Emirates Carry On Rules: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning to travel with just a carry-on, you’ll need to be up to speed with airline carry-on policies.  Specifically, the various rules and regulations each carrier has for what you can and cannot “carry on” to the plane.   Each airline’s rules are different, so don’t just assume what works for one will work for all airlines.

If you are going to be flying Emirates, then here are the Emirates carry-on rules you need to be aware of regarding size, weight, fees, liquids, etc.

Emirates Carry-On Size and Weight Limits

Emirates has a very strict carry-on policy so you will definitely need to plan ahead.

• Economy Class passengers are only permitted one piece of carry‑on baggage. This is not like most airlines that allow a carry-on and a personal item, with Emirates it’s just one item total.
• First Class and Business Class passengers are permitted two pieces of carry‑on baggage: one briefcase plus either one handbag or one garment bag.

All carry-on baggage must fit either under the seat in front of you or in one of the overhead lockers. Baggage may not be placed behind your legs, in the aisles, or in front of emergency exits.

Emirates Carry-On Size Dimensions

Emirates size requirements for a carry-on are:

• Briefcase: 45 x 35 x 20 cm (18 x 14 x 8 inches)
• Handbag: 55 x 38 x 20 cm (22 x 15 x 8 inches)
• Garment bag: 20 cm (8 inches) thick when folded
• Carry‑on baggage: 55 x 38 x 20 cm (22 x 15 x 8 inches)

If you aren’t sure what size your carry-on is, Emirates typically provides “size check templates” located at their ticketing counters and departure gates.  But if you wait until you get to either of these locations and have an issue, it’s too late.

If the bag is too big or too heavy, you’re going to have to pay a fee, so it’s always better to know your bag size and the limitations in advance.

Emirates Personal Item Size and Restrictions

Personal items include a purse, briefcase, laptop, backpack, shopping bag, or a similar-sized item.

Duty-free purchases such as liquor, cigarettes, and perfume are permitted in reasonable quantities for all service classes.

Emirates Carry-On Weight Limits

Emirates requires carry-on bags to weigh less than 7 kg (15 lbs.). However, they don’t weigh your carry-on items prior to boarding, so you’re generally not going to have a problem if it’s too heavy. The weight issue applies to check baggage more than carry-on bags since they weigh your checked bags when you check in for your flight.

Related Content: Emirates Flight Deals

Emirates Carry-On Liquids Policy

The rules for carry-on liquids are set by the TSA, EASA, and FAA.  Emirates doesn’t have its own specific Liquids Policy, they just enforce the rules and policies of the Authorities.

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. 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 33.8 fl oz.

Larger bags or bags that are non-sealable, such as fold-over sandwich bags, are not allowed. The containers must fit comfortably within the plastic bag, which must be completely closed. You will need to present the plastic bag for visual examination at the security screening point. Only one bag per customer will be permitted.

Below is a table that provides some examples of Non-solid Food and Personal Items that are considered “liquids”:

The TSA 3-1-1 Rule

Each passenger may carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, and lotion.

Any liquid that does not meet the TSA 3-1-1 rule will either have to be checked with your luggage or will be thrown away at the security checkpoint.

Here is a little video to help illustrate:

Carry-On Powders with Emirates

On flights to, from, or through the US, and flights from or through 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.
• Baby formula, prescription medicines, and human remains are exempt.
• Powder‑like substances purchased in airport duty‑free shops must be placed in sealed, tamper‑evident bags along with proof of purchase (receipt).

This 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.

Carry-On Food Restrictions

There are two different scenarios pertaining to food: 

1. The food you bring with you to the airport, and
2. The food you buy at the airport after you have gone through security.

An important thing to note is the classification of liquid foods vs. solid foods.  

The general rule is “If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, then it’s considered a liquid or gel”.   This means your food may be considered a liquid and will fall under the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule, which mandates that any liquid, gel, cream, aerosol, or paste in a carry-on must be 3.4 ounces or less, and fit in one quart-size resealable bag (only one such bag is allowed per passenger).

The TSA website advises what food can be brought with you on your flight.  This applies to food you are bringing from home through security.   Once you get through security, you can bring just about any food on the plane that you buy at the airport.

Emirates Carry-On Pet Policy

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.  These rules are not specific to any airline and are mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency.

The list includes items such as aerosols, fireworks, matches, Pepper spray, etc…  A complete list can be found on the FAA website, the TSA website, and/or the EASA website.

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.

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2. How to Use Packing Cubes to Travel with Just A Carry-On
3. The Best Carry-On Bags for Regional and Small Jets
4. 5 Essential Things to Stay Organized While on The Road
5. Etihad Carry-on Rules
6. Qatar Airways Carry-on Rules