Which backpack is suitable as carry-on luggage on a plane?
Are you planning your next trip and still looking for the perfect carry-on backpack, but unsure which one fits? No problem, here you will find all the carry-on dimensions for most airlines and the matching Johnny Urban backpack.
Carry-on: How big can your backpack be?
Unfortunately, there are no uniform rules for carry-on luggage. Each airline has its own regulations regarding size, weight, and number of carry-on items – often depending on the booked fare. This means for you: What passes as carry-on with one airline might be too large or too heavy with the next.
For general guidance, a benchmark has been established: many airlines adhere to dimensions of approximately 55 x 35 x 20 cm and a maximum weight of about 8 kg. This is not a fixed rule, but a good reference point when planning your carry-on backpack. The most important thing is that your backpack does not look overstuffed and can be easily stowed away – either in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you, depending on the airline and fare.
The reality varies depending on the airline. Some allow only a small carry-on that fits under your seat, others also allow a larger cabin bag, but sometimes only with higher fares. That's why it's worth taking a look at the details – before you get to the gate.
Your overview: Carry-on rules & suitable Johnny Urban backpacks
To save you the tedious research, we have clearly summarized the carry-on rules of selected, popular airlines in a table for you. You will also find which of our Johnny Urban backpacks best fits the respective carry-on requirements.
All information is without guarantee, as weight specifications are sometimes tricky to formulate – for example, if a personal item and carry-on are weighed together or if different fares have different carry-on rules. For most airlines, the larger carry-on must be booked for an additional fee or is included in a higher price fare.
| Airline | Max. Dimensions | Max. Weight | Suitable Johnny Urban Backpacks |
| Air France |
Small: 40 x 30 x 15 cm Large: 55 x 35 x 25 cm |
12 kg |
Small: Luca Small, Mika, Hailey, Jona Large |
| British Airways |
Small: 40 x 30 x 15 cm Large: 56 x 45 x 25 cm |
23 kg |
Small: Luca Small, Mika, Hailey, Jona Large |
| Condor |
Small: 40 x 30 x 15 cm Large: 55 x 40 x 23 cm |
8 kg |
Small: Luca Small, Mika, Hailey, Jona Large |
| easyJet |
Small: 45 x 36 x 20 cm Large: 56 x 45 x 25 cm |
15 kg |
Small: Luca Small, Mika, Nico, Hailey, Jona Large |
| Emirates |
Small: 45 x 35 x 20 cm (Business & First Class only) Large: 55 x 38 x 22 cm |
7 kg |
Small: Luca Small, Mika, Nico, Hailey, Jona Large |
| Eurowings |
Small: 40 x 30 x 25 cm Large: 55 x 40 x 23 cm |
8 kg |
Small: Luca Small, Mika, Hailey, Jona Large |
| KLM |
Small: 40 x 30 x 15 cm Large: 55 x 35 x 25 cm |
12 kg |
Small: Luca Small, Mika, Hailey, Jona Large Large: Allen Large, Allen Large Travel, Kian Large, Harvey Large, Jasper, Nico |
| Lufthansa |
Small: 40 x 30 x 15 cm Large: 55 x 40 x 23 cm |
8 kg |
Small: Luca Small, Mika, Hailey, Jona Large |
| Marabu |
Small: 40 x 30 x 15 cm Large: 55 x 40 x 23 cm |
8 kg |
Small: Luca Small, Mika, Hailey, Jona Large |
| Qatar Airways |
Small: No information available Large: 50 x 37 x 25 cm |
7 kg |
Large: Allen Large, Kian Large, Harvey Large, Jasper, Nico, Jack |
| Ryanair |
Small: 40 x 30 x 20 cm Large: 55 x 40 x 20 cm |
10 kg |
Small: Luca Small, Mika, Nico, Hailey, Jona Large Large: Allen Large, Allen Large Travel, Kian Large, Harvey Large, Jasper, Jack |
| Swiss |
Small: 40 x 30 x 15 cm Large: 55 x 40 x 23 cm |
8 kg |
Small: Luca Small, Mika, Hailey, Jona Large |
| TUI |
Small: 40 x 30 x 20 cm Large: 55 x 40 x 20 cm |
Small: 6 kg Large: 10 kg |
Small: Luca Small, Mika, Nico, Hailey, Jona Large |
| Turkish Airlines |
Small: 40 x 30 x 15 cm Large: 55 x 40 x 23 cm |
8 kg |
Small: Luca Small, Mika, Hailey, Jona Large |
| Wizz Air |
Small: 40 x 30 x 20 cm Large: 55 x 40 x 23 cm |
10 kg |
Small: Luca Small, Mika, Nico, Hailey, Jona Large |
Please note that when choosing a rolltop backpack, the total height of your backpack may change due to the expandable volume. Here in the table, we have listed our recommendations based on the rolled dimensions. Check the product page for the dimensions when unrolled or measure the packed backpack yourself before you fly.
Our Tip: Use the table as a quick overview, but always check directly with your airline shortly before departure for the current guidelines. This way you avoid unpleasant surprises or additional costs at the gate – and can relax and look forward to your trip.
