If you’re flying with Turkish Airlines, here’s everything you need to know about carry-on and personal item rules.
From bag dimensions to infant allowances and expert tips, this guide will help you avoid surprises at the gate and make the most of your overhead space.
Carry-on details.
- Economy: 1 carry-on (21.7 x 15.7 x 9 in) + 1 personal item (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in).
- Business Class: Same size/weight limits as Economy, but you can bring 2 carry-ons (17.6 lbs each).
- Bonus items: You can bring extras like rackets, CPAP devices or small instruments (within limits).
- Pro tip: If your bag's borderline, use KAYAK's Bag Measurement tool in the app before heading to the airport.
In this article
- What is Turkish Airlines’ carry-on bag size policy?
- Traveling with infants on Turkish Airlines.
- What extra items can you bring on board?
- Turkish Airlines carry-on FAQs.
- Top 3 Turkish Airlines carry-on luggage tips.
What is Turkish Airlines’ carry-on bag size policy?
The Turkish Airlines carry-on bag size policy depends on your travel class. Below we break down what you need to know for the most common ticket types.
Turkish Airlines’ carry-on bag size policy for Economy Class.
Turkish Airlines publishes official limits in centimeters.
Last updated and fact-checked: May 28, 2026.
Turkish Airlines’ carry-on bag size policy for Business Class.
- The Turkish Airlines carry-on bag size and weight limits are the same for Business Class as for Economy Class.
- Business Class travelers who wish to take advantage of the 2 carry-on bags allowance should ensure each bag has a maximum weight of 17.6 lbs or 35.2 lbs in total.
Traveling with infants on Turkish Airlines.
- The carry-on baggage allowance for infants with no reserved seats is 1 piece of hand baggage up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm / 21.7 x 15.7 x 9 in and 8 kg / 17.6 lbs, in both Business and Economy Class.
- Strollers are not allowed in the cabin and can be transported free of charge as checked baggage in the hold.
What extra items can you bring on board?
Other items you can bring on board Turkish Airlines flights include:
- Respiratory device apparatus
- Tennis or squash racket, provided they are in a special bag
- Small musical instruments like violins and guitars should be kept in an instrument case. The total dimensions of the instrument, in its case, shouldn't exceed 118 cm (46.5 inches). The weight should not be more than 8 kg (17.6 lbs).
- Folded suit covers (up to 114 x 60 x 11 cm / 44.9 x 23.6 x 4.3 in) are permitted as one piece of cabin baggage.
- Duty-free items purchased at the airport are generally allowed in addition to your standard carry-on and personal item allowance. Keep your receipt in case it's checked at the gate.
For info, review this guide on what’s not allowed in your carry-on.
Turkish Airlines carry-on FAQs.
Enforcement varies by departure airport. Gate agents at Istanbul Airport (IST) are known to weigh cabin baggage more consistently than at other hubs, so don’t count on slipping through if you’re over the limit there.
If your bag is flagged, Turkish Airlines may require you to check it into the hold – fees can apply depending on your fare class and route. Your safest move: weigh your bag before you leave for the airport.
You can only bring 2 carry-on bags on Turkish Airlines if you’re flying Business Class. Each bag should not be more than 17.6 lbs.
Yes, a backpack is considered a personal item on Turkish Airlines. Your backpack shouldn’t exceed 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches.
Yes, you’re allowed to bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item if you’re flying Economy Class or 2 carry-on bags and 1 personal item if you’re flying Business Class.
Turkish Airlines’ carry-on rules apply to flights operated by Turkish Airlines (TK-coded flights).
If your itinerary includes a segment operated by a partner carrier – like United on a US domestic connection – that carrier’s carry-on policy applies to that leg, not Turkish Airlines’. Always check the operating carrier’s rules when booking a multi-carrier itinerary.
The standard 100ml (3.4oz) per container rule applies on all Turkish Airlines flights. All liquids must fit in a single, transparent, resealable 1-litre (1-quart) bag.
This applies to both carry-on bags and personal items . See our guide on what’s not allowed on a plane carry-on in your carry-on for the full list of restricted items.
Top 3 Turkish Airlines carry-on luggage tips.
from Lily Cichanowicz, travel expert
1. Choose the right bag.
You should look for a lightweight and compact carry-on bag that will not take up much of the total weight and can fit perfectly in the overhead storage compartment.
Turkish Airlines’ carry-on size policy adheres to the international standard dimensions, ensuring convenient travel experiences for passengers.
2. Wear your bulky items.
Instead of packing bulky outfits such as coats, jackets, or boots, consider wearing them to save space and weight.
Still having trouble fitting everything in your carry-on? Try these expert tips for packing more efficiently.
3. Consider upgrading to Business Class.
Business Class travelers on Turkish Airlines have the benefit of bringing an extra carry-on bag. You can take advantage of this if you have more items and want to travel more comfortably.
We especially recommend this option if you’re taking a long-haul flight, as you’ll also get extra leg room and upgraded refreshments.
