Not sure what you can bring on board? Here's everything you need to know about Emirates' carry-on bag size and weight limits, plus a few packing tips to help you avoid unexpected fees and breeze through the airport.
- No separate personal item: Emirates treats all cabin items as one – pack accordingly.
- Economy gets 1 bag: Max size is 22 x 15 x 8.5 inches; weight limits vary by route and fare type.
- Business & First Class = 2 items: A carry-on plus a briefcase or garment bag.
In this article
- What is Emirates' carry-on bag size policy?
- What items can you bring on board?
- Emirates carry-on FAQs.
- Top three carry-on luggage tips for Emirates.
What is Emirates’ carry-on bag size policy?
Emirates’ carry-on allowance depends on your cabin class and route. Unlike many airlines, Emirates does not publish a separate personal item allowance for most passengers. Instead, it specifies the number, size and weight of the cabin bags you can bring onboard.
Emirates carry-on allowance by cabin class.
- If you’re traveling in Economy Class, you can bring 1 carry-on bag weighing up to 7 kg (15 lbs).
- If you’re traveling in Premium Economy, you can bring 1 carry-on bag weighing up to 10 kg (22 lbs).
- If you’re traveling in Business Class or First Class, you can bring: 1 carry-on bag up to 7 kg (15 lbs) 1 briefcase or garment bag up to 7 kg (15 lbs)
Route-specific exceptions
Some routes have different cabin baggage rules. Passengers departing from Brazil can bring up to 10 kg (22 lbs) of cabin baggage.
Passengers departing from India must ensure their cabin baggage dimensions do not exceed 115 cm (45.3 in) when length, width and height are added together.
For most other routes, the standard cabin baggage limit remains 55 x 38 x 22 cm (22 x 15 x 8.5 in) and 7 kg (15 lbs) for Economy Class.
What items can you bring on board?
Emirates has specific rules for musical instruments, sports equipment, medical devices and mobility aids.
Musical instruments
You can travel with musical instruments as checked baggage or carry-on baggage, provided they meet Emirates’ size and weight limits. Larger or fragile instruments can also be transported in the cabin if you purchase an additional seat for them.
Sports equipment
Sports equipment can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance. Individual items must not exceed 118 in (300 cm) in total dimensions and some equipment may require special packaging.
Mobility aids and medical equipment
Passengers with disabilities may qualify for additional baggage allowances at no extra cost. Emirates accepts wheelchairs, crutches and other mobility aids. Travelers who rely on a portable dialysis machine can also bring the device and associated medical equipment.
Medications and liquids
Liquid medications and baby food are generally exempt from standard liquid restrictions, though you may be asked to provide supporting documentation. For all other liquids, Emirates follows standard airport security rules:
- Containers must not exceed 100 ml (3.4 oz)
- All containers must fit inside 1 transparent, resealable 1-liter bag
- Only 1 liquids bag per traveler is permitted
Powder restrictions
On flights to, from or through the US, and on flights from or through Australia and New Zealand, powders in containers of 350 ml (12 oz) or more are not permitted in carry-on baggage.
Certain exceptions apply for medical, infant and other approved items. Check Emirates’ latest baggage guidelines before you travel.
Emirates carry-on FAQs.
Yes, if you're traveling in Business Class or First Class. These passengers can bring a carry-on bag plus either a briefcase or garment bag.
The briefcase must not exceed 45 x 35 x 20 cm (18 x 14 x 8 in), while the carry-on bag must stay within 55 x 38 x 22 cm (22 x 15 x 8.5 in).
If you're flying in Economy Class, you're generally limited to 1 cabin item.
It depends on your cabin class. Economy Class passengers are generally limited to 1 cabin item. Business Class and First Class passengers can bring 2 cabin items: a carry-on bag plus either a briefcase or garment bag.
If you're flying in Economy Class, Emirates generally allows only 1 cabin item. This can be a backpack, handbag, laptop bag or carry-on suitcase, provided it stays within the airline's size and weight limits. Business Class and First Class passengers can bring a carry-on bag plus either a briefcase or garment bag.
Emirates may check carry-on bags to ensure they comply with the airline's size and weight limits. Bags that exceed the allowed dimensions or weight may need to be checked into the hold. To avoid delays or additional fees, make sure your bag meets Emirates' carry-on requirements before you travel.
If your carry-on exceeds Emirates' size or weight limits, you may be required to check it into the hold. Additional baggage charges may apply, depending on your route and fare type. To avoid unexpected fees, weigh and measure your bag before heading to the airport.
Top three carry-on luggage tips for Emirates.
from travel expert Lily Cichanowicz
1. Check your baggage allowance before you pack.
Emirates’ carry-on rules vary by cabin class and route, so don’t assume your allowance matches that of other airlines.
Before packing, review your booking confirmation to verify your carry-on size, weight and bag allowance. Knowing exactly what’s included can help you avoid last-minute repacking and unexpected baggage fees.
Need more space? Try these expert packing tips to make the most of your carry-on.
2. Take advantage of Emirates’ family-friendly baggage policies.
Traveling with children? Emirates offers additional baggage benefits for families. Infants are entitled to 1 carry-on bag up to 7 kg (15 lbs), with the same size limits as an adult Economy carry-on.
Parents may also bring a collapsible stroller or carry cot, subject to space availability and Emirates’ baggage rules. Beyond baggage allowances, Emirates also offers bassinets, children’s meals and in-flight entertainment designed for younger travelers.
3. Choose a bag that fits Emirates’ dimensions.
A carry-on that fits Emirates’ size limits can help you avoid problems at the airport. For most Economy passengers, cabin bags must not exceed 55 x 38 x 22 cm (22 x 15 x 8.5 in) and 7 kg (15 lbs).
When shopping for luggage, look for bags that meet these requirements, including wheels and handles.
