Turkish Airlines Carry-On Rules: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning to fly 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 can’t “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’re going to fly Turkish Airlines, then here are the carry-on rules you need to be aware of regarding size, weight, fees, liquids, etc.

Turkish Airlines Carry-On Size & Weight Limits

Turkish Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard, at no charge, for economy class and they allow two carry-on bags plus a personal item for those flying in the business class cabins (similar to Air France).

The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you, and the carry-on bag must be stowed in the overhead bin.

Turkish Airlines Carry-On Size Dimensions

Turkish Airlines’ size requirements for a carry-on are:

• Dimensions for carry-on baggage: max. 50 x 40 x 23 cm (21.5 x 15.7 x 9 in)
• Dimensions for personal items: max. 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.5 x 12 x 6 in)

If you aren’t sure what size your carry-on is, Turkish Airlines normally 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.

Turkish Airlines Personal Item Size

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

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

Turkish Airlines Carry-On Weight Limits

Turkish Airlines requires carry-on bags to weigh less than 8 kg each (18 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.

Business Class passengers have a higher weight limit of up to 16 kg between the two bags they can carry on.

Related Content: Turkish Airlines Flight Deals

Carry-On Liquids: Turkish Airlines Liquid Policy

The rules for carry-on liquids are set by the TSA in the US and the EASA and European Commission in Europe.  Turkish Airlines doesn’t have its own specific Liquids Policy, they just enforce the rules and policies of the Authorities.

• Containers with liquids and gel-like substances may hold up to 100 ml (maximum capacity must be printed on the container).
• All containers must be carried in a plastic bag (transparent, resealable, max. capacity of 1 liter). One bag per person.
• The bag must be presented separately at security. Take your liquids out of your carry-on baggage at the security screening point and present them separately. In exceptional cases, liquids may be opened in the course of security checks and removed from their outer packaging.
• Liquid duty-free goods purchased at an international airport or on board an aircraft outside the EU must be transported in a tamper-proof, certified bag on connecting flights via an EU airport. The proof of purchase must be inside the bag and the bag must be sealed by the retailer.
• Medicines and special food (e.g. baby food) can be carried outside the plastic bag and must also be presented at security.

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:

Exceptions to this rule are certain medications and baby food/child nourishment.

Carry-On Food

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.

Turkish Airlines Carry-On Pet Policy

Turkish Airlines may not charge for your carry-on bag, but they will charge for your carry-on pet. The price depends upon the route and is charged once per flight direction.

Transport rules

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 be 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.

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, 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 with the Turkish Airlines summary of restricted items.

Turkish Airlines Carry-On Size and Fees

Turkish Airlines does not charge a fee for carry-on baggage that meets their size requirements.  If your bag is too large and doesn’t meet Turkish Airlines’ carry-on restrictions, you may be charged a fee to gate check it.

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