Turkish Airlines Carry-On Size and Weight Limits

Turkish Airlines’ carry-on rules are very “by the numbers,” and the two limits that matter most are the 55 × 40 × 23 cm size cap and the 8 kg weight cap for your main cabin bag. If you pack to those two constraints (and keep your personal item truly under-seat sized), you’ll avoid most gate-side surprises.

For a quick cross-airline comparison, see my guide to airline carry-on luggage rules.

Turkish Airlines carry-on rules at a glance

• Carry-on size: 23 × 40 × 55 cm (about 9.1″ × 15.7″ × 21.7″), including wheels/handles
• Carry-on weight: 8 kg (17.6 lb)
• Personal item size: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (about 15.7″ × 11.8″ × 5.9″)
• Personal item weight: 4 kg (8.8 lb)
• Economy allowance: 1 carry-on + 1 personal item
• Business allowance: 2 carry-ons (8 kg each, 16 kg total) + 1 personal item
• U.S. departures note: Business passengers may need to check the “second” carry-on free so they pass TSA with 1 carry-on + 1 personal item

Turkish Airlines carry-on size limit

Turkish Airlines’ published carry-on size limit is:

• Carry-on size: 23 × 40 × 55 cm

This is the measurement you should check, including wheels, handles, and exterior pockets. If your bag is closed, measure it fully packed, because bulging pockets are what typically push a bag out of compliance.

Turkish Airlines carry-on weight limit

Turkish Airlines’ published carry-on weight limit is:

• Carry-on weight: 8 kg (17.6 lb)

This is one of the most commonly enforced constraints on international carriers. If you tend to pack dense items (shoes, toiletries, heavy tech), it’s worth weighing your carry-on at home.

Turkish Airlines personal item rules

Turkish Airlines also allows one personal item with:

• Personal item size: 40 × 30 × 15 cm
• Personal item weight: 4 kg (8.8 lb)

Practically, this is your under-seat bag for essentials (passport, medication, chargers, laptop/tablet). Keep it compact so it actually fits under the seat.

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

How many carry-ons can you bring on Turkish Airlines?

Economy Class

• Allowance: 1 carry-on + 1 personal item
• Carry-on max: 23 × 40 × 55 cm, 8 kg
• Personal item max: 40 × 30 × 15 cm, 4 kg

Business Class

• Allowance: 2 carry-ons + 1 personal item
• Carry-ons max: each 23 × 40 × 55 cm and 8 kg (16 kg total)
• Personal item max: 40 × 30 × 15 cm, 4 kg

Important note for flights departing the United States

Turkish Airlines explains that TSA screening typically limits what you can bring through the checkpoint to 1 carry-on + 1 personal item (with certain exceptions), and for Business Class itineraries they instruct passengers to hand over the “second” cabin bag at check-in so it can be carried as checked baggage free of charge.

Recommended Carry-On Bag for Turkish Airlines

The simplest way to avoid sizing surprises abroad is to use a carry-on designed for international overhead bins from the start. 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.

Why it fits Turkish Airlines well: Turkish Airlines’ carry-on allowance is 23 × 40 × 55 cm with an 8 kg weight limit, and this bag is built around the standard international footprint while staying lightweight for a spinner.

Manufacturer dimensions (overall, including wheels and carry handles):

• Overall dimensions: 21.75″ H × 15.75″ W × 7.75″ D
• Case dimensions: 19″ H × 15″ W × 7.75″ D

One honest detail: the bag’s overall height is very close to the common 55 cm cutoff when converted, so the “strict airline” advice above matters—don’t expand it, don’t overstuff it, and you’ll keep your odds of smooth boarding high.

It’s durable, reasonably priced, and holds everything I need for shorter trips (3-5 days). Plus the spinner wheels make it very easy to get through the airport quickly and effortlessly.

Turkish Airlines Personal Item Size

Personal items include a handbag, briefcase, laptop, backpack, diaper bag, or a similar-sized item.

The personal item cannot exceed 40x30x15 cm (15.5 x 12 x 6 inches) in size and 4 kg in weight.

The image below shows some examples of personal items and the size limits associated with each type:

Carry-On Liquids: Turkish Airlines Liquid Policy

Liquids are governed by airport security rules, and Turkish Airlines also reinforces the standard approach:

• Liquids/gels/aerosols: containers must be 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less (even if partially filled)
• All containers must fit in one transparent, resealable 1-liter bag
• One liquids bag per passenger
• Turkish Airlines also notes that some transit airports do not allow passengers to pass through transit security with liquids over 100 ml, including duty-free items that are sealed in bags

For a plain-English walkthrough with examples and common “does this count as a liquid?” questions, see the TSA liquids rule (the packing method is essentially the same worldwide).

Carry-On Pet Policy

For pets traveling with you in the cabin, the weight of the animal and the crate must not exceed 8 kg. The crate can be a maximum of 23 cm (height) x 30 cm (width) x 40 cm (length).  Turkish allows Cats, dogs, and small singing birds (e.g., parakeets, canaries) to be transported in the cabin with the passenger.

• The bag must be well-ventilated and big enough for your animal to stand up and turn around.
• The bag must fit in the area underneath the seat in front of you.
• Under no circumstances may your animal leave its travel bag during the flight.
• Your pet’s travel container is considered an additional baggage item and will incur a fee.

Here is a link for all fees related to bringing your pet with you.