Carry-On Baggage and Personal Items: What Can You Bring on Board?

Packing for a flight is easy until you start asking questions like: How big can my cabin bag be? How many kilograms can I carry? Can I bring a handbag or laptop bag as well?

Carry-on baggage rules are not the same for every airline. Even among Thailand's major airlines, the allowance can vary by airline, aircraft type, fare and travel class.

If you're flying with Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways or Thai VietJet, knowing the cabin baggage rules before you arrive at the airport can help you avoid repacking your luggage or paying additional fees.

At Thai Flightcentre, we are an independent travel intermediary offering flight booking and travel support for these airlines. Below is a practical guide to the main cabin baggage and personal-item requirements.

Important: Airline baggage policies can change and may vary by route, aircraft and fare. Always check the baggage allowance shown on your confirmed ticket and the latest airline rules before travelling.

What Is Carry-On Baggage?

Carry-on baggage, also known as cabin baggage or hand luggage, is the luggage you are allowed to take into the aircraft cabin.

Unlike checked baggage, your carry-on stays with you during the flight and is normally stored in the overhead compartment.

Typical carry-on items include:

• Small suitcases
• Backpacks
• Clothing
• Books
• Laptops and tablets
• Personal belongings
• Travel accessories

The two most important things to check are size and weight.

Thai Airways Carry-On Baggage

For passengers travelling with Thai Airways, the standard cabin baggage allowance is:

• 1 carry-on bag
• Maximum weight: 7 kg
• Maximum dimensions: 56 × 45 × 25 cm
• Dimensions include wheels, handles and side pockets
• The bag should be stored in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you.

Thai Airways also permits certain small personal belongings free of charge.

Thai Airways Personal Items

Examples include:

• Handbag
• Wallet or purse
• Notebook
• Portable personal computer

The maximum size for these items is:

37.5 × 25 × 12.5 cm

or a total of 75 cm across the three dimensions, with a maximum combined weight of 1.5 kg.

So, if you're travelling with Thai Airways, don't simply assume that a large laptop bag or handbag can be added without checking its size and weight.

Thai Airways at a Glance

Item	Allowance
Carry-on bags	1 piece
Maximum weight	7 kg
Maximum size	56 × 45 × 25 cm
Personal item	Up to 37.5 × 25 × 12.5 cm
Personal-item weight	Up to 1.5 kg
Storage	Overhead compartment / under seat

Thai Airways also states that cabin baggage may be checked at the airport using a test unit or weighing scale, including at check-in or the boarding gate.

Bangkok Airways Carry-On Baggage

Bangkok Airways has different cabin baggage dimensions depending on the aircraft operating your flight.

For most routes:

Airbus A319 / A320

• 1 cabin bag
• Maximum weight: 7 kg
• Maximum size: 56 × 36 × 23 cm

ATR 72

• 1 cabin bag
• Maximum weight: 7 kg
• Maximum size: 50 × 36 × 23 cm

For flights to or from Luang Prabang, the applicable weight limit may be lower, so passengers should check their specific itinerary before travelling. Current published baggage references list 5 kg for these routes.

Bangkok Airways at a Glance

Aircraft	Cabin baggage	Maximum size	Maximum weight
Airbus A319	1 piece	56 × 36 × 23 cm	7 kg
Airbus A320	1 piece	56 × 36 × 23 cm	7 kg
ATR 72	1 piece	50 × 36 × 23 cm	7 kg

This is an important difference to remember: the permitted size can depend on the aircraft, so a cabin suitcase that fits an Airbus aircraft may not necessarily meet the smaller ATR 72 dimensions.

Thai VietJet Carry-On Baggage

Thai VietJet uses a different cabin baggage structure from Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways.

For standard fares, passengers generally have a cabin baggage allowance of:

• Maximum total weight: 7 kg
• Main cabin bag: up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm
• One small personal item may also be permitted
• The personal item can include a handbag, laptop bag or similar small bag.

For example, commonly published personal-item dimensions include:

• Small handbag: up to 30 × 20 × 10 cm
• Laptop bag: up to 40 × 30 × 10 cm

The important point is that passengers should check whether the airline's total cabin baggage weight allowance applies to the main bag and personal item together for their specific fare.

Thai VietJet at a Glance

Item	Standard allowance
Main cabin bag	1 piece
Maximum main-bag size	56 × 36 × 23 cm
Cabin baggage weight	7 kg
Personal item	1 small item
Example handbag	Up to 30 × 20 × 10 cm
Example laptop bag	Up to 40 × 30 × 10 cm

Some Thai VietJet fare products may provide a higher cabin baggage allowance, so passengers should check the fare conditions attached to their booking before departure.

Thai Airways vs Bangkok Airways vs Thai VietJet

Here's a quick comparison of the main cabin baggage specifications:

	Thai Airways	Bangkok Airways	Thai VietJet
Main cabin bag	1 piece	1 piece	1 piece
Standard weight	7 kg	7 kg	7 kg
Main bag size	56 × 45 × 25 cm	56 × 36 × 23 cm*	56 × 36 × 23 cm
Personal item	Yes, specific limits	Check applicable allowance	Yes
Personal item example	37.5 × 25 × 12.5 cm	Check airline rules	30 × 20 × 10 cm handbag
Important variation	Class/fare	Aircraft type	Fare conditions

* Bangkok Airways ATR 72 aircraft use a smaller maximum size of 50 × 36 × 23 cm.

Why Does Personal-Item Size Matter?

A personal item is usually a smaller bag that can be stored under the seat in front of you.

Common examples include:

• Handbag
• Small backpack
• Laptop bag
• Camera bag
• Small briefcase

However, "personal item" does not automatically mean unlimited size or weight.

For example, Thai Airways publishes a specific maximum size and weight for certain free personal belongings, while Thai VietJet provides specific examples of small personal items.

If your second bag is too large, the airline may treat it as additional cabin baggage rather than a personal item.

Where Should You Store Your Cabin Bag?

Overhead Compartment

Larger cabin bags should normally be placed in the overhead compartment.

Make sure the bag can fit completely inside the compartment and does not block other passengers' luggage.

Under the Seat

Smaller personal items such as handbags and laptop bags are generally designed to fit under the seat in front of you when permitted by the airline.

This also makes items such as your passport, headphones, phone or laptop easier to access during the flight.

What About Liquids in Carry-On Baggage?

Airport security rules generally restrict liquids, aerosols and gels carried through security.

A common rule is:

• Each container: maximum 100 ml
• Containers should be placed in a transparent, resealable bag
• Maximum bag capacity: 1 litre
• The bag may need to be presented separately at security

Exceptions can apply to items such as essential medication, baby food and certain special dietary products. Thai Airways also specifies these exceptions in its cabin baggage guidance.

Remember that a container larger than 100 ml may be refused even if it contains less than 100 ml of liquid.

What Should You Keep in Your Carry-On?

Your cabin baggage is the best place for important items that you may need during the journey.

We recommend keeping:

Passport and Travel Documents

Keep your passport, boarding information and other important documents easily accessible.

Electronics

Laptops, tablets, phones, cameras and other valuable electronic devices should normally be kept with you.

Medication

Keep essential medication in your cabin baggage rather than placing it in checked luggage.

Valuables

Cash, jewellery and other valuable belongings should remain with you during your journey.

Can You Bring a Laptop Bag and Handbag?

This depends on the airline's specific rules.

For example, Thai Airways lists certain handbags, wallets and portable computers as free-of-charge items subject to its published size and weight limits. Thai VietJet also permits a small personal item under its applicable cabin baggage rules.

Therefore, don't assume that every airline treats a handbag or laptop bag in exactly the same way.

Tips to Avoid Cabin Baggage Problems

1. Weigh Your Bag Before Leaving Home

A cabin suitcase can easily exceed 7 kg once you add shoes, electronics and toiletries.

2. Measure the Entire Bag

Include:

• Wheels
• Handles
• Side pockets
• External compartments

Thai Airways specifically includes these parts when measuring cabin baggage.

3. Check Your Aircraft

If you are flying with Bangkok Airways, check the aircraft type. The cabin baggage dimensions for an ATR 72 are smaller than those for the A319/A320.

4. Check Your Fare

Thai VietJet baggage conditions can differ depending on the fare you purchase, so always check the baggage allowance attached to your booking.

5. Don't Rely on Another Airline's Rules

A 56 × 36 × 23 cm cabin suitcase may meet one airline's requirements but not necessarily another airline's rules.

Flying with Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways or Thai VietJet?

Whether you're travelling for business, a weekend trip or a longer holiday, checking your baggage allowance before heading to the airport can save time and avoid unnecessary fees.

Thai Flightcentre is an independent travel intermediary offering flight booking and travel support for Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways and Thai VietJet.

We can help you understand the baggage allowance associated with your selected flight and fare. However, the final baggage rules are determined by the operating airline and may vary according to the route, aircraft, fare type and travel class.

Always check your confirmed ticket and the latest airline baggage policy before travelling.