Guide to Airplane Cabin Suitcase Sizes and Weight Restrictions for Indonesian Airlines

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Tempo.co

January 8, 2024 | 01:49 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - When you want to travel by plane, there is one thing you must pay attention to and prepare, namely your luggage, especially cabin bags or cabin suitcases. If you want to take it into the plane cabin, you need to pay attention to the size of the suitcases you are carrying. This is because not all suitcases are allowed into the aircraft cabin. Suitcases with sizes above those specified by the airline must be placed in the aircraft's hold.

Many people choose to bring suitcases into the plane cabin because they are considered safer and can be monitored directly. Apart from that, passengers don't have to bother waiting for time-consuming baggage check-in.

Suitcase Sizes for Airplane Cabins

Quoting from the official iata.org page, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the size of suitcases that are allowed in the cabin depends on the policies of each airline. In general, the size of suitcases that can be carried into the aircraft cabin is a maximum length of 22 inches (56 cm) x 18 inches (45 cm) x 10 inches (25 cm).

Meanwhile, the weight of suitcases permitted in the aircraft cabin is usually a maximum of 7 kilograms. If it is more than that, then it is possible that the suitcase will be charged additional fees or it is recommended that the suitcase be checked into the trunk.

Several airlines in Indonesia apply different special rules. For example, Garuda Indonesia determines the size of suitcases that can be included in cabin baggage, namely a maximum length of 56 cm, width of 36 cm and thickness of 23 cm or the equivalent of a 22 inch suitcase. Meanwhile, the weight of the suitcase and its contents cannot be more than 7 kilograms.

Lion Air also has its own provisions regarding suitcases. Lion Air stipulates that the maximum size of suitcase that can be entered in the cabin is 40 x 30 x 20 cm (16 inches) with a maximum weight of 7 kilograms. Meanwhile, Wings Air sets the dimensions at 35 x 30 x 20 cm.

Citilink airline sets the ideal size of suitcase that can be brought into the cabin for economy class, measuring 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm (for flights on A-320 aircraft) and 41 cm x 34 cm x 17 cm (for flights on ATR aircraft). As for weight, each cabin has a maximum suitcase weight of 7 kilograms.

Furthermore, Air Asia and Jetstar airlines apply a maximum suitcase size rule in the aircraft cabin of 56 x 36 x 23 cm or the equivalent of 22 inches.

General Cabin Suitcase Rules

Apart from having rules regarding the size of suitcases that are allowed into the cabin, there are also other rules regarding luggage in suitcases, including:

1. Do not bring sharp objects

Passengers are prohibited from carrying sharp objects such as all types of knives, or any cutting tools of any length, whether made of metal or other materials. Some sporting goods must be packed in checked baggage.

2. Liquid, Aerosol, Gel and Powder

Each airline limits the amount of liquids, aerosols and gels that passengers are allowed to carry in baggage. The International Civil Aviation Organization, the UN's aviation standards-setting body, has established guidelines for limiting liquids in aviation. Currently liquids, aerosols and gels may be brought into the cabin and must be in containers with a maximum weight of 100 ml.

3. Medical Supplies

If you require the use of a medical syringe on a flight, for example insulin, then you must show documented proof of medical need. Passengers should also ensure the material is packaged and labeled professionally. If you do not follow the existing rules, then you are not allowed to carry this medicine.

4. Electronic Devices

Electronic items such as laptops, tablets and cellphones must be shown to the officer when boarding the plane. For power banks, they are allowed to be carried as long as they meet the maximum limits determined by each airline.

Tips for Choosing Suitcases for Airplane Cabins

It is not difficult to find suitcases that can be taken into the plane cabin. The most important thing is that you have to buy a suitcase that complies with the airline's regulations so that it can be carried into the cabin. The following are some tips for choosing suitcases for the airplane cabin:

1. Suitcase Material

Suitcases usually consist of two types of materials, namely hard cases and soft cases. Hard case suitcases can provide optimal protection because the material is hard, but is susceptible to cracking. Meanwhile, soft case suitcases are suitcases that can be easily adjusted for capacity and can be easily placed in the cabin. In addition, soft case suitcases are lighter and more flexible but less resistant to pressure.

2. Size

As is known, each airline has its own rules regarding the size of suitcases that can be entered in the cabin. Therefore, pay attention to the size of the suitcase before buying it. Choose a suitcase that meets the conditions of the airline you choose.

3. Wheels

To make it easier to move your suitcase, choose a suitcase with wheels that can rotate flexibly. Spinner type suitcases can provide ease of movement and allow you to put your handbag on top. Meanwhile, upright suitcases can be used if the luggage is not too heavy.

4. Security

Choose a suitcase with high security, such as using a TSA (Travel Sentry Approved) security lock. This lock concept helps your suitcase be safer from being burglarized by irresponsible individuals.

RIZKI DEWI AYU

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