EU 100cm 7kg Carry-on Rule Explained ​

The new EU cabin bag rules set a standard carry-on size of 100 cm total and a weight of 7 kg. But what does 100 cm total actually mean and which bags will fit. This page explains everything in simple terms with real bag examples.

The final EU law text has not been published. The 100 cm and 7 kg numbers come from media reports and EU documents from June to July 2026. These numbers may be confirmed or slightly changed in the final text.

What Does 100 cm Total Mean ​

Total size also called linear dimensions means you add the three sides of your bag together. You do not multiply them. The formula is simple.

Length + Width + Height = Total size in cm

For example a bag that is 45 cm long 35 cm wide and 20 cm tall has a total size of 45 plus 35 plus 20 which equals 100 cm.

The 7 kg weight limit is the total weight of your cabin bag. The weight of your personal item under the seat is not included in this 7 kg limit under the current draft text.

How to Measure Your Bag ​

1. Stand the bag up as if you are about to roll it through the airport.
2. Measure the length from the bottom of the wheels to the top of the handle when it is pushed down.
3. Measure the width across the widest part of the front of the bag.
4. Measure the height from the bottom of the main body to the top. Do not include the extended handle.
5. Add the three numbers together.

All fixed parts count. Wheels count. Side handles count. The extended pull handle does not count because it goes down when you are not using it.

Soft Bag vs Hard Shell ​

Soft bags like backpacks and duffel bags can be squashed to fit. If your soft bag is a few centimetres over 100 cm total you can usually squeeze it into a sizer. This makes soft bags a good choice for the new rules.

Hard shell suitcases have a fixed shape. You cannot squeeze them to fit. If your hard case is over 100 cm total it will not fit into a 100 cm sizer. You must pick a hard case that is 100 cm or less from the start.

Which Bags Fit the 100 cm Rule ​

Note: Always check the manufacturer's website for exact dimensions before buying. Sizes can vary by model and version.

Here are real bag sizes and whether they pass the 100 cm limit.

The 7 kg Weight Limit ​

Seven kilograms is the weight limit mentioned in the EU policy documents and most media reports. Here is what 7 kg feels like.

• An empty hard shell cabin bag weighs about 2 to 3 kg.
• That leaves about 4 to 5 kg for your things.
• A pair of jeans weighs about 0.7 kg. A laptop about 1.5 kg. A pair of shoes about 1 kg. A book about 0.5 kg.

Example pack at 7 kg total:

• Empty bag: 2.5 kg
• Laptop and charger: 1.8 kg
• Two t-shirts and one pair of trousers: 1.2 kg
• Toiletries bag: 0.5 kg
• Book and phone charger: 1.0 kg
• Total: 7.0 kg — right at the limit

For many travellers 7 kg is tight. You will need to pack carefully or put heavier items in your personal item which sits under the seat and has no stated weight limit in the draft text.

Tips to Stay Under 7 kg ​

• Wear your heaviest clothes and shoes on the plane not in the bag.
• Put your laptop and charger in your personal item not your cabin bag.
• Use a lightweight soft bag instead of a heavy hard case.
• Weigh your bag at home with a small luggage scale before you go to the airport.

What If Your Bag Is Over 100 cm or 7 kg ​

In 2027 airlines must offer a free cabin bag within the rules. But if your bag is over the limit they can still charge you. Here is what could happen.

1. You booked a fare with the free bag. Your bag is 105 cm total and 6 kg. The airline can charge you an oversized bag fee at the gate because 105 cm is over 100 cm.
2. You booked the no bag opt-out fare. You show up with a bag of any size. The airline can charge you full gate fee for bringing a bag you did not pay for.
3. Your bag is within size but weighs 9 kg. The airline can charge you an overweight fee.

The best way to avoid charges is to book the right fare and make sure your bag meets the rules before you leave home.

Will the 100 cm Rule Be the Same for All Airlines ​

The 100 cm total and 7 kg weight are expected to be the minimum standard that all airlines must offer. But airlines can be more generous if they want.

Full service airlines like Lufthansa, Air France and KLM already allow bags up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm which is 118 cm total. These airlines will likely keep their bigger allowances but must offer at least the 100 cm free option.

Budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air are not expected to give more than the minimum so the 100 cm limit will likely be their actual limit.

What Happens to Personal Item Rules ​

The personal item also called the under seat bag will be standardised at about 40 × 30 × 15 cm. This is about the size of a large laptop bag or small backpack. It must fit under the seat in front of you. There is no stated weight limit in the current draft text for personal items.

The current easyJet free bag at 101 cm total is slightly over the expected EU personal item limit. easyJet may need to adjust its free bag size for 2027. Ryanair's current bag at 90 cm is also slightly larger than the EU's 85 cm total, but the difference is mainly in height (20 cm vs 15 cm).

Frequently Asked Questions ​

What does 100 cm total mean? ​

Total size (also called linear dimensions) means you add the three sides of your bag together: length + width + height. For example, a bag that is 45 cm long, 35 cm wide, and 20 cm tall has a total size of 100 cm.

How do I measure my bag correctly? ​

Stand the bag up as if you are rolling it through the airport. Measure length from the bottom of the wheels to the top of the handle (when pushed down). Measure width across the widest part. All fixed parts count: wheels count, side handles count, but the extended pull handle does not count.

Do soft bags count differently than hard shell? ​

Soft bags like backpacks and duffel bags can be squashed to fit. If your soft bag is a few centimetres over 100 cm total, you can usually squeeze it into a sizer. Hard shell suitcases have a fixed shape and cannot be squeezed.

Will the 100 cm rule be the same for all airlines? ​

The 100 cm total and 7 kg weight are expected to be the minimum standard that all airlines must offer. But airlines can be more generous if they want. Full service airlines already allow bigger bags, while budget airlines will likely stick to the minimum.

What happens to personal item rules? ​

The personal item (under seat bag) will be standardised at about 40 × 30 × 15 cm. This is about the size of a large laptop bag or small backpack. There is no stated weight limit in the current draft text for personal items.

Is the 7 kg weight limit confirmed? ​

Seven kilograms is the weight limit mentioned in EU policy documents and most media reports. The final number may be confirmed or slightly changed in the official law text. 7 kg is the most common limit used by European airlines today.

Sources and Official References ​

• European Parliament press release (3 July 2026)

Last updated: July 2026. The 100 cm and 7 kg numbers are from EU policy documents and media reports from mid 2026. Final rules depend on the official EU publication. Measure your bag and check with your airline before you fly.