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Emirates’ carry-on policy is clear once you focus on two things: your cabin class allowance (Economy vs. Premium Economy vs. Business/First) and the fact that Emirates publishes specific dimensions for cabin baggage. Pack to the numbers and you’ll avoid most gate-side issues.
For quick comparisons across airlines, you can also reference my airline carry-on luggage rules guide.
Emirates carry-on rules at a glance
- Economy: 1 carry-on up to 7 kg
- Premium Economy: 1 carry-on up to 10 kg
- Business & First: 1 carry-on up to 7 kg, plus 1 briefcase or 1 garment bag (each up to 7 kg)
- Carry-on size: 55 × 38 × 22 cm (for the main carry-on)
- Briefcase size (Business/First): 45 × 35 × 20 cm
- Garment bag (Business/First): must be no more than 20 cm thick when folded
- Liquids: 100 ml containers in one resealable 1-liter bag (details below)
Emirates carry-on size limit
Emirates’ published maximum size for a main carry-on bag is:
- Carry-on size: 55 × 38 × 22 cm (including wheels and handles)
If you’re close to the limit, measure your bag fully packed. Overstuffed exterior pockets are what usually turn a “should be fine” bag into a problem.
Emirates carry-on weight limit
Emirates’ carry-on weight allowance depends on your cabin:
Economy
- Weight: 7 kg total for 1 carry-on
Premium Economy
- Weight: 10 kg total for 1 carry-on
Business & First
- Weight: 1 carry-on up to 7 kg
- Plus: 1 briefcase or 1 garment bag up to 7 kg
- Briefcase size: 45 × 35 × 20 cm
- Handbag size (if carried): 55 × 38 × 22 cm
- Garment bag thickness: 20 cm max when folded
Emirates special route notes worth knowing
These are the two exceptions that can surprise people:
- Boarding from India: Emirates states you’re allowed only one piece of carry-on baggage, and its total dimensions must not exceed 115 cm (length + width + height).
- Departing from Brazil: Emirates states customers can carry up to 10 kg of cabin baggage for flights departing Brazil.
Recommended Carry-On Bag for Emirates
If you’d rather not think about cabin-bag rules on every booking, choose a carry-on that’s designed around international limits and stick with it. That’s why I recommend the Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Expandable Carry-On Spinner (19″)—it’s compact for a spinner, it rolls well, and it’s a practical “default” carry-on for international trips.
If the airline you’re flying is known for strict sizing or weight checks, keep the bag unexpanded and avoid overstuffing exterior pockets so it stays as slim as it measures.
Manufacturer dimensions (overall, incl. wheels and carry handles): 21.75″ H × 15.75″ W × 7.75″ D
Case Dimensions:
- H: 19 in. W: 15 in. D: 7.75 in.
- Weight: 7.3 lbs.
Fits 80% of International Airlines* as a Carry-On
Important fit note for Emirates: Emirates’ published main carry-on limit is 55 × 38 × 22 cm. This Travelpro is very close on height and depth, but its overall width (15.75″ ≈ 40 cm) is slightly wider than Emirates’ 38 cm limit. If you’re frequently on Emirates routes where you expect strict sizing (or you just want the lowest-risk option), a bag that stays at 38 cm wide (or less) on the outside is the safer “on-paper” match.
Emirates Liquid Rules & Allowance
All liquids, gels and aerosols, pastes, lotions, creams, drinks, and other items of similar consistency must be in containers with a capacity no greater than 3.4 fl oz (100ml). Those carried in containers larger than 100ml will not be accepted, even if the container is only partially filled.
These containers must be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag of a maximum capacity not exceeding one liter (33.8 fl oz). Larger bags or bags that are non-sealable are not allowed.
The containers must fit easily within the plastic bag, which must be sealed completely and presented for visual examination at the security screening point. Only one bag per customer is permitted.
Carry-On Powders
On flights to, from, or through the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, powders in containers equal to or over 350ml are not allowed in carry‑on belongings or cabin baggage.
- Powders in containers equal to or over 350ml have to be checked in.
- Depending on the last point of departure, any powders in containers over 350ml in your carry‑on baggage will be confiscated at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), and Athens International Airport (ATH).
- Powders under 350ml may be subject to additional screening.
- Powder‑like substances purchased in airport duty‑free shops must be placed in sealed, tamper‑evident bags along with proof of purchase (receipt).
Baby formula, prescription medicines, and human remains are exempt from the powder allowance rule. This rule is in accordance with new security guidelines from the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Australian Department of Home Affairs, and the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand.
Does Emirates Allow Pets in the Cabin?
Animals are not permitted in the cabin of Emirates flights, with the exception of falcons between Dubai and certain destinations in Pakistan and guide dogs for the blind (please see Emirates information for passengers with special needs).
Prohibited Items and Dangerous Goods
There are certain items that are considered dangerous and classified as hazardous material. Dangerous goods are prohibited from both your carry-on and checked bags on all flights.
Prohibited or restricted goods and materials can be found in the following resources:
- IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations
- TSA Permitted and Prohibited Items
- EASA Dangerous Goods.
- FAA Packsafe List
One more way to find them is by reviewing the Emirates’ dangerous goods policy.
Banned substances in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a very strict, zero-tolerance, anti-drug policy. All airports within the UAE conduct thorough searches using highly sensitive equipment. Possession of any amount of illegal drugs by travelers entering or transiting the UAE will be subject to punishment.
Bringing medication into the UAE
If you’re carrying controlled medication into the UAE, you must apply for approval through the Ministry of Health (MoH) website.
WestJet Carry-On Size: Detailed Guide to Their Carry-on Policy!
Hello I am travelling to the UK in September and will be taking my Mother’s ashes back to England would you please advise me of any restrictions that apply. I am aware that I have to carry them in my carry-on luggage. Thank you Regards Robert Ball
Hi Robert – With something as important as this, I think you should call Emirates directly to make sure you have the correct information.