measurements, questions, tips and everything you want to know

Carry-on luggage is a topic that always raises many questions among our readers. Questions about what you can take in your carry-on luggage on Azul, Gol and Latam on domestic and international flights, what size carry-on luggage is allowed, whether a backpack is considered carry-on luggage, among many others, come up almost every day. To make life easier for our readers, we have prepared this special post with everything you need to know and the answers to the main questions about carry-on luggage!

What is carry-on luggage?

Hand luggage is one that you do not need to check in at check-in and can take with you onto the plane without paying anything, regardless of the fare purchased. It must be placed in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, as per the airline's instructions during boarding.

Hand luggage on domestic flights

In 2019, national airlines standardized the rules and on all Azul, Gol and Latam flights you can take:

• A suitcase with the following maximum measurements: 35 x 25 x 55 cm (length x width x height), including handles, pockets and wheels, and with a maximum of 10kg.
• A personal item, such as a bag or backpack, with the following maximum measurements: 35 x 20 x 45 cm (measurements stipulated by Azul and Latam; Gol does not specify measurements);

Read too:

Hand luggage on international flights

The baggage rules for international flights on Azul, Latam and Gol follow the same rules as those for national flights – but if you fly with foreign companies you will need to check the maximum dimensions of hand luggage adopted, as they vary from company to company.

It is important to pay attention to liquids in hand luggage. This is because the restrictions on the transport of liquids also apply to passengers who, despite taking a domestic flight, have a connection with an international flight.

According to the National Civil Aviation Agency, Anac, items in liquid and paste form, such as shampoos, conditioners, creams and similar items can be carried without restriction in hand luggage on domestic flightshowever, on international flights there is a limit of up to 100 ml per container. Remember that inspection is usually strict with liquids in hand luggage, so if you arrive at your connecting flight for an international flight with liquids in bottles larger than 100 ml, you will have to throw them away when you go through the x-rays.

Hand luggage at Azul

Azul is no longer part of Abear, but has adopted the same rules as the Brazilian Airlines Association: you can take a suitcase weighing up to 10 kg with measurements of up to 35 x 25 x 55 cm (length x width x height). This applies to domestic flights and international flights operated by Azul.

Hand luggage on Gol

Gol is part of Abear, whose rules allow you to take a suitcase weighing up to 10 kg with measurements of up to 35 x 25 x 55 cm (length x width x height). This applies to domestic flights and international flights operated by Gol.

Hand luggage on Latam

Latam is also part of Abear, whose rules allow you to take a carry-on bag weighing up to 10 kg with measurements of up to 35 x 25 x 55 cm (length x width x height). This applies to domestic flights and international flights operated by Latam.

Tips for traveling with just a 10 kg suitcase

We prepared a really cool video with several tips for you to be able to travel with just a 10 kg suitcase. Check out!

Questions about hand luggage

Can you take hand luggage and a backpack?

Every passenger can board with one carry-on bag plus one personal item, which can be a shoulder bag, a backpack or a small bag. Coats can be carried in hand luggage, so they do not take up space in either the bag or the carry-on luggage.

Where to put hand luggage during the flight?

Carry-on luggage must be stored in the overhead compartment of the aircraft. In the case of backpacks or bags, flight attendants recommend storing them in the available space below the seat in front of you – except in the case of emergency exit seats, where it is not permitted to leave loose objects on the floor.

What can you carry in your backpack on the plane?

The backpack is considered hand luggage and also a personal item – nothing prevents you from traveling with just it. All your documents and valuables must go with you in your hand luggage on the plane, never in your checked luggage. Read more details in our post about taking a backpack and personal item on the plane.

What is the size of the 10 kg suitcase?

There is no standard defined by law for the size of suitcases, which go as hand luggage on the plane with you, so it depends on the airline. Currently, Brazilian companies have defined that a maximum of 55 cm in height, 35 cm in width and 25 cm in depth are allowed.

Can I carry an umbrella in my hand luggage?

You may carry one umbrella/pocket umbrella without a tip in your hand luggage. Large umbrellas or parasols are not permitted.

What can I not take in hand luggage?

You cannot carry firearms of any kind (including replicas and toy guns), pepper spray, tools, lighters, flammable liquids, bleach, explosives, poisons, acids, or sharp objects such as knives, scissors, pocket knives, or similar items in your carry-on baggage. If you have any specific questions, please contact the airline. There are also restrictions on liquids on international flights.

How to carry liquids in your hand luggage?

You can carry liquids in general in your hand luggage (perfume, toothpaste, gel, cream, nail polish, antiperspirant deodorant…), but pay attention to the permitted quantity. There are no restrictions on domestic flightsyou can take as much and as much as you wish, as long as it is within the defined weight and volume.

On international flights, liquids must be stored in bottles of up to 100 ml, packaged in a transparent plastic container with an opening and closing system. The maximum amount of liquids cannot exceed 1 liter and each passenger can only carry one bag.

According to Anac, aerosols and atomizers cannot be transported in hand luggage, unless they are for medical or personal hygiene purposes (such as deodorants, perfumes and shaving foam). However, even in the case of personal aerosols, they can only be carried in hand luggage in a quantity of up to 4 bottles per person, with each bottle having to comply with the 300ml or 300g limit.

Airlines generally make exceptions for medications, baby food, etc. Check with your airline for more details.

What can you take to eat on the plane?

It is allowed to take food on the plane, preferably in your hand luggage. However, on international flights, pay attention to the restrictions of the country you are arriving in. Remember that the plane is completely enclosed and there is no ventilation, so avoid foods that have a strong smell or that could make you feel unwell and ruin your flight!

What to pack in your hand luggage for an international trip?

It is important to bring cash, credit cards, documents and electronic devices, as these items should never be checked in. You should also bring medicines and hygiene items that you will use during the flight. We always recommend bringing an extra change of clothes in case your checked bag gets lost.

Can you take medicine in hand luggage?

Yes, always in the original packaging of the medication. Passengers who use continuous or controlled medication (insulin, for example) can travel without any worries, as long as they take some preventive measures.

Although it is not mandatory, when traveling within Brazil it is recommended to carry a medical prescription registered in the traveler's name, listing the type of medication being transported. However, abroad, with different health regulations, it is recommended that the passenger also carry an English version of the prescription and, if possible, the receipt for the medication.

Can you take a pillow on a plane trip?

Yes, you can! In addition to your carry-on bag, you are also entitled to a personal item, which can be a small bag, a coat or even a pillow. Choose a pillow with a “U” shape.

Can you take a lighter on the plane?

Some airlines allow the transport of lighters, others do not. In this case, it is best to confirm with the company you are flying with.

Can you take alcoholic drinks on the plane?

On domestic flights, you can take up to five bottles of alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content between 24% and 70% (above that is prohibited). Each bottle must have a capacity of up to one liter. There is no unit restriction for beverages with a strength of less than 24%, but bottles must be a maximum of 1 liter each. On international flights, alcoholic drinks can only be checked in or purchased duty-free (some airlines, however, allow you to carry drinks in hand luggage on some routes in South America; check with the airline in advance).

Can I take a straightener in my hand luggage?

Yes! You can safely embark with your straightener and hairdryer. Remember to check the voltage and power inputs where you are going.