Austrian Airlines is Austria’s proud flag carrier and part of the Lufthansa Group. Its home base is Vienna International Airport, which serves as a major connection point between Europe and destinations across North America, Asia, and the Middle East. The airline is well known for warm service, efficient operations, and that distinct touch of Austrian hospitality.
But even with a comfortable flight experience, many travelers get tripped up by baggage rules. I still remember my first flight with Austrian from Vienna to New York. The check in was smooth, but the gate staff made sure every bag was within the weight and size limits. That moment taught me that Austrian, like most European airlines, takes its baggage policies seriously.
That is why this guide exists. We will go over everything you need to know about Austrian Airlines baggage rules, including carry on size limits, checked baggage allowances, personal items, special gear, and practical tips to avoid paying extra fees. By the time you finish reading, you will be fully prepared to pack smart and travel with ease on Austrian Airlines.
Austrian carry on allowance
Economy Class
If you are flying economy, you are allowed one cabin bag plus one personal item. The cabin bag must not exceed 55 × 40 × 23 cm, and it has to weigh no more than 8 kilograms. This is the same standard followed by most airlines in the Lufthansa Group.
Premium Economy
In premium economy, the rules are the same as economy. You can bring one cabin bag up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm with a weight limit of 8 kilograms, plus one personal item. The difference is that your checked baggage allowance is more generous.
Business Class
Business passengers get a more flexible allowance. You can bring two cabin bags, each up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm, with a weight limit of 8 kilograms per bag. On top of that, you also get one personal item. This is especially helpful for longer flights where separating work items and clothes makes packing easier.
Good to know
Austrian staff are known to be fairly strict about weight. Carry on bags may be weighed at check in or at the gate. To avoid surprises, always check your bag with a scale at home before heading to the airport.
Austrian personal item rules
Every Austrian Airlines passenger can bring one personal item in addition to their main cabin bag. The personal item must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. Typical examples include a handbag, laptop bag, slim backpack, or a small camera bag.
While Austrian does not always list strict dimensions for personal items, a safe guideline is around 40 × 30 × 15 cm. The key factor is that it should not take up space in the overhead bins.
For economy and premium economy passengers, this personal item is very useful since you are limited to just one main cabin bag. For business class passengers, you still only get one personal item even though you are allowed two cabin bags.
Packing tip
Always put your essentials in your personal item — passport, wallet, chargers, headphones, medication, and a snack. If the flight is full and the crew asks you to gate check your cabin bag, you will still have everything you need for a comfortable journey.
Austrian checked baggage rules
Economy Light
This fare type includes only a cabin bag and personal item. No checked baggage is included, so if you need to check a suitcase you will have to pay extra.
Economy Standard and Economy Flex
With these fares you are allowed one checked bag up to 23 kilograms. The maximum dimensions are 158 cm when you add length, width, and height together.
Premium Economy
Passengers in premium economy receive two checked bags, each up to 23 kilograms. This is a big advantage for longer trips where one suitcase may not be enough.
Business Class
Business travelers enjoy an even more generous allowance. You can check in two bags, each weighing up to 32 kilograms and within the 158 cm size limit. This is great for travelers carrying heavy items or multiple outfits.
Overweight or oversized baggage
If a bag is heavier or larger than the allowance, Austrian applies extra fees. These fees are usually more expensive at the airport, so it is better to book additional baggage online ahead of time if you think you might need it.
Travel tip
At Vienna Airport, baggage claim areas can get crowded during peak times. Adding a colorful strap or ribbon to your suitcase makes it much easier to spot quickly on the belt.
Austrian special items
Sports equipment
Austria is famous for skiing, so it is no surprise that Austrian Airlines carries a lot of sports gear. Items like skis, snowboards, golf clubs, or diving equipment can usually be checked as part of your normal baggage allowance if they fit within size and weight limits. Larger or heavier equipment may require an additional fee, and bicycles must be properly packed in a bike box. Reservations for sports equipment should always be made in advance.
Musical instruments
Smaller instruments such as violins or guitars can travel in the cabin if they fit within the carry on size limits. If they are too large, they must be checked. For valuable instruments, Austrian also allows you to buy an extra seat so your instrument can travel safely in the cabin with you.
Strollers and car seats
Families with children can bring one stroller and one car seat free of charge in addition to their baggage allowance. Lightweight foldable strollers can usually be taken all the way to the aircraft door, where they will be checked and returned at arrival.
Pets
Small cats and dogs can travel in the cabin as long as they fit in an approved carrier under the seat in front of you. The combined weight of pet and carrier usually must not exceed 8 kilograms. Larger animals travel in the cargo hold, and reservations are required since the number of pets per flight is limited.
Medical devices and wheelchairs
Wheelchairs, mobility aids, and medical equipment are accepted free of charge. Austrian recommends contacting the airline before your flight so that they can provide proper handling and assistance.
Tips for avoiding extra fees
Nobody enjoys surprise fees at the airport, and Austrian Airlines is quite precise about its baggage rules. A little preparation before you fly can save both money and stress.
1. Check your fare type carefully
Economy Light fares may seem like a bargain, but they do not include a checked bag. If you know you will need one, compare the price with Economy Standard or Premium fares. Paying slightly more upfront is often cheaper than adding baggage later.
2. Weigh your bags before leaving home
Austrian staff do check weight, both for carry on and checked bags. Having a small luggage scale at home helps you avoid an unexpected fee at the airport.
3. Buy extras online
If you need an additional bag or think yours may be overweight, add it through Austrian’s website or app before your flight. Online prices are almost always lower than at the check in desk.
4. Use packing cubes and compression bags
These are perfect for keeping things organized and making the most of your 23 kilogram allowance. Winter gear especially can take up a lot of space, and cubes keep it compact.
5. Wear your bulky clothing
Austria is known for cold winters. Instead of packing your heavy coat and boots, wear them onboard. This frees up weight in your suitcase and keeps you warm during boarding and after landing.
6. Keep essentials in your personal item
Sometimes carry on bags are gate checked when overhead bins are full. If this happens, you will be glad you kept your passport, charger, headphones, and snacks in your personal item.
Travel gear picks for Austrian Airlines passengers
Austrian follows the same strict Lufthansa Group rules, so choosing the right luggage makes your journey much easier. Here are some products that fit their limits and keep packing stress free.
1. Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry On
This cabin bag fits within Austrian’s 55 × 40 × 23 cm allowance and weighs very little compared to most hard cases. It glides smoothly through airports and is durable enough for frequent travel.
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2. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Underseat Tote
Perfect for your personal item. It is compact enough to slide under the seat but still holds a laptop, snacks, and travel documents. It also attaches securely to your rolling carry on.
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3. BAGAIL Compression Packing Cubes
These cubes let you squeeze bulky winter clothing into a smaller space, which is especially useful on flights to or from Austria during ski season. They also keep your suitcase organized.
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4. Osprey Daylite Plus Backpack
This is a great lightweight backpack for use as a personal item. It fits Austrian’s size expectations, holds essentials for the flight, and doubles as a day bag when exploring Vienna or the Alps.
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5. Samsonite Winfield 3 Large Checked Luggage
For business class travelers who can check in two 32 kg bags, this large suitcase is a perfect choice. It is sturdy, stylish, and has TSA locks for peace of mind.
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6. GB Pockit+ All City Stroller
Families traveling with Austrian will find this stroller very convenient. It folds down small, is easy to carry through airports, and is accepted by the airline as a baby item.
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These picks line up perfectly with Austrian Airlines baggage rules and make your journey easier whether you are flying short haul in Europe or long haul to the U.S. or Asia.
Frequently asked questions about Austrian Airlines baggage
Does Austrian Airlines weigh carry on bags?
Yes. Carry on bags must not exceed 8 kilograms, and staff often check them at check in or at the gate.
What if my cabin bag is slightly oversized?
If your bag does not fit into the 55 × 40 × 23 cm sizer, it will likely be checked into the hold. On busy flights, even compliant cabin bags may be gate checked when overhead bins are full.
Are duty free purchases counted in my allowance?
No. Duty free shopping does not count as part of your allowance. You may bring it in addition to your cabin bag and personal item.
Can I bring snacks or food on an Austrian Airlines flight?
Yes, you can bring your own food. Liquids over 100 ml are not allowed through security, but solid foods like sandwiches are fine.
What are the liquid rules?
Austrian follows European security rules. Liquids must be in containers of 100 ml or less, all packed inside one clear one liter resealable bag.
Can I bring skis or sports gear on Austrian Airlines?
Yes. Sports equipment like skis, snowboards, or golf clubs can be checked in as part of your allowance. Larger or heavier gear may require an extra fee, and bicycles must be booked in advance.
Does Austrian allow pets in the cabin?
Yes, small cats and dogs under 8 kilograms including their carrier can travel in the cabin. Larger animals travel in the hold. Reservations must be made ahead of time.
What happens if I connect with Lufthansa Group partners?
If your journey includes flights with Austrian and a partner like Lufthansa, SWISS, or Brussels Airlines, the baggage rules of the main long haul segment usually apply. Always check your booking for details.
Conclusion
Austrian Airlines offers a straightforward set of baggage rules, but knowing the details can save you stress and unexpected fees. Economy passengers get one carry on bag plus a personal item, while premium economy, business, and connecting fares allow more flexibility. Business travelers enjoy two cabin bags and a generous checked baggage allowance of two pieces up to 32 kilograms each.
For families and frequent travelers, Austrian is also accommodating with strollers, car seats, and sports equipment, though advance booking is often required for larger items. Pets are welcome in the cabin or hold if you follow the airline’s restrictions.
The key is preparation. Weigh your bags at home, use compression cubes to maximize your packing, and buy any extra baggage online in advance to save money. If you keep the rules in mind, Austrian Airlines makes for a smooth and comfortable trip whether you are flying a short European hop or a long haul journey to North America or Asia.
So pack smart, keep your essentials in your personal item, and enjoy the mix of Austrian hospitality and efficiency on your next flight.
Horace Dupuy is a seasoned traveler and luggage reviewer who has spent years flying with both major and regional airlines across the United States and abroad. His first-hand travel experience has taught him exactly what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to carry-on rules, baggage fees, and packing strategies.
At CarryOnSizes.com, Horace combines personal travel knowledge with in-depth research to provide accurate, up-to-date guides for travelers who want to fly stress-free. When he is not writing about luggage, you will probably find him exploring new destinations with only a compact backpack in tow.