Understanding check-in & carry-on requirements can prevent airport delays and unexpected fees. Knowing standard size limits, document requirements, and security rules helps ensure smoother travel.
Check-in and carry-on procedures follow established international standards that help passengers move through airports efficiently and avoid common travel disruptions.
Check-In Process
Check-in verifies your reservation, provides a boarding pass, and processes checked baggage if applicable. Online or mobile check-in is typically available 24 hours (and sometimes up to 48 hours) before departure, allowing seat selection and reducing time spent at the airport.
Recommended arrival times at the airport remain standard: 2–3 hours prior to international departures and 1.5–2 hours for domestic flights. This accounts for document verification, security screening, and potential queues.
Have identification and travel documents ready: a valid passport or government-issued ID for all passengers, along with any required visas or entry documentation. Ensure names match exactly between documents and booking to prevent delays. A digital boarding pass on your device is convenient, but a printed or saved copy serves as a reliable backup in case of technical issues.
Carry-On Baggage Standards
Carry-on baggage is stored in the cabin, either in overhead compartments or under the seat. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) provides a common reference for dimensions: maximum 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 18 × 10 inches), including handles, wheels, and pockets. Many carriers align with or closely follow this guideline, though exact limits can vary by route, fare class, and aircraft type. Weight restrictions, when applied, often range from 5–10 kg.
Security screening enforces consistent rules in most jurisdictions, including the liquids restriction (commonly known as 100 ml / 3-1-1):
Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be in containers of 100 ml or less.
All containers must fit into one transparent, resealable plastic bag of approximately 1 liter capacity (about 20 × 20 cm).
This bag must be presented separately at the security checkpoint.
Laptops, tablets, and larger electronic devices generally require removal from carry-on bags during screening.
Practical packing advice:
Roll garments to optimize space and reduce creasing.
Employ packing organizers or compression items for better organization.
Place critical items in carry-on: prescription medications (with documentation if required), travel documents, electronic chargers, valuables, and a spare set of clothing to cover potential checked-baggage delays.
Keep the bag light enough for easy lifting into overhead bins.
Confirm prohibited items (such as sharp objects, flammable substances, or certain tools) before packing to comply with security regulations.
For summary charts on common airline size and weight standards, resources such as mybaggageinfo.com provide helpful reference material.
Preparation Reminders
Review all rules the day before travel. Special items—such as infant gear, mobility devices, or musical instruments—often require advance confirmation of handling procedures. During high-traffic periods or at large airports, additional time should be allocated for screening and any secondary checks.