Australian Carry-On Rules: Sizes, Weights, and What's Banned (2026)
Australian carry-on rules vary by airline more than most travellers realise. The 7kg cap is consistent across Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin Australia, Rex, and Bonza. The size limits are not. Below: the full 2026 airline-by-airline breakdown, ABF prohibited items at the border, and what changes for international vs domestic. Sits inside our how to pack a carry-on guide.
Australian airline carry-on rules at a glance (2026)
All weights are 7kg unless noted. All rules verified against airline policy pages in May 2026. Always re-check the day before flying because airlines tweak these without notice.
| Airline | Carry-on size (cm) | Weight | Personal item |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qantas | 56 x 36 x 23 | 7kg | Yes, 1 small bag/handbag |
| Jetstar | 56 x 36 x 23 | 7kg (strictly enforced) | Yes, 1 small item |
| Virgin Australia | 48 x 34 x 23 | 7kg | Yes, 1 personal item |
| Rex | 105 cm linear | 7kg | Included in 7kg combined |
| Bonza | 55 x 40 x 20 | 7kg | Yes, 1 personal item |
Notes per airline
Qantas historically enforced carry-on weight loosely on domestic, more strictly on international. The 7kg cap applies to economy; business class allows 14kg. The personal item allowance is separate (no enforced weight).
Jetstar enforces 7kg most aggressively of the AU carriers. Random weigh-ins at the gate are common. Going over costs $40-$60 per kg or you check the bag for $50-$90 depending on route. Jetstar Starter Plus and FlexiBiz fare classes allow more (10-15kg).
Virgin Australia has the smallest size limit in the group (48 x 34 x 23 cm vs the more common 56 x 36 x 23). A 40L wheeled carry-on may or may not fit; check dimensions before flying Virgin specifically. The 7kg cap is enforced but less aggressively than Jetstar.
Rex regional flights use smaller aircraft, so the 7kg combined cap (carry-on + personal item) is strict. No separate personal item allowance.
Bonza is the newest entrant and runs the strictest size-and-weight enforcement of all five.
International airline rules (the short version)
Australian travellers flying internationally hit a mix of carry-on rules.
- Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, JAL, ANA: 7kg, 56 x 36 x 23 cm (matches Qantas).
- Emirates, Etihad, Qatar: 7kg, 55 x 38 x 20 cm (slightly smaller).
- Lufthansa, Air France, KLM: 8kg, 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
- British Airways: 23kg (yes, really) but size still 56 x 45 x 25 cm.
- United, American, Delta: No weight limit on most fares, size 56 x 36 x 23 cm enforced strictly.
- AirAsia, Scoot, Cebu Pacific (low-cost Asia): 7kg combined including personal item.
The safest planning rule: pack for the strictest carrier on your itinerary. If you fly Sydney to Singapore on Qantas (7kg) and connect onward to Bali on Scoot (7kg combined), the Scoot rule binds.
What's NOT allowed in carry-on (ABF + airline rules)
Australian Border Force and airline security blocks at the gate. Forgetting any of these costs the item.
- Liquids over 100ml per container (and totalling over 1 litre across all containers)
- Aerosol deodorants over 100ml
- Knives and sharp tools — even small craft scissors, Swiss Army knives, nail files
- Lithium batteries over 160Wh in carry-on (over 100Wh requires airline approval)
- Spare lithium batteries in checked bags — banned entirely; they must travel in carry-on only
- E-cigarettes and vapes — varies by airline, most now restrict
- Sporting goods that could be used as weapons — golf clubs, bats, sometimes hiking poles
- Any food product inbound to Australia — fresh fruit, meat, dairy, plant material. ABF detection is strict; biosecurity fines are $2,664-$13,320
The personal item allowance: free capacity most travellers miss
Most AU airlines allow a personal item alongside the carry-on. Strictly enforced on Rex (combined into the 7kg). Loosely enforced or unweighted on Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin, Bonza.
Items that qualify as a personal item:
- Laptop bag or sleeve
- Small backpack under ~30L
- Handbag or tote
- Camera bag
- Duty-free shopping bag (yes, doesn't count against your carry-on)
Practical move: keep the personal item for high-density items you'll use on the plane (laptop, headphones, water bottle, snacks, medication). That moves weight out of the 7kg-capped carry-on and into the unweighted personal item.
What changes for international vs domestic
Two main changes when flying internationally: liquids inspection is more strict (separate X-ray of the clear pouch is mandatory at most international airports), and inbound to Australia means biosecurity declaration at customs. Don't try to bring food, fresh produce, soil, or wooden carvings without declaring; ABF dogs are quite good.
International flights also have more variability in carry-on enforcement. AU airports are strict at departure; some Asian and European airports are looser; US airports vary by airline more than by airport. Plan for the strict version.
FAQ
What's the carry-on weight limit in Australia?
7kg across all major Australian airlines (Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Rex, Bonza). The size limit varies: Qantas and Jetstar 56 x 36 x 23 cm, Virgin Australia 48 x 34 x 23 cm, Rex 105 cm linear dimension, Bonza 55 x 40 x 20 cm.
How strict is Jetstar with the 7kg rule?
Strict. Random gate weigh-ins are common. Over-weight costs $40-$60 per kg or $50-$90 to check the bag. Jetstar Starter Plus fares allow more (up to 15kg).
What's the personal item allowance in Australia?
Most Australian airlines (Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin, Bonza) allow a small personal item alongside the carry-on with no enforced weight. Rex includes the personal item in the 7kg combined cap. Use the personal item for laptop, headphones, water bottle, and snacks.
What's the difference between carry-on and personal item?
Carry-on is the main wheeled bag or backpack that stows in the overhead locker (weight-capped at 7kg in Australia). Personal item is a smaller bag that fits under the seat in front of you (handbag, laptop bag, small backpack). Most AU airlines allow both, though Rex combines them.
Can I bring liquids in carry-on luggage on Australian flights?
Yes, but each container must be 100ml or less, and all containers together must fit inside a single transparent resealable 1-litre bag. Same rule applies domestically and internationally in Australia.
What's banned in carry-on by ABF?
Liquids over 100ml, aerosol deodorants over 100ml, knives and sharp tools, lithium batteries over 160Wh, any food product inbound to Australia (biosecurity), sporting goods that could be used as weapons, and e-cigarettes on most carriers.
What's the best carry-on bag size for international travel?
A bag that fits 56 x 36 x 23 cm (Qantas/Jetstar standard) works for most Australian and Asian carriers. A bag that fits 48 x 34 x 23 cm (Virgin Australia standard) works everywhere including Virgin. The Virgin spec is the safest universal pick if you'll fly multiple airlines.
What Cubey makes for this
The Signature Compression Packing Cube Set ($99) is sized for the Australian 7kg / 40L carry-on rule. 6 pieces totalling 700g, fits a 40L wheeled carry-on or backpack with the right margin for clothes underneath.
The practical takeaway
Pack for the strictest airline on your itinerary. The 7kg cap is universal in Australia. The size cap is where airlines diverge; Virgin Australia is the smallest, then Bonza, then everyone else. Use the personal item allowance always.
