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 Large: Allen Large , Allen Large Travel, Kian Large, Harvey Large, Jasper, Nico
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 Large: Allen Large , Allen Large Travel (XL also possible), Kian Large, Harvey Large, Jasper, Nico, Jack
Condor	Small: 40 x 30 x 15 cm Large: 55 x 40 x 23 cm	8 kg	Small: Luca Small, Mika , Hailey, Jona Large Large: Allen Large , Kian Large, Harvey Large, Jasper, Nico, Jack
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 Large: Allen Large , Allen Large Travel (XL also possible), Kian Large, Harvey Large, Jasper, Jack
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 Large: Allen Large , Kian Large, Harvey Large, Jasper, Jack
Eurowings	Small: 40 x 30 x 25 cm Large: 55 x 40 x 23 cm	8 kg	Small: Luca Small, Mika , Hailey, Jona Large Large: Allen Large , Kian Large, Harvey Large, Jasper, Nico, Jack
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 Large: Allen Large , Kian Large, Harvey Large, Jasper, Nico, Jack
Marabu	Small: 40 x 30 x 15 cm Large: 55 x 40 x 23 cm	8 kg	Small: Luca Small, Mika , Hailey, Jona Large Large: Allen Large , Kian Large, Harvey Large, Jasper, Nico, Jack
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 Large: Allen Large , Kian Large, Harvey Large, Jasper, Nico, Jack
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 Large: Allen Large , Allen Large Travel, Kian Large, Harvey Large, Jasper, Jack
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 Large: Allen Large , Kian Large, Harvey Large, Jasper, Nico, Jack
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 Large: Allen Large , Allen Large Travel, Kian Large, Harvey Large, Jasper, Jack

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.

What can you take in your hand luggage? Your guide for your next flight

To avoid any surprises at the security check, it's good to know what is allowed in your carry-on backpack – and what better belongs in your checked luggage.

What you can take in your carry-on luggage

Generally, all items that are safe, take up little space, and should be quickly accessible if needed are allowed. Typical essentials:

Travel documents & valuables
Passport/ID card, boarding pass, wallet, cards, smartphone, headphones, keys – anything important or valuable should always be in your carry-on, not in your checked luggage.
Electronics
Laptop, tablet, e-reader, camera, chargers, power bank (generally only allowed in carry-on luggage), adapter. Most airlines even expect you to transport your electronics in your carry-on so they can be scanned separately at the security check.
Small liquids
Liquids, gels, creams & sprays are allowed, but only in limited quantities:
Max. 100 ml per container
All containers together in a transparent 1-liter zip-lock bag
Typical examples: face cream, hand sanitizer, deodorant spray (small), toothpaste, contact lens solution, make-up. Anything beyond this belongs in checked luggage.
Medications & personal items
Important medications (preferably in original packaging), possibly with a prescription or medical certificate, are allowed and should be in your carry-on.
Snacks & food
Solid foods such as sandwiches, granola bars, fruit (check import regulations depending on the destination country) are usually okay. Liquid or creamy foods such as yogurts, dips, or spreads count as liquids/gels and fall under the 100 ml rule.
Clothing & comfort
Light sweater, hoodie, scarf, socks, possibly a change of shirt – all allowed and super practical on the plane. A small travel pillow is also okay, as long as it's not huge. This turns your carry-on backpack into a mini travel setup.

What doesn't belong in your carry-on luggage

There are a few classic items that have no place in carry-on luggage:

Sharp and pointed objects
Knives, large scissors, tools, razor blades, sharp nail files, or similar are prohibited.
Large liquid containers
Shampoos, shower gel, large deodorants, perfume bottles over 100 ml belong in checked luggage. Even if they are only half full, the printed maximum size counts.
Dangerous or highly flammable substances
Chemicals, gasoline, aerosol cans with high pressure, fireworks – all of this is strictly forbidden, whether in checked or carry-on luggage.

Your setup for relaxed travel

It's best to pack your carry-on backpack so that you are quick at security checkpoints:

Stow your laptop & tablet so you can easily take them out
Have your liquids bag readily accessible at the top of your backpack
Valuables and documents in a separate compartment that you can quickly open

This way, you'll have a relaxed experience in the security line and everything you need on the plane – without chaos in your carry-on backpack.

Suitable addition to hand luggage

Toiletry bag incl. clear pouch

Ideal for air travel. Our "Logan" toiletry bag for hanging, including a clear bag for your carry-on luggage.

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