Last updated: 20 June 2026 · Baggage rules change regularly. We update this article on an ongoing basis – for binding figures, please check austrian.com before booking.
In 2026, Austrian Airlines – together with the entire Lufthansa Group – overhauled its fare system. The most important change: the new Economy Basic fare no longer includes a hand luggage trolley. In our guide you will find all the current Austrian Airlines hand luggage rules 2026 – dimensions, weights, the differences between fares, and the new power bank rules.
Austrian Airlines hand luggage 2026 – the rules at a glance
On Austrian, every fare lets you bring at least one personal item on board free of charge – and from the Economy Light fare upwards, an additional hand luggage trolley. In Business, you get two trolleys. As a Star Alliance member, Austrian connects you to the whole world via its Vienna (VIE) hub.
1. The hand luggage trolley
- Dimensions: 55 × 40 × 23 cm (including wheels and handles)
- Weight: max. 8 kg
- Included from: Economy Light (not in Economy Basic)
- Suitable options: hand luggage trolleys in 55 × 40 × 23 cm, cabin backpacks or business trolleys with a laptop compartment
2. The personal item
- Dimensions: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (new Lufthansa Group dimension)
- In every fare free of charge – even in Economy Basic
- Stowage: under the seat in front
- Suitable options: underseater bags, small shoulder bags or compact backpacks
New since May 2026 – Economy Basic: The new, cheapest Economy Basic fare no longer includes a trolley – only the personal item (40 × 30 × 15 cm). You can add the trolley from around 15 € or choose Economy Light straight away. Tip for status customers: With Star Alliance Gold you may bring one piece of hand luggage up to 8 kg free of charge even on the Basic fare.
- 0× trolley
- personal item only
- 1× trolley 8 kg
- + personal item
- 2× trolley 8 kg each
- + personal item
- 40 × 30 × 15 cm
- under the seat in front
Overview: Austrian hand luggage by fare
| Fare | Personal item | Trolley | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Basic | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | not incl. – from 15 € | – |
| Economy Light / Comfort / Flex | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | 1 × 55 × 40 × 23 cm | max. 8 kg |
| Business | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | 2 × 55 × 40 × 23 cm | max. 8 kg each |
Find the right Austrian suitcase: With a precisely sized hand luggage trolley in 55 × 40 × 23 cm you are on the safe side in every fare from Economy Light upwards – on the Basic fare, a board case up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm is enough.
View hand luggage suitcases »Garment bag instead of trolley
As an alternative to the classic trolley, Austrian allows a foldable garment bag up to about 57 × 54 × 15 cm – practical when a suit or dress needs to stay crease-free on board. Find more tips in our guide transporting a suit crease-free.
Power banks and lithium batteries on Austrian
As part of the Lufthansa Group, Austrian has applied stricter rules for lithium batteries since 15 January 2026:
- In hand luggage only – never in checked baggage; within easy reach under the seat in front, not in the overhead bin
- A maximum of 2 power banks per person, each up to 100 Wh; 100–160 Wh only with approval, over 160 Wh prohibited
- Using and charging on board is prohibited
You will find more details and the mAh-to-Wh conversion in the guide power bank in hand luggage.
Liquids in Austrian hand luggage
The EU-wide liquid rules apply: individual containers of a maximum of 100 ml, all together in a transparent 1-litre bag. More on this in the guide liquids in hand luggage – the matching travel pouch is available from us.
5 money-saving tips for your Austrian hand luggage
- Choose your fare wisely: If you need a trolley, Economy Light is often cheaper than Basic + adding the trolley.
- Basic only with a board case: On Economy Basic, an under-seat bag up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm is enough – then you travel without a surcharge.
- Use your status: With Star Alliance Gold, an 8 kg piece of hand luggage is included free even on Basic.
- Pack to exact dimensions: Wheels and handles count – better to stay just under 55 × 40 × 23 cm.
- Choose a lightweight suitcase: Every kilo of empty weight comes off the 8 kg limit. Modern hand luggage suitcases often weigh under 2.5 kg.
Austrian vs. Lufthansa, Condor & Ryanair
| Airline | Personal item | Hand luggage trolley |
|---|---|---|
| Austrian | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | 55 × 40 × 23 cm, 8 kg (from Economy Light) |
| Lufthansa | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | 55 × 40 × 23 cm, 8 kg (from Economy Light) |
| Condor | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | 55 × 40 × 23 cm (from Economy Classic) |
| Ryanair | 40 × 30 × 20 cm | 55 × 40 × 20 cm only with Priority |
You will find the details for the other airlines here: Lufthansa hand luggage 2026, Condor hand luggage 2026 and Eurowings hand luggage 2026.
Frequently asked questions about Austrian hand luggage
How large may hand luggage be on Austrian Airlines?
The trolley may measure a maximum of 55 × 40 × 23 cm and weigh 8 kg (from Economy Light). In addition, a personal item up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm is permitted.
Is a trolley included in the Economy Basic fare?
No. On Economy Basic (since May 2026), only the personal item is free. You can add the trolley from around 15 €, or choose Economy Light upwards.
How much hand luggage in Business Class?
Two trolleys of 55 × 40 × 23 cm (each up to 8 kg) plus one personal item.
May I bring a power bank on Austrian?
Yes, in hand luggage only (never in checked baggage). A maximum of 2 power banks up to 100 Wh each; do not use or charge them on board.
Can I bring a garment bag?
Yes, as an alternative to the trolley, a foldable garment bag up to about 57 × 54 × 15 cm is permitted.
Which suitcase do I need for Austrian?
A hand luggage trolley up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm and under 8 kg; on Economy Basic a board case up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm is enough.
Cover image: BriYYZ (Brian Bukowski), via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 – cropped/scaled.
Other airlines – hand luggage rules
Are you travelling with a different airline? Here you will find the current dimensions & weight rules:
- Hand luggage suitcases 2026 – all airlines compared
- Lufthansa hand luggage dimensions
- Condor hand luggage dimensions
- Eurowings hand luggage dimensions
- Ryanair hand luggage dimensions
Coming soon: easyJet, TUI fly, Turkish Airlines & KLM. All details as of 2026, without guarantee.
