Qatar Airways Carry-On Rules: Size, Weight & Liquids Policy

Qatar Airways is one of those airlines where it pays to pack to the published numbers. The carry-on size limit is more compact than what many U.S. domestic flyers are used to, and the weight limit (especially in Economy) is the rule most likely to get attention.

For quick cross-airline comparisons, you can also reference my guide to airline carry-on luggage rules.

Qatar Airways carry-on rules at a glance

• Carry-on size: 50 × 37 × 25 cm (20″ × 15″ × 10″)
• Economy carry-on allowance: 1 piece up to 7 kg (15 lb)
• Business/First carry-on allowance: 2 pieces up to 15 kg (33 lb) total
• Important exception: For flights departing the U.S., Qatar notes that passengers may carry 1 piece of hand baggage + 1 personal item (e.g., handbag/briefcase/laptop bag) to align with TSA travel regulations
• Personal item notes: Qatar lists certain “additional items” you can carry; a separate laptop bag may be treated as your carry-on
• Liquids: Standard 100 ml containers inside one clear, resealable 1-liter bag (details below)

Qatar Airways carry-on size limit

Qatar Airways’ published maximum carry-on dimensions are:

• Size: 50 cm (L) × 37 cm (W) × 25 cm (D)

This is a good one to measure carefully, including wheels and handles. If your bag has a rigid front pocket or you tend to overstuff the exterior, that’s often what pushes a “maybe” bag into “no.”

Qatar Airways carry-on weight limit

Qatar’s carry-on weight depends on cabin:

Economy

• Weight: 7 kg (15 lb) for 1 carry-on piece
• Brazil exception: For flights to/from Brazil, Qatar lists 10 kg (22 lb) for Economy carry-on

Business Class and First Class

• Weight: 15 kg (33 lb) total across up to 2 carry-on pieces

U.S. departures

Qatar specifically notes that flights departing the United States are limited to 1 piece of hand baggage + 1 personal item (handbag/briefcase/laptop bag) to be in accordance with TSA travel regulations. In other words, even if your cabin normally allows 2 carry-on pieces, a U.S. departure can effectively compress what you can bring to the gate.

Qatar Airways personal item rules

Qatar’s guidance has two parts that are easy to miss:

1. Laptop bag note: Qatar states that laptops should fit in your carry-on, and if a laptop bag is carried separately, it will be considered carry-on baggage. Practical takeaway: if you want to guarantee you keep your full allowance, pack your laptop inside your main carry-on rather than treating a separate laptop bag as “free.”
2. Additional items list: Qatar also lists certain personal items that may be carried in addition to your carry-on allowance (think: one handbag or small briefcase, outerwear, umbrella, crutches/walking stick, small camera/binocular case, limited reading material, infant basket, and duty-free items purchased the day of travel). In practice, these are meant to stay “small and reasonable,” not a second full-size bag.

Recommended Carry-On Bag for Qatar Airways

The easiest way to avoid carry-on drama when you’re flying internationally is to use a bag that’s designed around international size limits, not U.S. domestic bins. That’s why I recommend the Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Expandable Carry-On Spinner (19″)—it’s compact, rolls well, and tends to be a safer fit across a wide range of international airlines.

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 dimensions: 21.75″ H × 15.75″ W × 7.75″ D (includes wheels and carry handles)
• Case dimensions: 19″ H × 15″ W × 7.75″ D

Important fit note for Qatar Airways: Qatar’s published maximum is 50 × 37 × 25 cm. The Maxlite 5 International is designed for international travel, but its overall dimensions translate to roughly 55 × 40 × 20 cm, which exceeds Qatar’s published limit in two dimensions. If you regularly fly Qatar (or you’re on a route where you expect strict enforcement), the lowest-risk move is to use a carry-on that is at or under 50 × 37 × 25 cm and keep it light—Qatar’s size spec is simply tighter than many other international carriers.

Carry-On Electronics

Passengers on UK and USA-bound Qatar Airways flights departing or transiting from Hamad International Airport with personal electronic devices must adhere to the following instructions.

UK-bound flights

• You may be asked by security staff to turn on personal electronic devices that are larger than a mobile phone, including tablets, e-books, and laptops during the security screening conducted at the boarding gate.
• Ensure your electronic device(s) has sufficient power to be switched on to demonstrate its functionality. Make sure you do not deplete power in your devices as charging points at the airport might be limited and you may require an adapter.
• Devices without any power will be placed in a secure location on the aircraft that cannot be accessed and returned to the final destination.
• If more than six personal electronic individual devices are already secured, then you will have to check your device into your hand baggage, which will be stored in the aircraft hold.
• If you are unable to check in your hand baggage with the device or do not have hand baggage, then your item will need to be deposited with Lost and Found. You will then be required to make a claim on the airline website and collect the item from the airport on your return. 

USA-bound flights

• With immediate effect, all personal electronic devices carried on board all USA-bound flights from Doha, are subject to enhanced security screening.
• Ensure your electronic device(s) has sufficient power to be switched on to demonstrate its functionality. Make sure you do not deplete power in your devices as charging points at the airport might be limited and you may require an adapter. 
• Consider packing all personal electronic devices that you do not intend to use during your flight into your check-in baggage.
• Examples of personal electronic devices that are subject to enhanced security screening include: DSLR cameras | Radios | E-readers | Walkie-talkies | Laptop | Tablets | Water purifiers | Large game consoles | Monitor| CD-ROMs | Drone | Electric guitars | Printers and scanners

Qatar Airways Liquids Policy for Carry-ons

Liquids are governed by airport security screening rules. The standard rule Qatar has published for Doha (and the standard you should pack for in general) is:

• Liquids/gels/aerosols: containers must be 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less
• Must fit in one transparent resealable plastic bag with maximum capacity of 1 liter
• Bag size: up to 20 × 20 cm (8″ × 8″)
• One bag per passenger
• Exceptions: medications (with documentation), baby food/milk, and special dietary items

If your trip includes a U.S. departure, my TSA liquids rule guide is the simplest way to pack correctly without having security pull your toiletries.

Carry-On Pet Policy

Similar to Emirates and Etihad, Qatar Airways does not allow passengers to travel with any kind of pets in the passenger cabin or as checked baggage. In accordance with the regulations of the United Arab Emirates government, all animals must enter the UAE as manifested cargo.

There are two exceptions to this rule:

Service dogs

On certain routes, Qatar Airways allows service dogs in the passenger cabin, free of charge, to accompany a passenger with a disability. On all other routes, service dogs will be accepted free of charge as checked baggage within the aircraft hold.

Falcons

Qatar actually allows you to carry one falcon in the Economy Class cabin of an aircraft, and a maximum of six falcons are permitted within the Economy Class cabin of any one aircraft (country regulations may apply). 

Seriously, you’re not reading this wrong, it’s true. Check out this article if you to learn more.

Summary: Qatar Airways Baggage Allowance

Qatar Airways has a fairly standard baggage policy that is designed to ensure the safety and comfort of its passengers. While the size and weight limits can be confusing and vary depending on the route and cabin class you are flying, the policy of two checked bags and at least one piece of hand luggage, and one small personal item is very customer friendly.

Overall, Qatar Airways’ hand baggage policy strikes a balance between convenience and security, making it easy to adhere to when you fly their airline.

Here is a link to the Qatar Airways Carry-On page to make sure you have the most up-to-date information.

Related Articles:

1. Qatar Airlines Student Discount
2. Emirates Carry-on Size Rules
3. Etihad Carry-on Size Rules