When flying in the Philippines, bringing hand baggage, also called cabin luggage or carry-on, is very useful because it keeps your important things close during the flight. But before you start packing, it’s important to know the size rules for hand luggage. Every airline in the Philippines has its own limits, and if your bag is too big, you might have to pay extra fees or be asked to check your bag at the last minute. To help you avoid problems and pack your carry-on smartly, here’s what you need to know before your trip.
What is Hand Baggage?
Hand baggage, also called carry-on luggage or cabin baggage, is the small bag or suitcase you bring with you inside the airplane cabin. In the Philippines, this is the bag where you keep your important items like your wallet, phone, travel documents, and a few clothes or personal things you might need during your flight. Airlines allow passengers to bring hand baggage so they can have easy access to essentials without waiting for checked luggage. Just remember, each airline has size and weight limits for hand baggage, so it’s best to check their rules before you pack.
Top 10 Popular Airlines Carry-On Baggage Rules in the Philippines
| Airline | Max Carry-On Size (cm) | Max Weight | Additional Item Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
Philippine Airlines | 56 x 36 x 23 | 7 kg | 1 personal item (e.g., laptop bag) |
Cebu Pacific | 56 x 36 x 23 | 7 kg | 1 small personal item |
AirAsia Philippines | 56 x 36 x 23 | 7 kg | 1 small personal item |
PAL Express | 56 x 36 x 23 | 7 kg | 1 personal item |
Philippine AirAsia | 56 x 36 x 23 | 7 kg | 1 small personal item |
Jetstar Asia | 56 x 36 x 23 | 7 kg | 1 small personal item |
Scoot | 54 x 38 x 23 | 10 kg | 1 small personal item |
Singapore Airlines | 55 x 40 x 20 | 7 kg | 1 small personal item |
Cathay Pacific | 56 x 36 x 23 | 7 kg | 1 small personal item |
Emirates | 55 x 38 x 20 | 7 kg | 1 personal item |
Tips:
- Always check your airline’s website before flying.
- If your bag is bigger or heavier, you may have to check it or pay extra.
- Carry a smaller personal item like a purse or laptop bag to bring more essentials.
Special Items Carry-On Guidelines (2025)
| Special Item | What You Can Bring | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
Medicines | Allowed, even if over 100ml. | Bring a doctor’s note and declare at security. |
Baby Food & Milk | Allowed in reasonable amounts. | Declare separately during security check. |
Breast Pumps | Allowed in carry-on bags. | Keep clean and inform security staff. |
Assistive Devices | Allowed, like wheelchairs and hearing aids. | Usually exempt from weight or size limits. |
Duty-Free Liquids | Allowed if sealed in tamper-evident bags with receipt. | Keep sealed until you reach your destination. |
Electronic Devices | Allowed, may need to be taken out during screening. | Pack carefully for easy removal at security. |
Power Banks | Allowed in carry-on only. | Must be turned off and visible during inspection. |
Tips:
- Always declare special items at security.
- Pack medicines and baby food separately for easy screening.
- Check your airline’s specific rules before your trip.
- Carry documents for medical devices to avoid delays.
Hand Baggage Restrictions: What Not to Bring
When packing your hand luggage, it’s important to know which items are not allowed for safety reasons. To help you avoid any trouble at the airport, here’s a list of common items that you cannot bring on board in your hand baggage:
| Prohibited Items | Reason |
|---|---|
Knives, scissors, box cutters | Sharp objects are not allowed |
Lighters, matches, aerosols | Flammable and dangerous |
Explosives, fireworks | Risk of explosion |
Liquids over 100ml | Safety and security limits |
Weapons or fake weapons | Security threat |
Chemicals, toxic substances | Hazardous materials |
Tools (hammers, screwdrivers) | Can be used as weapons |
Sporting goods (bats, clubs) | Potentially dangerous |
What to Do If Your Hand Baggage is Overweight
If your hand baggage is heavier than the allowed limit, don’t worry—there are easy ways to fix it. Here’s what you can do to avoid extra fees and hassle at the airport:
Check Your Airline’s Weight Rules Early
Before you pack, always check your airline’s hand baggage weight limit. This helps you pack the right amount.
Remove Some Items
If your bag is too heavy, take out non-essential items like extra clothes, books, or souvenirs. You can put these in your checked luggage or leave them behind if possible.
Use a Smaller Bag
Sometimes switching to a smaller bag can help you pack lighter and avoid overweight fees.
Wear Heavy Clothes
If you have heavy shoes or jackets, wear them on the plane instead of packing them in your hand baggage.
Pay Extra or Check the Bag
If you can’t reduce the weight, be prepared to pay an extra fee or check your bag at the gate. It’s better to know the cost beforehand.
Use a Portable Luggage Scale
Bring a small luggage scale when you travel to weigh your bag before heading to the airport.
Pack Smart to Avoid Hand Baggage Problems
Knowing your airline’s hand baggage rules and packing carefully can save you time, money, and stress. If your bag is overweight, simple steps like removing extra items or paying fees can help. Always check the latest rules on Trip.com before your trip to fly hassle-free and enjoy your journey.