What counts as hand luggage in Germany?

There is no standard, legally defined size for hand luggage. The rules are set by the airline and are subject to change from time to time. Hand luggage is generally defined as luggage that you are allowed to take onto the aeroplane. This includes:

• Cabin trolley
  : A small suitcase that fits into the overhead compartment. Approx. 55 × 40 × 20 cm and possibly with a weight limit of 7–10 kg
• Personal item
  : Many airlines allow, in addition to the cabin trolley, a small handbag, laptop bag or rucksack that fits under the seat in front of you.
• Only one piece of hand luggage
  Please note: With many low-cost carriers, a handbag counts towards the size limit for the free ‘small item of luggage’.
• Please note:
  If only one small item of hand luggage is included, a separate handbag combined with a rucksack may count as a second item and be subject to a charge.

As airlines set the rules and are keen to change them, we recommend checking the latest regulations before your flight.