QF · Australia · Full-service
Qantas Cabin Bag Size 202656 x 36 x 23 cm
By Caden SorensonUpdated Jul 2026Sourced from the official Qantas policy
Exact Qantas cabin bag (hand luggage) dimensions, weight limits, and fees for 2026.
Quick answer
Qantas cabin bag bags can be up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14.2 x 9.1"), with a 7 kg (15.4 lb) weight limit, and no cabin bag fee on most fares.
- Carry-on size:up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14.2 x 9.1")
- Weight limit:7 kg (15.4 lb)
- Carry-on fee:free on most fares
- Personal item:up to 40 x 35 x 10 cm, free on every fare
- Gate-check risk:Medium
- Last verified: Jul 2026
Carry-On Bag
- Max dimensions (cm)
- 56 x 36 x 23 cm
- Max dimensions (in)
- 22 x 14.2 x 9.1"
- Weight limit
- 7 kg (15.4 lb)
- Fee
- Free
- Gate-check risk
- Medium
Most Qantas flights allow two cabin bags with a combined weight of 14 kg (one trolley plus one smaller bag). Total dimensions must not exceed 115 cm.
Personal Item
- Max dimensions (cm)
- 40 x 35 x 10 cm
- Max dimensions (in)
- 15.7 x 13.8 x 3.9"
- Included
- Yes, free
Handbag or small laptop bag as the second cabin bag.
See checked bag fees & moreQantas cabin bag dimensions and bag size
The maximum Qantas cabin bag size is 56 x 36 x 23 cm, which works out to 22 x 14.2 x 9.1 inches. These measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Gate sizers on Qantas match the published limits closely, so a bag marketed as "22 inch" can fail if its wheels push the total past 56 cm. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.
Qantascabin bag weight limit
Qantas limits carry-on bags to 7 kg (15.4 lb). Most domestic check-in counters do not weigh carry-ons, but gate agents can pull bags that look heavy. If your bag is over the limit, expect to be asked to check it, sometimes at a higher gate-check fee.
Does Qantas charge for cabin bag bags?
No. Qantas includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. This applies across standard economy fares.
What bags fit as a Qantas personal item
Common bag types compared against the Qantas personal item limit. Sizes are typical retail dimensions and vary by brand.
| Bag type | Typical size | On Qantas |
|---|---|---|
Standard backpack Everyday daypack, laptop backpack | 18 x 13 x 8" | Too big |
Tote bag Canvas or leather tote | 15 x 14 x 5" | Too big |
Laptop bag Messenger or slim briefcase | 16 x 12 x 4" | Too big |
Small duffel Gym or weekender | 18 x 11 x 11" | Too big |
Purse Handbag or crossbody | 12 x 10 x 5" | Too big |
Under-seat roller Mini wheeled bag | 16 x 14 x 8" | Too big |
Qantas carry-on by fare class
| Fare | Carry-on | Personal item | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy (jet domestic and international) | Included | Included | 1 carry-on up to 7 kg, 56x36x23 cm or 115 cm total, plus 1 small personal item. |
| Business / First on jets | Included | Included | 2 carry-on bags (combined allowance) plus 1 small personal item. |
Qantas overhead bin size by aircraft
On QantasLink Dash 8 (200, 300, Q400) regional turboprops, the allowance tightens to 1 carry-on up to 7 kg with total dimensions not exceeding 105 cm. Wheeled bags are often tagged Premium Hand Luggage at the door, stored in the rear hold, and returned on arrival.
What counts as a personal item on Qantas
Allowed
- Handbag
- Small laptop bag
- Slim daypack that fits under the seat
Common Qantas carry-on mistakes
- Bringing a standard 56x36x23 cm wheeled bag onto a Dash 8, which only accepts 105 cm total dimensions in the cabin.
- Treating a personal item that only fits overhead as a second piece. If it cannot go under the seat, it counts as your main carry-on.
- Forgetting that a non-rigid garment bag up to 185 cm can replace the standard carry-on on jets.
What happens if your bag does not fit on Qantas
On regional Dash 8 services, larger wheeled bags are collected at the aircraft door on boarding, stowed in the rear cargo area, and returned to you as you deplane. This is branded Premium Hand Luggage and does not count as a checked bag.
Qantas vs Virgin Australia carry-on
Qantas Economy allows 1 carry-on up to 7 kg at 56x36x23 cm or 115 cm total, plus 1 personal item. From 2 February 2026 Virgin Australia moved Economy to 1 bag up to 8 kg at 56x36x23 cm plus 1 personal item. That is a 1 kg edge to Virgin on straight weight on the same dimensions. Both airlines restrict regional turboprop cabins, Qantas on Dash 8 (105 cm total, 7 kg) and Virgin on F100 and Alliance or Link operated services which fall back to the Economy allowance regardless of fare. For domestic jet travel Virgin is slightly more generous by weight, but Qantas has a larger fleet of jets where the full 7 kg plus garment bag option applies.
See Virgin Australia carry-on sizeQantas checked baggage fees
International Economy: 30 kg total on weight-concept routes (Asia, Europe, Africa, New Zealand). 1 piece up to 32 kg on North/South America piece-concept routes. Qantas Frequent Flyer status (Silver+) receives additional allowance. Sale/Saver/Flex fares share the same Economy baggage allowance; Flex only adds flexibility on changes. Max single bag 32 kg / 70 lb and 158 cm / 62 in linear.
Ways to skip the Qantas checked bag fee
- Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Qantas carry-on size.
- Use a Qantas co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
- Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
- Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.
Qantas special items & sports equipment
- Ski / snowboard
- Not published
- Golf clubs
- Not published
- Bicycle
- Not published
- Pet in cabin
- Not published
- Pet as cargo
- Not published
Musical instruments: Small instruments count as carry-on. Larger instruments can be checked within allowance or booked as an extra cabin seat.
Qantas does not allow pets in the cabin except registered assistance dogs. Pets travel as cargo via Qantas Freight with strict biosecurity rules for Australia imports. Ski, golf, and bike equipment count as a standard checked bag within allowance; sports-equipment fees apply to extra pieces. Domestic Australia extra-bag fees rose in January 2026.
Qantas basic economy restrictions
- Carry-on allowed
- Yes
- Personal item allowed
- Yes
- Checked bag surcharge
- Not published
- Cheapest Economy fare with high change/cancel fees
- Same baggage allowance as Saver/Flex (no reduction)
- Non-refundable
- Limited Qantas Points earning
Frequently asked questions
What is the Qantas carry-on size limit?
Qantas allows carry-on bags up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14.2 x 9.1"), including wheels, handles, and any external pockets. The weight limit is 7 kg (15.4 lb).
What are the Qantas carry-on dimensions in cm?
The Qantas carry-on size limit in centimeters is 56 x 36 x 23 cm. In inches that converts to 22 x 14.2 x 9.1". Both measurements include wheels, handles, and external pockets.
What is the Qantas hand luggage allowance?
Qantas hand luggage (the cabin bag that goes in the overhead bin) can measure up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm and weigh up to 7 kg. A personal item that fits under the seat is also included on most fares.
What is the Qantas carry-on weight limit?
Qantas limits carry-on bags to 7 kg (15.4 lb). Overweight carry-ons are usually asked to be checked at the gate, which can trigger a gate-check fee.
Does Qantas charge for carry-on bags?
No. Qantas includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares.
What is the Qantas personal item size?
The personal item on Qantas must fit within 40 x 35 x 10 cm (15.7 x 13.8 x 3.9") and slide fully under the seat in front of you. Handbag or small laptop bag as the second cabin bag.
Will my bag be gate-checked on Qantas?
Qantas currently has a medium gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Arrive early in your boarding group to improve the odds of space in the overhead bins.
Does a 22-inch suitcase fit as a Qantas carry-on?
Usually yes. A standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch carry-on suitcase fits within the Qantas carry-on limit of 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14.2 x 9.1"). Confirm your specific bag measures under the limit with wheels and handles included.
Does a backpack count as a personal item on Qantas?
A standard daypack (roughly 18 x 13 x 8 inches) usually fits within the Qantas personal item limit of 40 x 35 x 10 cm (15.7 x 13.8 x 3.9"). The bag must slide fully under the seat in front of you. Oversized hiking or travel backpacks will not fit and count as a carry-on.
Does Qantas weigh personal items?
Qantas does not weigh personal items. The only requirement is that the bag fits fully under the seat in front of you. If it does not fit, gate agents may ask you to move it to the overhead bin, which counts as a carry-on.
How much does a checked bag cost on Qantas?
The first checked bag on Qantas costs $0 for domestic economy. A second bag costs $0. International fares and premium cabins may include free checked bags.
Flying Qantas out of these airports?
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Helpful guides
Gear, tactics, and packing help for your Qantas flight.
- Best carry-on bags for Qantas in 2026Eight carry-ons tested against every major airline sizer, from budget to premium.
- How to avoid checked baggage feesSeven tactics and three airline-card combos that save $45 to $100 per trip.
- Checked bag fees for QantasFirst, second, and overweight bag fees for every airline we track, in one searchable table.
- Best AI packing list generatorsGenerate a Qantas-sized packing list in seconds with weather-aware AI tools.
- Free embeddable widgetsDrop a carry-on reference card or bag-fit checker into any travel blog with a short HTML snippet.
Compare other airlines
- Air New Zealand cabin bag sizeNZ · New Zealand
- Jetstar Airways cabin bag sizeJQ · Australia
- Virgin Australia cabin bag sizeVA · Australia
- Aegean Airlines cabin bag sizeA3 · Greece
- Aer Lingus cabin bag sizeEI · Ireland
- Aeromexico cabin bag sizeAM · Mexico
- Air Canada cabin bag sizeAC · Canada
- Air France cabin bag sizeAF · France
Sources & verification
Last verified Jul 2026 against the official Qantas policy at https://www.qantas.com/en-au/baggage/carry-on. Airlines change their rules without notice, so always confirm with Qantas before flying. See our research methodology.