Carry-on Baggage - General
Make sure you visit this page again before you travel in case of any change and read our Conditions of Carriage for further information.
Your Carry-on Baggage must:
- fit under the seat in front of you or in an overhead locker (musical instruments must be placed in an overhead locker. See the Musical Instruments information below);
- not exceed the Carry-on Baggage allowances;
- not include any Dangerous Goods;
- comply with applicable laws and security measures including those imposed by airports. Read more about Carry-on Baggage - Country Specific.
If your baggage meets the above requirements, but we reasonably believe that it is not safe for your baggage to be carried as Carry-on Baggage, we may require you to check it in.
Carry-on Baggage Allowances
Current Qantas and QantasLink Carry-on Baggage allowances for adults and children (except infants) are as follows.(See the Musical Instruments information below).
Any change to the Carry-on Baggage allowances will be notified one month in advance by updating this page.
| Route | Piece Allowance & Dimensions* | Weight Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Domestic (except Dash 8 services and to/from Olympic Dam) | All Classes:
| 7kg (15lb) per piece |
| Dash 8 services |
| 7kg (15lb) total |
| Olympic Dam |
| 4kg (9lb) total |
| All International | First/Business/Premium Economy:
Economy:
| 7kg (15lb) per piece |

Maximum dimensions of Carry-on Baggage*
| Length | Height | Depth | Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48cm (19in) | + 34cm (13in) | + 23cm (9in) | = 105cm (41in) | |||
| 56cm (22in) | + 36cm (14in) | + 23cm (9in) | = 115cm (45in) | |||
| 60cm (24in) | + 114cm (45in) | + 11cm (4in) | = 185cm (73in) non-rigid garment bag | |||
| 81cm (31.9in) | + 30(11.8in) | + 19cm(7.5in) | = 130cm (51in) musical instrument | |||
*Total dimensions are measured by adding together the length, height and depth of the bag.
Musical Instruments
A musical instrument in its hard-shell case which weighs no more than 7kgs and does not exceed the maximum dimensions for musical instruments set out above, can be taken as Carry-on Baggage and must be placed in the overhead locker.
If its total linear dimensions are 105cm (41in) or less, then it will be equivalent to a 105cm (41in) bag in the Carry-on Baggage Table. If its total linear dimensions are between 105cm (41in) and 130cm (51in) then it will be taken as equivalent to a 115cm (45in) bag in the Carry-on Baggage Table.
We recommend arriving promptly to board your flight to ensure you can place your musical instrument safely in an overhead locker. All baggage is subject to security screening. Visit the Australian Government TravelSECURE website for more information.
Bulky Items
A bulky item can be carried in the cabin (except on Dash 8 and Olympic Dam services) provided that:
- it weighs no more than 7kgs;
- its dimensions do not exceed those set out in the table below;
- you purchase an extra seat;
- the item has a restraining point (handle) to allow it to be secured safely; and
- you notify us at the time of booking that the seat is for a bulky item.
For more information and to make your request call our Contact Centre on 13 13 13 within Australia. Outside Australia, contact your local Qantas Office.
Examples of bulky items: diplomatic or courier bags, larger musical instrument (eg. cello), an artwork or piece of technical equipment.
Maximum dimensions of a Bulky Item that can be carried when you purchase an extra seat:
| Cabin | Height | Width | Depth | Total linear dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | 74cm (29in) | + 51cm (20in) | + 53cm (20.8in) | = 178cm(69.8in) |
| Business | 71cm (28in) | + 50cm (19.5in) | + 48cm (19in) | = 169cm(66.5in) |
| Economy | 71cm (28in) | + 43cm (17in) | + 44cm (17.5in) | = 158cm(62in) |
Tips for Carry-on Baggage
- Keep Carry-on Baggage as light as possible as there can be considerable distances to walk at some airports and space inside the cabin is limited.
- If you are carrying fragile or valuable items, ensure they are appropriately packed.
- Take essential medication and prescriptions on board with you.
- Carry undeveloped film in your Carry-on Baggage rather than checking it in. Check with security screening officers if you have any concerns about possible damage from screening.
- Laptop computers must:
- conform to any applicable regulatory requirements;
- be submitted for security screening;
- not be used during take-off and landing;
- be totally noiseless - printers must not be used inflight; and
- not interfere with the aircraft's power supply.
Children and Infants
Children: Carry-on Baggage allowances are the same for adults.
Infants: There is no Carry-on Baggage allowance for infants. However, food and nappies required for infants during the flight may be carried in addition to the accompanying adult's Carry-on Baggage allowance.
Hypodermic Needles
If you need to travel with a hypodermic needle you will be required to declare it at the airport screening point. For more information refer to the Medical Assistance page.
Security Screening
For information about security screening at airports, refer to the Australian Government travel security website.


