baggage rules, including how many pieces are permitted in each class, size limits, weight restrictions, and how strict the airline is about enforcement.
Carry-On Luggage: Definition and Common Terms
First things first! Carry-on luggage, also known as hand baggage, cabin baggage, or hand luggage, refers to the small bags or suitcases that passengers are allowed to bring into the aircraft cabin. Unlike checked baggage, carry-on luggage stays with the passenger during the flight and is stored either in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front. Airlines have specific rules regarding the size, weight, and number of carry-on bags allowed, which can vary depending on the travel class and route.
What is the Carry-On Baggage Allowance for Emirates?
Emirates’ carry-on baggage policy varies depending on your class of travel and is applicable across all its aircrafts such as the Emirates Airbus A380-800 and the Emirates Boeing 777-300ER.
Emirates Economy Class – Carry On Baggage Allowance
- Allowance: 1 carry-on bag
- Maximum Dimensions: 55 x 38 x 22 cm (22 x 15 x 8 inches)
- Maximum Weight: 7 kg (15 lbs)
Emirates Premium Economy Class – Carry On Baggage Allowance
- Allowance: 1 carry-on bag
- Maximum Dimensions: 55 x 38 x 22 cm (22 x 15 x 8 inches)
- Maximum Weight: 10 kg (22 lbs)
Premium Economy passengers enjoy a higher weight limit than Economy travellers, making it easier to pack essentials in your hand baggage.
Note: Passengers traveling from India must adhere to a stricter size limit of 115 cm (45.3 inches in total dimensions). If departing from Brazil, the weight limit is 10 kg (22 lbs).
Emirates Business & First Class – Carry On Baggage Allowance
- Allowance: 2 pieces – 1 carry-on plus (either 1 briefcase/handbag or garment bag)
- Briefcase Dimensions: 45 x 35 x 20 cm (18 x 14 x 8 inches)
- Handbag Dimensions: 55 x 38 x 22 cm (22 x 15 x 8 inches)
- Garment Bag Thickness: No more than 20 cm (8 inches) when folded
- Maximum Weight: 7 kg (15 lbs) per piece
Total combined weight for Business and First Class passengers must not exceed 14 kg (30 lbs).
Does the 7kg or 10kg Carry-On Limit Include a Handbag?
- Economy Class passengers can bring only one carry-on item—either a cabin bag OR a personal item(handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack).
- Premium Economy passengers also get only one carry-on, but they benefit from a higher 10 kg limit.
- Business and First Class passengers can carry either a handbag or a briefcase in addition to their carry-on bag.
Hand Luggage Allowance on International Flights
The Emirates hand luggage allowance for international flights follows the same standard policy. However, weight limits can vary for specific routes, such as:
- India: Stricter carry-on size requirements (total dimensions must not exceed 115 cm).
- Brazil: Economy and Premium Economy passengers can carry up to 10 kg (22 lbs) instead of 7 kg.
Additional Items Allowed Onboard
Passengers can carry small personal items in addition to their main carry-on bag, such as:
✔ Duty-free shopping bags from the airport
✔ A coat, umbrella, or blanket
✔ Infant food and baby items (for travellers with infants)
✔ Medical devices such as wheelchairs or crutches
Musical instruments can also be carried onboard if they fit within the size limits. Otherwise, they may need to be checked or placed on a paid-for seat in the cabin.
A comprehensive overview can be found here: Emirates Unusual Baggage & Special Allowances.
Is Emirates Strict with Carry-On Baggage?
Yes, Emirates is very strict with carry-on baggage size and weight.
At check-in and boarding, ground staff may weigh and measure your hand luggage, especially if it appears oversized or heavy. If your bag exceeds the allowed weight or size, you may be required to check it in, and additional fees could apply.
Tip: To avoid any issues, ensure your carry-on luggage complies with Emirates’ size and weight restrictions.
Emirates Code Shared Flights
Important Note: Emirates’ carry-on baggage policy applies to flights operated by Emirates. If your ticket includes a codeshare flight operated by another airline, the carry-on baggage allowance may be different, and you should check directly with the airline operating your flight. Likewise if you are using for example qantas points on emirates you would adhere to the baggage policy of Emirates not Qantas.
Why Airlines Have Carry-On Restrictions
Airlines enforce carry-on baggage restrictions for several key reasons:
- Safety First – Excess weight in overhead bins can become a hazard during turbulence or emergency landings. By limiting the size and weight of carry-on bags, airlines help reduce the risk of falling luggage injuring passengers.
- Cabin Space Optimization – Overhead compartments and under-seat storage are limited, especially on full flights. Strict baggage rules prevent passengers from bringing excessive items, ensuring space is fairly allocated.
- Weight Distribution – Even though carry-on bags don’t go into the cargo hold, their weight still affects the aircraft’s total balance and fuel efficiency.
- Faster Boarding & Departure – Overloaded passengers slow down the boarding process, causing delays. Airlines enforce baggage limits to keep flights on schedule.
Emirates, like other major airlines, follows these rules to ensure a smooth and safe journey for everyone onboard.
How to Maximize Your Carry-On Allowance
If you’re flying with Emirates and want to make the most of your carry-on allowance, here are some smart packing strategies:
1. Use Packing Cubes
Packing cubes help compress your clothes, allowing you to fit more inside your carry-on. They also keep your items organized, so security checks are quicker.
2. Wear Your Heaviest Items
To free up space in your carry-on, wear bulky clothing and shoes—like jackets, hoodies, or boots—on the flight. You can always remove them once onboard.
3. Choose Multi-Purpose Clothing
Opt for lightweight, wrinkle-resistant outfits that can be mixed and matched. For example, a travel scarf can double as a blanket, and leggings can be used for casual wear or sleepwear.
4. Store Gadgets Efficiently
- Use a travel organizer for chargers, cables, and small accessories.
- Keep headphones, power banks, and essential electronics in an easy-to-access pouch.
- If bringing a laptop, choose a thin, lightweight case to avoid bulky laptop bags.
For a more comprehensive guide you can read our how to pack light article.
FAQs: Emirates Hand Baggage Allowance
Can I Carry Two Bags in Economy or Premium Economy Class?
No. Economy and Premium Economy passengers can only carry one bag. If you have a laptop or handbag, it must fit inside your main carry-on.
What Happens If My Bag Is Overweight?
If your carry-on exceeds the weight or size limits, Emirates staff may require you to check it in, and excess baggage fees may apply.
Can I Bring a Backpack Instead of a Carry-On?
Yes, but it must fit within the carry-on size and weight limits. A large backpack that exceeds the allowed weight may not be accepted as cabin baggage.
New Battery Pack Rules on Flights
With the increasing use of portable battery packs (power banks), airlines are tightening restrictions due to safety concerns. Some of the latest rules being rolled out across airlines, include:
- Battery packs must remain stored in cabin baggage throughout the flight. They cannot be checked in.
- You cannot charge devices using a power bank during the flight—neither at your seat nor in any part of the aircraft.
- You also cannot charge the battery pack itself using the in-seat power outlet or USB connection.
- Some airlines limit the capacity of power banks you can bring, typically allowing up to 100Wh (watt-hours) per battery without approval.
The following Airlines have announced this change:
Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Air Busan, EVA Air & China Airlines, Thai Airways.
Although Emirates has not officially announced a similar policy as of March 2025, passengers should always check the latest guidelines before flying, as safety rules regarding lithium-ion batteries can change rapidly.
Final Tips for Traveling with Emirates
✔ Weigh your carry-on before heading to the airport to avoid unexpected fees.
✔ Check your ticket details – some discounted fares may have different baggage rules.
✔ Pack smart! Use compression bags to fit more items within the size limits.
✔ Use a lightweight suitcase to maximize your carry-on allowance.
💡 Did you know Emirates has Fifth Freedom Flights?
Emirates offers flights between cities you wouldn’t normally associate with their network, giving you the opportunity to experience their top-tier service and potentially saving you money compared to other options. It’s a great way to travel with a premium airline on unexpected routes. For more on this service, including how to book these flights, explore my article on Emirates Fifth Freedom Flights.
💡 Flying Emirates First Class? Do you know about the Game Changer?
If you travel first class then you don’t want to miss out on traveling on board the Emirates Game Changer First Class Suites. They are available on a handful of aircrafts knowing what the emirates game changer routes are is key. You will be blown away by the product and attention to detail. They have the coolest onboard features you will love.
Final Words
For the most up-to-date baggage policy, check the official Emirates site on Emirates cabin baggage rules, before your flight.
Emirates maintains strict hand baggage rules, so it’s essential to follow their size and weight restrictions to avoid unnecessary fees. Whether flying Economy, Premium Economy, Business, or First Class, make sure your luggage meets the airline’s guidelines.
