OS · Austria · Full-service
Austrian Airlines Baggage Policy
Carry-on, personal item, checked bag fees, overweight, special items, and basic economy rules for Austrian Airlines, with every figure cited to the airline's own policy page.
Quick answer
- Carry-on: up to 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1", max 8 kg, free
- Personal item: up to 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9", free on every fare
- Checked bag: $0 first, Not published second (domestic economy)
- Basic economy: Economy Light allows a carry-on
Carry-on baggage
- Max dimensions (in)
- 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1"
- Max dimensions (cm)
- 55 x 40 x 23 cm
- Weight limit
- 8 kg (17.6 lb)
- Fee
- Free
- Gate-check risk
- Medium
Light fares on short-haul only include a small bag. The 8 kg weight limit is enforced.
Personal item
- Max dimensions (in)
- 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9"
- Max dimensions (cm)
- 40 x 30 x 10 cm
- Included
- Yes, free on every fare
Handbag, laptop bag, or similar.
Does your bag count?
| Bag type | Typical size | Fit |
|---|---|---|
Standard backpack Everyday daypack, laptop backpack | 18 x 13 x 8" | Too big |
Tote bag Canvas or leather tote | 15 x 14 x 5" | Too big |
Laptop bag Messenger or slim briefcase | 16 x 12 x 4" | Too big |
Small duffel Gym or weekender | 18 x 11 x 11" | Too big |
Purse Handbag or crossbody | 12 x 10 x 5" | Too big |
Under-seat roller Mini wheeled bag | 16 x 14 x 8" | Too big |
Checked baggage fees
Compare fees across airlines →Economy Classic and Flex include 1 checked bag up to 23 kg / 51 lb (62 linear in). Economy Light includes NO checked bag. Long-haul Light add-on is a flat $75 per bag; intra-Europe Light add-on is roughly €15-25 online, €30-50 at the airport. Additional long-haul bags on Classic/Flex run about €60 online. Max single bag 32 kg / 70 lb.
Ways to skip the Austrian Airlines checked bag fee
- Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Austrian Airlines carry-on size.
- Use a Austrian Airlines co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
- Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
- Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.
Special items & sports equipment
- Ski / snowboard
- Not published
- Golf clubs
- Not published
- Bicycle
- Not published
- Pet in cabin
- Not published
- Pet as cargo
- Not published
Musical instruments: Small instruments count as carry-on. Larger instruments can be checked within allowance or booked as an extra cabin seat.
Austrian allows small pets in the cabin (up to 8 kg including carrier) on most routes; fees are published in EUR and tier by zone. Ski and golf bags count as a standard checked bag within allowance. Bikes carry a separate sports-equipment fee.
Basic economy restrictions
- Carry-on allowed
- Yes
- Personal item allowed
- Yes
- Checked bag surcharge
- $75
- No checked bag included ($75 flat on long-haul)
- No seat selection until check-in
- No changes
- Non-refundable
- Reduced Miles & More earning
Frequently asked questions
What is the Austrian Airlines carry-on size limit?
Austrian Airlines allows a carry-on bag up to 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1" (55 x 40 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. The weight limit is 8 kg (17.6 lb).
What is the Austrian Airlines personal item size?
The personal item on Austrian Airlines must fit within 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9" (40 x 30 x 10 cm) and slide fully under the seat in front of you. Handbag, laptop bag, or similar.
How much does a checked bag cost on Austrian Airlines?
The first checked bag on Austrian Airlines costs $0 on most domestic economy fares, and the second bag costs Not published. On long-haul international routes, the first checked bag fee is $0. Economy Classic and Flex include 1 checked bag up to 23 kg / 51 lb (62 linear in). Economy Light includes NO checked bag. Long-haul Light add-on is a flat $75 per bag; intra-Europe Light add-on is roughly €15-25 online, €30-50 at the airport. Additional long-haul bags on Classic/Flex run about €60 online. Max single bag 32 kg / 70 lb.
Can I bring a carry-on on Austrian Airlines Economy Light?
Yes. Austrian Airlines Economy Light passengers can bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item. A checked bag on Economy Light costs around $75.
How can I avoid Austrian Airlines checked bag fees?
Four common ways: (1) pack in a carry-on and personal item only (confirm your bag fits the Austrian Airlines carry-on size of 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1"); (2) hold a Austrian Airlines co-branded credit card, which typically waives the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation; (3) reach elite status in the airline's frequent flyer program, where mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction; (4) book a higher fare class (Premium Economy, Business, First) where checked bags are included.
Will my bag be gate-checked on Austrian Airlines?
Austrian Airlines currently has a medium gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Arrive early in your boarding group to improve the odds of space in the overhead bins.
Pack for your Austrian Airlines flight
Build a packing list that fits within the Austrian Airlines carry-on and personal-item limits.
Austrian Airlines hubs & focus cities
Major US airports where Austrian Airlines operates. Click through for terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips.
Compare other airlines
- Aer Lingus baggage policy EI · Ireland
- Air France baggage policy AF · France
- British Airways baggage policy BA · United Kingdom
- easyJet baggage policy U2 · United Kingdom
- Finnair baggage policy AY · Finland
- Iberia baggage policy IB · Spain
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines baggage policy KL · Netherlands
- Lufthansa baggage policy LH · Germany
Sources & verification
- Carry-on and personal item: https://www.austrian.com/us/en/hand-baggage verified 2026-04-14
- Checked baggage: https://www.austrian.com/us/en/baggage verified 2026-04-14
- Special items: https://www.austrian.com/us/en/baggage verified 2026-04-14
- Basic economy fare: https://www.austrian.com/us/en/free-baggage verified 2026-04-14
Airlines change baggage rules without notice. Always confirm with Austrian Airlines before flying.