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In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about what Emirates allows you to bring on board with you. This includes Emirates carry-on baggage size restrictions, liquid policy, animals, and prohibited items.
The most important thing to be aware of is the difference in what they allow based on the fare class you purchased.
Emirates Carry-On Baggage Allowance Policy
Emirates has a very strict policy for cabin baggage, so you will definitely need to plan ahead.
- Economy and Premium 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. It can be either a carry-on bag or a personal item.
- First Class and Business Class passengers are permitted two pieces of carry‑on baggage: one carry-on bag plus either one personal item 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:
- Carry‑on baggage: 55 x 38 x 20 cm (22 x 15 x 8 inches)
- Personal Item: 45 x 35 x 20 cm (18 x 14 x 7 inches)
- Garment bag: 20 cm (8 inches) thick when folded
Here is a table to help clarify:
| Fare Class | Allowed | Carry-On Weight Limit | Carry-On Bag Size | Personal Item Size |
| Economy | 1 item | 7 kg (15 lbs) | 55 x 38 x 22 cm (22 x 15 x 8 in) | only 1 bag allowed |
| Premium Economy | 1 item | 10 kg (22 lbs) | 55 x 38 x 22 cm (22 x 15 x 8 in) | only 1 bag allowed |
| Business/First | 2 items | 7 kg (15 lbs) for each bag | 55 x 38 x 22 cm (22 x 15 x 8 in) | 45 x 35 x 20 cm (18 x 14 x 7 in) |
Emirates Carry-On Weight Limit
Emirates requires carry-on bags to weigh less than 7 kg (15 lbs.), which is much lighter than most airlines (Premium economy passages can have a bag that weighs up to 10kg/22lbs).
However, they typically don’t weigh your carry-on items prior to boarding. The weight issue applies to checked baggage more than carry-on bags since they weigh your checked bags when you check in for your flight.
Recommended Carry-On Bag
If you are looking for an international-sized carry-on bag, the Travelpro 20-inch Global Expandable Spinner Carry-on is definitely one to consider since it fits within Emirates’ carry-on size limit of 22x15x8 inches.
It’s durable, reasonably priced, and holds enough for shorter trips (3-5 days). Plus the spinner wheels make it very easy to get through the airport quickly and effortlessly.
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
Emirates Personal Item Size
Personal items include a purse, briefcase, laptop computer, small backpack, shopping bag, or a similar-sized item. If you have an economy ticket, you are allowed either a personal item or a carry-on bag, but not both.
Personal items such as a briefcase may not exceed 45 x 35 x 20 cm; hand baggage (carry-on bag) Cannot exceed 55 x 38 x 20 cm; and a garment bag can be no more than 20 cm thick when folded.
Duty-free purchases such as liquor, cigarettes, and perfume are permitted in reasonable quantities for all service classes.
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Emirates Special Offers & Deals
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.
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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.