10 most common questions about carry-on baggage

1. How much carry-on baggage can I bring to Finnair flights?

With Light, Classic, and Flex tickets, for all travel classes, you can take with you a small bag (40cm x 30cm x 15cm) and a bigger carry-on bag (55cm x 40cm x 23cm).

Superlight tickets include one small bag that is placed under the seat. With a Superlight ticket, you can purchase a bigger carry-on bag as a travel extra. Finnair Plus Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Platinum Lumo members have this bigger carry-on bag as a tier benefit when travelling with the Superlight ticket.

2. What is the difference between a small bag and a carry-on bag?

A small bag is, for example, a small handbag, a small laptop bag, or a small backpack that is placed under the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions (length x width x height) for a small bag are 40cm x 30cm x 15cm (16in x 12in x 6in).

A carry-on bag is, for example, a trolley bag with maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 23cm (22in x 16in x 9in).

3. What is the weight limit for carry-on baggage on Finnair flights?

In Business Class, a small bag and carry-on bag can weigh up to 12kg in total. In Economy and Premium Economy Classes, the weight limit is 8kg for carry-on baggage in total.

4. Where can I check my carry-on baggage allowance?

You can check your carry-on baggage allowance in Finnair app and Manage booking service. The baggage allowance included in your ticket is also visible in your e-ticket and in the booking confirmation email that we send you after you’ve made your booking.

5. Should I fit my airport shopping in my carry-on baggage?

If you plan to do some shopping at the airport, please make sure that your purchases fit in the baggage allowance included in your ticket.

6. What happens if I have extra baggage, or if my bags are too large?

The space for carry-on baggage in the aircraft is limited, so please follow your baggage allowance in terms of the number of bags and the size and weight of the bags. Any excess baggage in the aircraft needs to be removed and placed in hold for a fee.

If you are travelling with more bags than the baggage allowance marked on your ticket, extra baggage fees apply. You can easily purchase an extra carry-on bag at the time of booking or later via Manage booking or Finnair App if all the flights in your ticket are marketed and operated by Finnair. If you’re travelling on a flight operated by Finnair but your ticket has been issued by another airline, or your itinerary includes flights operated by another airline, please pay for your excess baggage at the airport.

7. Which items are restricted or forbidden in carry-on baggage?

For safety and security reasons, carrying certain items in your carry-on baggage is restricted or totally forbidden. Try this handy tool on Finavia’s, the operator of the Helsinki Airport, website, to check which items are allowed in your carry-on baggage.

Please note, that as of 1 September 2024, as per the new regulation published by the European Commission, the size of the liquid containers in carry-on baggage is restricted to a maximum of 100 ml packages at all European airports, including Helsinki Airport.

8. Can I bring my medical or assistive devices into the cabin? How about pushchairs?

You may bring necessary assistive devices or mobility aids, such as personal oxygen concentrators (POC), apnea breathing devices (CPAP), canes, or elbow crutches, into the cabin with you in addition to the carry-on baggage allowance included in your ticket. However, it's important to note that this allowance is only meant for the assistive device and does not extend to extra bags.

A foldable pushchair can be brought into the cabin if it doesn’t exceed the size and weight limits for carry-on baggage. You’ll find instructions for carrying pushchairs on our family travel pages. We have also collected other information for you on travelling with a baby in this Blue Wings article.

9. Are sports equipment and instruments allowed in the cabin?

Any sports equipment you plan to carry with you in the cabin needs to fit within the size limits of your carry-on baggage allowance. Check also frequently asked questions and answers about carrying sports equipment.

Musical instruments are carried either in the cabin or in the hold of the aircraft, depending on their size. If you want to take your instrument in the cabin, but it exceeds 125cm/49in (width + length + height), you need to purchase an extra seat for your instrument. 

10. Which food items can I pack in my carry-on baggage? Can I take my medicine with me?

Many food items are allowed in the carry-on baggage. However, carrying liquids and liquid or semi-liquid foods in carry-on baggage comes with restrictions.

When travelling with children, you may also bring enough baby milk and baby food into the cabin for the whole journey.

You are allowed to pack your medicine in your carry-on baggage, and it is even recommended to do so. Please pack medicines in a separate bag, preferably in the original packaging. Also, take along the prescription and the doctor's certificate, especially if your illness requires treatment with injectable medication.

Please see our Carry-on baggage page for more information or check out the related frequently asked questions.