Hand luggage

^{Depending on the type of aircraft used or the safety requirements of national authorities, there may be further restrictions in exceptional cases. Where appropriate, such restrictions also apply to our First Class and Business Class passengers.}

^{The permitted amount of carry-on baggage for HON Circle Members, Senators, Frequent Travellers  and passengers with Star Alliance Gold or Silver status is determined by the respective travel class (with the exception of the Economy Basic Fare on short- and medium-haul flights).  Miles & More members with HON Circle or Senator status, as well as Star Alliance Gold status, are allowed to take one piece of carry-on baggage into the cabin free of charge, in addition to their personal item, when traveling on the Economy Basic fare on short- and medium-haul flights.}

• If your carry-on baggage does not comply with the rules, we will take it from you at the check-in counter or when you are boarding at the gate and transport it in the aircraft hold at your expense. The fees for this are significantly higher than for checked baggage booked in advance and can only be paid for by credit card. The fees depend on the route and range from EUR 60 / CHF 60 / USD 75 to EUR 110 / CHF 110 / USD 125. 
• In the case of flights with high occupancy, some of the compliant carry-on baggage must also be loaded into the hold due to limited storage space on board. We will inform you of this by email before your flight and give you the option of dropping off your compliant carry-on baggage at check-in free of charge.

In both the above cases, please take out your valuables, any medicines required on the journey and any battery-powered devices such as tablets, smartphones, laptops, power banks or e-cigarettes and take them with you into the cabin.

Clear aisles and the efficient use of overhead bins prevent trip hazards and help ensure speedy boarding. How to stow your carry-on baggage for optimal storage:

Important: The overhead bins above the emergency exit rows are reserved for the passengers who are sitting there.

On fully booked flights on smaller aircraft you may, in exceptional cases, have to check in larger items of carry-on baggage. These will be returned to you at the aircraft steps when you disembark. This will be for your safety and comfort.

Some countries, such as the USA, for example, have stricter rules regarding carry-on baggage.

On certain regional flights or where country-specific variations apply (e.g. flights from India and the USA), First and Business Class passengers must also check in their second item of carry-on baggage.

For flights to and within South Africa you may carry a bag (max. 56 x 36 x 23 cm, weight max. 7 kg) and a slim laptop bag in Economy Class. In First Class and Business Class, you may take two bags (max. 56 x 36 x 23 cm, weight max. 7 kg) and a slim laptop bag.

Please also note our list of prohibited and dangerous goods. Before your flight, check the local regulations on your airport’s website.

For safety reasons, it is forbidden by law to transport certain items in your carry-on baggage. Prohibited items will be confiscated at the airport security check. No exceptions will be made. This also applies to items purchased at the airport prior to departure. Austrian accepts no liability for confiscated objects.

That’s why it is important that before your trip you inform yourself thoroughly and pack correctly.
In this way you can avoid any hassle or losses.

In addition to the dangerous goods listed, some other dangerous goods are forbidden for transport for security reasons.

The transportation of fluids in carry-on baggage is subject to special legal regulations.

• Containers with liquids and gel-like products may contain up to 100 millilitres (maximum quantity printed on the container applies).
• Please note that this rule applies to the maximum filling quantity printed and not the actual contents.
• All containers must be carried in a transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre.

Liquids include pastes, lotions, mixtures of liquids and solids, as well as the contents of pressure containers, such as toothpaste, hair gel, drinks, soups, syrup, perfume, shaving foam and other items with a similar consistency, as well as sprays, aerosols and gels.

• Special foods: urgently required medicines and special foods in liquid form (e.g. baby food) may also be transported in carry-on baggage outside the plastic bag. However, you may only take the amount you will require during the flight. We recommend a medical certificate in English for important medication.
• Duty-free items: on connecting flights via an EU airport, liquid Duty Free items purchased at an international airport or on board an aircraft outside the EU must be transported in a sealed security bag provided at the point of purchase. The sales receipt must be enclosed in the bag.
• Special regulations for flights to the USA: passengers with a connecting flight within the USA must stow liquid Duty Free items in their checked and registered baggage after landing in the USA.

The regulations are statutory requirements. The local interpretation is the responsibility of the relevant authorities. Austrian has no influence on this.

For more information, see the Document on liquids in carry-on baggage (PDF, 350 kB)The link will be opened in a new browser tab.

Before your flight, please also check on the website of your departure airport which local regulations apply.