G9 · United Arab Emirates · Low-cost

Air Arabia Cabin Bag Size

Exact Air Arabia cabin bag dimensions, weight limits, and fees for 2026, verified against the airline's own published policy on 2026-04-16.

Quick answer

Carry-on size: up to 22 x 16 x 8" (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
Weight limit: 7 kg (15.4 lb)
Carry-on fee: free on most fares
Personal item: up to 10 x 13 x 8", free on every fare
Gate-check risk: High

Air Arabia maximum carry-on dimensions, including wheels and handles.

Carry-On Bag

Max dimensions (in): 22 x 16 x 8"
Max dimensions (cm): 55 x 40 x 20 cm
Weight limit: 7 kg (15.4 lb)
Fee: Free
Gate-check risk: High

Total cabin allowance is 10 kg combined across the carry-on bag (7 kg max) and personal item (3 kg max). Dimensions 55x40x20 cm include handles and wheels. Enforced at check-in and boarding gates.

Personal Item

Max dimensions (in): 10 x 13 x 8"
Max dimensions (cm): 25 x 33 x 20 cm
Included: Yes, free

One personal item such as a laptop bag, handbag, or small backpack. Weight limit 3 kg (6.6 lb). Combined with carry-on must not exceed 10 kg total.

See full personal item rules for Air Arabia

Air Arabia cabin bag dimensions and bag size

The maximum Air Arabia cabin bag size is 22 x 16 x 8 inches, which works out to 55 x 40 x 20 cm. These measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Gate sizers on Air Arabia match the published limits closely, so a bag marketed as "22 inch" can fail if its wheels push the total past 22 inches. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.

Air Arabia cabin bag weight limit

Air Arabia limits carry-on bags to 7 kg (15.4 lb). Most domestic check-in counters do not weigh carry-ons, but gate agents can pull bags that look heavy. If your bag is over the limit, expect to be asked to check it, sometimes at a higher gate-check fee.

Does Air Arabia charge for cabin bag bags?

No. Air Arabia includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. The exception is Basic Economy, where some routes restrict you to a personal item only. Check your specific fare rules before you book.

What bags fit as a Air Arabia personal item

Common bag types compared against the Air Arabia personal item limit. Sizes are typical retail dimensions and vary by brand.

Bag type	Typical size	On Air Arabia
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"	Fits
Under-seat roller Mini wheeled bag	16 x 14 x 8"	Too big

Air Arabia carry-on by fare class

Fare	Carry-on	Personal item	Notes
Basic	Included	Included	10 kg total (7 kg cabin bag + 3 kg personal item). No checked bag included.
Value	Included	Included	10 kg total cabin. Checked bag included (20 kg).
Value Plus	Included	Included	10 kg total cabin. 30 kg checked bag included. Seat selection and meal included.
Business	Included	Included	Cabin bag included. 20 kg checked bag included free.

Air Arabia overhead bin size by aircraft

Air Arabia operates an all-Airbus A320/A321 fleet. Overhead bins on the A320 are standard narrowbody size and fill quickly on full flights, especially from SHJ hub during peak travel seasons.

Avoiding gate-check on Air Arabia

Air Arabia boards by zone with Business Class and passengers needing assistance first. There is no credit card or loyalty-based priority boarding for economy passengers. Boarding early is the best way to guarantee overhead bin space.

What counts as a personal item on Air Arabia

Allowed

Laptop bag
Handbag
Small backpack within 25x33x20 cm

Counts as a second carry-on

Full-size backpack
Second rolling suitcase
Large tote exceeding personal item dimensions

Common Air Arabia carry-on mistakes

Assuming the 10 kg is per bag. It is 10 kg combined across the carry-on and personal item (7 kg + 3 kg split).
Not pre-booking checked baggage online. Airport counter fees can be up to 90% more expensive than prepaid rates.
Bringing a carry-on that meets dimensions but exceeds 7 kg. Air Arabia enforces weight at the gate with an AED 100 penalty.
Expecting free checked bags. Air Arabia is an LCC; even Value fare checked bags are part of the bundle price, not free.

What happens if your bag does not fit on Air Arabia

Overweight or oversized cabin bags are tagged at the gate and checked into the cargo hold with an AED 100 penalty fee. Pre-booking checked baggage avoids this surcharge. Bags are collected at the carousel on arrival.

Air Arabia vs flydubai carry-on

Air Arabia and flydubai are the two main Gulf-based low-cost carriers operating from neighboring UAE airports (SHJ vs DXB). flydubai offers a slightly larger personal item and more generous cabin allowance on Flex fares, while Air Arabia's 10 kg combined limit is stricter. Both charge for checked bags on base fares. flydubai has a broader route network and codeshare with Emirates, while Air Arabia offers lower base fares on overlapping routes. For budget travelers, Air Arabia is typically cheaper but stricter on baggage enforcement.

See flydubai carry-on size

Frequently asked questions

What is the Air Arabia carry-on size limit?

Air Arabia allows carry-on bags up to 22 x 16 x 8" (55 x 40 x 20 cm), including wheels, handles, and any external pockets. The weight limit is 7 kg (15.4 lb).

What are the Air Arabia carry-on dimensions in cm?

The Air Arabia carry-on size limit in centimeters is 55 x 40 x 20 cm. In inches that converts to 22 x 16 x 8". Both measurements include wheels, handles, and external pockets.

What is the Air Arabia carry-on weight limit?

Air Arabia limits carry-on bags to 7 kg (15.4 lb). Overweight carry-ons are usually asked to be checked at the gate, which can trigger a gate-check fee.

Does Air Arabia charge for carry-on bags?

No. Air Arabia includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. The exception is Basic Economy, where some routes restrict you to a personal item only.

What is the Air Arabia personal item size?

The personal item on Air Arabia must fit within 10 x 13 x 8" (25 x 33 x 20 cm) and slide fully under the seat in front of you. One personal item such as a laptop bag, handbag, or small backpack. Weight limit 3 kg (6.6 lb). Combined with carry-on must not exceed 10 kg total.

Will my bag be gate-checked on Air Arabia?

Air Arabia currently has a high gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Plan on your carry-on being sized at the gate and be prepared to pay if it does not fit the sizer.

Can I bring a carry-on on Air Arabia Basic?

Yes. Air Arabia Basic passengers can bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item.

Does a 22-inch suitcase fit as a Air Arabia carry-on?

Not always. A standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch carry-on exceeds the Air Arabia published limit of 22 x 16 x 8" on at least one axis. A slightly smaller bag is a safer choice.

Need the full Air Arabia baggage policy?

Checked bag fees, overweight and oversize charges, special items (ski, golf, bike, pets), and basic economy fare rules for Air Arabia, all on one page.

Full Air Arabia baggage policy Air Arabia checked bag fees Air Arabia personal item Generate a packing list

Flying Air Arabia out of these airports?

Check terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips for major Air Arabia hubs and focus cities.

DXB Dubai

Helpful guides

Gear, tactics, and packing help for your Air Arabia flight.

Compare other airlines

Sources & verification

Last verified 2026-04-16 against the official Air Arabia policy at https://www.airarabia.com/en/hand-baggage . Airlines change their rules without notice, so always confirm with Air Arabia before flying.